EPPM 14.5

June/July 2012

Volume 14 | Issue 05

www.eppm.com

eppm

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eppm 6

23

head office

30

Unit 2, Chowley Court, Chowley Oak Lane, Tattenhall, Cheshire, CH3 9GA. Tel: +44 (0)1829 770037 Fax: +44 (0)1829 770047 Web: www.eppm.com

editorial editor david gray david.g@rapidnews.com publisher mark blezard

in this issue

production art samantha hamlyn production peter bartley production adrian price

advertising european sales manager caroline plant tel: +44 (0) 1829 770037

MACHINERY

pages 6–20

REGULARS: Latest news roundup Industry news New installations

6–9 19–20 18

SHOWCASE: TESTING & INSPECTION

10–11

SPOTLIGHT: AUTOMATION & ROBOTICS SPOTLIGHT: EXTRUSION

12–14 15–17

fax: +44 (0) 1829 770047 caroline@rapidnews.com

subscriptions subscriptions tracey nicholls tracey@rapidnews.com qualifying readers europe - free, ROW - £115 outside qualifying criteria UK - £80, ROW - £115 please subscribe online at

MATERIALS

pages 21–27

Address changes should be made on the original carrier sheet (address label) that came with this issue and then faxed to the publisher at +44 (0)1829 770047.

European Plastic Product Manufacturer is published by Plastics Multimedia Communications Ltd.

REGULARS: Latest news roundup Industry news

21–23 26–27

SHOWCASE: CONSTRUCTION

24–25

THE GREEN ROOM

pages 29–33

REGULARS: Latest news roundup

29–31

SHOWCASE: RECYCLING MACHINERY

32–33

CLASSIFIEDS

pages 34–35 EPPM 3

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European Plastic Product Manufacturer is distributed in electronic and print formats to a combined readership of over 12,400 manufacturing professionals.

Send address changes to European Plastic Product Manufacturer, Unit 2, Chowley Court, Chowley Oak Lane, Tattenhall, Cheshire, CH3 9GA, UK. © July 2012.

While every attempt has been made to ensure that the information contained within European Plastic Product Manufacturer is accurate, the publisher accepts no liability for information published in error, or for views expressed. All rights for European Plastic Product Manufacturer are reserved, and reproduction in part or whole without written permission is strictly prohibited.

The ‘e-GO’ light aircraft — weighing in at less than 115 kg — used Trelleborg’s tooling blocks for all of the composite parts and patterns.

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John Ellis, Segment Manager Polycarbonate, Bayer MaterialScience

Clive Maier, Owner and Director, Econology Ltd.

Aerospace Biopolymers

Alex Collins, Director, Vannplastics Ltd.

Sourcing & Manufacturing

Andrew McArthur, Engineering Manager, IKO

Nigel Brown, Founding MD, Frontier Aerospace

Dr Martin Kay, Chief Consultant, Pira International

Jan Herring, Strategic Sourcing Leader, Nokia

Charmaine Bowers, Operations Manager, Polymer Training & Innovation Centre

Pipe Extrusion Recycling Micro Manufacturing

Jonathon Short, MD, ECO Plastics Ltd.

Home Appliances

Automotives & Compounds

Mark Bonifacio, President, Bonifacio Consulting Services

Andy Bone, Sales Director, Formaplex

Andrew Smith, Head of Manufacturing, Numatic International

Wire & Cable

Simon Chidgey, Director, M&H Plastics

James Goddard, Honorary Lifetime Member, Plastics Pipe Institute

Jon Herbert, Director, FS Cables

Biopolymers/Materials Science

Paul Maley, Senior Mechanical Engineer, Selex Elsag

General Industry Insight

Film & Sheet Extrusion Recycling

Martin Marron, MD, Biffa Polymers

Graeme Diston, Senior Injection Moulding Engineer, Bausch + Lomb

Education in the UK & Ireland

Construction

Nike performance apparel — made from recycled bottles! National football team kits are being made using polyester from 13 recycled bottles.

Graham Pickwell, Technical Adviser, Polymer Training & Innovation Centre

Dr Terence A. Cooper, CEO, ARGO Group International

Ken Braney, 2010-2011 President, Society of Plastics Engineers

Advisor for the German & Scandinavian Speaking Countries

Barry Assheton, Sales Director, CRDM

Mould Making

John Bunker, Member, Worshipful Company of Horners

Packaging

Blow Moulding

Omer Kutluoglu, CEO, 2K Manufacturing

Andrew Feilden, Principle Consultant, Smithers Rapra

ZiPP Mannequino — these flatpack mannequins have been designed by UKbased Systematique. Made of sheet PP, the mannequins have a low carbon footprint compared to traditional models.

General Industry Insight

In-ear monitoring systems from Advanced Communication Solutions — moulded from medical grade 40 shore silicon, the earpieces contain SteriTouch antimicrobials.

According to ACS, the earphones are endorsed by musicians including U2 and the BBC Orchestra.

John Sturgess, Director, MG Stuma

Medical

Rapid Prototyping

The ‘IC01’ chair — an award-winning contemporary chair, combining elegant geometry with simple processing. The chair is made of Ticona’s Celstran PP LFT.

Plastics for the Environment

Welcome to the June/July issue of EPPM magazine. You’ll be pleased to know that this editorial is missing a lot of the usual waffle, to be replaced with some of the very best in recent plastics innovations.

EPPM is, and always has been, a product tabloid — looking almost exclusively at the latest in machinery and materials developments, with some industry news for an informative backdrop. But what we rarely look at — or at least not very often — are the actual innovations that come from the machines and materials that we profile every issue.

So here’s just a handful — if you’ve been to the major events this year, you may have seen some of these already, but I thought it was important, before we enter the second half of the year, to ‘inject’ some innovation into EPPM (pardon the pun).

Recycling

Injecting innovation

Medical

Injection Moulding

from the editor

Wood Plastic Composites

“

Our Editorial Advisory Board is compiled of a cross-section of the plastics industry, including processors, consultants, technicians and key industry figures.

Dr Gerd Schmaucks, Independent Consultant

cover story

The

BIG Reveal:

KraussMaffei Launches All-New Range to the UK Market The new GX series with dual platen technology

During a recent customer event, KraussMaffei UK launched a 650 tonne model of the all-new GX series — a completely new range for the brand. On display for the first time in the UK, the GX series is the latest collection of hydro-mechanical dual platen machines in the medium clamping force range from KraussMaffei.

The passionate engineering of the developers is manifested in a first-class machine concept featuring intelligent product innovations such as the GearX locking device and the GuideX guide shoe. The GX series sets new standards in terms of performance, usability and value retention.

The hydro-mechanical clamping unit in the GX series offers a new standard in terms of quality and productivity. The dual platen technology is suited to a wide range of innovations. “In my opinion, the GX machines represent the best overall concept", said Dr. Karlheinz Bourdon, Vice President Technologies in the Injection Molding Machinery Segment of KraussMaffei, speaking at an event at company headquarters in Munich. “We talk about a new dimension because our customers can use the machine to get the best results from their production.” With the GuideX guide shoe, forces are ideally absorbed and the service life of the moulds is increased. Richard Mumford, Director of Sales for injection moulding at KraussMaffei UK said of the system: “It’s a two-platen technology machine, which means that the footprint is extremely compact. In comparison to our competition, we have been very very competitive here. The new GuideX system now means we no longer need the support of the tie bars thanks to our unique patented GuideX system. What we’ve done here is created very stiff, highly engineered platens.

This means we should have customers with little or no tool-wear, and no tilting on the tool whatsoever. The design means that we can use very large tools and the machine can still open and close very fast.”

The innovative GearX locking system is activated in the shortest possible time, resulting in extremely fast machine movement.

Mumford explained that a key focus has been

developing the accessibility to the clamping, ejection and nozzle area, as well the switching cabinets and pump area. This has been designed with the intention of creating short set-up times and simple maintenance.

The KraussMaffei screw system, which works with a wide range of applications, has been kept on-board for the GX series — Mumford explained that this design would be hard to improve upon, and so there was little need for modification The efficiency of the process is supported by the in-line injection unit which has a rotary piston design and transmits force centrally via the injection piston to the screw. This offers precision and reproducibility The machine is the first to feature the latest generation of control systems from KraussMaffei: the MC6. Mumford explained: “The new generation MC6 control system has a 19” touch-screen, allowing you to scroll, split the screens, and allowing far greater integration with automation systems.”

The MC6 control system has also been equipped with an “Eco button” for the first time. This means that the most energy-efficient set-up can be made at the push of a button. The concept behind the system is that the user should be able to access any screen in just two clicks — making it a far more straightforward design than previous models.

Mumford stressed that the system is simple enough that technicians with relatively little experience in using machine control systems. In addition, individual setups can be saved from one machine, and transferred to another machine, eliminating the need to re-programme the whole process when moving between machines or changing production runs.

Due to the fact that the machine center always remains at the same height, the system is compatible with all clamping and injection unit combinations. In the modular drive system of the GX series, the latest generation of the variable delivery pumps is a standard feature. Their use improves efficiency and offers processors maximum cost-effectiveness.

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The GuideX guide shoe absorbs forces and protects the guides.

GearX and GuideX are key design features of the GX series

The GX series is now available in the UK and Europe, with sizes ranging from 400-650 tonnes.

KraussMaffei Tel: +44 1925 644100 Email: sales@kraussmaffei.co.uk Web: www.kraussmaffei.co.uk

MACHINERY

New Preform System Designed to Adapt and Built to Last The new XFORM preform system from PET packaging specialist SIPA accepts moulds from leading preform mould makers, giving producers the flexibility to use legacy moulds in a single machine.

“Our customers need more than incremental improvements to help them grow with the changes in their industry,” noted SIPA General Manager Enrico Gribaudo. “The XFORM is one example of how we’re thinking ahead about what

makes a big investment worthwhile for them.”

In addition to its versatility, the XFORM has a very solid, compact construction.

Highly even force distribution and extremely low platen deformation result in low maintenance needs and only minimal mould wear.

Meanwhile, the “Autoprotect” system compares closing forces on a shot-toshot basis with a sensitivity of 1 kN (one thousandth of a tonne force) to ensure safe closing.

The XFORM’s total cost of ownership (TCO) is the lowest of any SIPA machine in its class. The initial investment costs are especially low for preform producers who have already invested in preform moulds. Producers can install the XFORM alongside existing lines without a major

Jomar Introduces Injection Blow Moulding Machines for Conventional Resins In response to less processing of engineering resins on injection blow moulding machinery, Jomar Corporation has developed a new “CR” series specifically for processing conventional resins, such as HDPE, LDPE, PP, PS, and other standard grades. These CR versions are available specifically in Jomar's Model 40 and Model 65 range, two sizes that are very popular in emerging markets. The CR machines are ideal for production of dropper, roll-on, pharmaceutical, and healthcare bottles.

According to William A. Petrino, President of Jomar: “As I travel more and more around the world, I see less PET, PVC, Barex, polycarbonates, and other engineering resins being processed on IBM machines. So, Jomar is putting a new emphasis on conventional resins, because we see this market need. Why should those who only work with standard grades pay more for a machine loaded with equipment they will never use? A CR machine represents potential savings of $15,000 to those who are only working with conventional resins.”

Jomar customers who do use engineering resins, or foresee using them in the future, can still purchase the standard Model 40 or 65 machines.

Petrino adds, “Because capital investment is a huge determining factor in purchasing any type of machine, the kind of savings that the new CR machines offer could be a game changer.”

Jomar is a global manufacturer of injection blow molding machinery for the pharmaceutical, health care, personal care, beauty, food, beverage and household products markets. The company manufactures injection blow moulding machinery in capacities from 20 tonnes up to 175 tonnes. Jomar engineering services help customers design both products and moulds, including turnkey systems. The company also offers refurbishment of older Jomar machines.

Jomar Tel: +1 609 646 8000 Email: sales@jomarcorp.com Web: www.jomarcorp.com EPPM 6

investment in new tooling. Meanwhile, low maintenance, high efficiency, and strong competence in preform lightweighting minimise running costs.

Additionally, producers can consult SIPA experts for advice and solutions for preform lightweighting and complex applications.

Benefits of the machine include: • Up to 128 mould cavities for high output • Dry cycle time is 1.6 seconds or better on a 400 mm stroke • Lock-to-lock time is lower than 2.6 seconds • 120 mm extruder (L/D 25) up to 800 kg/h with shot size up to 3.4 kg • 140 mm extruder (L/D 25) up to 1,200 kg/h with shot size up to 6 kg “With our new XFORM, we offer customers a new level of confidence as they face the uncertainties and challenges of the future,” says SIPA’s Enrico Gribaudo. “Now they can produce more preforms faster, and fulfill any mould requirement they can imagine.”

SIPA Tel: +39 0438 911511 Email: sipa@zoppas.com Web: www.sipa.it

MACHINERY ROUNDUP Renmar Ltd is one of the UK’s foremost distributors of plastics RENMAR LEADS machinery.

THE WAY IN UK The company MACHINERY represents a host of EXPERTISE leading brand names from Europe and the world, and has recently expanded its horizons in several ways.

To find out why the company is doing so well despite the difficult conditions in the manufacturing sector, David Gray, EPPM editor caught up with Kevin Horne, MD of Renmar Ltd.

Q&A:

deal with the project sales of the business, mainly involving Amut’s extrusion lines and recycling wash plants. She is however venturing out on her own now having had over a year working with me and accompanying me to customer sites and having an overview of the market place and industry sector. Her background is from a successful career in car sales, so she is used to negotiating and is putting them to good use. She also supports Dan her brother who has been with the company for 2 years now, he is the general manager dealing with all aspects of after sales for suppliers.

DG: And given your recent growth, it's Continued on page 8

DG: First of all, I'd like to congratulate you as I believe you've recently moved to an improved premises. Can you tell me about the decision for this move?

KH: Well David we made the decision to move around October/November last year this was partially due to the short term lease on the previous premises due to lapse at the end of 2011 and the landlord looking to re-occupy the building themselves. So we were keen to find somewhere large enough for us to grow into without the need to relocate again and with the option to buy. We were fortunate to find the unit in Wellingborough which is 3000 square feet and is close to some of our competitors.

DG: And do you have plans to keep on this accelerated expansion track?

