In polyurethane processing news, KraussMaffei Group in 2014 delivered five RIMStar machines and nine mixing heads to Fuyao Group's factory in China, plus another RIMStar system with two mixing heads to the Fuyao plant in Lake Orion, Mich.
Fuyao Group is one of the world's largest suppliers of automotive glass. Fuyao uses the machines from KM's Reaction Process Machinery Segment to encapsulate its automotive glazing in PUR.
KM and Fuyao have a long working relationship that began in 2002. Since then, KM has delivered 19 RIMStar mixing and metering machines with about 50 mixing heads to six Fuyao plants.
KraussMaffei also completely revamped the electric mold carriers in its WinCap series, giving operators improved ergonomics and ease of use, since the swiveling mold fixing platens make it easier to remove mold parts and insert substrates. Also, parallel movements and high traveling speeds enable short cycle times. Electric drive units cut noise levels and energy consumption, the company said.
Optional magnetic clamping plates also make it easier to change molds.
Polyurethane has grown strongly in the window market, said Thomas Elfroth, KraussMaffei's technology manager for window encapsulation, who is responsible for Asian markets.
“Although the RIM windows encapsulation process is the most expensive process compared with other processes, RIM windows encapsulation is now the industry standard on account the durability of the polyurethane seals, the process reliability and the installation advantages of a polyurethane seal compared with bonded rubber seals or thermoplastic-injected automotive applications,” Elfroth said.
KraussMaffei is based in Munich. Its U.S. operation, KraussMaffei Corp., is in Florence, Ky.
Tel. 859-283-0200.