MonoSol producing PVOH for injection
MonoSol LLC has launched a family of injection molding resins based on water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol.
MonoSol drew on its experience in PVOH films and solutions to develop molding grades of the non-toxic MonoPol resin, which it claims is biodegradable. Up to now, PVOH film use has been concentrated in packaging cleaners and agricultural products where the film dissolves in water and dissipates.
Injection molding opens new possibilities for PVOH packaging as well as single-use medical goods, where products don't need to be washed and reused. Another possibility is using MonoPol in the core of a lost-core system so that it can be dissolved in water to create a hollow structure.
MonoPol is available in four grades distinguished by solubility in water at different temperatures, the coldest dissolving in water at 50° F. All can be made in a range of colors and with customized mechanical properties, said the Merrillville, Ind., firm.
Tel. 219-762-3165 ext. 343, fax 219-755-4062, e-mail [email protected] monosol.com.
PerkinElmer DSC line offers double furnace
PerkinElmer Inc. offers a new line of differential scanning calorimeters for thermal analysis of polymeric materials.
The Waltham, Mass., firm offers both single- and double-furnace options. The line includes the DSC 4000, 6000, 8000 and 8500. The DSC 8000 and 8500 feature a second-generation, power-controlled double furnace for fast heating and cooling.
Tel. 781-663-6900, fax 781-663-5985.
HiQ welding machine targets latest trends
Hermann Ultrasonics Inc.'s new welding machine, called the HiQ evolution, is the firm's response to the trend of smaller batch sizes and more product variations.
Tool changes can happen in seconds, without the need for wrenches. The tool-change system with a quick-release fastener allows an indexed tool change of the present sonotrode-stacks without the need for time-consuming adjustments.
Using a new type of welding stroke saves pneumatic energy and time. A complete stroke is used only for the home position and tooling changes. That reduces the consumption of compressed air by up to 80 percent, depending on the contour of the assembled parts, according to Hermann Ultrasonics, based in Bartlett, Ill.
Tel. 630-626-1626, fax 630-626-1627, e-mail [email protected] sonics.com.
Penn masterbatches add ambers for PET
Penn Color Inc. has added two new amber color concentrates to its Pennacle line of masterbatches for PET.
Doylestown, Pa.-based Penn Color calls 66N1742 a cost-effective alternative to pre-colored amber PET used for pharmaceutical bottles. It meets U.S. Pharmacopeia specifications for extractability and light trans- mission.
Penn Color's 66N1744 provides very low light transmission to protect contents in pharmaceutical packaging. It features extremely low light transmission in the range of 290-520 nanometers wavelengths. It meets strict guidelines for color and haze and allows cost savings compared with pre-colored PET resin, the company said.
Tel 215-345-6550, fax 215-345-0270, e-mail [email protected]
Branson Ultrasonics upgrades technology
Branson Ultrasonics Corp.'s full line of plastics assembly systems include its 2000X ultrasonic welders, with increased power levels, all-digital power supply module and precision components.
Control modes run time, energy, peak power, collapse and absolute distance.
Branson's Radiance laser assembly systems can be run alone or integrated into manufacturing cell. The process yields little flash and no particulate, essential to under-hood auto and medical applications, the company said.
Also, the firm has updated its Series 40 rotary welder as a self-contained, semi-automatic plastics assembly platform, designed for automation. Another welder, its infrared servo welding system, is a non-contact technique for making welds that are structurally sound, where a water-tight, air-tight seal is required.
Branson is in Danbury, Conn.
Tel. 203-796-0400, fax 203-796-9838.
Weeke-Stiles venture making routers in US
Weeke Bohrsysteme GmbH, a German maker of computer numerically controlled routers, has started making an entry-level series of the routers at a plant in Grand Rapids, Mich.
The 30,000-square-foot facility is near the headquarters of Weeke's longtime, exclusive distributor, Stiles Machinery Inc.
Weeke North America was formed as a joint venture between the Stiles, Weeke and Weeke's parent, German industrial conglomerate Homag Group. The Michigan plant is making the Weeke Vantech series of routers for panels.