KH: Our current plan like most people is to “stay in business” in this changeable market. But we are now in a position to carry out trials for/with customers on the Cumberland range of shredders and granulators as the new facility has been organised to give a demonstration area and showroom. We are currently building a couple of special units at the request of customers and this will be the first in a line of our own products not offered by the suppliers we represent.

DG: You represent several companies, particularly Italian brands, in thermoforming, extrusion, materials handling and more. What do you offer your suppliers that makes you such an attractive partner choice.

KH: I think that we are an attractive partner as we are pro-active in our sales efforts, always trying to be flexible with customers and give a good service. The brands we represent have been in the UK market for many years with some well known agents previously and we are promoting the suppliers on their brand strengths.

DG: I know that one of your key strengths is that you're a familyowned, family-run business — and that's an aspect which has grown stronger in recent years. Can you tell me about the latest additions to the team?

KH: The latest addition is Kristy my daughter, she has taken up a role in sales to assist me with generating quotation for the increased number of enquiries — allowing me more time to EPPM 7

The new Renmar premises.

MACHINERY ROUNDUP clear that they're doing a fantastic job.

How has their work given such a boost to the company?

KH: The fact that it is a family concern at that all our livelihoods are at stake is a good reason for them to focus on the goal of being in a position to succeed me in the future and continue the business on its growth and cement the relationship with our principles in the world.

DG: Could you tell me a little bit about the nature of the service (pre- and post-sale) you offer your customers?

KH: We try wherever possible to provide a complete service to the customer,

A family business: Dan Horne, top, Kevin, centre, and Kristy, right.

trying to keep stocks of equipment that are needed on short lead times, fortunately with AEC/Cumberland now having a facility in Poland we can obtain most items within a week. We try also to keep key spare parts in our own stock to give immediate response and with a network of sales and service staff in the UK and through our agent ADM Supplies in Ireland.

DG: And finally, just for the benefit of any readers who might not be familiar with the Renmar name, could you list the brands you carry in the UK? KH: We represent: AEC for their full range of materials handling, blending and drying equipment and the excellent range of well-known mould heaters and chillers; Cumberland for shredders and granulators; Virginio Nastri for the extensive ranger of belt conveyors and separators; Pulstotronic for the metal detection and separation equipment; own-brand of magnets and water flow regulators; IBD for their range of safety chuck and air shafts; and finally Amut for the full range of extrusion lines, thermoforming machines and the recycling wash plants, linked with AmutEcotech for full mixed waste sorting and selection plants used in the recycling sector.

Renmar Ltd Tel: +44 844 6933225 Email: info@renmarltd.com Web: www.renmarltd.com

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MACHINERY ROUNDUP Kaye-Dee Launches Industrial Digital Printer

TSM Control Systems Launches New Opti-Feed Model at Plast 2012

Kaye-Dee Marking Solutions of the UK has recently partnered with Bergstein Digital BV to bring a range of industrial digital printers to the UK market. Both companies have been involved with industrial printing applications for over 30 years and now look forward to offering this experience to the new technology of direct-tosubstrate digital printing.

Options available include the versatile BE 300 LED series flatbed printers offering up to 300 mm product height for shorter productions runs, presenting a cost effective and rapid print solution. More recent innovations in digital printing now enable the high speed printing of products on the move, and the new BETS/HS-1 series industrial printers reportedly deliver outstanding print quality and reliability. These high speed machines are custom-made to meet the specific demands of each application and can be designed as one, two, three or full four colour options with a white undercoat if required.

Kaye-Dee plans to have the BE-300 LED Digital Printer available for demonstration in its showroom shortly.

TSM Control Systems, a worldwide specialist supplier of gravimetric blending and controls to the plastics industry, has just launched the new Opti-Feed inline gravimetric feeder.

This new feeder delivers precise in-line dosing of pellets, regrind and powder, delivering maximum material savings.

Its unique design incorporates the patented dosing cylinder, which combined with the stepper motor, ensures that the colourant is metered evenly and accurately.

The dosing cylinder eliminates any pulsation during metering into the main plastic stream, thus offering maximum control of the process and the end product.

Other benefits are less downtime and more efficient use of expensive colouring agents, consistent output quality and direct cost reduction. It also requires lower torques for metering larger quantities of materials, and output capacity ranges are possible from 5 gr/h to 25 kg/hr. TSM is a leading supplier of blending and auxiliary equipment and controls to the plastics industry

Kaye-Dee Tel: +44 114 256 0222 Email: info@kayedee.co.uk Web: www.kayedee.co.uk

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worldwide, that enables customers to improve performance and flexibility while lowering overall cost. The TSM Group is headquartered in Ireland with regional hub offices in USA, Taiwan and China.

TSM Control Systems Tel: + 353 42 9335 560 Email: info@tsm-controls.com Web: www.tsm-controls.com

SHOW TESTING & INSPECTION Malvern Drives Polymer Innovation with Information-Rich Analysis From red carpet dresses made from recycled bottles to biodegradable packaging made from plants, innovations in polymer technology are everywhere, powered by new analytical systems that generate the detailed information needed to tailor performance.

One such, is the Viscotek HT-GPC (High Temperature Gel Permeation Chromatography) from Malvern Instruments, a powerful, fully automated, multi-detector system designed to prepare and analyse polymers, such as polyethylene and polypropylene, that demand temperatures as high as 160°C in order to dissolve, for successful analysis.

Said to be capable of generating molecular weight, molecular weight distribution and structural information in a single experiment, the HT-GPC produces an information-rich data stream for intelligent polymer engineering.

Molecular weight and distribution are defining characteristics of polymers, but structure such as the extent of chain

branching, is also critical. In developing new products, researchers tune vital properties such as strength, processability, flexibility and permeability, by manipulating the extent of branching as well as the molecular weight and distribution.

GPC analysis requires complete dissolution of the polymer and is therefore more difficult and hazardous with polymers such as polyethylene and polypropylene that require high temperatures and toxic solvents. The Viscotek HT-GPC reportedly addresses this issue, proving safe, accurate and productive analysis at temperatures up to 160°C. Fully automated, with excellent temperature control, it is designed to minimise the risk of exposure to the hazardous

solvents necessary for these materials.

According to Malvern Instruments, the full Viscotek HT-GPC triple detector configuration includes refractive index (RI), viscometry and low angle light scattering (LALS) detection. Together these detectors are said to provide

EPPM 10

absolute molecular weight without extrapolation or correction, molecular size, intrinsic viscosity and branching information, from a single experiment.

Malvern Instruments Tel: +44 1684 892 456 Email: salesinfo@malvern.com Web: www.malvern.com

WCASE Cost-Effective Wall Thickness and Eccentricity Measurement for Single Layer Tubing Cost-effective solutions and easy operation are now more than ever in demand in measurement equipment.

Thanks to the new WALLSTARTER solution from Zumbach Electronics, significant cost savings can now reportedly be quickly and easily realised.

With proven non-contact ultrasonic measurement technology, wall thicknesses can simultaneously be measured and displayed on 4, 6 or 8

points. Thanks to the continuous quality control, material savings can thus be achieved during the entire production process.

A WALLSTARTER package includes the UMAC CI measured value processor and a USYS WALLSTSARTER processor display unit, available as a tabletop or 19” rack–mountable model.

If the customer wants to integrate after a certain time complex optimisations or

even automatic control loops, a simple upgrade to a WALLMASTER system is possible at any time with minor costs.

ZUMBACH Electronic AG Tel: +41 32 356 04 00 Email: sales@zumbach.ch Web: www.zumbach.com

Tinius Olsen Previews New Melt Indexer Testing equipment group Tinius Olsen recently made available its new, significantly upgraded MP1200 melt indexer, unveling it first at Medtec UK, and then again at PDM in London.

This new extrusion plastometer reportedly offers a host of significant features.

The MP1200 uses threezone temperature control, to give increased levels of accuracy and thermal stability. Three platinum RTD sensors ensure that the temperature of the furnace can be maintained to within 0.1˚C, with a resolution of 0.01˚C, and to allow for a temperature variation of 0.1˚C along the barrel.

Ease of use is made possible by an integral touchscreen control panel whose user-friendly operator interface is based upon Tinius Olsen’s popular Horizon software. The MP1200 has basic data analysis and also includes easy USB connectivity to a printer, for direct printing of results, or to a PC, which when running Tinius Olsen’s Horizon software gives direct machine control and powerful SPC capabilities.

Generous insulation makes the MP1200 cool to the touch. A convenient die release enables simple orifice removal for cleaning. A built-in mirror allows easy inspection of the barrel. An efficient weight design with taper ensures safer loading and unloading.

Leveling of the base is simple and robust.

An optional specimen cutter is available for manual or automatic tests. The MP1200 can be used to conduct Procedure A or B tests. It conforms to ASTM D1238 and D3364, ISO 1133, BS 2782, DIN 53735, and JIS K7210.

Tinius Olsen Tel: +44 1737 765001 Email: sales@tiniusolsen.co.uk Web: www.tiniusolsen.com

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MACHINERY SPOTLIGHT eppm

AUTOMATION & ROBOTICS

strategist Schaller explained: “After first analysis, a system concept emerged, which could only work on the basis of extremely flexible automation components from one source. Due to the multitude of assembly stations, a component mix of different manufacturers would have led to an uncontrollable complexity. Thus, we needed 6-axis robots, SCARA robots, mostly manual vision systems, part feeders and labour. This demand for controls — and everything from a a high-quality assembly process has single source. In this connection we meant that the Phillips Drachten plant counted on Adept, as their high-duty has turned to automation for its components meet all requirements and production. Reliable assembly already proved their efficiency in processes with integrated quality similar projects in the past.” control assure the highest level of The first item to address was how to quality of the consumer products. achieve the highest levels of flexibility.

Phillips turned to Bremer Werk für Maximum flexibility in the automation Montagesysteme Gmbh for the was delivered in three ways. Firstly, the solution. The specialists had the modular layout of the shavers consists industry expertise and knowledge, but of three main components that can be in the case of Philips, there was much manufactured independent of one more required than pre-existing, proven solutions off-the-rack. another on different production lines.

“The real challenge in finding the right The second important factor is the solution for Philips was to accomplish conception of the complete equipment the enormous model variety of the which is also based on the module high-end shavers. Currently about 60 idea. In Drachten, the three-headdifferent product lines culminate in shavers are currently assembled on a some 600 single products. Thereby the total of nine slitting lines, each product spectrum changes almost composed of five to eight cells. Each every day,” said Matthias Schaller, cell operates autonomously and can Head of Robotics at the Bremer Werk be connected or disconnected für Montagesysteme GmbH. according to the plug & play principle.

Sietze Bremer, Senior Sourcing At present the complete equipment is Specialists Industrial at Philips said, extended by four new lines. The “We wanted to implement a futureconcept of smaller and mutually oriented assembly concept. And with independent lines with autonomous regard to the total investment, we cells does not only mean a flexibility wanted to feel certain that the boost but also maximum availability — equipment would still be able to if the process gets stuck at one point, economically produce shavers in ten the entire machine won’t stop, just one years without knowing how the shaver of the lines. of the future will look at all.”

When the integration of the new lines is This presented a significant challenge complete, more than 120 robots and that would test the ambition and 40 Adept Anyfeeder systems will creativity of Bremen. It turned out, the provide the frictionless assembly solution meant Adept. The automation system for the shavers. This was the third critical flexibility factor.

According to Senior Manager Sietze Bremer: “We count on Adept completely when expanding the equipment. The Viper 6-axis robots s650 and s850 as well as the Cobra SCARA robots s350, s600 and s800 are predominantly equipped with the vision guidance and Adept SCARA robots take over a number of challenging pick & inspection package place applications.

AdeptSight, and arrive already having been tried and tested in existing lines. The robots impress with their precision, speed, and availability and perform the tasks with the high accuracy that is required.”

Bremer explained: “A key role within the cells relates to the AnyFeeder. Without its approved flexibility, the The robots feature both precision and speed. system concept would

The assembly of PRODUCT high-tech ASSEMBLY CASE shaving STUDY: FUTUREdevices demands the PROOF ASSEMBLY highest level CONCEPT FOR of quality, whereas HIGH-END standard shaver SHAVERS models rely on

EPPM 12

MACHINERY SPOTLIGHT

The automation solutions turned the Philips plant in Drachten into one of the most innovative production sites for shavers.

not have been feasible. The inherent flexibility of the AnyFeeder systems affected a number of areas throughout the assembly automation process, wherever efficient assembly with a high-

degree of individualisation mattered.

At the Philips plants, Bremer Werk für Montagesysteme counted on the Adept AnyFeeder SX 240 flexible feeding system. When synchronised with Cobra

A well-known DISPOSABLE disposable MEDICAL medical PRODUCTS product manufacturer MANUFACTURER has awarded AWARDS DB Automation CONTRACT TO DB the contract for producing the AUTOMATION

From their base in Broughton Astley, the team at DB Automation have designed the new systems to capture the improvements that the existing systems in production have identified, to reduce the downtime created by maintenance requirements The multi cavity injection moulded product is produced in a mould cycle of 18 seconds. Directly following the moulding a high speed servo driven robotic axis extracts the finished product then inspects and de-gates the product in accordance with pass or fail results from high resolution vision systems.

next generation of production equipment for its UK manufacturing facility. Traditionally DB Automation’s client has manufactured its own equipment, however a strategic decision from within the company resulted in the equipment going out for tender.

DB Automation worked closely with the client to appraise the current production techniques and formalise a report into the various options available for the process, ensuring production enhancements and a reduction in footprint were key to any improvements suggested.

Although there was stiff competition from other European machinery manufacturers, DB Automation was delighted to be awarded the contract, after demonstrating clear commitment to the project and the client’s goals as well as offering the huge advantage of having a UK base for the manufacture of the equipment.

Initial orders were for a single system, but increase in volumes for the end product rapidly resulted in further orders for another two systems for the Leicestershire based automation supplier.

and Viper robots and AdeptSight vision guidance, the AnyFeeder system reportedly redefines what it means to be flexible in small-parts feeding applications.

DB Automation specialises in the design and manufacture of high speed robotic injection moulding automation. With many years of experience within this sector the group is ideally equipped to provide niche automation for a demanding environment.

