Spraying process can soundproof cars
Duramotive Bayern GmbH, a German automotive components supplier, has begun using a polyurethane spraying process developed by KraussMaffei AG to produce acoustic carpet elements that reduce noise levels in passenger compartments of cars and trucks.
The soundproofing layer is sprayed onto preformed carpet sections in an open mold, using a special spray mix head mounted on an industrial robot.
Thickness of the layer of PU can be varied, making it possible to spray different coating levels on adjacent sections in the same part. The robot can move the spray head in any direction, enabling it to coat parts with complex geometries.
KraussMaffei's U.S. operation is in Florence, Ky.
Tel. 859-283-0200, fax 859-283-0290.
Firms join forces for PET crystallization
Buhler AG and Rieter Automatik GmbH have developed a process for direct crystallization of PET.
Buhler said the trademarked CC-PET process gives significant energy savings by linking melt-phase polymermization with solid-stating. The energy contained in the polyester melt during extrusion can be utilized for the crystallization stage, eliminating the need for intermediate storage.
During strand extrusion, the strands are partially water-cooled before being pelletized. The pellets then move to a crystallizer, where they are agitated by a fluidizing gas stream to prevent agglomeration.
Buhler and Grossostheim, Germany-based Reiter Automatik build factories to make PET pellets.
Buhler is based in Uzwil, Switzerland.
Tel. 41-71-955-1111, fax 41-71-955-3851.
Fipa fingers giving grip to robotic arms
Atlanta-based Fipa Inc. is offering small-diameter gripper fingers for end-of-arm robotic tooling that can slide into a part to find an undercut to grab.
The mini-gripper fingers have a diameter of just 14 millimeters. They come in lengths of 72 and 74 mm. Fipa said they deliver an impressive closing force.
Tel. 800-913-7002, fax 678-528-9530, e-mail [email protected]
Shredder can handle large, bulky parts
Herbold Meckesheim GmbH has developed a single-shaft shredder, called HR 102 P, to grind bulky hollow parts such as barrels, purgings, tops and tails from production, thermoforming waste and large injection molded parts such as bumpers. The shredder also handles loose film waste.
In addition to a conventional, horizontal pushing device, the shredder has a pneumatically operated device that pushes from above.
The company is based in Meckesheim, Germany.
Tel. 49-622-6932-0, fax 49-622-6932-495, e-mail [email protected] bold.com.
Screen changer ideal for recycled material
PSI-Polymer Systems Inc. of Hickory, N.C., is marketing a continuous backflush screen changer, dubbed CSC/BF, aimed at extruders and pelletizers that run recycled material.
The CSC/BF provides maximum melt filtration, allowing a line to continue running with no downtime. PSI-Polymer Systems said the screen changer has a screen pack that is 25 times longer than those on standard screen changers.
The material is divided into two melt streams, each with two filtration cavities. When upstream pressure rises because of a high contaminant level, PSI's Extrudepak control automatically moves each piston to its backflush position, allowing the pressure to push the contaminants off the dirty screen pack, then purging them out of ports in the housing.
The clean screens are then returned to their original position.
Tel. 828-345-6264, fax 828-345-6265.
Gala dryer capable of continuous use
Gala Industries Inc. of Eagle Rock, Va., has introduced a high-capacity centrifugal dryer for continuous processes, such as resin production.
Gala said the centrifugal dryer has an output of 220,000 pounds an hour. The company has tested the machine under full operation for more than 12 months at its testing facility.
“In previous testing we would use smaller systems at lower rates, and we would employ scaling methods to predict throughput rates of larger systems,” said John Linkenhoker, global dryer manager for Gala. “Long-term testing at actual rates provides verified proof of our capabilities.”
Tel. 540-884-3134, e-mail [email protected]
Key screen changer aids ergonomics
Key Filters Inc. of Woonsocket, R.I., has released its CSC Compact Screen Changer for extrusion applications.
The CSC was designed to improve employee ergonomics and safety when changing the screen packs. The unit incorporates a proven seal technology with a new racket-activated gear drive, allowing side-plate actuation with half the energy as a lever-operated machine.
The compact design ensures the screen changer fits comfortably in tight extrusion line arrangements. It eliminates the cost of an adapter, while being easy to take apart and reassemble during routine maintenance.
Tel. 401-762-2100 ext. 340, e-mail [email protected]
Adhesives can bond dissimilar materials
Dymax Corp., which makes light-curing adhesives to bond plastics, coatings and curing equipment, has purchased Tridak LLC, a manufacturer of dispensing and filling equipment, in a deal announced Jan. 14.
Dymax will move the Tridak operations from Danbury, Conn., to Dymax's larger headquarters factory in Torrington, Conn.
In new-product news, Dymax introduced its 3000 series plastic-bonding adhesives for high-speed, high-volume bonding of plastic substrates of polycarbonate, PVC, phenolic, acrylic, metal, glass and ceramic. Dymax said the adhesives are designed to bond dissimilar materials.
The 3000 adhesives are compatible with the new Dymax BlueWave LED visible light, spot-curing system, which cures completely in just seconds.
Tel. 860-482-1010, fax 860-496-0608, e-mail [email protected]
Latest conveyor from Dynamic is motorized
Dynamic Conveyor Corp. has added a powered roller conveyor to its line of modular parts conveyors.
According to the company in Muskegon, Mich., the energy-efficient conveyors use one motorized roller per module, which is put into motion only when required. As the product is conveyed from one module to the next, the power stops and the next module is energized.
To allow for a flexible layout, modules come in short sections with five-, seven-, nine- and 11-roller sections. They come in widths of 18, 24, 30 and 36 inches.
Tel. 231-798-1438, fax 231-798-7739, e-mail [email protected] conveyor.com.
Briefly ...
* Novatec Inc., the auxiliary equipment maker in Baltimore, has appointed Intec Sales Co. of St. Clair, Mich., to be its agent in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, western Pennsylvania, western New York and West Virginia.