Weeke North America sources components from local manufacturers. The plant produces CNC routers to order, but can offer short delivery times, the companies said.
Tel. 616-698-7500, fax 616-698-9411, e-mail [email protected] machinery.com.
IFW process inserts in-mold gasket, label
Micheldorf, Austria-based IFW Mould Tec GmbH has an in-mold label and in-mold gasket for injection molded pipe fittings.
The technology can be coupled with an in-line printer for customized labeling.
The in-mold process replaces the conventional method of marking molded parts using engraved dies. The new procedure allows simple insertion of the label in the mold cavity, during the manufacturing process.
“The in-mold gasket technique allows us to build in the gasket of a plug-in connection piece, such as a fitting, with only one opening movement of the mold tool. This means our customers save one operating cycle,” said Managing Director Friedrich Kasnter.
The punching to label size and insertion into the cavity is performed by the movement of core pulling, while the tool is open.
He said the technology also can be used to install radio-frequency-identification tagging chips.
Tel. 43-7582-62556.
Kuka, partner firms develop applications
Kuka Robotics Corp. is combining its know-how with that of its partner companies to create robotic solutions for plastics customers.
Included in the Kuka Robotics System Partner Network are Kent, Wash.-based Flow International Corp., a waterjet technology manufacturer; container and material-handling systems provider Dyco Inc. of Bloomsburg, Pa.; and Electro-Hydraulic Automation, a maker of fluid power and electronics systems and controls in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
At this summer's NPE2009 trade show in Chicago, Kuka Robotics exhibited several applications developed in conjunction with its network partners. In a demonstration with Flow International, a Kuka KR 16 robot ran dry tool paths of the waterjet trimming process around complex, three-dimensional parts.
Partner Dyco Inc. designed a work cell using a fast-handling KR Sixx robot equipped with a vision system to locate and pick random plastic bottles from a moving conveyor belt.
A KR5 Arc, in a cell designed by EHA, simulated cuts in automotive dashboard openings, holding an air-powered cutting tool.
Kuka, of Clinton Township, Mich., also showed a KR Sixx simulating the extraction of medical syringes from an injection molding machine.
Tel. 586-465-8855 or e-mail [email protected]
Bunting designs MMS for high temperatures
Bunting Magnetics Co. developed a high-temperature, machine-mounted, all-metal separator, called MMS.
The unit is designed for choke-feed applications where the product is at a relatively high temperature. The metal detection product can handle temperatures of up to 350° F. In the plastics industry, it bolts directly onto the throat of extruders, injection and blow molders.
A fast, pneumatic rejection mechanism has precise timing.
The Newton, Kan., company also launched a DragSlide conveyor, for conveying difficult thin-mil shredded plastic films and light, fluffy materials. Those materials typically cling to belts and fall to the floor below a belted conveyor, the company said.
Bunting also has expanded its ValueMag line to include magnetic cartridges, plate magnets, grate magnets, liquid line traps, two-drawer grate-in-housing magnets, and sight magnets.
Tel. 316-284-2020, e-mail [email protected] buntingmagnetics.com.
Liquid foaming agent targeting PVC sheet
ColorMatrix Group Inc. has released a liquid foaming agent for PVC extruded sheet.
The Berea, Ohio, company claims its Excelite line reduces material density without compromising cosmetic or physical properties. Using liquid dispersion leads to even distribution within the resin for a finer and more consistent cell structure.
A smooth surface finish is useful for applications requiring high-quality print finish. Because of lightweighting, resin usage can be reduced. Excelite goes directly into the extruder's feed throat, making frequent color changes easier and more economical.
Tel. 44-7890-563137, e-mail mor [email protected]
Dyna-Purge X model better for extrusion
Shuman Plastics Inc.'s Dyna-Purge Division tolled out an improved version of its engineered purging compound, Dyna-Purge X, for extrusion applications.