DB Automation Tel: +44 1455 289 842 Email: enquiries@db-automation.co.uk Web: www.db-automation.co.uk

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Adept Tel: +49 231 75 89 40 Email: info.de@adept.com Web: www.adept.de

LOOKING FOR PARTNERSHIP IN TUNISIA

A company in Tunisia is looking for a partnership in the Automotive wiring field. Production designed for export.

For this purpose we have a local facility of 10 000 Sqm designed in European norms and can feature an extension up to 40 000 Sqm. The area is 10 Kms far from Monastir airport and 15 Kms from Sousse (Tourist area).

Minimum worker’s salary is 200$ per month. The Tunisian government offers 10 years free taxes.

Languages spoken in Tunisia: French/ English/ Italian.

nabilayed@gmail.com Tel: +21673545314 Mobile: +21698406749

MACHINERY SPOTLIGHT eppm

AUTOMATION & ROBOTICS

The Wittmann Group is continuing to make the headlines with yet more new models in the company’s linear robot range.

The revamped W831 linear robot is now available worldwide, and offers

HEAVIER HITTING FROM WITTMANN’S REVAMPED W831 ROBOT

plastics processors the opportunity to automate the production of even heavier payloads on middle-size moulding machines. The new and reinforced W831 robot model can be equipped with vertical strokes ranging from 1,000 mm, 1,200 mm to 1,400 mm. And where up to 1,200 mm of vertical stroke is supplied the maximum payload has increased to 12 kg.

The horizontal stroke starts with 2,000 mm for standard configurations and can

be extended up to 5,000 mm. The possibility of lengthening the Z-axis up to 5,000 mm could be used for example to enable a mounting in the L-configuration and this, in turn, offers the possibility of clamp-end placement of the parts.

Furthermore, the robot can also be mounted in T-configuration, working the space on both sides of the moulding machine.

A total of three highly dynamic servo drives for the main axes are supplied as

standard with the W831. The device can be equipped with additional rotational servo drives for further degrees of freedom in movement, when necessary for more complex post-processing steps.

Wittmann Robot Systeme GmbH Tel: +49 6078 93 390 Email: info.de@wittmann-group.com Web: www.wittmann-group.com

For large Allrounder machines up to a clamping force of 5,000 kN, Arburg offers a verticallyoperating Multilift Select robotic system in a cantilever design with a handling weight of 25 kg. It is characterised by a particularly favourable priceperformance ratio.

ARBURG OFFERS ROBOTIC SYSTEM FOR LARGE ALLROUNDERS

The robotic system is fully integrated into the Selogica machine control system and features high-quality basic equipment for precise part handling.

Three servo-electric movement axes and one pneumatic gripper axis permit freely programmable pick-up and setdown patterns. Gripper changing is fast and convenient thanks to standardised adapter platens with rapid-release couplings and compact connectors.

As the control system is not located in the control cabinet, but directly on the robotic system, the Multilift Select can also be retrofitted on existing systems.

In addition, the Multilift Select and the Allrounder machine can be further upgraded by a conveyor belt and guarding to form a complete, CEcertified production unit that is immediately ready for production.

Arburg Tel: +49 7446 333259 Email: contact@arburg.com Web: www.arburg.com

EPPM 14

MACHINERY SPOTLIGHT eppm

EXTRUSION

Extrusion specialist American Kuhne celebrates its 15 year anniversary this year. The company was officially founded January 1997 in partnership with Kuhne GmbH in Germany. Since that time, American Kuhne has been designing and supplying superior screws, extruders, and tubing systems for the North American market and has become a leading provider of extrusion machinery in all single screw extrusion markets.

When Bill Kramer, President, and his partner Ed Steward, former VP of

AMERICAN KUHNE CELEBRATES 15 YEARS OF EXTRUDER INNOVATION

Tri-Layer Microextrusion System featuring one 12 mm and two 16 mm modular microextruders mounted on a common table support.

Technology left their place of employment to start American Kuhne, they headed over to a Staples office supply store to pick up some supplies and start their new extruder company.

“We had the unique opportunity to really start from scratch. Literally a clean sheet of paper,” said Bill Kramer, President. “I’ll never forget walking down the aisle of Staples with a shopping cart — we need a stapler, check, how about a tape dispenser, check — oh and some paperclips and paper too. We drove to our new office with an empty desk, took out a clean sheet of paper and started working.”

That first year in operation happened to be NPE 1997 and they designed and displayed two new extruders at the show: a 2.5” air-cooled and a 3.5” water-cooled extruder showcasing dozens of new and unique features.

This year, at NPE 2012 the company continued its innovations with a number of new extruder designs that include energy efficient extruders, micro bore extruders, and convertible extruders ideal for blown film.

“We have a rich history of creating new designs. For years everything we sold was a first design. I am very proud that our team was able to execute hundreds of first designs correctly the first time,” Kramer added. “Our focus from day one that still continues today is providing a cost-effective customised solution for our customers to allow them maximum productivity.”

Customisation includes optimising screw design, improving operator ergonomics, enhancing the system controls, and other enhancements to take the machine design to the next level for customers. “Being a start up

12mm Modular Microextrusion System for thin wall micro-bore tubing and fine wire jacketing applications. meant proving ourselves; providing a better machine, better service,” added David Citron, Vice President, Sales & Marketing. “That same philosophy and approach applies to how we do business to this day. What was a necessity to survive has driven what the company culture is today. We couldn’t just be different – we had to be better. Better both technically in machine design and the service side as well.”

Fifteen years later the company says it has worked diligently to preserve and maintain the company character of being a young fresh startup company.

“A positive attitude and a keen focus on customer service can get watered down or lost in bigger corporations.

We’ve assembled what we call a dream team; we are very fortunate to attract

people with the best experience — but more importantly they have the motivation to understand and service our customers needs,” added Kramer.

With this enthusiasm has come success. American Kuhne’s growth has continued to outpace the industry despite the recent economic times.

“We’ve succeeded because we never chase business that we can’t execute well. We’ve grown in a very organic way — by fully servicing our existing and growing customer base,” added Citron. “High quality equipment and service is much more important to us than quarterly or annual targets.”

The company expects continued growth in their base business and by expansion into other markets such as their recent initiative into Blown Film with partner Kuhne GmbH.

An array of innovative equipment went on display at NPE earlier this year, including: E3 Energy Efficient Extruder:

Microextruders:

The E3 Energy Efficient Extruder is a 3.5” 24:1 L/D air-cooled extruder designed for maximum energy efficiency and simplicity of operation. This innovative machine features a combination of over a half dozen unique mechanical and electrical design features that result in over 15% projected energy savings. Areas of improvement include: Barrel heating and cooling system Drive and motor Extruder feed section Gearbox (gearless operation optional) Special control system

One 12 mm and two 16 mm Microextruders for ultra-low volume micro medical tubing applications, including: Mounted on a common base with compact packaging Microextruders run at comfortable screw speeds to avoid polymer degradation All Microextruders include pressure control and servo drive systems. Melt pumps are available as an option

ULTRA Cut-Away Extruder:

Convertible Extruder: The Convertible extruder enables fast and easy transition from a 3.0” smooth feed extruder to a 60 mm grooved feed extruder, including: Low-boy extruder primarily for blown film applications Ideal for “swing lines” that transition between grooved feed processing of HMW-HDPE and smooth feed processing of LLDPE blends Unique packaging enables fast changes between feed section/barrel modules Manual screen changer and 3 layer cut-away blown film die

2.5” Cut-Away extruder reveals unique design features and benefits of AK’s ULTRA extruder product line, including: Superior gearbox design Proprietary feed section design Efficient air-cooling system Unique wire management Dual adjustment barrel support

Steward Barrier Screws:

Modular Extruder: The Modular extruder provides simple and fast changes of barrel diameter and/or L/D, including: Modular extruders range from ½ to 5” in barrel diameter Available with gearless or servo drive systems Production environments benefit from fast, contamination-free change-over Clean barrel/screw off-line to increase run time Optional carts facilitate install/removal and off-line heating AKcess II Touch Screen Control system incorporating 3D graphics and mobile access via iPad

Steward Barrier screws will be on display for a variety of applications including: General purpose pipe, profile, and tubing Blown Film applications for Linear Low Density PE blends Various medical tubing applications

American Kuhne Tel: +1 401 326 6200 Email: sales@americankuhne.com Web: www.americankuhne.com

EPPM 15

MACHINERY SPOTLIGHT eppm

EXTRUSION

Tönsmeier Kunststoffe GmbH & Co. KG of Germany has recently purchased a pelletising line from leading extrusion specialist battenfeldcincinnati.

Tönsmeier purchased a pelletising line

BATTENFELDCINCINNATI EXTRUSION LINE TAILORED TO MEET PVC RECYCLER’S NEEDS

with a BEX 2-135-28V twin-screw extruder and decentralised hot-cut pelletiser GWH 130 to produce h-PVC granulate. The infeed product for this line is a homogeneous h-PVC regrind produced by Tönsmeier itself with a grain size of 6 to 13 mm and a high purity level of 99.7%. Tönsmeier uses a continuous screen changer to filter out any residual contamination and metal particles, reportedly with 100% reliability. battenfeld-cincinnati has integrated this screen changer, which

was already present at Tönsmeier, into its complete extrusion system. The system operates with a BMC touch control system. “This control system is well organised and user-friendly, which is of great help to us in daily production”, said Schmidt.

The integration of the screen changer is not the only feature which has been customised specifically for the customer. With its optimally adapted screw geometries, the extruder is ideally suited for the tough task of processing

Technology from extrusion specialist Breyer offers the production of low shrinkage encapsulation film at a high production speed — with no energyconsuming annealing necessary, and no need for an interlayer.

Encapsulation film produced on regular extrusion lines has a natural shrinkage which effects not only the lamination process, but can also result in destroyed wafers, thus creating waste and increased production costs.

EFFICIENT EXTRUSION LINES FOR ENCAPSULATION FILM

A low-shrinkage film allows a smooth and fast laminating process. The more shrinkage a film has, the more carefully the warm up procedure must be controlled, which can increase the laminating time.

Because regular extrusion systems, using calenders or cast rolls, are limited to a certain speed/output, Breyer says it has developed a profitable system for the production of EVA film and other gluey materials.

Breyer Tel: +49 7731 9200 Email: info@breyer-extr.com Web: www.breyer-extr.com

EPPM 17

h-PVC. The screws are armored with a special anti-wear coating. A threecomponent metering device with variable mixing ratios and integrated metal separators enables the creation of individual compounds. battenfeld-cincinnati Tel: +43 61006 293 Email: lebic.j@battenfeldcincinnati.com Web: www.battenfeld-cincinnati.com

New Installations

UK Technical Moulder Cuts Cooling Costs by 25% UK-based technical moulder OGM has invested in a specialist energy-saving product for the process cooling system in its new factory. Manufactured by equipment specialist IsoCool, the IsoFC is a packaged heat exchanger designed specifically for use within dual circuit systems. Installed in October 2011, the IsoFC is on target to reduce cooling costs by over 25%, providing a payback period of just 2.5 years.

OGM manufactures and supplies technical and cleanroom plastic injection mouldings and assemblies to leading blue chip organisations in the medical and

electronic industries. Due to increased demand for the company’s high-precision products, the company built a new facility. Based on a recommendation, IsoCool was invited to tender for the process cooling system, along with several other specialists. Stuart Wilson, Engineering Manager at OGM, explained his decision to opt for IsoCool: “Our manufacturing processes are required to meet exacting standards, and IsoCool’s proposals and approach inspired us with the highest level of confidence. They were also the only company to offer an attractive energy-saving solution like the IsoFC. Because we operate a policy of continuous improvement goals, it fits perfectly with our drive to improve efficiency,” he explained.

IsoCool installed a Eurochiller AX-A chiller with cooling capacity 110 kW, a pump and tank system, and bespoke pipework into the new factory. To minimise the initial investment required, as well as the carbon footprint of the extension, IsoCool utilised existing equipment wherever possible. This included an air blast cooler, which IsoCool identified as a product that could be used in conjunction with the IsoFC to optimise energy savings even further.

The IsoFC indirectly links mould and hydraulic cooling circuits through a high-efficiency packaged heat exchanger, and facilitates energy transfer via intelligent software between the systems without them mixing.

During low ambient conditions it is designed to use the surplus capacity from the air blast cooler to pre-cool water returning from the mould circuit before it reaches the refrigeration plant. In this way, both circuits continue to fulfil their primary functions, but the load on the chiller is greatly reduced. As well as saving a significant amount of energy, this extends the life-span of chiller plant.

A user-friendly touch-screen on the IsoFC controls the plant to optimise performance and ensure close process temperature control on both circuits — a feature which Stuart particularly rated: “The touch screen control is excellent, and makes it ever so easy

and straight forward to operate,” he commented. In addition, the IsoFC’s modular software design enables SCADA interface to computer and building management systems with power consumption monitoring. Compared to the existing chilled water system, IsoCool calculated that the IsoFC will reduce cooling system costs by over a quarter, equating to thousands of pounds every year. This means that the energy-saving device has a return on investment schedule of just 2.5 years. OGM are delighted with the new system, as Stuart explained: “We’ll be operating on partial free cooling below 10.5°C, and 100% free cooling below 5°C, so expect good savings throughout the colder times of the year. We’ve been incredibly impressed with IsoCool. The stainless steel welded system was particularly excellent and the quality of workmanship throughout the installation first-class”.

IsoCool Tel: +44 1376 328455 Email: info@isocool.ltd.uk Web: www.isocool.ltd.uk

PTi Announces Sale of New Sheet Extrusion System to Turkey’s Aserpet Processing Technologies International (PTi), a leading global manufacturer of high-performance sheet extrusion machinery, has announced the sale of a new sheet extrusion system to Aserpet, based in Gaziantep, Turkey, a PET recycler and soon-to-be manufacturer of PET sheet roll stock. The recently completed sale is PTi’s first in Turkey and represents a major stepping stone as part of the company’s global expansion strategy.

Aserpet, a recycler of PET flake for the packaging industry, purchased its first sheet extrusion line to help support the company’s entrance into the packaging industries. The PTi coextrusion system, which runs 750 kg/hr of PET, also includes a roll stand, winder, and

stacker. The machine has been installed and is up and running at the Aserpet facility.

“This is a significant business deal that firmly positions us in yet another key global region,” said Patrick Johnsen, Eastern Regional Sales Manager. “We’re excited about entering the Turkish market because it represents another important step in our global growth strategy.” He added that Turkey’s economy has remained strong - even during the global economic slowdown - and growth prospects are bright.

