EPPM 16.7

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October 2014 Volume 16 | Issue 07

YOUR FREE CHOICE IN ROBOTS One complete and integrated line of robots, specially developed for plastic moulding, driven by a family of simple yet powerful controls and fully compatible with all injection-moulding machines.

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3-axis robots 5-axis robots 6-axis robots One universal control platform

Cover Story | Page 10

Hall A1 Stand 1203

www.sepro-robotique.com/uk Sepro Group Tel: +33 2 51 45 47 00 sepro@seprogroup.com

years | tie-bar-less

Visit ENGEL at Fakuma 2014 Hall A5 | Stand 5204

See The Possibilities Only those who have a clear view can see new ways. That’s why we at ENGEL are always open to new ideas. We welcome inventive thinking in the plastics industry – in the shape of injection moulding technology that gives your imagination free rein. It’s been 25 years since the launch of the ENGEL victory, the injection moulding machine with the revolutionary tie-bar-less design that allows limitless innovation. Free yourself from the conventional, and do the impossible.

Visit our website for more information on tie-bar-less projects.

www.engelglobal.com

4809.40 ENG ANZ EPPM holmlos MH 240x340 en 140917.indd 1

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Volume 16 Issue 7

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in this issue

head office Carlton House, Sandpiper Way, Chester Business Park, Chester, CH4 9QE. Tel. +44 (0) 1244 680222

Pg 5 INDUSTRY NEWS

Pg 32 EUROMOLD

Plastics industry news that caught our eye.

Looking ahead to EuroMold, we give away a little more about this major Frankfurt showcase.

Pg 8 MACHINERY NEWS The latest machinery news to make the industry headlines.

Pg 10 COVER STORY: SEPRO ROBOTIQUE Scott Kendrick, Product Project Manager at Sepro Robotique, delves into multi-axis robots and their potential for injection moulding

Pg 13 MATERIALS HANDLING In our special machinery feature, we explore materials handling with the Tube & Bracket Co., Maguire and Motan Colortronic.

Pg 18 COMPOUNDING LINES & EQUIPMENT

Fax. +44 (0) 1244 671074 Web: www.eppm.com C.E.O/publisher mark blezard C.O.O duncan wood

editorial editor rose brooke rose.brooke@rapidnews.com

Pg 33 PURGING COMPOUNDS

production

Dyna-Purge gets technical in our materials feature, which explores purging compounds.

art robert wood production tracey roberts

advertising advertising manager

Pg 40 CAPS & CLOSURES

lucinda nicholls tel: +44 (0) 1244 680222

Our applications focus looks at the vast spectrum of the caps and closures market.

lucinda.nicholls@rapidnews.com

subscriptions subscriptions@rapidnews.com

Pg 44 TPES NEWS

qualifying readers europe - free, ROW - £115

The latest TPEs news, with stories from Sierra Resins, PolyOne and Stratasys.

outside qualifying criteria UK - £80, ROW - £115 please subscribe online at www.eppm.com

Pg 49 EUREKA Is fluorescent fingerprinting the key to efficient recycling?

Our machinery spotlight explores compounding lines and equipment and the growth of this industry segment.

Address changes should be emailed to subscriptions@rapidnews.com.

European Plastic Product Manufacturer is published by Rapid Plastics Media Ltd. Each issue is distributed in print and digital format to 17,845 buyers and specifiers in the European plastic processing industry. © June 2014.

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.

Pg 21 FAKUMA PREVIEW Our on-site Fakuma issue is packed with interviews, announcements and a show map.

Enjoy our comprehensive guide.

BPA Worldwide Membership

CLAssiFieDs

page 51

ISSN No - 2052-3912

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From The Editor Guten tag und willkommen am der Fakuma ausgabe von EPPM. I am delighted to welcome all of our readers, whether long-time subscribers or those who have picked up an issue in passing at Fakuma, and everybody in between, to our dedicated on-site issue, which is packed with announcements from the exhibitors in Friedrichshafen, in addition to our special centrefold which features a map of the vast event to help visitors navigate the cavernous halls of the Internationale Fachmesse für Kunststoffverarbeitung.

The fact is, whether you are a long-time subscriber or you did indeed select this copy of EPPM on impulse, you are reading; and I would encourage you to continue doing so because there are so many great features and focuses in our October edition, not least our cover story from Sepro Robotique, which wipes the blackboard clean and sets out the new and efficient options available for utilising robotics in injection moulding.

Read on and explore what some of the biggest names in European plastics have up their sleeves for Fakuma, including an interview the VDMA Plastics and Rubber Machinery Association has published quizzing Dr Thomas Walther, Head of Applications Technology at Arburg, on functional integration.

Dyna-Purge lifts the lid on purging compounds in our materials focus and we gauge the temperature across the industry in our spotlight on materials handling as to what’s new and what’s going to help plastics processors up their efficiency gains. Caps and closures get their own dedicated applications showcase in this issue as well, as does the broad topic of compounding, while we round the issue off with some food for thought in our Eureka story, which investigates the potential fluorescent ‘fingerprints’ have for revolutionising the plastics recycling process.

Along with the rest of the EPPM team, I am looking forward to meeting as many of Fakuma’s Class of 2014 as possible - whether you are an exhibitor or a visitor - feel free to say hello. You can keep track of the latest show news via the EPPM website, our Twitter feed and our daily Fakuma newsletters.

Until then - tschüss!

Rose Brooke, Editor

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Bayer to f loat MaterialScience The secret is out, Bayer has announced it is to float its MaterialScience business in order to focus on its Life Science business, thereby forming Europe’s fourth-largest chemical company.

Words | Rose Brooke

In what has been dubbed the ‘worst kept secret in plastics’, on September 18th 2014 Bayer confirmed what the rumour mill had been pedalling for months - that it is floating its MaterialScience division.

The Leverkusen-based business said it will float its MaterialScience division - a world leader in plastics research and development - in order to focus its efforts entirely on its life sciences divisions, HealthCare and CropScience, positioning Bayer as a global human, animal and plant health powerhouse.

The company’s Supervisory Board unanimously approved the plans put forward by the Board of Directors to float MaterialScience on the stock market as a separate entity by 2016.

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We firmly believe that MaterialScience will use its separate status to deploy its existing strength

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are forecast to remain stable over the coming years both in Germany and overseas.

In recent years, Bayer’s focus has shifted towards its Life Sciences business with the successful introduction of novel pharmaceutical products, the pending acquisition of the overthe-counter products business Merck & Co. in the US, and the successful evolution of CropScience. The company’s aim is to continue this positive evolution in life sciences to further investment in growth. Therefore, the Board of Management has opted to focus on these areas, with Life Sciences currently accounting for some 70 per cent of Bayer’s sales and 88 per cent of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation.

MaterialScience is planned to float on the stock market as a separate company in the coming 12-to-18 months and a major factor behind the decision is to give MaterialScience direct access to capital for its future development. This access can no longer be ensured within the Bayer Group due to “substantial investment” needs for Life Science. Moreover, as a separate entity, MaterialScience can line up its organisational and process structures and corporate culture entirely toward its own industrial environment and business model.

CEO Dr Marijn Dekkers said: “Our intention is to create two top global corporations: Bayer as a world-class innovation company in the Life Science businesses, and MaterialScience as a leading player in polymers.”

Dekkers stated: “We firmly believe that MaterialScience will use its separate status to deploy its existing strength even more rapidly, effectively and flexibly in the global competitive arena.”

Dekkers added that both Bayer’s MaterialScience and Life Science businesses are in a good position for the future, while employment levels

The entities of the future Bayer Group had pro forma sales of around €29 billion (£22.8 billion, $37.3 billion). The organisation is set to comprise

of nearly 99,000 personnel, including 29,500 in Germany. After MaterialScience has floated, Bayer’s headquarters will remain in Leverkusen.

Dekkers was positive about what this change will mean for the future of MaterialScience, describing the business as “very well positioned” thanks to the ongoing investment the company has benefited from, even during times of financial difficulty. Indeed, between 2009 and 2013, Bayer invested a total of more than €3.8 billion for property, plant and equipment, and research and development for its MaterialScience operation.

Following the intended floatation, MaterialScience will be Europe’s fourth-largest chemical company with global sales in 2013 of more than €11 billion.

The new company is planned to have a global workforce of roughly 16,800, including about 6,500 in Germany. It will have a new name and a separate identity and be headquartered in Leverkusen.

OCTOBER 2014 • WWW.EPPM.COM • 5

INDUSTRY NEWS

Excelsior and Adventure Orb join forces for tough luggage Excelsior and Adventure Orb have worked together on an all-weathers, all-environments durable, waterproof luggage product.

Excelsior Roto Moulding has teamed up with an innovative outdoor company to create super-tough luggage that can withstand extreme conditions.

The British rotational moulding firm has put its head together with Adventure Orb Designs to create the Tough Box (TBX), with the first batch of TBXs rolling off the production line in spring of this year.

Excelsior supported Adventure Orb with the design and manufacture of the main body of the waterproof, corrosion-resistant, shatterproof and maneuverable piece of kit.

The TBX as a luggage piece is unique, comprising a single piece composition of its roto-moulded polyethylene main body which, in the absence of joints is waterproof and buoyant.

Excelsior was awarded the deal to work alongside Adventure Orb, because the outdoor company wanted a partner that could both contribute to the design of the product and undertake its production. Excelsior is one of the few companies in the roto-moulding sector with an in-house CAD design facility, allowing the TBX teams at both companies to develop the concept into a valid design using virtual 3D modeling technology.

Giles Fielding, Managing Director at Excelsior, said: “This was a tremendously engaging project for Excelsior, where we relish a challenge. It was particularly gratifying to be able to handle the job in-house, from concept to production, and of course this meant that we were able to do the work efficiently and cost-effectively.”