Dyna-Purge X offers duel-action scrubbing for cleaning the toughest areas, while lowering purging costs. The compound offers mechanical, non-abrasive action — and a lower cost-to-purge than chemical and mechanical, abrasive purging compounds, said business manager Tim Cutler.
Dyna-Purge X is designed for a wide range of extrusion applications, including profiles, sheet, cast film and compounding.
Shuman is based in Depew, N.Y.
Tel. 716-685-2121, fax 716-685-3236, e-mail [email protected]
Jomar hybrid press helps save energy
Jomar Corp. of Pleasantville, N.J., has introduced an energy-efficient hybrid injection blow molding machine that saves 35 percent on power consumption. The clamping force is 135 tons.
Jomar said performance is identical to its hydraulic machines.
By separating intermittent extruder drive from continuous-demand clamping and auxiliary systems, Jomar reduced the sized of the main pump motor.
The hybrids feature 30-horsepower hydraulics. An electrically driven extruder replaces a 100-hp drive. The drive is not dedicated exclusively to clamping.
Officials plan hybrids for other Jomar models.
Tel. 609-646-8000, fax 609-645-9166, e-mail [email protected]
NexGen leak tester features high output
Air Logic Power Systems LLC of Milwaukee introduced the NexGen rotary container leak tester.
Features include a 25 percent increase in output per each leak test station, greater sensitivity to micro-leaks, a 10- to 15-minute changeover time and new controls with Ethernet access.
Machine versions are available in sizes ranging from four to 30 stations. The NexGen 30-station machine can inspect 1,000 bottles per minute.
Tel. 414-385-5162, fax 414-671-6645, e-mail [email protected]
Sylvin vinyl meets new consumer rules
Sylvin Technologies Inc. has introduced vinyl compounds that comply with new regulations for plasticizers in vinyl.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission banned the use of three plasticizer phthalates as of Feb. 10: DEHP, or di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate; dibutyl phthalate; and butyl benzyl phthalate. It also temporarily banned the use of diisononyl phthalate, diisodecyl phthalate and di-n-octyl phthalate in toys and child-care products.
Sylvin of Denver, Pa., said its Sylvin 2920 series meets CPSC regulations and incorporate ingredients sanctioned for use by the Food and Drug Administration. The compounds are clear or custom colored and available in hardness ranging from 55-90 Shore A.
Tel. 717-336-2823 or 800-462-4781, fax 717-336-0547, e-mail [email protected]
Camoplast, BMS, KM team up on long fiber
Quebec, Canada-based Camoplast Inc. has partnered with Bayer MaterialScience LLC and KraussMaffei AG to develop Camoplast Long Fiber.
CLF makes it possible to produce large parts using the long-fiber injection process. The first application is the hull of a personal watercraft that recently hit the market.
The process is an alternative to the traditional method of robotic shell molding of glass-fiber-reinforced polyester resin. Camoplast, challenged by a customer to make a lighter, more-efficient hull for personal watercraft, determined that LFI could work.
In LFI, long glass fibers are injected, along with polyurethane resin, into an open mold in a one-step process, using a chopper attached to the mix head, which is attached to a robot. At the end of the pour, the mold is closed.
Bayer MaterialScience developed a proprietary grade of its Baydur STR 814 polyurethane. KraussMaffei enhanced its LFI technology by nearly doubling the glass output capability, enabling the production of the highly reinforced hulls.
Tel. 450-548-1016, e-mail yves [email protected]
Techno rotary table is plant space saver
Techno Inc. has released the ZR20, a small stepper-motor rotary table that fits in small spaces.
The ZR20, which can handle a maximum load of 22 pounds, is designed for automation jobs including pick and place, assembly, testing, inspection, dispensing or transferring parts.
Techno is based in New Hyde Park, N.Y.
Tel. 800-819-3366, fax 516-358-2576, e-mail [email protected]
New firm marketing portable box maker
A new company, InNovaCo LLC, is marketing its PackPod as a small, portable box-making machine that is ideal for custom injection molding companies.