As part of its business plan, Aserpet considered several global suppliers of sheet extrusion systems.

“After careful examination, we were impressed with PTi’s focus on high quality and its commitment to producing machinery with tighttolerance capability,” said Oztas Kaleoglu, General Manager of Aserpet. “Our comfort level grew even more due to PTi’s emphasis on customer support.”

PTi sold the machine through its agent Kerem Anil with Plast-teknik in Istanbul. The company is exploring other business opportunities in Turkey, targeting PET, PP, PS, and barrier sheet extrusion systems for the packaging industry.

PTi Extruders Tel: +1 630 585 5800 Email: dparadise@ptiextruders.com Web: www.ptiextruders.com

EPPM 18

Industry News

Through the Doors at Negri Bossi UK Injection moulding machine manufacturer, Negri Bossi, held an open house event at its UK headquarters in Warwick for existing and potential customers recently.

Supported by some of the UK’s leading suppliers, the event was well attended with over 50 delegates present from the industry.

The event, which was formulated as a result of an on-going customer relationship forum, included short presentations from Negri Bossi staff and industry professionals, as well as machine demonstrations.

After an initial networking opportunity, attendees listened to presentations on machine selection, quality monitoring and unattended running from Negri Bossi staff. The afternoon session featured a presentation by guest speaker, Charmaine Bowers from the PTIC, who spoke of the changes to funding for apprenticeships and training within the polymer industry.

The machines on display included the new EOS 80 tonne machine, running an SI Protech beer keg part as well as a Vesta 130 tonne all electric machine, emphasising low energy consumption, noise levels, cleanliness and precision.

The Canbio SE 250 machine was used to demonstrate the company’s ‘Smart Energy’ module, which claims to considerably reduce energy consumption levels, at a lower capital cost.

At the end of the first day, David Gray, EPPM editor and Leanne Taylor, editor of sister publication British Plastics and Rubber caught up with Carl Futcher, MD at Negri Bossi UK, to find out a little more about the event.

LT: This is the first Negri Bossi UK Open House you’ve done for quite a while. Can you tell me a little more about the origins of the open house event this year?

CF: We were looking at new initiatives at the start of the year. Negri Bossi has had two very good years, and the company has produced a very comprehensive range of machines. So we sat down at the start of this year and thought “what new initiatives can we bring to boost our situation?” One of the guys said “why

don’t we ask our customers?”

As we continued with the discussion, it developed into an idea where we would invite three prominent customers and have a warts-and-all discussion with them – and it last nearly all day.

Subsequent to that we put some more initiatives in place. We’ve got some pilot schemes running with two of the three customers that came. This is because some of the changes we’ve discussed are quite radical, so we have to see how they’re going to implicate the business as well. Like any business we do things a certain way, and we’ve always done it that way, and we really thought we should try to turn it upside-down, and find out if there was a better way. We didn’t want to just pay lip-service to it – we really wanted to see if we could move away from the herd and start doing things that would A: make sure our customers knew we were listening to them, and B: to start some initiatives that would attract other people to come to us, and we might get a head start on some new clients.

We went through all the different aspects from marketing through to machine purchasing, through to service support etcetera.

The customers were great, and made us realise a few things. One of the things they said was that they really like Open House events, and they even suggested bringing other suppliers in.

LT: And you mentioned today that some of the initiatives that were suggested at the start of the year are ongoing and will be reviewed midyear: after today’s event is this something you’re going to be carrying forward into the future?

CF: Very much so. We held our first ‘Customer Development Forum’ in February with the plan to get three in for the year — one in July and one in October. The Exhibition and Conference

was the first one this year with the possibility of doing a second one at the end of the year. The decision on a second will be taken after we have asked our customers at the next ‘Customer Development Forum’, which we are holding in July.

DG: We get invited to lots of Open Houses, and I’ve noticed that customers prefer the presentations when they’re not basic sales pitches, only looking at the machinery offered by the company — you’ve managed to overcome this I think.

CF: Thank you. We didn’t want to just talk about Negri Bossi today. At the end of the day the majority of customers already know Negri Bossi. We wanted them to go away and take something useful with them. The machines being here in operation will hopefully speak for themselves.

So what we wanted to do was produce something we can continue with. We chose the presentations based on the responses of our customers in the initial meetings, and suggestions from our own team.

LT: I think the presentations showed a technical approach to moulding which can effectively be applied to most machines – so you’ve added value.

Jenco Appointed to Represent Helios GmbH With many years of success in the sales of its OKTOMAT Classic and Clean systems, Helios GmbH has now introduced a new cost effective solution to automate the emptying of Octobins and Big Bags.

The new OKTOMAT Eco is based upon exactly the same principle as the previous models with a new single support system.

Linked into an individual vacuum conveyor or feed system for granules, pellets or powders, these models enhance the automation of materials conveying from source to destination.

In addition to this the OKTOMAT Clean is now available and is ideally suited to conveying systems for pharmaceutical, food and Atex rated applications.

Jenco now supports new and existing Oktomat customers with spares, service and technical advice. Should any of the above products be of interest, contact Jenco on the details below.

Jenco Tel: +44 208 501 5522 Email: info@jenco.co.uk Web: www.jenco.co.uk EPPM 19

CF: Correct. And hopefully that helps them to make a more informed choice when they come to buy their next machine – and obviously we would like it to be a Negri Bossi machine.

LT: And there’s a second day tomorrow – what is the ideal outcome for you from the whole event?

CF: Well we got about 50 visitors today, and we’re expecting the same tomorrow, which is perfect for us. It means that there are just enough people that our sales team can spend real quality time with each customer – which is important to make it worth the trip for them.

Stay tuned for more news from Negri Bossi UK and details of the next event.

Negri Bossi UK Tel: +44 1926 420303 Email: sales@negribossi.co.uk Web: www.negribossi.co.uk

Industry News

Cincinnati Milacron “Leading the Way” in Europe’s WPC Market Extrusion systems specialist Cincinnati Milacron has issued a statement saying that is gearing up for an expected growth in the European Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) market of around 20% during 2012. This expected growth will come from a mix of new business and the pushing out of existing imported products from the Far East and the USA. “We are seeing more customers coming to us looking for higher output machines after realising that their existing plant is just not up to the job” reported Steve Jones, European Business Manager and WPC processing specialist. “It is now becoming increasingly apparent that running a basic extruder with WPC is just not a viable option for successful and profitable production of WPCs”.

As production quantities and sales have increased, so has the requirement for more tailored expertise, applied to the issues of wear resistant materials in extruder construction, and processing expertise from the extruder supplier.

Cincinnati Milacron has been a world leader in WPC production across a broad spectrum of polymer types and niche markets for co-extruded products for a number of years. As the production rates are increased on standard competitor extruders, more and more of these extruders are failing, claims the company. The group supplies replacement extruder screws and barrels to all makes of extruders as well as its own.

“The company is seeing a significant rise in enquiries for replacement screws

and barrels for competitive machines due to screw breakage and excessive barrel wear”, reports Jones. “It is frightening just how many competitors screws are breaking out there in the market. As the need for more output increases producers are finding their standard extruders and barrel coating technology are not surviving,” said Jones.

Cincinnati Milacron has only ever supplied tungsten-coated screws and barrels for WPC production. This was based on many years’ experience of supplying high output WPC lines throughout the USA WPC market. Now this strategy is proving effective for the group, as producers using Cincinnati Milacron WPC extruders are reported to be reaping the benefits of the high

resistant tungsten-coated screws and barrels.

“It's not just wear rate we are fighting here but corrosion resistance as well”, Jones continued. “It is universally accepted that for the best quality extruded product your need to have low moisture content ingredients in your formulation. If you try to process moisture within your formulation then as it enters the extruder barrel and heats up the moisture turns to steam and forms an insulated blanket at the barrel wall and restricts the heating process from the extruder barrel heaters.”

Cincinnati Milacron Tel: +1 513 536 2000 Email: info@milacron.com Web: www.milacron.com

TCT Live 2012 AM & 3D Printing Conference Programme Announced The TCT Live 2012 Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing Conference programme has now been finalised. The organiser, Rapid News Communications Group, is proud to announce yet another stellar line-up of the leading industrial and academic experts in this sector. Once viewed as a niche area of product development and manufacturing the AM and 3D printing sector has escalated significantly in the last 12 months with global awareness of the processes increasing at an unprecedented rate. With the prolific number of headlines though, there comes an inevitable amount of hype and this is where the TCT Live AM & 3DP Conference comes into its own. Anyone who registers to attend this free annual event, now in it’s 17th year, will be confronted with the truth about additive

manufacturing and 3D printing, what it can do, and, indeed, what it is doing in the real world within industry and the creative sectors.

And this is exactly where the programme will begin, as Todd Grimm of T.A. Grimm & Associates, will present the keynote address on Day 1 to consider “Additive Tech — Challenges and Opportunities in the Real World”. Shaping the whole event, Todd’s presentation will look at just how far additive technologies have come, their amazing capabilities for a wide range of applications, and how they fit into the manufacturing landscape. But be left in no doubt, Todd WILL challenge the hype — this is one presentation you miss at your peril.

Day 2’s keynote address will be presented by Phill Dickens, Professor of Manufacturing Technology at

Loughborough University. Entitled “Developments of Additive Manufacturing and Its Future”, Phill will explore the origins of Additive Manufacturing looking back at the predictions that have been made over the last 20 years and assessing how accurate they were. Taking it to the next level, Phill will also update these predictions for the next 10 years, while taking a look at some of the most pertinent issues that the industry faces, such as Intellectual Property and materials development.

Throughout the two days, the conference programme is characterised by high quality presentations, which will explore the impact and applications of both AM and 3DP. Providing diversity and valuable usable information, this programme line-up has been designed

to appeal to a wide audience, whether they have been introduced to the technologies previously or are being introduced to them for the first time.

Presentations will cover a number of specific business applications of AM and 3DP as well some of the latest developments across the industry.

Featuring an impressive array of speakers, TCT Live 2012 is the event of the year in terms of networking with industrial and creative users of additive technologies. The speaker roll-call includes Paul Doe, Lead Engineer at Prodrive BMW Mini Team; Sean Horning, Project Engineer, Burton Snowboards; Stuart Burns, Technical Director, Rotite Technologies; Anthony Reeves, Lead Engineer, GlaxoSmithKline; and Dan Johns, Process & Technologies Engineer, Bloodhound SSC; plus many more.

This year also sees the introduction of a dedicated jewellery session looking at how additive manufacturing and 3D printing processes are being utilised in this innovative sector. Chaired by Frank Cooper, Technical Manager at the Jewellery Industry Innovation Centre, this session gives jewellery designers, manufacturers and silversmiths the ideal opportunity to hear how their peers are already reaping the benefits and enhancing their designs.

The conference is free of charge to attend and takes place 25-26 September 2012 at the NEC, Birmingham. For full conference programme details and to register your attendance, please visit www.tctshow.com.

Rapid News Communications Group Tel: +44 1829 770037 Email: events@rapidnews.com Web: www.rapidnews.com

EPPM 20

MATERIALS

Lucofin HFFR Compounds: A New Approach to Cable Production CJP, a UK agent for materials group Lucobit is now offering a new family of HFFR cable compounds that combine superior performance with greater output compared to EVA–based HFFR compounds: their lower density results in a volume cost advantage of nearly 20%.

Lucobit has developed 2 new HFFR grades — Lucofin 7410 HFFR (EBA/ATH) and Lucofin 7440 HFFR (EBA/MDH). The unique structure of ethylene butyl acrylate (EBA) results in a variety of technical advantages, compared to compounds based on other ethylene esters (especially ethylene vinyl acetate),

the main ones being: • Very low water absorption.

• Excellent low temperature flexibility.

• Good ageing properties even at elevated temperatures.

• Lucofin 7440 HFFR enables high production output for high speed cable extrusion.

• Superior processing stability with none of the degradation associated with EVA/ATH based compounds.

• Easy processability and high melt strength.

Due to their enhanced properties, cables produced from Lucofin 7410HFFR and Lucofin 7440HFFR can be used in long

term, harsh environments, with very little loss of physical and mechanical properties. A typical application would be cables that are potentially exposed to moist conditions, such as buried cables, cables on ships as well as outdoor cables.

CJP Sales Tel: +44 1656 644907 Email: sales@cjpsales.co.uk Web: www.cjpsales.co.uk

Liquid Colour Technology Developed for Polyolefin Blow Moulding New liquid vehicle technology (LVT) developed by additives group Clariant Masterbatches appears to eliminate many of the problems that have prevented wider use of liquid colour and additive concentrates in extrusion blow moulding of polyolefins (high- and lowdensity polyethylene and polypropylene). Initial testing in monolayer containers shows that these highly compatible systems allow for higher pigment loadings and lower usage rates, while practically eliminating past challenges related to screw slippage. Improved resin compatibility results in stronger weld lines in the finished container as demonstrated by scores in standard burst and compression-loading tests.

“Extrusion blow moulders and brand owners in the personal care and household products markets often find liquid masterbatches to be an attractive alternative to solid concentrates,” said Raymond Sloan, Head of Liquid Color, Clariant Masterbatches North America.

“However, until now, use of liquid colour has been limited in blow moulding of polyolefin resins because many liquid based carrier systems (including mineral oil) would not incorporate well with the resins. It was pigment friendly, but not resin friendly.”

The new Clariant masterbatches use a liquid vehicle system that incorporates suspension aids and binders have been incorporated into the new LVT masterbatches to allow for higher pigment loadings and (in most cases) lower usage rates. Additional components enhance flow and make for dramatically faster colour changes.

These and other advances allow Clariant to offer significant functional advantages

in important applications and markets.

Previous carriers had a tendency to rapidly bloom to the surface of extrusion blow moulded containers, interfering with seam re-welding. In contrast, the new Clariant liquid products appear to actually assist in the formation of a strong seam. Finished products have easily passed industry standard top-load and drop tests.

producing actual saleable containers.

“So far,” Sloan said, “testing has been completed in several types of monolayer containers and we are confident that similar results can be achieved in multilayer applications involving both opaque colour and pearlescent effects.