Adventure Orb Managing Director Ben Sherwood added: “Another of Excelsior’s main advantages was its attitude: it shared my passion for innovation and the team was never short of ideas. Its 40-year rotomoulding heritage and family ownership was also immediately apparent, not only in the skill that the firm brought to the job, but also in its pride and passion.”

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S&S Plastics: Injection moulding business celebrates 25 years S&S Plastics, the injection moulding specialist, is celebrating 25 years in the industry - and this Nottinghamshire business has big plans.

S&S Plastics is celebrating its 25th year in the injection moulding business, with the company’s Managing Director claiming its ability to provide a full turnkey solution - from concept to design is the key to its ongoing success.

The Nottinghamshire-based business was established in 1989 and offers tool design, in-house tool manufacture, injection moulding, and a variety of second operations, giving customers a complete package of services.

“We take a problem and we come up with a solution,” MD Richard Munyard said. “Whether this is to do with component design, material specification or second operation, we work closely with our customers to offer what they need.”

Munyard added: “This gives us a huge wealth of experience and knowledge for different products and we process a variety of engineering polymers such as PVC, GF nylons, polypropylene, acetals, TPE, ABS to name a few.

“Over the years we have built strong relationships with some customers, which gives us the opportunity to understand their business and offer solutions and advice that perfectly match their requirements.”

One example was winning the contract to supply engineering and technology services company Siemens, which has awarded S&S Plastics ‘Top 5 Supplier’ status.

The MD also puts the company’s success down to its experienced staff. S&S Plastics offers in-house NVQ training and Munyard is a firm believer in apprenticeship schemes; which three employees are currently following. The business has also increased staffing levels in the last nine months from 43 people to 65, and the company shows no signs of slowing down.

“We expect to grow by up to 20 per cent this year,” said Munyard.

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S&S Plastics supplies 35 different industries including electrical, medical, window extruders, electronics, agriculture, and the MOD.

HEAT HERO ENERGIZED BY When things start heating up, you need to keep your cool. As modern engines get ever more compact and powerful, they get hotter too. With Durethan XTS you are justifiably putting your faith in high-performance materials that remain composed even in extreme situations thanks to their extraordinary heat stability. Find out more about the excellent performance of our new XTS grades by visiting www.durethan.com

OCTOBER 2014 • WWW.EPPM.COM • 7

MACHINERY NEWS

AMUT supplies largest bottle-to-bottle recycling plant in Latin America AMUT has supplied the largest bottle-to-bottle recycling plant in Latin America with a PET wash plant.

AMUT has installed a PET wash plant at the largest bottle-to-bottle recycling facility in Latin America.

Enrique Peña Nieto, President of Mexico, along with the Board of Directors of Petstar and Coca-Cola Management participated in the opening ceremony for the plant held at Petstar premises at Toluca, Mexico in July.

The PET wash plant was demonstrated to the numerous guests at the event, including top-level managers in the PET recycling industry.

The plant has driven a change in Mexico’s waste management sector by converting the post-consumer bottles into usable and valuable manufacturing input. The non-biodegradable nature of PET bottles has caused excessive waste disposal problems throughout Mexico but now they are granted a second life. Moreover, the consumption of virgin PET in bottle production is consequently reduced.

The AMUT plant includes bottle pre-washing, detection, grinding, washing, drying and final flakes detection in one system.

AMUT patented washing systems grant the complete removal of impurities with a substantial saving of water and chemicals.

The patented Friction Washer, connected with a water-flow recirculation and filtering system, removes any type of polluting material from the PET flakes.

The AMUT system is a continuous process, not based on batches, where washing process, water temperature, friction level and resident time are automatically controlled and monitored.

The supplying of this plant is part of a social responsibility programme to eradicate child labour: a reimbursement is provided to those families who collect waste bottles giving them the possibility to send their children to school.

This plant represents a great success for AMUT, as it is the second system the company has supplied to Petstar, which aims to double its existing capacity and grow its reputation as a leading recycler.

This line completes Phase 2 of Petstar, owned by Coca-Cola and other Mexican investors, that today represents the largest bottle-to-bottle recycling plant in Latin America with an hourly net capacity of over 6,000 kg/h, handling 1.5 billion PET bottles annually.

The AMUT PET bottles recycling system is designed to convert postconsumer PET bottles into flakes suitable to be processed by a Solid-State Polycondensation system. The flakes produced have a top purity quality and are suitable for bottle-to-bottle application.

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KraussMaffei expands all-electric injection moulding AX Series portfolio KraussMaffei has announced the expansion of its portfolio in the all-electric injection moulding machine segment of the AX series, with the new products set to debut at Fakuma.

KraussMaffei is expanding its all-electric injection moulding AX Series product portfolio with two new sizes in the clamping range of 4,500 and 5,500 kN. The further addition of three new machine models for the hydro-mechanical twin-platen injection moulding machine in the GX series increases brand presence in the area of multi-component injection moulding.

With these additions, KraussMaffei increases its comprehensive and high-performance product portfolio in the mid-size machine segment between 4,000 and 9,000 kN. Marketing of the new products is expected to begin at this autumn’s Fakuma.

Dr Hans Ulrich Golz, President of the Injection Molding Machinery segment of the KraussMaffei Group, said: “Our customers are increasingly asking for highperformance, energy-efficient and simultaneously space-

saving solutions. With this in mind we are working continuously on the expansion and continued development of our broad portfolio of all-electric, hydraulic and hybrid injection moulding machines.”

“With five series and more than 50 different base machine models, we offer our customers applicationspecific solutions for every production challenge.

With this diversity we are an industry leading system supplier,” he continued.

With the new sizes of the AX series, together with the new GX variants, the company is setting the standard in energy-efficient, allelectric injection moulding machines in the mid-size machine segment and in multi-component technology.

Sumitomo launches limited edition trade moulding range To celebrate 40 years, Sumitomo Demag is launching its Blue Edition of competitively priced machines for trade moulders - for a limited time only.

For the last 40 years, Sumitomo Demag has shaped the injection moulding landscape, innovating and developing technology with a resolute focus on boosting efficiency.

This autumn, to celebrate this milestone anniversary, Sumitomo unveils the Blue Edition; a unique range of competitively priced machines for trade moulders who want more features for their money, coupled with a faster return on investment.

Available for just four months only, the Blue Edition collection gives small and medium-sized trade and technical trade moulders the opportunity to upgrade to a top-level, fully integrated variant of Sumitomo’s hydraulic machine. Prices start from just £27,500 00 (€34,500) and this special offer applies to Blue Edition orders placed before December 31st 2014.

With different sized machines, including 50, 100, 120 and 160 tonne, the Blue Edition range offers customers the highest level of hydraulic machine efficiency. What’s more, this variant includes additional specifications to further enhance and optimise productivity, over and above the standard product strengths.

Included in the specification are bi-metallic plasticising units for processing engineered and

filled polymers, which are particularly useful when using abrasive materials. All machines are fitted with an insulated barrel jacket and servo pump, designed to reduce energy consumption.

For added assurance, the high-end Blue Edition range comes with a full two year parts and labour warranty. Bespoke payment terms can be arranged on request.

Explaining the rationale behind marking Sumitomo’s 40th anniversary with this special edition range, Darren Herron, Commercial Sales Manager stated: “Our hydraulic machine range still remains a popular choice among our clients for both technical and general purpose moulding.

As well as Sumitomo Demag’s name being synonymous with innovation, we’re also great advocates of helping small and medium-sized manufacturers to continue thriving in today’s fastmoving plastics industry.”

“Although outlay can be perceived as a financial barrier for some SMEs, the Blue Edition shows that there are economically viable options,” added Sumitomo’s Managing Director Nigel Flowers. “Regardless of what sector our customers operate in they will benefit from this special offer.” As birthday celebrations go, this one is not to be missed!

OCTOBER 2014 • WWW.EPPM.COM • 9

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MACHINERY NEWS: YOU R IN RO FREE CHO ICE BOTS COVER STORY October 2014

One comp lete and driven by integra ted line a family of robo of simple all injec ts, spec tion-mold yet powe ially deve ing mach rful contr loped for ines. ols and plastic fully comp molding atible wit , h • 3-axis robots • 5-axis robots • 6-axis robots • One un iversal control platform

Cover

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www.s ep Sepro Gro ro-robotiqu e.com /uk Tel: +33 up 2 51 45 sepro@ Volum47 00 seprog 16 roup.ceom | Issue 07

Adding a servo-driven wrist this to an otherwise conventional 3-axis robot allows it to perform many of the complex tasks historically assigned to 6-axis articulated arm units.

New options in multi-axis robots for plastics injection moulding Words | Scott Kendrick, Product Project Manager, Sepro Robotique

W

hen considering the purchase of an automobile, a buyer might question the advantages of four-wheel drive versus two-wheel drive, or whether one model has more legroom than another.

The buyer is not so much asking if one car is better than another but rather trying to determine which car is easier to handle in ice and snow or which will be more comfortable for a tall person to drive.

It’s the same when an injection moulder asks about different robot configurations. With so many choices available to moulders today, it is important to understand the pros and cons of each design.

Robots for injection moulders The 3-axis Cartesian beam robot (sometimes called a gantry robot) is the workhorse of injection-moulding automation. Cartesian robots get their name from the French philosopher and mathematician René Descartes,

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who used three basic X, Y and Z axes to define space. If you need a robot simply to remove a part from the moulding machine so as to allow rapid, repeatable cycling, a 3-axis robot is probably all you need.

At the other end of the spectrum, 6-axis articulated robots have an arm that is similar, in many ways, to the human arm. It can rotate around its base like the human limb rotates around the shoulder. It can bend in the middle like a human elbow and it has a wrist that can rotate and move the hand in an upand-down arc. Thus, an articulated-arm robot can grip an object at almost any angle and at almost any point within its reach.

