Product NEWS
Tecknor launches low cost HFFR jacket
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eknor Apex Company has launched its new additions to a low-cost series of Halguard® halogen-free flame retardant (HFFR) compounds for general-purpose jacketing applications include two compounds with enhanced flame retardance and one that exhibits lower post-extrusion shrinkage, was announced by Teknor Apex Company.
The new compounds cost less than premium compounds while entailing little compromise in performance properties. Teknor Apex recommends them for cable used in subway, mass transit, cell tower, data center and infrastructure applications, as well as internal wiring in electrical and electronic equipment. The grades include: Halguard 58610 and 58615. These 53 Shore D compounds have UL-94 vertical burn ratings of V-0 for 1/16
in. (1.59 mm) thick specimens, and oxygen indices of 52 and 45%, respectively. Both enable passing the UL-1685 FT-4 and UL-1666 riser flame tests for more complex cable constructions. Halguard 58620. This 54 Shore D compound provides the low level of post-extrusion shrinkage that is important for fiber optic cable applications and enables passing the UL-1685 flame test. The new c o m p o u n d s f o l l o w l a s t y e a r’s introduction of the first compounds in the low-cost HFFR series, Halguard 58600 and 58605. “Teknor Apex developed Halguard 58610, 58615, and 58620 to address specific needs reported to us by customers following the introduction of 58600 and 58605 grades,” said Mike Patel, director of marketing and business development for the Vinyl Division of Teknor Apex.
GFP installs KraussMaffei MXH injection Georg Fischer Piping Systems bought a KraussMaffei MXH injection molding press with 3,200 metric tons of clamping force to mold extra-large pipe fittings. KM is claiming it’s the largest injection press ever to be installed in Switzerland. The press began production in late 2014 for GF Piping Systems of Schaffenhausen, Switzerland, part of Georg Fischer Ltd. It makes pipe fittings with a diameter of up to 500 millimeters (19.7 inches). The maximum shot weight is 120 kilograms (265 pounds).
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One special challenge, according to KraussMaffei, was the high-viscosity polyethylene 10 material running on the large press. The solution involved optimized screw geometries and drives for the plasticizing unit. The controlled melt temperature during plasticizing prevents the melt from overheating during the plasticizing, preventing thermal decomposition of the material as a result. At the same time, a high plasticizing output with outstanding melt quantities is possible.
Dri-Air rolls out E-Plus series
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indsor based Dri-Air Industries Inc. rolled out its new E-Plus series of dryers. The dryer system has the hopper encased in a tower design, and Sears noted that it uses 50 percent less energy. The setup means that the hopper is better insulated and there is only one small tube at the top.“We did the tower fatter and shorter for better efficiency. When you do that, you get good air flow,” said Charles Sears, president of Dri-Air, while showing off his newest creation. Sears said that he came up with the idea about five years ago and it underwent various testing and is finally ready for the latest NPE. The E-Plus he said stands for “energy-plus.”
The plus feature came about because it is a closed system and contains a laser sensor. Details are displayed on a touch screen which can be viewed from 20 feet or more. It is a standard feature. The screen is uncluttered, offering a quick look at stats, an ability to set the temperature and an on-off switch. Percentages and actual weight are now in digital form. More information can be accessed if needed, and the control can be accessed from a smart phone, tablet or other portable device. The cleanout is simple. There is a takeout box inside that you just remove. A spring-loaded slide gate keeps the material inside. Dryers are offered in three sizes with drying capacities of 25, 50 or 100 pounds an hour.