Although liquids have had only limited acceptance in these markets, we fully expect our new technology, along with Clariant’s industry leading technical

The new Clariant liquid colours have a positive effect on material flow in the extruder. Reduced screw slippage leads to improved mixing and more complete dispersion and less streaking. It also results in processing temperatures as much as 17°C lower and, therefore, less cooling is required.

The Clariant LVT products tend not to adhere to metal surfaces and, in fact, can act as a cleansing agent, removing deposits left behind by other colourants. Colour changes that might typically take several hours with solid pellet colourants can now be completed in just minutes with the new liquid colours from Clariant. This means processors spend much less time producing scrap for regrind and more time EPPM 21

service and global reach will allow us to discover new opportunities in the extrusion blow moulding market. Clariant is actively seeking processor partners to help us test and prove LVT benefits in specific applications.”

Clariant Masterbatches Tel: +41 61 469 6363 Email: kai.rolker@clariant.com Web: www.clariant.com

MATERIALS ROUNDUP NATPET Teams with Milliken to Create High-Clarity Polypropylenes for Thin-walled Packaging Increasing demand towards very high clarity packaging products with a realistic price tag has led National Petrochemical Industrial Co. (NATPET) to upgrade its range of polypropylene random copolymers. The Saudi Arabian company has introduced two new grades in its Teldene range, both containing Milliken’s Millad NX 8000 clarifying agent. They are aimed principally at markets for thin-walled injection moulded food and non-food containers, especially in Europe, Turkey, the Middle East, and Asia.

As living standards improve in emerging markets, end-users are putting increasing emphasis on aesthetics when buying products such as food storage containers. The new grades cater for this demand. The additional advantage of this grade, by virtue of the inclusion of Millad NX 8000, is that it enables converters to achieve the added benefit of considerable energy and cost savings by processing the grade at lower temperatures and cycle times compared to similar products in the market.

The two new grades, Teldene R25MLT and R40MLT, have melt flow rates of 25 and 40 g per 10 minutes respectively.

Mechanical properties are very similar, but Teldene R40MLT, with higher flow, is better suited for complex products and high-speed machines.

Both are reactor grades, produced using LyondellBasell’s Spheripol technology, which has an exceptional advantage of producing morphologically uniform resins. Neaz Ahmed, Assistant Manager, Product Application at NATPET, said that being reactor grades, they enjoy an

important lead over “controlled rheology (peroxide vis-broken)” grades having intrinsically organoleptic-neutral (odourless) character — an essential requirement for food-contact applications.

NATPET reports that it has already established successful applications in transparent housewares, and anticipates imminent use in thin-walled containers for food and non-food articles, CD and DVD cases, packaging for cosmetic articles, and other consumer applications. “Prospects are very bright,” said Neaz Ahmed. “End users as well as converters in our target markets are very appreciative of the improved aesthetics, cost and time savings, and wider processing window achievable with the new grades.”

Parts moulded with these grades reportedly have excellent optical properties; at a thickness of 1 mm, the Haze value is just six %, compared with 15-20 per cent in grades containing conventional clarifiers when processed at low temperatures. This is attributed to the highly improved solubility of Millad NX 8000 in PP. Injection moulders can therefore make significant energy savings and reduce cycle times, while still producing packaging with excellent optical characteristics. Ahmed said: “Processors using the new grades can reduce ecological carbon dioxide generation by five to eight %.”

NATPET says the addition of such high value-added products to its portfolio is providing access to more diverse applications. The company is already said to be considering extending its range of Teldene PP random copolymer grades, clarified with Millad NX 8000, with higher flow properties, which would likely extend its market prospects even further.

TPU “Remembers” Original State When Heated to 40˚C A new thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) developed by Bayer MaterialScience together with the BAM Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing in Berlin, Germany, shows that certain types of plastics have a “memory” which affects their behaviour.

Parts made of the TPU can reportedly be temporarily reshaped and fixed in this shape. When heated to a certain temperature known as the switching temperature, they “remember” their original shape and return to it virtually unchanged. In the case of the new product Desmopan DP 2795A SMP, the switching temperature is approximately 40°C. The abbreviation SMP stands for the English designation for such plastics: Shape Memory Plastics.

“Given this special property, there are virtually no limits to the potential applications for the plastic,” said Jürgen

Hättig, Head of Business Development for TPU at Bayer MaterialScience. “We can imagine applications in areas ranging from mechanical engineering and the automotive, textile, sports and leisure industries to toy manufacturing and aerospace engineering.” Possible applications include the easy repair of damaged bodywork parts using a hair dryer, remote temperature sensors, artificial muscles, hinges, self-loosening screws, packaging and shrink tubing.

The two partners recently submitted a patent application for a possible application in the area of functional film tunnels and self-erecting structures. Film tunnels in a field act like greenhouses and accelerate the growth of lettuces and vegetables so that these can be harvested sooner than is possible if allowed to grow naturally. While it is easy to lay flat films on a field, erecting a

Clear Benefits for Household Packaging Manufacturer Milliken’s additives have also recently brought benefits to leading manufacturer of household and garden items, EMSA is highly-regarded for the design appeal, innovative features and high quality of its product ranges. The company is also using Millad NX 8000 clarified PP for many of its polypropylene kitchen storage applications because of the clarifying agent’s optics and organoleptics.

Millad NX 8000 clarified PP allows EMSA’s large and small volume, thinand thick-walled transparent parts to meet higher quality ratings by significantly reducing the potential for yellowing of the plastic. It also supports important features such as good hinge behaviour, high gloss, and good stiffness. Products are microwaveable, and dishwasher-proof. EMSA’s kitchenware products are Bisphenol-A free and meet childcare norms for food contact.

Millad NX 8000’s broad processing window enables EMSA to manufacture containers at 40°C lower than previously possible. The agent’s solubility in PP is reportedly much higher than that of conventional clarifiers, allowing lower temperature processing without any negative impact on transparency.

As a result, EMSA is reporting 15% faster cycle times in combination with significantly less energy consumption.

With Millad NX 8000, EMSA is also experiencing the benefits of a more stable production process, leading to improvements in manufacturing reliability and consistency. permanent tunnel with films can be a timeconsuming and costly operation.

This is ne application which has been suggested for the product.

Profiles made of the new TPU plastic that have temporarily been brought into a flat shape are fastened to the transparent film. After the film has been laid on the bed, all that's left to do is to heat the profiles to the switching temperature. They “remember” their bent, permanent shape and pop up to form a half-tunnel, lifting the films with them. The mini-greenhouses are then ready for use.

The new material could also prove useful in product and brand protection applications. The BAM has used the TPU

EPPM 22

Products from the EMSA range currently taking advantage of the transparency and sustainability benefits of Millad NX 8000 include kitchen storage containers and tableware for food, baking and baby products. It is also used in see-through tea makers and vacuum jugs for beverages, and EMSA’s innovative new watering solution for houseplants.

Frank Madena, R&D Surface Technologies & Materials, Head of Quality Management at EMSA, commented: “EMSA’s dedicated team works hard every day to develop products that make life at home and onthe-go simpler and more beautiful; all underlined by a commitment to sustainability. The brilliant level of transparency and processing benefits that Millad NX 8000 brings to many of our houseware items are important elements in helping us to maintain these goals.”

Milliken Tel: +32 9 265 1136 Email: veerle.dewolf@milliken.com Web: www.milliken.com NATPET Tel: +966 2 604 8657 Email: shusaini@natpetpp.com Web: www.natpetpp.com

product to develop labels with engraved and colored quick response (QR) codes.

The codes can only be read if the labels are in their permanent shape.

Bayer MaterialScience Tel: +49 214 30 25363 Email: frank.rothbarth@bayer.com Web: www.bayer.com

MATERIALS ROUNDUP Borealis Saves Weight in Two New Renault Models European plastics technology giant Borealis has introduced a new grade of polypropylene (PP) specified for use in lightweight bumper applications for two new Renault automotive platforms.

High flow Borcom WH107AE was specified for the recently introduced Dacia Lodgy, a minivan produced at Renault’s new plant in Morocco and for the Renault Twizy, Renault’s first electrical car produced at its plant in Spain. Borcom WH107AE is already in use for new generation bumper applications in other Renault platforms including but not limited to the new Dacia Duster and Sandero in South America and Russia. The material brings the following benefits, according to Borealis: • Reducing the thickness of parts and density of materials used for car bumpers makes a significant contribution to Renault’s strategy of overall vehicle weight reduction for fuel economy and lower emissions. “Thinner parts can make a substantial contribution to overall weight saving,” said Emmanuel Boissard, Borealis Senior Application Development Engineer. “However there can be absolutely no compromise on the part’s performance. Borealis has helped Renault to reduce the parts whilst retaining the necessary mechanical performance.”

• Borealis and Middle Eastern partner company Borouge are amongst the first suppliers of a portfolio of PP materials that are recognised as Togozaï materials, i.e. materials that fulfil Renault’s worldwide specifications. In addition to the commercialisation of Borcom WH107AE for exterior parts, Borealis has also developed a complete new Togozaï portfolio for Renault interior applications.

• In addition, Borealis and Borouge deliver strong technical expertise and

The Renault Dacia Lodgy

highly personalised support to Renault through a dedicated team for the development, ramping-up and production phases throughout the world.

“We know the automotive industry needs to address the global challenges of energy supply and climate change,” says Harald Hammer, Borealis Vice President Business Unit Mobility. “Weight reduction is a key driver and we are committed to finding new and innovative solutions to ensure that the industry’s targets are met without compromising on performance.”

The Renault Twizy

Borouge Tel: +971 2 6070300 Email: info@borouge.com Web: www.borouge.com

PRODUCT NEWS PET Chosen by UK Supermarket for Sustainability and Convenience Benefits UK supermarket chain Asda is launching its ‘Chosen

by You’ salad dressings in a new 250 ml PET bottle, designed and produced by UK-based APPE, which is said to offer significant consumer convenience and sustainability benefits.

The PET bottle has produced a 90 per cent weight reduction over the glass bottle it is replacing, achieving a saving of around 200 tonnes of packaging per annum. The lighter bottle also delivers corresponding transport efficiencies leading to reduced costs and carbon impact in the logistics chain, while its high resistance to shattering eliminates breakages during filling and distribution.

For the consumer, the lightweight bottle is equally easy and safe to handle in the kitchen environment.

In addition, PET has a very positive environmental profile in terms of its recyclability.

The bottle, which is the first of its kind for private label salad dressings in the UK, has been designed by APPE’s dedicated design facility in Brecht, Belgium, and is manufactured by the two-stage process at the company’s Gresford factory, near Wrexham. APPE’s technical team worked closely with the closure supplier in the development, piloting and testing of the design to deliver a complete pack solution to the customer.

The dressings are being manufactured and packed by one of the UK’s leading suppliers of fine table sauces, salad dressings and chutneys. APPE’s experience of the food sector, its longstanding reputation in PET design and production, and its ability to provide a coordinated service from concept to delivery were critical factors in the company’s selection for this project.

“We're really excited about the launch of our new and improved salad dressing range in the new PET bottle,” commented Suzie Hardy, Senior Packaging Development Manager, Asda. “The high clarity of the material and premium shape promotes the quality of our Chosen by You brand. The new design features all of the convenience of the glass bottle and brings with it great environmental benefits.”

EPPM 23

APPE Tel: +44 1978 317378 Email: kinza.sutton@arteniuspackaging.com Web: www.appepackaging.com

SHOW CONSTRUCTION Insulating Material Achieves New Standards in Thermal Conductivity Global chemicals group BASF’s insulating material Neopor Plus (made of expandable polystyrene) now reportedly provides “the best rated value for thermal conductivity for EPS insulating materials in Europe” — coupled with efficient use of material. According to the current German standard, with Neopor Plus it is possible to achieve a thermal conductivity of 0.031 W/m*K with bulk densities of less than 20 kg/m3. By comparison, the thermal conductivity of standard white EPS of a similar bulk density, is markedly inferior with 0.035 W/m*K. Flat roofs are just one application earmarked for the product. “With the combination of the properties of Neopor Plus — high compressive strength coupled with low thermal conductivity — we offer along with our partners a product which is optimised for this type of roof,” said Gregor Haverkemper, product management for Neopor at BASF. Neopor Plus is a cost-efficient solution when sealed with an average compressive stress (DAA dm) in

Sustainable Lubricant Launched for PVC in Europe

accordance with DIN V 4108-10 with a load of 100 kilopascals.

When water infiltrates, draining and sealing are possible reportedly without any problems, and no irritant dusts are released during processing. When designing a sloping roof for the purpose of draining off surface water, it is advisable to use EPS insulation panels: insulation panels made from Neopor can be customised to fit any slope, according to BASF. BASF Tel: +49 621 60 42223 Email: evelyn.naudorf@basf.com Web: www.neopor.de

Chemistry group Clariant has recently introduced a new generation of lubricants based on a renewable source to the PVC processing community, in support of the global trend away from lead-stabilised PVC processing compounds.

Licocare SBW11 TP is currently making its regional debut on the PVC congress circuit in Germany, including the recently-held PVC Formulation 2012.

The product reportedly offers excellent performance, efficiency and sustainability benefits. The chemically modified wax is produced from soya bean oil. Clariant claims that it offers superior technical performance in PVC processing versus fatty acid derivatives traditionally used for lubrication.

In particular the product has been designed for the processing of rigid PVC compounds, especially for calcium/zinc- and tin-stabilised PV film and extrusion applications. It acts as an external and internal lubricant offering a number of performance benefits to enable processors to take advantage of efficient and consistent production runs.

These are said to include:

• Good release/anti-sticking effects • No mould deposits thanks to low volatility and good compatibility with PVC • Excellent thermal stability ensuring good colour stability • The broad lubricating effects contribute to a balanced rheology behaviour • Low concentrations varying from 0.3 to 1.0 phr provide effective performance Licocare SBW11 TP can also be used as a lubricant in PVC injection moulding. Here, flowability is significantly improved with less influence on the Vicat softening temperature than that of common internal lubricants, such as fatty acid ester derivatives. As a result, Licocare SBW11 TP can achieve better dimensional stability for the injection moulded product and excellent flow improvement.

Clariant Tel: +41 61 469 6363 Email: dominiks.schneider@clariant.com Web: www.clariant.com

additive manufacturing

cad/cam/plm

co-located with

EPPM 24

WCASE PolyOne Delivers Customer-Focused Rigid Vinyl Solutions PolyOne Corporation, a global provider of specialised polymer materials has recently been promoting Geon Rigid Vinyl solutions, including a new, unique, UL-certified extrusion grade for electrical applications.