Some of the same motions have been built into the wrist of 3-axis robots by using pneumatic actuation to move the wrist from 0° to 90° or 0° to 180° without any intermediate stops. Depending on how much additional automation is built into a moulding cell, the addition of pneumatic wrist rotations can allow simple 3-axis robots to be part of automated systems that are quite complex.

5-axis servo robots In October 2012, Sepro introduced its 5X Line of robots with 5 servo-driven axes of motion. It offers many of the same parts-handling capabilities as a 6-axis articulated arm robot, but does so in a configuration that will be very familiar to anyone who has used 3-axis robots.

The secret is in the servo-driven wrist. Under pneumatic power, a valve opens to allow air pressure to move the wrist, which will continue to move until it reaches a hard stop that shuts the valve and cuts power. A servo motor, on the other hand, has a positional encoder that recognises exactly where the drive shaft is at any moment. The system control is then able to integrate positional signals from all of the servo motors on all 5 axes so it knows exactly where the gripper and part are in space at all times. This allows the robot to complete very complicated motions very precisely and with perfect repeatability.

If you have a complex part that cannot be ejected from the core in a straight line, or if you have limited space between mould halves or tie bars, it may be necessary to rotate a part before it can be lifted out of the machine.

The servo wrist is able to make those multi-axis movements in the same way that the human hand and wrist would do it, but with much greater speed and precision.

The 3-axis Cartesian robot, like this Sepro Success 22 unit, is the workhorse of injectionmoulding automation.

Once the part is out of the mould, it may be necessary to perform secondary operations like glue application and assembly or edge-flaming to remove flash. Without releasing the part, the 5-axis robot can move it with precision past a stationary flame source or glue head.

This is far more efficient than having a human operator perform these functions or placing the part in a fixture so that some other piece of automation can execute the secondary operations.

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An articulated-arm robot can grip an object at almost any angle and at almost any point within its reach

Thus, 5-axis robots can perform many of the complex part-manipulation tasks historically assigned to 6-axis articulated arm units.

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Sepro 5X Line 5-axis robots can perform many of the same operations as a 6-axis unit in a familiar Cartesian configuration.

>> Continued on page 12

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MACHINERY NEWS: COVER STORY 6-axis articulated-arm robots One of major concerns about using articulated-arm robots in injection moulding has always been the complexity of their programming and control systems. Even straight-line movement of an articulated-arm robot requires coordination of several different articulated joints. Some moulders feel they need specially trained personnel to handle the programming and maintenance of these robots. That changed a year ago when - at the same time it introduced the 5X Line of Cartesian robots - Sepro also introduced a 6X Line of articulated arm units adapted to use the same control systems as its Cartesian robots.

Injection moulders today will find 6-axis robots much easier to program and can now evaluate Cartesian and articulated-arm configurations solely on the basis of which suits their application best.

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The speed of articulated-arm robots has increased in recent years, but beam robots are generally regarded as being faster

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An articulated-arm robot like this Sepro 6X-90L unit can grip an object at almost any angle and at almost any point within its reach.

Pros and cons Cartesian robots are restricted to movement in line with or perpendicular to the moulding machine. A longer beam can add side reach or, when they are installed in an axial configuration (with the long X-axis beam extending along the top of the machine), they can unload parts at the end of the moulding machine, optimising the use of floor space.

Cartesian robots are normally mounted on top of the fixed platen.

Consequently, they cannot reach forward to the injection end of the machine. A 6-axis robot, on the other hand, is usually floor-mounted and enters the mould area from the side rather than the top. Consequently, they may be the only automation solution for plants with limited overhead space.

Side-entry articulated arm units also may be better for vertical-clamp insert moulding because their movement is not limited by the vertical clamp and they can easily reach multiple stations on the rotary tables often found on those machines.

Advantages, however, can become limitations in different circumstances.

Floor-mounting is good when ceiling heights are low, but problematic when space around the machine is limited. Side-entry usually limits 6-axis robots to the back of the machine, where they will not interfere with access to the operator control panel. The speed of articulated-arm robots has increased in recent years, but beam robots are generally regarded as being faster at moving into and out of the mould space to retrieve parts.

Lastly, there is the issue of cost. As a general rule, a Cartesian robot – even with the addition of the servo-driven wrist– is going to be about 30 per cent less costly than an articulated-arm unit.

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None of these factors should be taken to mean that one configuration is better or worse than the other. It really depends on the unique conditions that exist in each moulding plant and apply to specific applications. Thanks to new technology from Sepro, its partners and other suppliers, injection moulders today have more choice than ever when it comes to automating their process. More choice, however, also adds complexity to the process of deciding what features and capabilities are required. So, just as you would enlist the help of a knowledgeable and reputable dealer to assist in the purchase of a car, it is important to seek the informed counsel of a reliable supplier for help in selecting which robot is right for you.

To see 3-, 5- and 6-axis robots in action, plus controls and other automation technology, visit Sepro in Hall 1A, Stand 1203 at the Fakuma trade fair in Friedrichshafen, October 14 – 18.

About The Author Scott Kendrick has been with Sepro America (North American daughter company of Sepro Robotique, La Roche sur Yon, France) since its formation in 2007. For the 12 years previous to that, he worked as Project Engineer and, later, Engineering Manager with the Conair Group, which distributed Sepro Robots in the U.S. and Canada.

MACHINERY NEWS: MATERIALS HANDLING

Lighter, stronger, modular handling Trilogiq’s new Graphit offering is the first fullyreusable system of its kind, allowing users to maintain maximum efficiency with this lightweight, durable, modular handling system.

The new Graphit system from Trilogiq comprises a complete set of composite, aluminium and stainlesssteel components including tubes, connectors and roller beds that can be assembled into adaptable trolleys, racks and other bespoke structures to stock, store and transport items in a wide range of industries and applications.

The components are up to 86 per cent lighter than conventional steelbased modular systems, produce stronger joints and are resistant to liquids, contaminants and corrosion.

Graphit is the first fully-reusable system of its kind which means users can maintain maximum efficiency in evolving environments while achieving excellent value and rapid return on investment.

The system is exclusively available in the UK from the Tube and Bracket Company and is ideal for applications in the automotive, aerospace, electronic and general engineering sectors.

Graphit is the result of more than two years of research and development at Trilogiq and builds on the company’s experience in devising ergonomic modular lean manufacturing logistics systems since 1992. It complements Trilogiq’s existing steel-based LeanTek range while offering a number of time, weight and cost saving advantages.

Graphit connectors are manufactured in a range of colours from composite materials including carbon fibre and are up to 60 per cent lighter than comparable steel components. The VeryGrip coupling mechanism incorporates high performance thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), which provides a highly accurate and secure grip which cannot be over-tightened and does not damage or mark the tube or the joint. All components can be reused as often as required without affecting the structural integrity or appearance of the installation.

During assembly the unique and patented interlocking InstantMatch design allows components to be aligned quickly and easily. A TPU insert holds the nut and screw in the correct position so that they can be brought together and tightened with one hand using simple tools.

Assembly can be up to 30 per cent faster than conventional systems, reducing downtime and improving productivity. When an installation is being reconfigured the SoftAdjust feature allows components to be

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The SoftAdjust feature allows components to be repositioned quickly and accurately with ease repositioned quickly and accurately with complete ease. The simplicity and speed of adjustment is designed to encourage users to make the small modifications to introduce the incremental process improvements that are at the heart of the lean manufacturing concept.

The combination of composite casing with the TPU creates a unique MonoBlok that ensures the connector grips around the whole circumference of the tube to provide the maximum possible strength and rigidity for the joint. This also resists liquids, moisture and contaminants which eliminates the risk of corrosion and damage.

Graphit tubes are available in a choice of carbon fibre, anodised aluminium or stainless steel in a variety of finishes and shades to

complement the colours of the connectors. They can be supplied in 2.5mm gauge for standard applications and 3.0mm gauge for heavy-duty applications. Aluminium tubes are 65 per cent lighter and carbon fibre tubes 86 per cent lighter than steel alternatives. Like other modular systems the tubes can be supplied or cut on site to create the desired configuration for the application. The end stops are supplied with clean profile lines to guarantee consistent seating inside the joint.

In addition to the connectors and tubes, a roller track component is available in various lengths so that users can incorporate live racking into their installations, for example to support line-side delivery or replenishment of fast-moving inventory. Trilogiq’s extensive range

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of wheels and accessories can all be used with Graphit to provide users with complete flexibility to design and configure their installations for maximum productivity.

The weight saving that can be achieved with Graphit allows users to configure trolleys and other mobile installations that are easier to handle and move than similar designs constructed using steel components.

In applications where loadings or other limits are a consideration the reduced weight of the installation allows heavier loads to be handled without exceeding restrictions.

The use of advanced materials, innovative design and variety of finishes and colours throughout the Graphit system helps users to enhance the appearance of their production environments.

OCTOBER 2014 • WWW.EPPM.COM • 13

MACHINERY NEWS: MATERIALS HANDLING

New vacuum dryer exceeds efficiency expectations Maguire’s new vacuum dryer is faster and more efficient than traditional desiccant systems, allowing for cold startups and reducing material degradation risk.

The Maguire VBD vacuum resin dryer is proving to be even more efficient than originally thought when Maguire Europe introduced the innovative system 18 months ago.

The first VBD unit to be introduced was the VBD-1000, with a throughput capability of up to 455 kg per hour. It was followed by the VBD-150 model, originally rated for a throughput of up to 68 kg per hour. Both are based on a fundamentally new design that dramatically advances the concept of vacuum drying, making operation simpler and more reliable than with previous vacuum drying systems while providing substantial reductions in drying time and energy consumption in comparison with desiccant dryers Vacuum drying is six times faster than with desiccant systems, which not only makes much shorter cold startups possible, but also reduces the risk of material degradation, since resin is exposed to elevated temperature for 80 per cent less time.

This drying speed is attributable to a far more efficient method for extracting moisture from resin pellets - so much more efficient that vacuum dryers reduce energy consumption by up to 60 per cent in comparison with desiccant dryers.

