Sheet line maker Processing Technologies International LLC and Farrel Pomini, which makes mixing and compounding equipment, have formed an alliance to sell integrated extrusion systems that continuously compound material directly into sheet.
The trade name of the integrated compounding-sheet extrusion technology is Direct-To-Sheet Compounding (DTS). PTi and Farrel Pomini announced what they are calling a strategic business alliance on April 15.
Officials of both companies said the integration of the systems can eliminate the need to make pre-compounded resin before the extrusion process. Additives such mineral fillers, colorants, impact modifiers and clarifiers can be mixed and directly extruded into sheet on one continuous process. Benefits include cost savings, process efficiency and enhanced control of compounded materials, for companies requiring considerable percentages of mineral fillers in extruded sheet, they said.
PTi is based in Aurora, Ill. Farrel Pomini is in Ansonia, Conn.
Farrel Pomini's compounder, the CP Series II Compact Processor, is designed for high-quality dispersion of highly filled, highly pigmented materials, and can process a wide range of polymer applications with high output rates. Officials said the technology complements PTi's G-Series Roll Stands, which can run a wide range of sheet applications, including thin- to heavy-gauge, low- to high-melt strength resins and high levels of output.
DTS Compounding equipment can be configured inline to directly feed a thermoformer or as a roll-stock system producing wound rolls of sheet offline. Officials of both companies said this will introduce first-of-its kind processing into markets of packaging, automotive and industrial sheet.