PolyOne’s work with Walton Plastics, a custom sheet extruder, and its customer, Midwest Plastic Fabricators, offers a good example of the new grade in action. Midwest was looking for rigid vinyl sheet that was rated UL 746C and could replace steel in outdoor electrical boxes such as control cabinets, junction boxes, and radio frequency meters.

Compared to steel, vinyl offers many advantages including lighter weight, paint-free aesthetics, no corrosion, and radio frequency signal transparency. In addition, vinyl is non-conductive, which in some situations can prevent electrical shock.

Sheet extrusion allows greater design flexibility than injection moulding in this application because Midwest can more easily change size or design without the expense of a new mould. Since no appropriate, UL-certified vinyl extrusion grades were available, PolyOne engineers collaborated with Walton Plastics to develop a custom grade that would meet processing and performance requirements, including flame retardancy, weatherability, and waterpenetration resistance. The final formulation was then submitted to Underwriters Laboratories, and obtained UL 746C (f1) certification.

According to Tom Moran, President, Midwest Plastic Fabricators, “The launch of this new UL 746C (f1)-certified vinyl sheet from PolyOne and Walton Plastics enables Midwest, for the first time, to make custom-sized NEMA 4X electrical enclosures for outdoor applications from a non-metallic vinyl material that has both f1 outdoor and UL94 V0 flame ratings.”

In addition to the electrical market, PolyOne offers an extensive line of material solutions that can be used in

highly visible consumer appliances, such as housings for air conditioners, blenders, refrigerator ice dispensers, and laundry and dishwasher consoles.

Pre-coloured Geon Vinyl rigid moulding grades also have the aesthetics needed to replace painted metal or plastics such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).

In addition to standard and custom colours, Geon Vinyl rigid moulding materials are available in deep saturated colours, transparent colours, and specialty colours, such as metallics, all of which have the UV resistance needed to keep parts looking new longer than competitive options.

Recently, PolyOne collaborated with Friedrich, a global air conditioner manufacturer who wanted to reduce production costs for injection moulded panels on their KŸhl¨ room air conditioners by switching from painted ABS to a pre-coloured polymer.

PolyOne’s technology and sales teams discussed Friedrich’s needs and ran moulding trials at PolyOne’s Innovation Center on a Friedrich tool to determine what colours, textures, and gloss could be achieved.

PolyOne’s Color Lab used both existing colours and custom colour-matching to provide the seven colors required by the application. PolyOne’s technology team then collaborated with Friedrich by providing part design recommendations, running additional tooling trials at PolyOne’s Innovation Center, and working directly with Friedrich’s manufacturing locations globally.

Making the switch from painted ABS to pre-coloured vinyl simplified the supply chain and reduced operational cost while providing a high-quality, aesthetically

Geon Rigid Vinyl for Friedrich Kühl advanced window air conditioner.

appealing housing. In addition, Friedrich found that the KŸhl¨ unit runs more quietly because of the improved sound deadening characteristics of vinyl.

“The collaborative partnership between Friedrich and PolyOne throughout the process was key to the success of this conversion,” said T.J. Wheeler, Friedrich Product Manager.

Geon vinyl extrusion grade for outdoor electrical enclosures that meet UL94 V-0 and NEMA 4X requirements.

EPPM 25

Geon Vinyl rigid moulding formulations and PolyOne’s industry-leading services are available globally.

PolyOne Tel: +1 440 930 1988 Email: michelle.maniscalco@polyone.com Web: www.polyone.com

Industry News

Plastics Color Corporation Offers Market Dynamics Report PCC (Plastics Color Corporation), a supplier of colour concentrates, compounds and additive masterbatches, has published its first Market Dynamics report, which highlights general economic trends and pressures affecting manufacturers, with particular emphasis on those impacting the polymer industry.

“We have invested substantial time and effort into creating this report in order to communicate vital information to our customers, keeping them informed of issues that have both current and future significance to their business,” said PCC’s VP of Business Development Timothy Workman, who authored the report. “Each month we plan to gather

and analyse information from a variety of sources such as economic news and key raw material pricing comparisons to ensure we deliver a tool that our customers can use to make informed business decisions.”

PCC has been creating more and more content for direct distribution to customers and through its website, www.plasticscolor.com. “We are working diligently to demonstrate to the marketplace that we are an innovative company with value-added services and forward-thinking products,” said Workman. Recent innovations from PCC’s Solution Center include FlamaSol FR flame retardant systems, LiquiSol

liquid colour and services and SoluPur with EcoPur, PCC’s latest line of biodegradable polymer solutions. The Market Dynamics report joins PCC’s Plastics Industry White Papers and Spectrum newsletter in PCC’s arsenal of tools the company uses to keep customers informed of industry and company trends.

According to PCC President Doug Borgsdorf: “Our customers want to keep track of market movement and forces so they can continue to stay on top of major industry issues. The Market Dynamics report is just one more way we continue to provide the extraordinary value and market leadership our

customers count on beyond the leading products and services we offer.”

The goal of the PCC Market Dynamics report is to provide a single, compact source of critical market information.

Thus far, the reaction to the report among PCC customers has been very favorable. “Our customers are telling us that they appreciate the straightforward structure of the report and find the content to be extremely valuable,” said Workman.

Plastics Color Corporation Tel: +1 800 922 9936 Email: contactus@plasticscolor.com Web: www.plasticscolor.com

Registration Open for UK Medical Plastics Show Registration for Mediplas 2012 is now officially open. Visitors wishing to attend can now register online at www.mediplasuk.com.

Taking place 25-26 September 2012 at NEC, Birmingham, Mediplas is a new uniquely focused event for the highly specialised area of manufacturing plastic parts for the medical industry. The exhibition will cover all areas of the medical plastics supply chain from

design and prototyping, materials, cleanroom machinery, extrusion and injection moulding to process control, mould making and regulation.

Plastics production for the medical industry is a rapidly expanding market, with a diverse range of applications for polymers. From single user pipette tips to life-long artificial implants, the medical industry relies heavily on plastics in its manufacturing processes.

Bio-compatible plastics and polymer compounds are increasing being the material of choice for medical device manufacturers as they continue to replace metal and ceramics.

On the show floor, Mediplas will play host to over 50 exhibitors who will bring

the most innovative and dynamic materials and technologies available on the market. Exhibitors to date include: Engel, Albis, Distupol, Krauss-Maffei, Continued on page 27

EPPM 26

Industry News

Ticona, Netstal, Greiner Bio-One, Dyne Technology, Biesterfeld Petroplas, Carville, Classic Industries, Sumitomo Demag, plus many more. For full exhibitor list please visit www.mediplasuk.com.

A series of free to attend technical seminars will be staged in a dedicated seminar zone, designed to encourage technology adoption. Sessions include: Medical Grade Polymers, Materials Selection, Design & Prototyping, Efficient Manufacturing, Advanced Processing; and Regulation and Legislations.

At Mediplas, visitors will have the opportunity to speak to suppliers faceto-face, see actual machines in action, handle products that are the result of the latest technological advances in both machinery and materials.

Mediplas is held alongside TCT Live and MM, MEMS & NANO Live at the NEC, Birmingham, 25-26 September 2012.

business in France, it has reportedly stated a strong vision and strategy to develop a fully pan-European platform in polymers and are ready to invest in this area for the future growth and development of products and people. As part of the agreement, in some countries Azelis will grant services to the business to help provide a smooth transition.

Michel Dubois, Group Director Strategy and Marketing, said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank our principals in

Thermoplastic Polymers for their help and support over the last years and for their cooperation in the sale of the business. We are confident that Gazechim will remain a suitable distribution partner, committed to successfully growing a sustainable polymers business”.

Jean Guittard, CEO of Gazechim Group said: “This transaction allows us to extend our polymers offering beyond France, where we are one of the market

Mediplas 2012 Tel: +44 1829 770037 Email: events@rapidnews.com Web: www.mediplasuk.comAzelis Tel: +44 1992 825555 Email: gillian.berry@azelis.com Web: www.azelis.com

Azelis Sells Polymers Business

Chemicals group Azelis has announced, in-line with its strategy to focus on specialty chemicals and ingredients, the sale of the Thermoplastic Polymers Business Area within the Azelis Group to Gazechim Plastics who has acquired this business.

This transfer means Gazechim Plastics is now managing in its entirety the Thermoplastic Polymers business and its employees, effective May 15th.

Gazechim Group was deemed to be the ideal partner to sell the business to, as it was looking to complement their already strong presence in thermoplastic and thermoset products, refrigerant and liquefied gases, with a leading polymers offering. With an established polymers

eppm

To advertise in Europe’s leading plastics publication, call Caroline Plant on 00 44 (0) 1829 770037 EPPM 27

leaders, to the rest of Europe. We are pleased to welcome our new colleagues to the Gazechim team and are committed to investment in the polymers business. Going forward we look to accelerate our product offering and service to our customers and partners.”

Azelis Tel: +44 1992 825555 Email: gillian.berry@azelis.com Web: www.azelis.com

THE GREEN ROOM

PVC Industry Reports Progress Towards Ten Year Sustainability Plan At the close of the European PVC value chain annual meeting, on 27 April, the first year results of its new ten year sustainability initiative — VinylPlus — were presented. Despite significant challenges caused by the economic crisis, results indicate that the industry is on track to achieve the VinylPlus sustainability goals for 2020 set last year following the successful completion of its predecessor Vinyl2010.

Under VinylPlus, the industry has set ambitious targets of recycling 800,000 tonnes per year of PVC in Europe by 2020. Thanks to the consolidation of collection and recycling schemes for PVC, 257,084 tonnes were recycled in 2011. This is despite continuing adverse market conditions and the decrease in volumes of PVC waste in construction.

Progress has also been made towards ensuring the sustainable use of additives. By 2011, the consumption of lead stabilisers decreased by 71.4% in the EU-27 compared to 2007 and remains on track for complete substitution by 2015. This trend has been supported by the corresponding growth in the use of calcium as an alternative organic stabiliser.

However, industry leaders warned that meeting VinylPlus’ ambitious objectives will continue to depend on different stakeholders working together to stimulate the market for PVC recycling in Europe.

“The industry remains fully committed to the targets we

have set and we are encouraged by progress made in the first year of the new programme in a very difficult economic climate. However, the need for cooperation is more important than ever in these times of austerity.

Reaching our goals requires active support down the PVC value chain and a policy environment across Europe which continues to incentivise the diversion of waste from landfill and demand for recycled goods”, said Stefan Eingaertner, General Manager of VinylPlus.

During the annual meeting, industry leaders discussed developments in the PVC market including the growth of innovative and practical solutions, which will improve the sustainability of PVC in the coming years. In this respect, collaboration with end users and designers will be instrumental.

In the framework of VinylPlus, the industry also confirmed its commitment to offer products of very high quality and value for society while at the same time saving resources and minimising the industry’s impact.

The conviction that innovation is fundamental to the industry’s progress towards sustainability was also underlined at the annual meeting.

“Innovation, creativity and forward thinking are crucial to the implementation of our Voluntary Commitment” said Brigitte Dero, VinylPlus Deputy General Manager.

She continued by explaining that “VinylPlus aims at adopting a value-chain approach based on life-cycle

thinking and resource efficiency. Tools to achieve this aim include the use of renewables but also effective waste management and recycling; in line with the principle of doing more from less, which is also at the basis of the EU roadmap toward a green economy.”

Several trends were identified concerning the use of PVC in certain key sectors such as sustainable building, food packaging and innovative recycled applications. The dissemination of knowledge acquired through VinylPlus and its predecessor Vinyl2010 beyond Europe, was one of the most encouraging trends.

VinylPlus Tel: +32 2 6767440 Email: amelie.debien@plasticseurope.org Web: www.vinylplus.eu

New Grade of Oxo-Biodegradables for the Supermarket Checkout UK-based Wells Plastics has announced the launch of its latest grade range of oxo-biodegradable additives for the supermarket checkout bag marketplace.

Reverte has been used in this application for a number of years and Wells states it has launched the new grade in response to on-going price pressures on its customers. Revert BD 94718 (COB) contains the same ASTM 6954-04 compliant additive package as used in Reverte BD 92771, but is said to benefit from a lower cost delivery system.

The new grade of material is said to perform with only a marginal impact of haze within the film, therefore should offer significant savings for the end users.

Wells states Reverte is a technology which “utilises pro-degradent technology to carefully control the life of the bag. Eventually the molecular length of the plastic becomes smaller and smaller until it is no longer a plastic and it becomes available for biodigestion by bacteria and fungi. This crucial step means that the discarded bag can return safely into the environment, quickly removing itself as an unsightly littering problem and providing a route to total biodegradation in time.”

Netherlands-based Natural Plastics has developed a new tree support system that is set to eradicate the practice of felling existing trees for use as wooden support stakes in order to plant new ones.

Natural Plastics’ keeper system uses Cradonyl, a renewable material based on a bio-resin produced by UK-based Biome Bioplastics. This corn-based resin offers a natural alternative to conventional polymers such as PP, HDPE and ABS and produces naturally

Reverte Plastics Tel: +44 1785 817421 Email: inforequest@wellsplastics.com Web: www.reverteplastics.com

EPPM 29

GREEN ROOM ROUNDUP Biobased PLA Replacement for PS and PP in Demanding Applications Hot on the heels of Plast 2012 in Milan, where Purac demonstrated its PLA capabilities with disposable biobased coffee cups, EPPM contacted this Dutch Lactide producer to learn more about its vision of the future of bioplastics.

With 80 years of experience in Lactic Acid production for a broad range of industries, Purac has earned the reputation of a reliable, expert partner with a high quality, innovative product portfolio. Over the last decade, its R&D efforts have focused on the development of high quality Lactides for PLA (Poly Lactic Acid).

This has resulted in the launch of its Puralact product line, enabling PLA homopolymers with performance qualities to rival some of the most established and trusted plastics in use today.

PLA reaching increasingly high performance levels The performance properties of today’s commercially available PLA varies greatly, and for certain applications such as disposables, low heat applications and some forms of packaging, this was not a

critical hurdle. However, in order to offer biobased PLA as a viable option for durable or high heat applications, performance had to be improved and consistently reliable.