Now the VBD-150 has been shown to easily exceed 90 kg per hour instead of the originally rated 68 kg per hour - with hygroscopic materials such as ABS, acrylic, nylon, PET, PBT, polycarbonate, and polyetherimide. In addition, the dryer achieves required dryness in just 35 minutes after a cold startup.

This ability to deliver process-ready resin in just over half an hour is in sharp contrast with a conventional desiccant dryer, which takes up to four hours to bring resin from a cold startup to a condition of readiness for moulding saleable product.

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Additional productivity enhancements are now available for the dryer: 1) an “EasySlide” mechanism that enables the vacuum vessel to slide out, giving ready access for cleanout; and 2) an optional hopper extension whose one cubic foot (0.028 m3) capacity extends the throughput of the dryer by 25 per cent.

A new step forward in vacuum drying While the concept of using vacuum to force moisture from within resin pellets remains a radical departure from conventional desiccant systems, the VBD vacuum dryer adds another simple concept: the use of gravity to move material through vertically arranged stages of the drying process, with the discharge of material from one stage to the next controlled by slide-gate valves. This eliminates most moving parts, in particular the three-station indexing carousel mechanism of the Maguire LPD vacuum dryer introduced in 2000. It also does away with sealing gaskets, which can be worn and compromised by resin dust, and with perforated screens, which require cleaning.

Vacuum drying in the VBD dryer is a multi-stage, continuous batching operation carried out in three heavily insulated, stainless steellined vessels arranged vertically.

High-speed slide-gate valves for

“

Vacuum drying is six times faster than with desiccant systems

”

“

MACHINERY NEWS: MATERIALS HANDLING

Maguire expects the VBD dryer to supersede the LPD system

dispensing material from one vessel to another have an accuracy per dispense of +/- 4 grams and are of the same design widely employed in other Maguire equipment.

The system uses ambient air that is circulated by a blower whose variable-frequency drive saves energy.

”

deliver the material at the current or programmed consumption rate in the most energy efficient manner.

The air generator that is standard on the VBD dryer provides -40° dew point air for two purposes: 1) as material in the vacuum chamber releases moisture,

From top to bottom, the vertically arranged vessels include a heating hopper that brings resin to a target temperature; a vacuum vessel in which vacuum reduces the boiling point of water, causing moisture within the pellets to volatilise and be forced out of the pellet into the lowpressure environment surrounding it; and a pressurised retention/ take-away hopper that is continually purged by a membrane air dryer to maintain the target level of dryness until the material is discharged.

dry air is intermittently used to purge the liberated moisture from the vacuum chamber; and 2) the retention hopper that holds the dry material is blanketed with the -40° dew point air to eliminate the possibility of moisture regain by the resident material.

Vacuum drying is a proven concept, with several thousand Maguire LPD dryers now in service around the world. Maguire expects the VBD dryer to supersede the LPD system, though the company will continue to make a small LPD version for laboratory use.

COLD START TO DRY POLYMERS IN JUST 35 MINUTES...

Really?

The load cells incorporated into the VBD system (and not available on the LPD dryer) provide an array of productivity enhancing benefits.

The main purpose of the load cells is to precisely control the fill weight of the vacuum chamber and the retention hopper. The load cells track material consumption on a real-time basis, with material usage reporting available directly from the controller via USB. This weighing capability also allows the dryer to know the throughput at which material is being consumed and will automatically throttle up or down to

MIN

STAGE 1

Heat

STAGE 2

Vacuum

STAGE 3

Blanketed Retention Hopper

Model VBD-150

Really! Just 35 minutes for our versatile, 3-stage VBD-150 vacuum dryer versus 4+ hrs for desiccant dryers. Oh, and at 60% LESS energy consumption, that makes Maguire Vacuum Dryers the most time saving, energy saving, cost saving, and footprint saving dryer in the market. Bar none!

• Dries resin six times faster than desiccant dryers, and uses 60% less energy • Unique, patented 3-stage drying technology with “zero maintenance” required • Double-insulation on all vessels prevents heat loss • “High speed, no stress” drying eliminates material degradation

ADING

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WWW.MAGUIRE.COM The perfect blend of simplicity and control.

USA: 610 459 4300 | CANADA: 905 879 1100 | EUROPE: +44 1827 265 850 | ASIA: +65 6848 7117

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OCTOBER 2014 • WWW.EPPM.COM • 15

MACHINERY NEWS: MATERIALS HANDLING

The new METRO G range of material loaders from motan-colortronic will make its debut at Fakuma 2014.

motan-colortronic introduces the new METRO G material loader range at Fakuma Inserat „EPPM“

Sprache: EN

Format: 164x235 + 3mm

Your reliable for

A new and innovative range of material loaders will take pride of place on the motan-colortronic stand at Fakuma 2014.

Thema: Kombi DLC-beschichtete Auswerfer

Duk: 24.09.2014

50

partner

years

tool and mould making

» Ejector pins, through-hardened, with DLC coating and g6 tolerance

» E 2680/E 2682 Shims for supporting cleared split line faces

» E 3060 Retainer for inclined pin – now in 8 space-saving versions

RWENDUNG:

REDUCED WARPING DURING MACHINING

VERY STRICT QUALITY GUIDELINES

EASY-TO-HANDLE ORDERING METHODS

PERMANENT AVAILABILITY

VERY SHORT LEAD TIMES

Celebrate with us Meusburger´s 50th anniversary at Fakuma 2014!

Hall A2, Stand 2313

Meusburger Georg GmbH & Co KG | Kesselstr. 42 | 6960 Wolfurt | Austria T 00 43 (0) 55 74 / 67 06-0 | F -11 | sales@meusburger.com | www.meusburger.com

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The British company, which is based in Chesterfield, has announced that it will be presenting its METRO G series together with METROLINK, an automatic coupling station which features its own autonomous control system.

Other building blocks forming the “conveying” segment include SilentLine, a patented noise reduction system for material feedlines and a permanent central vacuum system for large material throughputs.

The METRO G range of material loaders were developed by motan engineers combining the latest technologies from colortronic and motan, while also enhancing those systems with a number of new features. METRO G’s modular building block system allows users to configure and create the optimal material loader for any application.

For example, a standard material loader unit can be expanded into a clean room version just by adding special vacuum diaphragm valve. A dust removal module provides for fine dust removal at the material loader, essential for some critical engineering plastics where absolutely no dust is allowed to enter the process. The system can also be fitted with modules with a tangential material inlet to provide a cyclone effect for processing those materials where a more coarse dust separation is required.

The METRO G loaders can work in conjunction with the compact METROLINK material selection system that produces the correct material/machine connection quickly, reliably and without risk of confusion or contamination. Fixed material pipe connections provide for the highest level of operational reliability, right up to the next material change. The system is automatically purged before every material change, guaranteeing the material loader on the machine conveys contamination-free. The system also automatically takes care of setting up and monitoring the material path, making error impossible. Each METROLINK unit allows a maximum of 32 processing machines to be fed, with up to 16 different materials. motan-colortronic’s aptly-named SilentLine is a double walled material feedline system. It can detect leaks in material lines, allowing affected pipe sections to be easily identified and replaced.

OCTOBER 2014 • WWW.EPPM.COM • 17

MACHINERY NEWS: COMPOUNDING LINES & EQUIPMENT

Compounding market report projects North American growth The state of compounding in the plastics sector has been investigated in an updated report that focuses in on this market segment and explores its growth trajectory for the coming four years.

A revised report exploring the state of compounding in the international plastics industry has found this market segment is due to grow in the coming years.

Published by BCC Research and authored by Dr J Charles Forman, The Plastics Compounding Market is an updated version of a similar paper published in 2009 and reveals the estimated distribution of compounded thermoplastic resins in North America reached 89.82 billion pounds in 2012.

This total is expected to grow to 90.92 billion pounds in 2013 and 102.36 billion pounds in 2018 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.4 per cent for the period of 2013-2018.

Large volumes The term “plastics” in the report refers to thermoplastic organic polymers that are also commonly called resins. The majority of the plastics discussed and covered in the study are large-volume commodity resins produced from petrochemical feedstocks; they include familiar resins and resin families such as polyethylenes, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride and others including thermoplastic polyesterers. The study also includes some more speciality engineering resins such as nylons and polycarbonate. For completeness, researchers also

18 • WWW.EPPM.COM • OCTOBER 2014

include an introduction to some newer biopolymers, made from biological instead of petrochemical feedstocks.

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Estimated distribution of compounded thermoplastic resins in North America reached 89.82 billion pounds in 2012

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The subject of the study is plastics compounding. What is compounding? As plastic resins leave the chemical polymerisation reactor in which they are formed, they are “neat” polymers; that is, they are essentially pure compounds consisting only of the molecules of the polymer produced. Some of these resins, like PVC, are almost impossible to process as neat polymers; additional chemicals and other materials must be added to make them commercially useful. For other resins like HDPE that can be satisfactorily processed in neat form, in virtually all cases an additive or some additives are added, such as colourants to add colour to the formed product like an HDPE white milk bottle or coloured motor oil bottle.

This process of adding other materials is defined as compounding, or the creation of a compound, a mixture. The additives that are added to neat polymers include colourants, stabilisers, flame-retardants, impact modifiers, plasticisers and dozens of others, including a lot of important fillers and reinforcements.

Big business Plastic compounding is a big business that is done by three different kinds of companies.

These companies are usually grouped either as resin producers, plastics processors (firms that process and shape resins and compounds by injection or blow moulding, thermoforming and extruding) and independent compounders. In addition to identifying the major resin producers in the report, researchers have pinpointed the key players in plastics processing, independent compounders and activities, product types and estimated sales for major independent compounders.

BCC Research has updated its study to provide a new and comprehensive reference for those involved in and interested in plastics and plastics compounds.

