The Maag Group says its Extrex6 brand pressure booster melt pump is helping Chinese manufacturers like Nanhai Nanxin Wufangbu produce non-woven fabrics for face masks to protect against COVID-19.
The Swiss company, which has operated in China for several years and has its own branch offices and plants, says it is on track for a record year in the extrusion pump sector despite difficult pandemic and economic conditions. In the first quarter of 2020, Maag says it sold more extrusion pumps in China than all of 2019.
The pumps are being deployed mostly for the production of nonwovens and other medical products by businesses like Nanhai Nanxin Wufangbu, according to Maag, which says their technology helped provide high output and consistent quality in the fabric specialist’s 24/7 operations.
Maag says the low compression gearing of the new Extrex6 pump is unique to the market and enhances the stability of the line, which makes the processing of thermoplastic polymers more efficient and economical. The updated gearing allows transfer, pressure-boosting and dosing applications at high pressure and with low shear stress, according to Maag.
For the production of nonwovens, Maag says the upgrade means a 10 percent higher flow volume compared to other pumps; 25 percent better wear resistance and sealing capability of the drive shaft seal; a seal cooling surface that is double conventional pumps; a 40 percent reduction in temperature rise through the pump; minimized pulsations at the melt pump discharge; and energy savings of 12 percent.
The pump also has low operating cost and is virtually maintenance-free design, according to Maag.