“While we were encouraged by the increased production of biobased disposables across the globe, we felt that it was time for brand owners and producers to recognise the value of biobased PLA in their durable applications”, said François de Bie, Marketing Director at Purac Bioplastics. “For example, automotive components, carpets, all types of demanding consumer and lifestyle products”.

According to Purac, the challenge was clear. “We needed to deliver a new level of PLA performance, which for us started

with the development of stereochemically pure L and D Lactide. The resulting PLA homopolymers were far more resistant to high temperatures and impact, which are both key requirements for durable applications”, explained François. It was this innovative achievement that Purac brought to Plast in Milan, where their biobased PLA coffee cup held boiling water without any form of distortion. “We have shown how biobased PLA can now be used in high heat applications, such as cups in hot drink vending machines for example. But more significantly, this technology allows PLA to be used in durable applications such as the dashboard in your car or your mobile phone housing”, François continued. “The possibilities are so broad that we envisage a future where we could all be surrounded by biobased PLA articles: from carpets and children’s toys, to sportswear and coffee machines”.

Proven sustainability Purac places sustainability at the core of its business strategy and is pleased with the biobased shift that influential NGOs, legislative change and consumer behavior are encouraging within the plastics industry. However, with the broad range of alternatives available, and the sometimes misleading and vague claims being publicised, it is not an easy feat to distinguish the truly sustainable bioplastic options from the greenwashing marketing stories.

Purac has a clear standpoint as far as the definition of a sustainable bioplastic is concerned: that it must be biobased (made from sustainable/renewable resources) and may be recyclable or compostable, depending on which end of life option is most effective at minimizing the environmental

EPPM 30

impact. For Purac, this rules out oxodegradable plastics, the majority of which are made from petrochemical raw materials which are by definition not sustainable. “A truly sustainable solution is one which is made of renewable raw materials which can then be recycled into new, equally valuable applications”, explained François. “This might sound pretty straightforward, but you’d be surprised at what is currently being labeled as ‘natural’ or ‘sustainable’ or ‘green’ these days. For instance, oxo-degradable materials do not return back to the basic CO2 and water building blocks, but they fragment into tiny pieces of plastic.

Although we may not be able to see them, these small pieces of plastic still pollute the environment and can even end up in our food chain.”

At Purac, this challenge is seen as an important contributor to the successful development of the bioplastics market as a whole. “It’s up to us to educate people on the sustainability of bioplastics today. In this regard, PLA is a truly sustainable choice, and we have the official certifications and scientific analyses on hand to back this up.” As part of their sustainable sourcing initiative, Purac is a member of Bonsucro and SEDEX. They are also actively involved in various fundamental research and development programs to develop cellulose-based, non-food raw materials into a sustainable feedstock for PLA. Future developments Purac are continuously exploring new application areas for high performance PLA and are in collaboration with a number of codevelopment partners.

Purac Bioplastics Tel: +31 183 695 695 Email: f.de.bie@purac.com Web: www.purac.com/bioplastics

GREEN ROOM ROUNDUP Biodegradables Claim to Offer More Sustainable Solution for Tree Planting Netherlands-based Natural Plastics has developed a new tree support system that is set to eradicate the practice of felling existing trees for use as wooden support stakes in order to plant new ones.

Natural Plastics’ keeper system uses Cradonyl, a renewable material based on a bio-resin produced by UK-based Biome Bioplastics. This corn-based resin offers a natural alternative to conventional polymers such as PP, HDPE and ABS and produces naturally opaque, strong and rigid plastics.

“The range and capability of bioplastic products is continually expanding, they are already in more places than you might imagine,” explained Paul Mines, CEO Biome Bioplastics. “In the next decade we will see bioplastics become part of our everyday lives.”

Natural Plastics’ Keeper System uses an underground set of bioplastic anchors and ropes, replacing the need for a wooden support stake. The components

are fully biodegradable and have been engineered to break down after five years when the maturing trees no longer need support. In addition, when the biopolymers break down they release nutrients into the soil.

The company states the new system is commercially sustainable, as it doesn’t need adjusting or removing as the tree matures and this lack of aftercare significantly reduces maintenance costs.

Thousands of stake-less trees have already been planted across Holland, Denmark, Germany, France and Norway using Natural Plastics’ innovative system.

The increasing popularity of bioplastic products is partly due to fluctuating oil prices and the crackdown from government legislation on the use of conventional plastics.

Cardia Bioplastics Launches Compostable Bubble Wrap

In addition to the production waste from the Müller Dairy, the catalyst for the original idea, UK dairy packaging recycler Boomerang has recently taken a batch of food contaminated yoghurt and cream pots from household collections. Using the same size–reduction and washing technology employed for the Müller Dairy project, Boomerang has produced recycled material which is being used in the production of garden furniture.

Mike Jordan, CEO of Summit Systems, who has taken a particular “hands on” interest in the formation of the Boomerang concept said: “Householders generally want to recycle and when they make an effort to sort their plastic they want to know it really is recycled. Our process is working well and research and continued development means the line is increasing the purity for more high value applications. From here we intend to work closer with the public, schools and other organisations to increase the awareness and recycling opportunity.”

Whilst providing excellent quality recycled material, Boomerang Plastics is a showcase for the recycling technologies available from Summit Systems’ Recycling Machinery division. Making full use of lessons learned during the set up of its own recycling line, the company is achieving a portfolio of equipment which is ideally suited to today’s recycling challenges. Already, a good many customers have benefited from visiting Boomerang Plastics to see how the size reduction, washing, drying and sorting machines have been utilised to support a viable business.

NextLife, the global leader of sustainable plastic resins, and 300 Recycling recently announced the forming of a strategic relationship utilising 300 Recycling’s collection expertise to expand accessibility to NextLife’s proprietary sustainable resin solutions. NextLife and 300 Recycling intend to expand collection and processing of plastic waste found throughout the United Kingdom effective immediately.

NextLife is a global leader in converting plastic waste into FDA and Health Canada approved sustainable resins. The company currently supplies sustainable resin to many global customers used in a variety of applications and industries. As part of the company’s strategic growth strategy, NextLife intends to utilise their own proprietary technology to produce and distribute globally the cleanest postconsumer resins manufactured.

This strategic partnership allows NextLife to process more material from around the world, extending NextLife offerings to the UK and Europe,” said Robert Dishman, EVP of Global Supply Chain for NextLife. “We plan to work together to create new product offerings and recycling opportunities in the United Kingdom.”

300 Recycling is a global market leader in all aspects of plastic recycling and niche recycling services. It utilises collection expertise to provide plastic recycling services that would not exist otherwise.

Cardia Bioplastics has announced the launch of its Compostable Bubble Wrap, extending the product range made from Cardia’s certified compostable resins into protective packaging.

Working closely with a European manufacturer of protective packaging, Cardia Bioplastics has developed the bubble wrap, and is launching it into the European market.

The bubble wrap is said to provide comparable protective packaging performance to traditional bubble wrap, with the added advantage of being made from certified compostable resin, thereby offering industrial composting as an alternative end of life option.

Bubble wrap is widely used in storage and transport to protect fragile and sensitive items. Its usage has significantly increased over the years, including within transport packaging for perishable items such as fruit, vegetable, plants and flowers.

Cardia states perishable items protected in transport by traditional bubble wrap will benefit from the use of its new compostable wrap. In the case of product spoilage, companies currently separate the perished goods from the traditional bubble wrap and dispose of the items in separate waste streams or discard the packaged product in general waste.

By using Cardia’s new product, companies are said to have the option to dispose both the perished item and the Compostable Bubble Wrap packaging without separating them in a green waste stream using industrial composting. This solution offers environmental benefits and systems cost savings.

Cardia states its compostable resins are proprietary high performance materials that deliver packaging products of excellent mechanical strength, outstanding elongation properties and toughness. They are independently certified biodegradable and compostable to Europe EN13432, USA ASTM D6400, Australia AS4736, and Japan Green Pla standards.

Boomerang Plastics Tel: +44 8455 195 998 Email: info@boomerangplastics.co.uk Web: www.boomerangplastics.co.uk

NextLife Tel: +1 561 245 2600 Email: info@nextlife.com Web: www.nextlife.com

Cardia Bioplastics Tel: +61 3 9562 0122 Email: info@cardiabioplastics.com Web: www.cardiabioplastics.com

Biome Bioplastics Tel: +44 2380 867100 Email: info@biomebioplastics.co.uk Web: www.biomebioplastics.com

Biodegradable Capsules Make for a Greener Coffee Italian Meseta Coffee, a member of the Co.Ind group brand, has launched a new range of biodegradable coffee capsules.

The Meseta Capsules System coffee capsules are said to provide taste, aroma, quality and food safety all in one biodegradable capsule as determined

by EN ISO 14855.

According to Meseta, it is the base polymer (polypropylene) of the traditional plastic structure that has been modified with the introduction of a special additive, ECM masterbatch pellets.

One % of the additive is added to the plastic capsule mix, which Meseta states

makes the plastic cup (and its lid) containing the coffee completely biodegradable while allowing it to maintain its functional characteristics (e.g. the Meseta coffee capsule has a shelf life of 18 months and during use the capsule must stand up to the passage of pressurised hot water for making the coffee). The biodegradation of the Meseta coffee capsule starts when it has been removed from the packaging and used.

Meseta Coffee Tel: +44 2380 867100 Email: info@biomebioplastics.co.uk Web: www.meseta.it

Another Throw for Boomerang Plastics

NextLife and 300 Recycling Announce Strategic Partnership to Enhance Global Recycling Efforts

EPPM 31

SHOW RECYCLING MACHINERY Three Companies Into One for Even Better Service Three of the leading companies in the UK for bulk materials handling and processing equipment have joined together to provide a bigger and better service for both existing and new clients.

Doncaster-based Clyde Process and Stroud-based Redler have both become part of the multinational Schenck Process group, whose UK base was previously located in Stockport. Now all three companies are under one roof at Doncaster’s Lakeside.

The thinking behind the move is simple, according to Managing Director Nick Jones: “All three companies are specialists in their fields,” said Nick, “and by bringing them together we’re now able to offer clients an unrivalled service, essentially creating a one-stop shop for process technologies to meet the needs of a wide range of industrial sectors.

“The merger means we can now supply products from nine different brands across the Schenck Process Group, allowing us to create bespoke packages which no other company can match. Put simply, we make processes work and can respond to the needs of all kinds of

businesses, from light industries such as food processing and pharmaceuticals to heavy industries such as cement and steel. And we’re increasingly working within the power industry as it shapes up to the challenge of the changing needs of the 21st century.”

The new organisation was keen to establish its base in South Yorkshire because of the level of engineering expertise within the area. Doncaster also offers great transport links and real potential for expansion because of the availability of land and a supportive approach to development.

“Doncaster was the obvious choice of the three locations for our new base,” said Nick, “as we have real aspirations to develop and expand in the future.

Having brought the companies together, our next steps include building a new factory and test house next year, so that we can further enhance our ability to test new products and processes and consolidate our services through effective research and development.

“With an R and D budget of more than £1 million each year in the UK alone, Schenck Process is firmly committed to the development of new products and services. Our customers’ needs are central to everything we do and that includes constantly working to find solutions to their challenges.”

An integral part of our policy of looking after projects from cradle to grave is our Aftersales operation which provides a

comprehensive spare parts and maintenance contract service from a dedicated UK based team.

“We provide critical plant to critical industries,” said Nick, “so an effective and responsive aftersales service is absolutely essential and that’s an area we invest heavily in to ensure our customers have the confidence that we’ll provide the back-up they need, when they need it.”

The company is going from strength to strength and is certainly bucking the recession with its turnover increasing from £26 million last year to a remarkable predicted turnover of over £45 million this year.

“The industries we supply to need to know that they can rely on their

SORTEX E1C offers WEEE and ELV competitive advantage Recovering plastics from electronic/electrical waste and scrap vehicles involves various methods. One of the key goals is to recover copper from plastics, which is known as ‘wire recovery’.

“Other companies combine sorters to recover wire, but our SORTEX E1C optical sorter can combine SORTEX InGaAs and PROfile technologies to offer an all-in-one solution,” said Faisal Baig, Product Manager. “PROfile (shape) technology recovers insulated wires, while our enhanced InGaAs technol-ogy recovers wire that isn’t insulated, as well as other metals.” This offers dual benefits, said Baig. “It increases the value of recycled metals because all the plastic has been removed, while increasing the value of plastics because all the metal has been removed. Plastic and metal processors demand pure fractions for efficient processing and maximising yield.”

Technology available elsewhere doesn’t offer an effective solution for identifying insulated wires and metal fractions according to Baig. “They might use colour sorting and other conventional methods, but they don’t use technology based on shape characteristics — we do. SORTEX has developed a new optical sorter — the SORTEX E1C — which incorporates our well-known and widely used InGaAs and PROfile (shape) technologies.”

PROfile (shape) technology identifies the insulated wires — regardless of colour — based on their shape characteristics.

“Enhanced InGaAs technology working with SWIR [short-wave infra-red) range ensures that metal is recovered with maximum efficiency,” Baig added. “The input of the optical sorter still con-tains 5-10% of copper wires and metals after other contaminants have been removed by using mag-netic and Eddy current separators.

“The cables and metals are ‘positively sorted’, which means they’re rejected from the input stream and in the second stage they are re-sorted to separate the metals from the insulated wires. This results in maximum recovery of cables and metals in their purest form.

The SORTEX E1C can provide a fantastic competitive advantage for those operating in the WEEE [waste electrical and electronic equipment] and ELV [end-of-life] sectors,” he concluded.

Bühler Group Tel: +44 20 7055 7791 Email: faisal.baig@buhlergroup.com Web: www.buhlergroup.com

EPPM 32

suppliers for quality and service, but they also want to see innovation and ideas, and that’s what we offer, especially now we have brought the three companies together in one location” said Nick. “And with access to markets all over the world, we can offer our customers the ideal combination – a UK-based company which understands their needs, combined with access to market leading services and products from across the world through our international base.”

Schenck Process UK Tel: +44 1302 321 313 Email: enquiries@schenckprocess.co.uk Web: www.schenckprocess.co.uk

WCASE New Coperion Machine for Regain Polymers Following ambitious growth plans announced earlier this year, REGAIN Polymers, one of the UK’s leading plastics recycling companies, has recently taken delivery of a new Coperion twin screw extruder, increasing its compounding target to 50,000 tonnes per annum.