“

The critical issues that will shape plastics compounding for the next five years…

”

“We have sorted through, organised and condensed information from a number of sources and reference materials to compile this report. We have tried to cover the overall market and in doing so have included several critical issues that will shape plastics compounding for the next five years such as bio compounds, carbon fibre, carbon nanotubes, natural fibre reinforcements and environmental regulations,” the report states.

Integrated compounding process opens up new markets for recyclers Starlinger’s C-VAC module could open up new opportunities for plastics recyclers, opening up new markets and diversifying recycled plastics.

Compounds are used in many areas of the plastics processing industry – from injection moulding to film and sheet production.

The C-VAC module from Starlinger recycling technology now makes it possible for plastics recyclers to break into new markets in this field. Waste from film, injection moulding and fibre production as well as post-consumer waste can be upgraded to reinforced or filled plastics in the course of the recycling process, thus achieving a greater added value.

quantec ® 85 G3-14 C

Recycling and compounding in a single process step Compounding is usually done in a separate step following recycling.

The C-VAC module, however, makes it possible to recycle and compound in one process step. In addition to the dosing of various additives, filling and reinforcement materials such as calcium carbonate, talcum or glass fibres can be added in the desired quantities. After the ground and optionally preheated material has been melted in the main extruder, compounding takes place in the degassing extruder after melt filtration. Since this extruder functions independently of the main extruder, screw design and speed can be selected as needed in order to achieve perfect compounding results. Depending on the properties of the material being added – powders, for example, require a certain screw length for optimum dispersion – dosing can be done before intake into the extruder.

Single-screw extruder for material-friendly compounding Unlike conventional compounding extruders, the C-VAC extruder uses a single screw. This is especially relevant in fiberglass compounds because it reduces fibre breakage during compounding to a minimum, resulting in greater strength in the items subsequently being produced from the compound.

Output quantities range, depending on the size of the line, from 150 kg/h to 2,700 kg/h. The separate C-VAC module can be integrated into any existing Starlinger recycling line, opening up to recyclers the vast potential for secondary materials in the field of compounds.

Economical PVC compounding redefined BUSS Kneader series quantec ® G3 The specialists in heat and shear sensitive compounding are setting new benchmarks for quality and productivity. quantec ® G3 – an ongoing success story in the third generation > More cost effective due to increased throughput > More flexible due to a larger process window > Improved plant availability due to minimal product changeover times

Buss AG Switzerland www.busscorp.com

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04.04.14 16:21

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FAKUMA PREVIEW

This autumn, one of the best-known international trade fairs for plastics processing, injection moulding and other plastic technologies is celebrating its 23rd outing.

Fakuma will once again be taking over the picturesque, lakeside university town of Friedrichshafen, south-west Germany, just across the water from Switzerland for a week of everything plastics-related.

The vast event has been growing its reputation as the leading showground for extrusion technology, moulding, thermoforming and more for more than three decades and anticipation across the entire industry for 2014’s edition is already palpable.

More than 1,700 exhibitors from 35 counties took their place on the enormous show floor in 2012, which was explored by 44,176 attendees and organiser PE Schall is expecting much of the same - if not more

Hold the hype:

The 23rd Fakuma is here Fakuma is celebrating its 23rd edition in 2014, building on the international plastics processing trade fair’s 30 years of success with a showcase that promises to represent the real industry - minus the hype.

Words| Rose Brooke - for 2014. The vast majority of participants in this month’s event hail from 32 industrial nations.

Naturally, Germany is represented the most strongly on the show floor, with some 700 German exhibitors signing up. Italy takes a distant second place with more than 70 manufacturers and distributors, while neighboring Switzerland comes in third. Austria, China and the Netherlands are third, fourth and fifth runner-up respectively.

This year, the international plastic processing

trade fair is remaining true to its roots and is foregoing the ‘generative manufacturing’ trend.

There will be no ‘3D printing’ hype at Fakuma 2014, rather, when such additive techniques are referred to, the original terminology ‘rapid prototyping’ will be used to describe stereolithography or laser sintering.

systems, beginning with product development, moving through tool and mould-making, opening out into industrial manufacturing and quality assurance and finishing with product packaging and assembly.

“This is the world of plastics processing - including process and material flow peripherals,” organisers stated in a media release published in summer 2014.

Fakuma’s resistance to jumping on the trend bandwagon is not indicative of the show’s organisers’ reluctance to evolve. On the contrary, Fakuma has undergone an evolution over the course of its lifetime, optimising its alignment within the European plastics industry, focusing on market requirements and nomenclature and reinventing itself where necessary. “And [we] will continue to do so in the future - that’s a promise,” added organisers.

As such, Fakuma prides itself on offering attendees a trade fair experience that showcases the genuine synergies between different techniques and plastic processing

OCTOBER 2014 • WWW.EPPM.COM • 21

FAKUMA PREVIEW

3M AND DYNEON: VERSATILE PLASTIC TECHNOLOGIES FOR AUTOMOTIVE MANUFACTURING

DSM DEBUTS HOT ENGINEERING PLASTICS, LED AND GAS TANK APPLICATIONS AT FAKUMA

When the international plastics engineering industry meets at the Fakuma, the multi-technology company 3M will exhibit together with Dyneon, presenting innovative solutions for the automotive industry.

The area of lightweight construction has developed into a mega trend in the automotive industry. The search is on for new materials and technologies to make vehicles of the future more lightweight and at the same time produce fewer emissions. The Advanced Materials Division at 3M is offering three solutions – filling materials, processing materials and concepts for new sealing technology.

Lightweight filler of the future: 3M Glass Bubbles iM16K By using hollow glass spheres in injection moulding applications, the density of thermoplastic compounds can be reduced by up to 30 per cent, depending on the material. 3M Glass Bubbles iM16K have been specially developed for compounding and injection moulding processes in the plastics industry. The innovative hollow glass spheres are made of water-insoluble, chemically stable borosilicate glass and can withstand isostatic pressures of 1100 bar.

Royal DSM, the global Life Sciences and Materials Sciences company, will introduce new high performance polyamides at Fakuma.

The company will also be demonstrating how its materials have been used in some of the latest application innovations to be introduced to the market, and it will provide a sneak preview of the new R&D facilities in the Netherlands.

New high-temperature automotive polyamides DSM is unveiling the next generation of Diablo high temperature resistant grades in its Stanyl® polyamide 46 and Akulon® polyamide 6 portfolios. These new Diablo grades are aimed at applications in automotive engine compartments such as air intake manifold, ducts and charge air cooler combinations, where temperatures can reach as high as 250°C.

Thermally conductive Stanyl for LED heat sinks New seal solution: 3M new sealing technology The newly developed material, 3M Dyneon Compound NST 1111R, opens up a range of solutions for the automotive industry. The new sealing technology makes it possible to reduce the thickness of lip seals and, as a result, a reduced radial load and improved friction torque performance as well. This leads to improved durability of components and less frequent inspections. Additionally, the new product is enabling better heat dissipation. The new high-tech materials produced using this technology demonstrate improved performance in virtually every respect and offer the consumer improved durability and sustainability resulting in owing reduced fuel consumption. The NST portfolio offers further products for ram extrusion and for static applications like flat seals.

More lightweight and more sustainable: 3M Dyneon fluoroelastomers The new lightweight alternative to using metal elastomer composites in automotive construction is a two-component material comprising DSM Stanyl Polyamide 46 together with 3M Dyneon fluoroelastomer. It can be produced in an efficient two-component injection moulding procedure. The properties offer numerous advantages: The material combination is lightweight, withstands temperatures of up to 200 degrees centigrade and enables new and alternative designs, as well as the integration of functions. Moreover, processes can be optimised during manufacturing, reducing costs. The result is a product without the risk of corrosion, and improved sustainability because, for example, no chemicals are used for surface treatment.

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DSM is also leading the way in high performance engineering plastics for the electrical and electronics sectors. It will demonstrate the use of Stanyl TC, a thermally conductive grade of Stanyl polyamide 46, in a heat sink for new LED downlights from one of the world’s leading lighting companies.

High pressure gas tanks in thermoplastic composites DSM stand will showcase its thermoplastic composite gas tanks for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) that the company has developed with Covess, a specialist in advanced thermoplastic composite vessels for a wide range of applications. Together with hydrogen, natural gas is claiming its place in the field of cost-effective and low carbon footprint fuels for use in automobiles. Thermoplastic tanks weigh around 70 per cent less than steel tanks and they last longer than steel or even advanced thermoset gas tanks. They exhibit extremely low gas permeation levels, making them very safe, and they are fully recyclable.

Besides thermoplastic tape, DSM provides solutions for liners in Type IV composite pressure vessels with its Akulon Fuel Lock polyamide portfolio. Most recently, a material is developed for large pressure vessels for heavy-duty vehicles and gas transportation.

Major materials research centre opening soon DSM’s commitment to the exploitation of innovative and sustainable high performance materials is evidenced in its investment in a materials sciences research building on the Chemelot Campus in Sittard-Geleen, the Netherlands. This facility will be opened 17 November. It will be one of DSM’s most important R&D centre for engineering plastics, complementing facilities in Asia and the US.

Anz CloseUps 75x240 GB_Layout 1 24.09.14 09:05 Seite 1

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Visit us at: Fakuma, Friedrichshafen, booth A2-2202 Euromold, Frankfurt, booth 8.0 / F27 Hall A6 · Stand 6216 14 – 18 October 2014

HASCO Hasenclever GmbH + Co KG Römerweg 4, D – 58513 Lüdenscheid T +49 2351 957-0, F +49 2351 957-237 info@hasco.com, www.hasco.com

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OCTOBER 2014 • WWW.EPPM.COM • 23

FAKUMA PREVIEW

ECKART EFFECT PIGMENTS: EXCEPTIONAL APPEARANCE, AMAZING FUNCTIONALITY high transparency of these glass pearl pigments, they can be combined with any desired colour shade without impairing its original colour character. They provide extraordinary three-dimensional depth effects, thanks to their exceptional light reflection and brightness.