President Dave Wood said lots of custom molders make their own boxes manually.
Other companies produce large, fully automatic machines for making cardboard boxes (known as "case erecting" in the trade). But those machines are large and fixed to one site in the plant, he said.
A custom molder needs to move the box machines around.
"The problem with these types of applications is the volumes are not that high," Wood said.
PackPod works entirely on pneumatic power, so it can be easily connected at various points around the plant, he said. It does not need to be plugged into an electrical outlet.
The machine is semi-automatic, so it can handle different sizes of cardboard boxes.
InNovaCo began operations last summer at the Bloomington, Ill., factory of RDN Manufacturing Co., which makes extrusion downstream equipment such as pullers, cutters and sizing tanks.
Wood was one of the owners of box-machinery maker Wexxar Corp. who sold that Canadian company in 1998 to Pro Mach Inc., a Cincinnati-based packaging machinery manufacturer.
Tom Malec, formerly vice president of sales at RDN, now is sales manager of InNovaCo.
Once PackPod makes the boxes, the operator uses the machine to apply sealing tape to the top of the box.
"This gives a machine-made case that's professional looking and squared-off," Malec said.
Tel. 630-561-6028, e-mail [email protected] innovacollc.com.
Polystrand reinforces PET with glass fiber
Polystrand Inc. introduced PET Polystrand, a glass-fiber-reinforced PET matrix the company claims delivers properties similar to those from thermosetting epoxy resins.
The reinforced thermoplastic product has exceptional impact resistance, a paintable and bondable surface and improved fire resistance, according to Polystrand of Montrose, Colo.
The company's reinforcements are distributed in North America by Composites One of Arlington Heights, Ill.
Polystrand introduced its new PET product earlier this year.
Tel. 970-240-2233, e-mail [email protected]
Profile360 monitors cellular PVC extrusion
Bytewise Measurement Systems in Columbus, Ga., claims that extruders of cellular PVC have adopted its Profile360 to monitor the size and shape of extruded deck boards, rails and trim boards.
Extruding cellular PVC presents a challenge: to dimensionally control the product after the chemical reaction of the blowing agent, according to Bytewise, a maker of on-line measurement systems. The process requires continuous on-line monitoring for size and shape, especially for features that affect fit and alignment, like tongue-and-groove dimensions, the firm said.
Profile360 uses a laser profile sensor, which digitizes the profile. Once digitized, virtual software calipers are applied to capture key dimensions, which are displayed for the operator. Bytewise compares it to a real-time optical comparator.
When extrusion goes out of specification, the operator is alerted immediately.
Tel. 404-915-7516, e-mail jwilliams @bytewise.com.
Qualitest HPT unit tests for pipe failure
Qualitest USA of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., introduced its HPT series of hydrostatic pressure testers for determining time-to-failure of plastic pipe under constant internal pressure.
The unit also can be used for burst testing.
The HTP series also can feature three to 20 individually controlled test stations, a fast processor and software that automatically supports the pressure for each individual test sample.
Test parameters are set using a touch-screen monitor.
Tel. 877-884-8378, fax 954-697-8211, e-mail [email protected]
Onsrud router tools cut acrylic sheets
Onsrud Cutter LP, which makes tooling for routers, has introduced a line of tools designed to cut acrylic sheet.
The 63-500 series of solid-carbide, spiral "O" flute tools will produce a superior edge finish on either cast or extruded acrylic sheet, said the Libertyville, Ill., company. That is especially important in signs, point-of-purchase displays and public exhibits.
Tel. 847-362-1560, fax 847-362-5028.
Spare Parts Express selling parts online
Spare Parts Express, of New Berlin, Wis., has launched a Web site to order replacement parts for process heating and cooling, recycling, automation and material-handling equipment.
Same-day shipping is available for these products in stock: granulator knives and screens, temperature probes, pumps and immersion heaters, motors, solenoid valves and seal kits. The Web site is www.sparepartsexpress.com.
Tel. 262-641-3813, e-mail spare [email protected]
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