Moldflow software can predict defects
Moldflow Corp. has released Moldflow Plastics Insight 6.1, a new version of the plastics design-analysis software.
New features of MPI 6.1 include the ability to predict birefringence (also known as double refraction), which causes optical defects in molding lenses, such as automotive lighting, magnifying glasses and screens on cell phones.
Enhanced interfaces now support the export of three-dimensional overmolding, two-shot sequential molding and microchip encapsulation.
MPI 6.1 also enables exporting a two-layer, aggregated 3-D mesh with results, greatly improving the efficiency of structural analyses.
Moldflow is based in Framingham, Mass.
Tel. 508-358-5848, e-mail david_ [email protected]
Novatec is producing IRD resin dryer in U.S.
Baltimore-based Novatec Inc. has begun the first U.S. manufacturing of the Infrared Rotary Drum dryer for PET resin.
The technology uses infrared radiation to dry and crystallize PET quickly in a single, continuous operation, dramatically cutting the time and energy that process requires.
Novatec announced Jan. 30 that it signed a licensing agreement with Stricker IRD Patent GbR in Vormwald, Germany, and UPM Holdings Ltd. of Berks, England.
Novatec is the only U.S. company authorized to build and market the IRD crystallizer/dryer. Novatec rolled out the IRD at NPE 2006, showing a dryer built by UPM.
In the conventional PET drying process, the PET is crystallized first, then gets moved to a separate desiccant dryer. With IRD, the material moves through a rotating stainless-steel drum, tumbling as it moves down the horizontal barrel, so it gets exposed to radiation from a bank of infrared heaters that heat from the core of each pellet to the outside. It does not heat the surrounding air.
Tel. 410-789-4811, fax 410-789-4638, e-mail [email protected]
Conair blender allows blending after drying
Conair Group Inc. has developed high-heat models of its TrueBlend gravimetric batch blender, so processors can now blend resins like ABS, nylon, polycarbonate and PET after they are dried.
High-heat versions of the TrueBlend 100, 250, 500 and 900 blenders offer throughput as high as 3,500 pounds an hour.
Pittsburgh-based Conair will introduce larger models, with throughputs as high as 10,000 pounds an hour, soon.
Until now, processors had to blend the material before drying, but, according to Conair, that meant they ran the risk that some ingredients could separate from the mix during the drying and conveying process.
Conair offers several high-temperature packages, depending on the application. All include components like load cells, level sensors and air cylinders specifically designed to stand up to temperatures of 375øF and higher. Electronic components are isolated from the high temperatures.
The blenders also can be equipped to blanket the material compartments and mixing chamber with dry air, to prevent moisture from coming back during blending.
Tel. 412-312-6000, fax 412-312-6320.
Mould-tek offering enhanced controller
Mould-tek Industries Inc.'s XLB Series programmable logic controller for blenders, loaders and pump control is based on a menu-driven, quick-response touch screen, so the operator has access to all parameters.
All materials are dosed in a three-stage process of fast fill, course pulse and fine pulse for high batch-to-batch accuracy. Each material can be compensated for the smallest deviation.
All revisions, data entry or browsing are done in real time, with no interruption of the unit in running mode.
Tel. 416-285-5400, fax 416-285-5432, e-mail [email protected]