IML FULL SERVICE PRESENTS 3D FULL COVER PROVIDER

SYMIC

Plastics pigmented with ECKART effect pigments open up new markets for masterbatchers and compounders in the automotive industry and associated suppliers. These pigments can be used for instance in plastic applications for door handles, side add-ons, interior trim, gear knobs, covers and other decorative elements to create a metallic appearance.

ECKART is presenting the variety of possible applications at FAKUMA.

PLATALUX PLATALUX is ECKART’s new generation of effect pigments for plastics applications.

PLATALUX consists of silver-coated pigments based on glass.

The extraordinary inherent sparkle combined with a champagne-coloured shade leads to pronounced glitter effects in pure colours or in combination with transparent colour pigments and dyes.

The sparkle intensity of PLATALUX even exceeds that of the LUXAN pigments which have already successfully been introduced to the plastics market.

With their distinguished appearance, PLATALUX pigments are not only ideally suited for packaging and decorative applications for the cosmetics and luxury goods industry, but also for high-quality, artificial leathers.

PLATALUX is compatible with all standard polymers. Its strong hiding power and excellent temperature stability of more than 300 degrees centigrade turns PLATALUX into a highly attractive product, not only from an optical point of view. Thus, it means a perfect enrichment for ECKART’s existing product portfolio of effect pigments for plastics applications.

LUXAN ECKART’s high-quality LUXAN effect pigments are characterised by their extraordinary brilliance, unique colour intensity and colour purity. Due to the

24 • WWW.EPPM.COM • OCTOBER 2014

SYMIC presents a unique generation of pearlescent pigments based on synthetic mica. SYMIC pearl pigments feature high colour cleanliness and are especially suited for full and bright colour shades.

The levels of brilliance, light reflection and processing qualities of SYMIC pearlescent pigments significantly exceed those of comparable natural mica based pearls. In addition, SYMIC pearls exhibit a low level of heavy metal content, which is of great importance for cosmetics packaging or food packaging applications.

The SYMIC pearlescents are also ideally suited for applications in the plastics packaging or automotive industry and for manifold decorative purposes.

SYMIC C604 ECKART presents a new pigment generation: SYMIC C604 combines the highly brilliant metallic optics, with the silky appearance and advantages of pearlescent pigments.

SYMIC C604 is especially suited for application fields where metallic effect pigments cannot be used. It is inert to acidic and alkali media as well as to oily ingredients, and thus can be used for plastic bottles and packaging, eg. for vinaigrettes or cooking oils, as well as for detergents and dish-washing liquids.

IML Xperts, the full service provider and turnkey supplier for complete IML systems, is presenting itself to the wider public for the first time at Fakuma 2014, where it will present for the first time the 3D Full Cover IML for manufacturing fully decorated containers, made with cost-effective standard equipment.

Central Europe is considered the Mecca of international in-mould labelling. Customers from around the world appreciate the distinctive level of expertise and the decades of experience. At the same time it is noticeable that there are scarcely any German turnkey suppliers to match the high demand for total solutions with tools and automation.

With the new development of “3D Full Cover IML”, the specialists from IML Xperts are considerably expanding the spectrum of carton geometries and the decoration options available using the IML process. A production line for 3D Full Cover IML will be presented at Fakuma together with Weidenhammer Packaging, a highly innovative supplier of containers. What makes it special is the fact that these new types of containers can now be efficiently produced in an industrial environment with immediate effect, thanks to the skilful combination of standard IML automation (manufacturer: Waldorf Technik) and standard IML tool technology (Roth Werkzeugbau), complemented by expertise in the design of labels and in process parameters.

“The manufacturing costs for 3D Full Cover IML are no higher than for conventional IML cartons, but the attractiveness for the consumer is significantly higher. Higher sales, better profits, that is the direct result for the food manufacturer and the supplier of containers”, said Holger Kast from automation manufacturer Waldorf Technik.

With the equipment required reduced to standard components, the investment for 3D Full Cover IML is lower than hitherto available from individual niche suppliers. The entire origination process from product design, via test quantities all the way to the commissioning of production systems including professional project management, is offered by IML Xperts as a package.

Sustainability: boosting functional integration In VDMA’s series of interviews in the run up to Fakuma, the topic of sustainability is grabbed by the horns in a question and answer session with Managing Director of WITTMANN BATTENFELD, Georg Tinschert.

Klaus Ehling (left) and Georg Tinschert (right) from WITTMANN BATTENFELD with SANIT’s Raimund Au, showing a fully automated assembled flush valve.

Credit: Wittmann Battenfeld.

What part does functional integration play in the quest for greater sustainability?

If we are defining sustainability as one of the objectives of technological development, then we must place the conservation of resources in technological development processes right at the top of the agenda.

Our definition of sustainability is to be able to perform more functions using less material, fewer manufacturing processes and less energy. In the case of injection moulding, functional integration comes into play in mould and process technology and with new materials and automation, by combining parts made from different materials in the injection mould, for example.

One might mention the overlapping assembly of metal and plastic parts or of soft plastics as seals on structural components and the reinforcement of structures by overmoulding fibre composites. The scope is very wide.

Are components produced using functional integration of better quality?

In principle, quality and test standards are the same for all components, whether simple or complex, so they also apply without exception to components with higher functional integration. There is therefore no direct connection between functional integration and quality. Overall, however, a more highly integrated assembly will always have a lower risk of failure than a group of individual components.

When is technical risk acceptable?

Basically, we can say that a multifunctional part is generally cheaper than a combination of individual functions that have to be combined into a functional unit by way of interfaces. The cost advantage is the motivation for accepting risks, both in development and in production and quality assurance. Dealing with these risks, that is striving to keep them to a minimum, is what in turn drives technical progress. If integral components offered no added value, no one would make them.

Why is a functionally integrated component more sustainable?

Quite simply because fewer individual parts and fewer assembly processes mean that fewer resources and less energy are consumed. And because, if they are cleverly designed, they entail lower costs, emissions and residues when they are recycled. The motor industry has already been encouraging the latter for many years now by making very extensive use of single substance systems. That means modules made so far as possible from the same or closely related groups of materials. These no longer have to be laboriously and expensively separated in order to be recycled.

Is WITTMANN BATTENFELD showing a functionally integrated component at FAKUMA? We are for example showing a motor vehicle part that is made lighter with our foam moulding process while at the same time having a very good quality surface. This will often make it possible to do away with the subsequent painting process. If we can manage to make a plastic component lighter while at the same time giving it a high-quality surface, making painting unnecessary, we have satisfied two sustainability criteria: the lower weight means less material is used and an additional, often expensive, manufacturing step is avoided.

Are there limits to functional integration?

The boundaries are set by the ratio of costs to benefits and the only real limits are those of creativity.

4 Hall B 402 4 Stand

www.colloids.com

+44 (0) 151 546 9222

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14.10.2014 18.10.2014

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Messe Friedrichshafen Neue Messe 1 88046 Friedrichshafen Germany www.messe-friedrichshafen.de

OPENING TIMES TUESDAY - FRIDAY 09:00AM - 06:00PM SATURDAY 09:00AM - 03:00PM

OCTOBER 2014 • WWW.EPPM.COM • 27

FAKUMA PREVIEW

NGR TO DEMONSTRATE RECYCLING SYSTEM FOR INJECTION-MOULDED SCRAP

REVOLUTIONARY PIPE CONCEPT FOR HOT RUNNER SYSTEMS

NGR has announced its Fakuma 2014 showcase will demonstrate its A:GRAN-Series, which processes unwieldy waste plastics.

The Series has been designed to recycle bulky or thick-walled plastic parts, which typically originate from scrap in injection-moulding.

The plastic waste is processed by a heavy duty shredder operating at low speed for gentle size reduction and minimal loss of material properties. In this process, pneumatic rams push the material on to the shredder drum. After shredding, the material is fed directly into the extruder.

All the components are positioned in close proximity to prevent contamination and make optimal use from heat of the shredding process. The compact unit-design allows to set-up the machine even under stringent space conditions.

All machine components (conveyer belt, extruder, pelletiser, etc.) are controlled by a CPU. Easy startup and shut-down, as well as the possibility to load the conveyer belt discontinuously is incorporated in the machine design.

The new patented solution from PSG for Hot Runner Systems from four operating units will be presented for the first time at Fakuma.

In conventional systems, each operating unit must be connected with four pipes, two for hydraulic and two for cooling. The new pipeLine from PSG connects the operating units only with two pipes; a pressure line and a return line.

The new pipeLine offers significant technical and economic advantages: a reduction in the number of pipes, increased stability of the mould plate, pin switching without delay, and water cooling efficiency.

New Nozzles: smartFILL and Fox 70 PSG’s new smartFILL nozzle was thoroughly developed for the company’s Hot Runner sector. The system’s melt channel geometry and innovative heating technology enables users to process almost all types of plastic - including engineering plastics with extremely high processing temperatures.

Fox is the new generation of Fuchslocher injection nozzles. PSG extended its product range and offers injection nozzles with threads a diameter from 30-70 mm. The Fox-series can be used when buying a new injection moulding machine or retrofitting an old system.

TER PLASTICS POLYMER GROUP ‘READY TO DISCUSS 2014 SUCCESS’ AT FAKUMA TER Plastics Polymer Group has much news to impart at Fakuma, following the successful takeover of Polish Polimarky Performance Polymers in April.

TER Plastics Polymer Group is excited to discuss the company’s evolution and successes of the past year at Fakuma.

In April, the Herne-headquartered organisation took over the majority of Polish Polimarky Performance Polymers in Rogoznica. The new TER Plastics subsidiary was subsequently renamed TEREZ Performance Polymers.

