BST system monitors label-wrap machines
BST Pro Mark has introduced the ProSleeve for measuring lay-flat sleeves used as label wraps around plastic bottles and food containers.
ProSleeve monitors and controls machines that produce the sleeves by using a high-resolution camera to measure the actual width of the sleeves as they are being made on a seamer machine. The system notifies the operator when the actual size falls out of specifications or begins to drift.
ProSleeve measures commonly used sleeve substrates, such as PVC, PET, oriented polystyrene and styrenic block copolymers. Elmhurst, Ill.-based BST makes web-inspection, guiding and control equipment.
Tel. 630-833-9000, fax 630-833-9909, e-mail [email protected] mark.com.
Magnets hold blades in Parkinson's slitter
Parkinson Technologies Inc. designed its model DRS dual razor slitter for film and sheet extrusion applications.
The company in Woonsocket, R.I., is billing the DRS as a low-maintenance, cost-effective alternative to more complex dual-slitter designs.
For safety, the dual blades are completely guarded whether they are retracted or extended. Because the blades are held in place magnetically, either of the two blades can be installed or removed easily.
The DRS slitter mounts on a standard dovetail bar, so it can be retrofitted onto non-Parkinson-brand winders.
The DRS can make slits as narrow as 1½ inches, thanks to its design, which has a lower profile and is more compact than previous Parkinson slitters.
Tel. 401-762-2100.
ACS control modules integrate functions
ACS Motion Control has expanded its product line to include enclosures for controllers with two to four axes. The MC4U units come in 9- and 11-inch sizes.
The enclosures integrate controllers, drives, power supplies and additional input/output and networking capabilities to control all machine functions — motion, logic, power and data.
The control modules are designed for panel or rack mounting.
The Plymouth, Minn., firm makes multi-axis motion controllers, machine control systems and integrated control modules.
Tel. 800-545-2980, e-mail [email protected]
Fiberglass reinforces Ferro's new offerings
Ferro Corp. is offering new fiberglass-reinforced compounds and color concentrates.
Gapex HP is a chemically coupled, glass-reinforced polypropylene that can provide up to 30 percent higher tensile strength and rigidity compared with standard Gapex compounds, according to the Cleveland firm.
Ferro said Gapex HP allows lower glass loadings without sacrificing performance. Gapex HP has better molding properties and lower scrap rates than long-fiber-reinforced products and at lower cost per pound, Ferro claims.
Appliance, seating and automotive under-the-hood parts are among potential uses.
Ferro said it has developed a more cost-effective line of white color concentrates for high-volume needs such as packaging and appliances. They provide the same physical and mechanical properties and meet the same color standards as traditional white colorants, Ferro said.
For Gapex HP, tel. 812-435-2181; for colorants, tel. 419-682-3311 ext. 1166.
German firm Zwick opens R&D center
Testing instruments maker Zwick GmbH & Co. KG is concentrating its activities in the plastics sector by launching a research and development center.
Helmut Fahrenholz heads the Ulm, Germany-based center.
Zwick has introduced several products, including the HIT230F drop tester for multiple-axis penetration tests and compression-after-impact tests.
Zwick is based in Ulm. Its U.S. unit, Zwick USA LP, is in Kennesaw, Ga.
Tel. 770-420-6555, fax 770-420-6333.
Sabic IP introduces Lexan sheet grades
Sabic Innovative Plastics has introduced two new grades of its Lexan-brand polycarbonate sheet.
Lexan ULG1003 112OQ offers superior optical quality for a range of automotive and transportation applications, according to the company. In such uses, it provides clarity with light weight, and minimal ripple, distortion and optical defects.
The new resin is featured on the roof panels, canopies and rear triangular windows of the new Spyker C8 Laviolette car.
Sabic also has developed nine-wall Lexan Thermoclear sheet to cut down on energy costs in residences and commercial buildings.
Compared with multipane glass, Lexan Thermoclear provides superior insulation, light weight, and high impact resistance, stiffness and ultraviolet-light protection, according to the Pittsfield, Mass., company.
Tel. 800-845-0600 or 413-448-7110, e-mail [email protected] sabic-ip.com.
Dynamic Conveyor's tumbler divides parts
Dynamic Conveyor Corp. has redesigned its DynaCon tumbler separator so that one machine can be used to separate a variety of different-sized parts.
The separator is designed to divide parts and runners. A rotating cage has an interchangeable sleeve, with custom-sized holds, to meet changing needs for separation.
The sleeves can be changed in less than a minute, the company said.
Cage lengths come in 2, 4 and 6 feet, with an adjustable part introduction height of 1½-4 inches.
There are no complicated gear mechanisms to jam or break, according to Muskegon, Mich.-based DynaCon.
Tel. 231-798-1483, fax 231-798-7739, e-mail [email protected] conveyor.com.