Tessy Plastics Corp. has switched from pellet concentrates to liquid color, enabling the Elbridge, N.Y.-based custom injection molder to reduce energy consumption, cut back on additive inventory and handling, and conserve resources to meet customer expectations, according to Tessy project leader Thomas Khammar.
Tessy had used only pellet concentrates for color, but in a project that started a few years ago, the company installed liquid color pumps at about 30 injection presses at its headquarters plant. Tessy has been using liquid colors and additives exclusively on 12 of those presses, running on a 24/7 basis to mold medical and personal-care products.
Riverdale Color Manufacturing Inc. supplies the liquid products, which are metered into the press with peristaltic pumps made by Maguire Products Inc. of Aston, Pa.
Khammar said that by using liquid colors, Tessy was able to process at reduced temperatures, cutting energy use on the company's all-electric presses. He discovered he could reduce barrel temperature, back pressure and residence time, or even use a smaller-tonnage press to mold a given part.
“With pellet concentrates, melt temperatures had to be higher to consistently melt the solid colorant and blend it with the resin,” he said. “The liquid additives enable us to run machines much cooler and dramatically reduce back pressure.”
Riverdale can supply a single blend with color, blowing agent and lubricant, thereby reducing the number of feeders needed at the press.
Riverdale is based in Perth Amboy, N.J.
Tel. 800-221-6027 or 732-376-9300, fax 732-376-9394, e-mail [email protected] color.com.
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