High performance compounds and thermoplastics are manufactured at the new location using state-of-the-art extrusion lines, where at the south-east Poland facility, the team has access to excellent traffic connections to the rest of Europe. It is equipped with Berstorff

28 • WWW.EPPM.COM • OCTOBER 2014

extrusion lines of the latest design with a capacity of 25,000 tonnes per year for all lot sizes. Furthermore, both a fully-equipped development centre and a colour centre are integrated into the recently completed large industrial building. The research and development work at the TEREZ site benefits greatly from its proximity to the local university and technical institutes, where engineers and chemists in polymer science and process engineering, as well as in other relevant subjects, are trained. Application development as well as sales and distribution continue to be headquartered in Herne.

Managing Director Dr Wolf Koehler said of the amicable takeover: “With our own production subsidiary we can now expand our position as a development partner to our customers.”

With some 130 employees, the company expects sales revenues of €150 million in 2014. For the current year the acquisition and integration of the new compounding subsidiary is only a first step on the way to a very successful 2014.

23rd Fakuma – International trade fair for plastics processing

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Injection moulding machines Thermal shaping technology Extrusion plants Tool systems Materials and components

.

.

14. – 18. OCT. 2014 . FRIEDRICHSHAFEN www.fakuma-messe.de

OCTOBER 2014 • WWW.EPPM.COM • 29

FAkuMA PREvIEW: ARBuRG INTERvIEW

The function factor Ahead of Fakuma, the VDMA Plastics and Rubber Machinery Association has been conducting a series of interviews with notable industry players. In one such Q&A session, the Association quizzed Dr Thomas Walther, Head of Applications Technology at injection moulding machine manufacturing giant Arburg, to tackle the topic of functional integration.

“

Dr Thomas Walther

The aim is always high quality while keeping unit production costs to a minimum.

”

Dr Walther, does functional integration contribute to sustainability or perhaps stand in its way?

Functional integration is an important building block for greater sustainability. It includes both enhanced component functionality and the interlinking and consolidation of process steps. The aim is always high quality while keeping unit production costs to a minimum.

High plant availability, high output and stable processes are also important factors in this context, since they ensure that resources such as energy or materials are not wasted. That is all part of production efficiency, a quest we have been pursuing for many years.

In what industrial applications are functionally integrated processes particularly attractive?

It depends on the product and the quantity. For example functional integration allows components to be made that would not otherwise exist. The profitability of automation with interlinked manufacturing steps normally increases with the size of the batch. And the complexity of turnkey installations is constantly increasing. At the same time, however, there is also a trend towards greater flexibility, because batch sizes are getting steadily smaller and products are changing more and more quickly. In such cases it may be worth automating subprocesses. Unit production costs are always the decisive factor. Generally speaking, functional integration is attractive for industries with series manufacturing.

30 • WWW.EPPM.COM • OCTOBER 2014

How can the functions of processes be consolidated?

As I say, there are different approaches to functional integration. On the one hand, several functions can be brought together in a single component. But on the other, some steps can also be eliminated or integrated into the manufacturing process. Or a combination of the two.

We have shown this, for example, with the automated manufacture of the ready-to-use LED light strip in a single production step. LEDs and resistors are inserted into the mould. The housings and lenses are both injected, as also are the strip conductors, made from a conductive plastic constituent, to contact with the electronic components. That does away with all the assembly steps, such as inserting the lamps or wiring.

Components with an appealing texture or articulated ones and insulating or magnetic products can be manufactured by appropriately combining materials with different properties. Hard and soft, matt and shiny or transparent and opaque can for example be combined to make high-grade fittings, switches and handles for vehicle interiors. In many cases, these combinations have sustainable effects such as reducing production times, energy consumption and waste. Combinations of hard and soft plastics in particular have become a trend in our industry.

“

Combinations of hard and soft plastics in particular have become a trend in our industry.

”

“

Can you give an example of lightweight construction using different plastics?

Are functionally integrated components more expensive than conventionally produced ones?

At Fakuma 2014 Arburg together with its partners Krallmann and Ruch Novaplast will be showing a practical application of the new particle-foam composite injection moulding (PCIM) process.

It works like this: the first step is to create a component from particle foam using a compact foaming system integrated into the injection moulding cell. A six-axis robot then inserts this foamed part-product into the injection mould, where a thread is moulded on in a positive bond. Such composite parts, in this case a foamed part with a moulded plastic component, can then in a further step be integrated into a foamed housing as standardised parts so that leads can easily be connected with an effective seal.

Functional integration is always examined before a component is made, to see whether it is cost-effective.

If a conventional production method is to be replaced by an alternative, the new process must be cheaper in terms of overall costs. There are a lot of arguments involved, such as greater process reliability and product quality, greater output and/or the time also saved in logistics if several successive processes are replaced by just one. The demand for our functionally integrated turnkey installations shows that the calculation often turns out in favour of the high-tech solution.

With this PCIM process we have therefore combined two technologies that did not previously have very much in common. This opens up new applications in lightweight construction and heat insulation in particular.

One might for example think of large components such as car bumpers that can be securely assembled.

We have combined two technologies that did not previously have very much in common.

”

Where are the markets for this kind of functional integration? Do they tend to be in the highly industrialised countries?

In terms of the products made on injection moulding machines, there are hardly any differences. But if you consider the level of automation, the western world – Europe and the US in particular – attaches greater importance to automated processes than does Asia for example. But that is clearly changing. We are getting more and more enquiries for such automated systems from Asia because efficient production is growing in importance there too, and that means the cost of the machinery alone is no longer decisive.

Functional integration par excellence: A composite part, consisting of a foamed part and a moulded plastic component, can in a further step be integrated into a foamed housing, for example, as a standardised part.

OCTOBER 2014 • WWW.EPPM.COM • 31

INDUSTRY NEWS: EUROMOLD

EuroMold 2014 sharpens international focus EuroMold organisers have announced that 2014 will shine the spotlight on the international mouldmaking and tooling community.

The World Fair for Mouldmaking and Tooling, EuroMold, is set to sharpen its focus on the international industry this November 24th-28th.

Organisers have announced the four-day show, which is held annually at the Messe in Frankfurt, is a truly global event, with a particularly strong showing of non-German countries signing up for their EuroMold debut.

Some 1,000 exhibitors from 32 countries will meet around 50,000 international visitors from every corner of the industry, with visitors expecting the proportion of foreign visitors to be around 50 per cent.

Moreover, as things stand, organisers have said there will be around 40 first-time exhibitors from Germany and 60 first-time tooling, mouldmaking and rapid prototyping exhibitors from abroad represented. The majority of foreign exhibitors making their inaugural EuroMold appearance are from Portugal, with strong representation from the UK, the Netherlands, France and China.

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Eberhard Döring, Manager of the EuroMold trade fair, commented: “In contrast, other trade fairs that have a national focus bring together mainly German exhibitors and visitors, by no means displaying state-ofthe-art technology and failing to offer these numerous opportunities to establish business contacts around the world that can be found at EuroMold.”

Mould- and toolmaking is the largest industrial sector represented at the trade fair, followed by rapid prototyping and tooling, and the accessories and peripheral devices manufacturing sectors. Alongside these, representatives from other areas of the process chain are anticipated to exhibit, for example, engineering, design, machine tooling and software organisations.

Döring continued: “Within a global market, it is apparent that German companies enter new markets with international partners. In this regard, EuroMold serves as the world’s only platform that has been established within its field for several years and can offer an incomparably broad variety of international companies from the entire industrial process chain. Once again in 2014, companies will benefit from our international orientation within the global market.”

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12/09/2014 09:35

PURGING COMPOUNDS: DYNA-PURGE

How to avoid problems when using commercial purging compounds Dyna-Purge reveals that the best way to avoid problems when using commercial purging compounds is to implement and stardardise a three-step programme to ensure purging is as efficient as possible.

Words | Nancy Mitchell, Technical Product Manager for Dyna-Purge, div. of Schuman Plastics Inc.

All too often commercial purging compounds (CPCs) are not used properly or in the most cost-effective manner. Avoiding the most common problems associated with purging can be accomplished by implementing a purging programme.

There are three key components to a successful purging programme: • Selecting the proper commercial purging compound • Implementing the best procedure • Measuring and tracking results.

If you are dealing with colour streaking, contamination, and degradation, stop purging and start planning! It is imperative that your plan addresses these three key concerns.

1. Choosing the right CPC There have been many advances made with commercial purging compounds in the last few years. While both mechanical and chemicalbased products offer ‘general-purpose’ grades, there are also a number of grades designed for specific applications. Selecting the very best product for your particular application is essential for a successful outcome.

Most purge suppliers provide a selection guide on their websites to assist you in choosing the best grade for your particular application.

In order to make a decision on which commercial purging compound is best for you, the questions that need to be answered are:

What resins are you running?

What additives are being used?

What equipment is being used?

Understanding the intrinsic properties of your moulding resin is very important in determining which purging product is best for your application.

Whether you are planning on using a mechanical or chemical-based commercial purging compound, knowing the processing temperature range of the moulding resin is a critical factor in selecting the proper grade.

The thermal stability of a resin is also a factor. Heat- and/or moisturesensitive resins such as PVC, nylon, and polycarbonates degrade much faster and therefore may lead to carbon build-up, which can result in black specking, requiring a more aggressive purging compound. Also, when shutting down your machine, it is imperative to remove any unstable resins, replacing them with a stable purging compound.

Another key parameter in selecting the right commercial purging compound for your application is the viscosity of your production resin. Viscosity is a measure of a resin’s resistance to flow. Since purge products work with physical force and agitation, the viscosity of the resident resin will have an impact on the product’s effectiveness.

Almost all purging compounds use a high-viscosity resin as the key carrier when formulating a grade. While these carriers work well for purging a broad range of resins, in some instances, it is difficult to displace them with the next production resin. This step is referred to as ‘post-purging’. If you are running a low-viscosity resin, a purge product with a lower viscosity should post-purge more effectively.

