Wallace, Mich.-based Advanced Blending Solutions LLC (ABS) opened a new trial area featuring the Sasquatch repelletizer unit, which it introduced at NPE2024.
The 2,500-square-foot space is in a new building with research and development testing equipment that represents a significant investment, according to Brent Berquist, ABS senior vice president of sales and marketing.
The Sasquatch gets its name for being big on capabilities, Berquist said in an email.
However, unlike the mythical elusive hairy ape-like creature, ABS has spotlight on its Sasquatch.
The repelletizer streamlines the recycling process by supporting both inline trim system feed and roll feed — even simultaneously — without pre-processing or reducing the size of the material.
The Sasquatch has a built-in trim pulling nip that ensures material is properly conveyed into the extruder.
"Some machines rely solely on the extruder to pull roll feed material into the unit. The trim pulling nip not only aids in pulling the roll feed into the machine but helps maintain the machine throughput since the nip speed can be changed as needed," Berquist said.
In the trial area, plastic processors can test their materials on the Sasquatch unit to make sure it meets or possibly exceeds their specific processing needs, Berquist said.
"This trial area represents an exciting step in ABS's commitment to innovation and customer support," he added.
Founded in 2009, ABS is a manufacturer and designer of material handling, blending, desiccant drying and controls for the plastics industry. The company has 120 employees.
The Sasquatch unit improves upon previous generations of repelletizers in several ways, Berquist said, pointing to high output with minimal power usage.
"It also has one of the smallest footprints on the market because of a shortened extruder screw design and other unique design features," Berquist said. In addition, because no size reduction is required prior to pelletizing, little to no dust will be created.
Currently, ABS can process sample film rolls using the roll feed port on the Sasquatch unit. As the staff works with processors, they will expand capabilities for additional material types.
The trial area gives processors a hands-on experience to understand the potential of the Sasquatch unit, Berquist said.
Processors can send material samples for testing or visit in person to see their materials processed into pellets. Then, finished pellets can be tested immediately on ABS blending equipment to evaluate performance.