Representing a significant investment by REGAIN Polymers, the state-of-the-art twin screw extruder will be complemented by Gala’s leading, underwater pelletising system. The downstream equipment is designed to produce excellent pellet quality and uniformity, as well as significantly reducing any potential pellet moisture, ensuring a better end product is produced.

Commenting on the new machinery, Mark Roberts, Technical Sales Director said: “Preliminary work was carried out, installing a new 1500kVA power supply and extending the extrusion hall to accommodate the new extrusion line.

The twin screw extruder went into full production as planned at the start of June, increasing our extrusion capacity by 40%.

“As our strategy for 2012 is one of growth, investing in this new technology

Metal Detector Protects Extrusion, Injection and Blow Moulding Machines

provides a significant move for REGAIN Polymers. Not only will the new machinery increase our volume output and our capacity to supply the market, it also ensures we are well placed to move the business forward and achieve our growth plans for 2012.”

Regain Polymers Tel: +44 1977 604080 Email: enquiries@regain polymers.com Web: www.regain polymers.com

Whether feedstock is recycled or virgin, there is always a danger that it might contain metallic contamination that can cause damage to extrusion, injection and blow moulding machinery. The new Protector-MF from S+S Inspection has been designed specifically to provide the highest level of protection by detecting the smallest particles of both magnetic and non-magnetic contamination. The patented reject mechanism removes contaminants with the minimum of loss of good material, even at high rates of throughput.

Because the detector is mounted directly above the material infeed point, the possibility of contamination of the feedstock after separation is eliminated.

Protector-MF provides ‘last chance’ protection that minimises machine downtime and damage to moulds, nozzles, filters and hot runners.

Sensitivity to detect metallic impurities as small as 0.5 mm is combined with the straight through flow design to eliminate choking, even with regranulated material, and high-speed separation combines minimum loss of good material with maximum productivity.

The Protector-MF, designed for slow moving columns of infeed material, is available to fit standard 70, 100,120 and 150 mm feed pipes. This complements the size ranges of the smaller Protector units and caters for higher infeed flows.

The robust, compact aluminium-block design allows heavy conveyor, mixing and dosing equipment to be fixed directly to the unit.

The high scanning sensitivity to all metallic materials, combined with high tolerance to vibration and electromagnetic interference, makes the compact design easy to fit in existing installations and where space is at a premium.

The reduction in maintenance costs and machine downtime achieved by reliable removal of metallic contamination ensures fast cost-recovery and, by protecting delivery schedules, maximises customer service and profitability.

S+S Inspection Limited Tel: +44 1489 553740 Email: info@sesotec.co.uk Web: www.sesotec.co.uk

www.eppm.com

eppm EPPM is taking entries for the Supplier of the Year Awards!

The categories are: • Blow Moulding • Film & Sheet Extrusion • Injection Moulding • Masterbatch, Additives & Compounds • Materials Distributors • Materials Handling • Pipe & Profile Extrusion • Process Control & Monitoring • Recycling Equipment • Robotics & Automation • Testing & Inspection

To nominate your company, email david.g@rapidnews.com The winners of the EPPM 2012 Supplier of the Year Awards will be announced in the final issue of the year.

EPPM 33

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

EPPM CLASSIFIEDS PROCESSING EQUIPMENT

Company

Page

Ayed Nabil

13

Abbey Masterbatch

TWIN SCREW EXTRUSION SYSTEM

24, 35

ACS/Cumberland

33

American Kuhne

16

Amut/Renmar

9, 34

Bausano

2, 34

Birmingham Granulators

34

Blow Moulding Machinery

34

Boussey Control Europe

34

CJP

12

DB Automation

34

Elasto

20

EPPM

33

Equipnet

35

Ferromatik

28

Gala

25

Herbold

34

ICS

14

Instron

11

Jenco

18

Krauss Maffei

1

Lanxess

7

Maschinenhandel Borowski

35

Mediplas

27

Messe Frankfurt

36

Plastico Trading

34

Plastic Technologies

35

Ray-Ran

10

Rawmec

35

Stäubli

9

Kentya K/TC 60-22 (30kw) Technoplast KT8000-1 Technoplast RZ30-SA-1 Technoplast RZ30-SA-1 Technoplast 8m

Extruder : Table: Haul-off: Saw: Tiptable:

Unused machinery – all offers considered View in storage in Frodsham, Cheshire Tel: 01928 734724 Email: sales@herbold.co.uk

RE-PROCESSING EQUIPMENT Cont’d

Granulators – Shredders – Pulverisers New and second hand systems bought and sold Spares for all machines blowers – cyclones – pipework – conveyors blades – screens Contact: Dick Monkhouse Tel: 01928 734724 Email: sales@herbold.cu.uk

Blow Moulding Machinery Ltd All makes in stock • • • •

Bekum Kautex Battenfeld Magic Automa Others 1/2 ltr - 1000 ltr P.E.T. Lines

STOCK LIST Many machines 1/2-1-2-3-ltr from £4000 Blow moulds 10ml-220ltr over 300 toy moulds Spares, Heads, Screws, Barrels FOR SERVICE - REBUILDS - BREAKDOWNS BD REPAIRS LTD TEL: +44 (0)1767 318910 • FAX: +44 (0)1767 600097 www.blowmachine.com CHILLERS - GRANULATORS - COMPRESSORS MANY INJECTION MACHINES

To Advertise Here...

Contact Caroline Plant Tel: +44 (0) 1829 770037 Email: caroline@rapidnews.com

eppm

ANCILLARIES, AUTOMATION & TESTING EQUIPMENT

For further information: T: +44 (0) 1789 206600 F: +44 (0) 1789 206651 E: sales@enquires.co.uk

Renmar Ltd Tel: +44 844 6933225 Email: info@renmarltd.com Web: www.renmarltd.com

Or scan the QR code below:

RE-PROCESSING EQUIPMENT www.tappex.co.uk

Summit Systems

26, 34

Granulators Shredders Pulverisers Blowers-cyclones All spares Contact: Dick Monkhouse Tel: 01928 734724 Email: sales@zerma.co.uk

Tappex

34

TCT Live

24

Timberline Machinery

35

Tinius Olsen

19

Trans XL

35

Unicor

17

Vinyl GB

35

Windmöller & Hölscher

8

Zerma

34

Summit Recycling

Zumbach

10

Tel: +44 1827 265 800 Email: webinfo@summitsystems.co.uk Web: www.summitsystems.co.uk

EPPM 34

To advertise here please contact Caroline Plant: Tel: +44 (0)1829 770037 Email: caroline@rapidnews.com USED MACHINERY

MATERIALS

RAWMEC (EEC) Ltd

Manufacturing Equipment

International suppliers of machines to the Plastics, Packaging & Printing Industry, Consultants and Valuers.

41 years of Service • Vacuum Forming • Blowmoulding

• Thermoforming • Injection Moulding • Granulation

• Sheet Extrusion Lines • Recycling Lines

Machinery required for stock!!

Blowmoulding & Vacuum Forming machines 1997 EDL Vac forming machine - forming area 1010mm x 630mm, very good condition shear line super roller cutter - 1050mm wdith Kautex KEB 3, 4 & 5 Bekum BA 5 & 10 Battenfeld 80-20D - Type BFB 8-30, year 1988, Machine No: 4709, 80mm Extruder 20D, Moog 25 point programming, 45KW Main Drive, Acc- Head BFK5.4.K, Material Feed to hopper from material bin mixing virgin and regrind, Safety Guarding, 5 Years work only, Max container size 60 Litre

BUY

SELL

MANAGE

Find what you need, sell what you don’t, and manage what you have.

EquipNet has been providing asset management sales and solutions to leading corporations in the plastics and chemical industries for more than 12 years. The EquipNet.com MarketPlace is the world’s largest online venue for buying and selling pre-owned manufacturing equipment.

www.EquipNet.com/EPPM Sales@EquipNet.com • Tel: +44.118.901.6161

OTHER www.timberlinemachinery.com

All sizes of Granulators, Shredders and Recycling Lines Condux Pulveriser – Model CH2M8-N, 75HP Drive Hyma GMP 50 EPS Foam Recycling line Cumberland 5/84, 500x350mm, 15kw Cumberland 4/84, 400x350mm, 11kw Farrel Extrusion Line - As New FTX80 Twin screw extrusion line - complete with Maguire material mixing unit with brabender screw feed Anfu extrusion line to produce plastic Inter locking boards

Tel: 0044 (0)1992 471796

Email: rawmec@btconnect.com

n n n Web: www.rawmec.com

Injection Moulders Blow Moulders Extruders

n We Buy Complete Plants n 100 machines in stock

Call Ed Makepeace n Tel: 603-889-7233 (USA) n Fax: 603-889-7300 n tmi@timberlinemachinery.com n www.timberlinemachinery.com

Maschinenhandel Borowski Used plastic processing machines Injection moulding, blow moulding and accessories Tel. 0049-2173-8950790 Fax 8950799 www.mhborowski.de info@mhborowski.de

Over 35 Years of Service

Complete flake PET recycling sheet line; IRD+ Whitlock Dryer, 1220mm Cincinnati Mega sheet line with winder, 2002/2004, 200-800micron upto 500kg/hr.

1040mm wide Welex coextrusion sheet line, comprising 90mm and 63mm extruders, 1000mm wide die, 1040mm x 600mm stack, pumps, haul off, winder.

Tel: +44 (0) 1793 827666 Fax: +44 (0) 1793 823826

1650mm wide Welex coextrusion sheet line with 115mm & 63mm extruders, melt pump, 1650mm die head. 0-2.5mm lips. Polishing stack, haul off, stacker. 1990.

70mm Battenfeld-kuhne Extruder, Electrically Heated Air Cooled 5 Zone, Plug Vented Barrel. Screen Changer.

SHEET LINES

1650mm Cincinnati/ Welex Sheet line runs recycled PET sheet 200-800microns up to 500kg/hr; Dryer, 120mm Extruder,g/ pump,die, 3 roll stack hauloff winder 1991.

2400mm Kuhne/Reifenhauser co-ex Sheet line 2000mm Omipa co-ex sheet line.

1650mm Welex Co-extrusion line 1500mm Bandera 3 roll stack 1450mm Welex/Repiquet sheet line 1400mm Welex /Kaufman sheet line.

1220mm Cincinnati sheet line 1200mm Battenfeld coextrusion sheet line.

1040mm Welex Coex sheet line.

1040mm Welex 3 roll stack 1000mm Esde 3 roll Stack 1000mm OMV co ex sheet line

1040mm wide Welex sheet extrusion line: 90mm Welex extruder with gear pump, die head, 1040mm wide Welex 3 roll polishing stack, haul off and winder.

1650mm Welex extrusion line, 90+50mm Welex extruders, Gear pump, 1500mm die, 1650mm 3 roll vertical stack, pump group, haul off, Guillotine or winder.

500mm wide Illig RDM 50/3 lid thermoformer, Double heaters, Motor Indexing. Auto Rail Spreading, Counter/ Stacker, 1982 very good condition.

1200mm wide Breyer Egan sheet extrusion line. Gravimetric feed, 150mm Egan extruder, 1150mm die, 1200mm Breyer 3 roll stack (1996) haul off, winder.

1000mm x 600mm Dreher granulator model S60/100GES. 75kw AC motor, Metal detector, starter, Fan extraction with cyclone.

GRANULATORS 500mm Zerma model GSH-500/600 760mm Priory Skeletal Waste 900mm Cumberland Model 4590 1000mm Dreher granulator S60/100GES.

25mm Werner and Pfleiderer twin screw Masterbatch line model ZSK 025 WLE. With water bath and pelletiser. 2000.

650mm Battenfeld/Kuhne OMV sheet line, 70mm Battenfeld Kuhne B70 EK extruder, 650mm wide 3 roll OMV stack and Haul off. Winder.

THERMOFORMING 1016mm (40”x 60”) Lyle thermoformer 605mm Kiefel KL2 SH Thermoformer, 540mm Kiefel KL2EH vacuum former 530mm Illig Rv53 former 500mm Illig RDM 50/3 Lid Thermoformer 6 colour Omso DM144 lid priner Van Dam 580 8 colour rectangular tub printer

Email: sales@transxl.co.uk Web: www.transxl.co.uk

EXTRUDERS 115mm Hartig Extruder, 30d 90mm Welex single screw extruder 90mm John Brown Egan single screw extruder 80mm Reifenhauser RH1101-1-80-33V, 70mm Battenfeld-kuhne Extruder 60mm Alpha Cincinnati coextruder 55mm Fare single screw extruder 30D 50mm Welex co extruder. 25:1 l/d ratio.

45mm Kuhne model K45E 30D

1000mm Wide Omv Coextrusion Sheet Line.

120mm Omv Extruder, 60mm Coextruder, Melt Pump, 1000mm X 500mm Roll Stack, Haul Off, Winder.

DIES 80mm Reifenhauser Extruder model RH1101-1-80-33V, 2002, Willman screen changer, Gear pump, Thyrister panel.

900mm wide Egan/Henschel sheet line.

90mm John Brown Egan single screw extruder, 3 x 900mm Henschel polishing stack, haul off, winder.

45mm Kuhne single screw extruder model K45E 30D plugged vented. 20-204 rpm. 24kw dc motor.

1000mm Wide Esde FL 1000 3 Roll Sheet Downstream. 350mm dia rolls. Pneumatic top nip. Individual driven rolls. 1998.

2700mm Simplas Heavy Duty Thick Sheet Die 500mm Masterflex flex lip cast film die 1987 980mm EDI model Ultraflex HR75 915mm EDI flex lip sheet die

6 Colour Omso DM 144 lid printer. UV curing.

Up to 8000 lids per hour. In feed, and stacker.

Maximum lid height - 25mm. 1997.

Climaventa chiller model WRAT 1302/B. 331kw capacity, dual circuit. Was running 2 sheet extrusion lines.

900 X 450mm Cumberland Model 4590.

Soundproofed Granulator, Nip Roll Infeed 1997.

TRANSXL INTERNATIONAL THORNHILL SOUTH MARSTON SWINDON WILTSHIRE SN3 4TA ENGLAND MORE MACHINERY, MORE PHOTOS ON THE WEB: www.transxl.co.uk

EPPM 35