Other key resin properties include colour and clarity. The advantages of using a commercial purging compound for transitions from a dark to light colour are well documented. However, there are some colours that are more problematic to purge than others. Some of these colourants have an

OCTOBER 2014 • WWW.EPPM.COM • 33

affinity for metal and require a more aggressive purge for cleanout.

With respect to clarity, when running clear parts for automotive, medical, housewares, etc. there can be no impurities. In this case, it is important to match the right commercial purging compound to the base resin being run. Use of the right purging compound will make the changeover much faster and create much less scrap.

Additives also play a part in selecting the correct commercial purging compound. Some additives such as flame retardants break down endothermically when subjected to high temperatures, leaving residue behind.

If your purge product is not effective in removing these additives, you may end up with carbon build-up, which becomes much more difficult to remove as time goes on. Periodic purging to get rid of build-up will ultimately help eliminate contamination and may extend the life of the screw.

The equipment configuration and condition have a significant impact on the type of commercial purging compound to be used. For example, many hot runners have tight clearances with poorly designed channels. In such cases, it is important to use a commercial purging compound that flows evenly through the manifold, tips and gates and expands into the negative-flow areas.

A number of purge products in the market today are designed specifically to meet the challenges of hotrunner applications. By most accounts, this is one of the fastest growing areas of use for commercial purging compounds.

2. Implementing the best procedure While there have been many advances in the development of new commercial purging compounds, there have been just as many improvements in how these products are used.

If a processor is having a problem with their purging procedure the answer can usually be found by asking one of the following questions: • Are you using an old procedure?

• Has your application changed?

• Are all of your operators following the same procedure?

• Have you modified the procedure to enhance results?

Check with your purge supplier to make sure you have the latest procedure. For example, new procedures have been developed for faster changeovers, such as the Dyna-Purge Quick Color Change Procedure for transitioning from a dark to a light colour. This procedure is a continuous process and utilises a predetermined amount of purge. The purge is introduced when the resident resin is in the feed throat. The operator continues to make parts until the purge becomes apparent and, therefore, no longer ‘starves the screw’ of the resident resin. The next colour resin is introduced when the purge is in the feed throat and the process continues until the resin is free of purge.

Recently, there has been some discussion on whether or not it is advisable to mould a part with a commercial purging compound. While this can be a much slower process than purging with the mould open, in some

34 • WWW.EPPM.COM • OCTOBER 2014

“

Selecting the very best product for your particular application is essential for a successful outcome

”

cases it is the only way to purge through the hot runners. While some machinery adjustments may be required, most purging compounds can be moulded.

It is quite common for different operators to use different procedures based upon their previous experience. Some operators have developed best practices, while others might be following outdated procedures. Whatever purging procedure your company decides to implement - it should be the same procedure for all operators. The best way to promote adoption of standardised procedures among operators is to implement a training programme customised for your plant.

While every purging supplier has spent a lot of time perfecting its recommended purging procedures, the truth is that there are times when modifying them will improve results. But while most standard procedures will work well, there will be exceptions to the rule. For instance, if your machine has a problem with hang-up in the check ring. In this case, higher-velocity short shots will loosen the contamination.

Another adjustment may be associated with purging through valve-gated hot-runner systems. If some of the channels are more problematic due to design or wear, you may have to close off certain gates and redirect more purging material through the difficult channels.

3. Measuring and tracking results In order to properly measure and track purging, you need to know what the real costs are. Every purging supplier has on its website a ‘Cost to Purge Calculator’.

Regardless of whose calculator you use, two basic components define the real cost of purging: • Material: This includes the production resin, commercial purging compound, and scrapped parts.

• Downtime: This includes purging time, soaking time, post-purge time, and time before a good part is made.

Although you might find this a little surprising, purging is usually an emotional experience. The degree of subjectivity when running purging trials can be quite significant, even among different operators within a given plant. The importance of properly measuring your purging results from the outset takes on extra meaning when you understand this. The more science applied to managing your purging programme, especially during the trial stage, the better off you will be in the long run.

“

Some operators have developed best practices, while others might be following outdated procedures

”

Intelligent Solutions

OCTOBER 2014 • WWW.EPPM.COM • 35

www.kraussmaffei.com

We have made our smallest one top of the class.

Find out more at Fakuma in Friedrichshafen, hall A7, booth 7303/7304

Engineering Passion 36 • WWW.EPPM.COM • OCTOBER 2014

KM_Anz_CX-Pre-Relaunch_DE-GB_A4+3.indd 1

01.09.14 09:38

Eurotec faces fire damage head on

MATERIAL NEWS

As technology, industrialisation, energy consumption and the population continues to grow, the risk of fire and fire damage increases.

Contrary to what is assumed in case of the fire deaths, it is not the fire or high temperatures themselves that cause damage, injury and fatalities, but smoke and toxic fumes. Eurotec claims that studies reveal nine out of ten fire deaths occur as a result of toxic smoke.

Plastic cables made from halogen-containing raw materials release black toxic smoke during fires. Unfortunately, this smoke inhibits visibility and chance for escape from fire.

To ensure circumstances are as manageable as possible in a dangerous scenario such as a fire, Eurotec has developed high performance halogenfree and flame retardant grades including Tecolen HP30 WH059 XA80, which is particularly popular with cable manufacturers.

In addition, Tecolen OX20 WH200 XD85 is developed for soft materialrequired applications. This grade has a 35 shore D hardness while it is flame retardant and heat stabilised at the same time.

Eurotec tests all grades on the base of internationally accepted standards, in its own laboratory, which is equipped with latest technology.

Polymer Tailoring announces unique new FR moulding compounds Polymer Tailoring, the UK speciality FR manufacturer, has launched two new injection-moulding compounds. PTFA 12 was developed specifically for moulding escalator comb sets, universally used in moving staircases in public buildings such as train stations, airports, etc.

It is rated V0 at 1.6mm in the UL94 test, is UV-stabilised and is extremely stiff and durable. PTFA 12 can also be used to mould electrical parts in certain applications where glass-filled FR nylon compounds have traditionally been used. Nylon compounds are more expensive than PTFA 12 and have a higher SG (typically 1.57 as compared with 0.98 for PTFA 12).

PTFA 25 is perhaps the only UL94 V0 compound on the market with permanent antistatic properties under any humidity conditions. It is natural in colour, but can be coloured to suit customer requirements.

With impact strength ranging from 10kJ/m2 at -20°C to nearly 25kJ/m2 at +20°C, it can be used to mould large containers for static-sensitive liquids and solids.

Dr Frank Agunloye, Technical Director, stressed that the two new compounds, in line with all other Polymer Tailoring products, are halogen-free and conform to the WEEE and REACH regulations.

Hall 6 Booth 6401

OCTOBER 2014 • WWW.EPPM.COM • 37

09:38

MATERIAL NEWS

KW TRIO: The Next Generation in Lump and Neckdown Detection

Stray Light Stays Out World’s first biocompatible and non-toxic technology for antibacterial plastic begins mass production Parx Plastics has announced the launch of its first non-toxic, biocompatible solution for self-sanitising plastics.

Parx Plastics is launching its first ready to use Saniconcentrates for manufacturers in Europe and the US to safely create self-sanitising products with an antibacterial property of up to 99 per cent within 24 hours.

The technology developed by Parx Plastics is the world’s first antimicrobial solution without toxins or chemicals. It does not use chemicals such as Triclosan or heavy metals such as silver, nor does it use biocides, Nanoparticles, quaternary salts or any other harmful substances. The antimicrobial property is achieved by making use of one of the most important trace elements in the human body.

The trace element, present in our food, is essential for a healthy immune system and for building up and maintaining cells, hair, nails and skin.

Absolute safety is guaranteed not only by the biocompatibility but also because the technology does not migrate. The antibacterial property is the result of an intrinsic change and not of leaching substances. The surface of a product becomes hostile to bacteria by means of a mere physical and mechanical action.

The first materials taken into mass production at the Italian facility in Bologna are a Sani-ABS and a Saniconcentrate, based on Eastman’s copolymer Tritan. These are uniform grades used as a carrier incorporating the technology that mix at three per cent with plain material

of the same kind. The mixture brings forth a product with an antimicrobial property of up to 99 per cent.

A pulsing light source and automatic ambient light adjustment guarantee the best detection performance – even for the smallest faults

Michael van der Jagt, one of the founders of Parx Plastics, explained: “Being able to offer these off-the-shelf solutions is a great step forward bringing our biocompatible technology to the market.”

He added that Parx Plastics has had an exciting few months thanks to the great amount of interest the company has been getting from many large corporations.

“The world is moving towards more sustainable solutions and customer pressure is rising.

Companies that ignore the shift away from harmful chemicals and dangerous substances are bound to lose or be left behind.”

• Unaffected by stray light, speed and vibration for 3 times higher accuracy • Full digital signal processing DSP • Detailed fault log • Remote operating and display unit • Very compact design and flexible mounting concept

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NEC Birmingham, UK 30 Sept. – 2 Oct. 2014 Stand A82

38 • WWW.EPPM.COM • OCTOBER 2014 EPPM_Zumbach-KW_75x240.indd 1

7.8.2014 7:59:56 Uhr

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CAPS AND CLOSURES NEWS

Caps and closures take centre stage at Arburg Packaging event KEM

Colouring device with volumetric chamber metering

Innovations and forward thinking in the caps and closures arena will be shared with delegates at Arburg’s inaugural packaging days in November.

EKO EKO dehumidified air dryer for plastic materials – the highest level of quality with 40% energy savings

The innovative caps and closures solutions rolling off the production lines at Arburg will take centre stage at the industry giant’s upcoming packaging days.

The special industry event will be held in Lossburg from November 5th-6th at the company’s headquarters and promises delegates an enlightening experience complete with informative presentations and demonstrations.

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At the first ever Arburg packaging days, the organisation will present innovative injection moulding technology and automation solutions on four hybrid and electric high-performance machines. Combining speed and precision with hydraulic power and dynamics, the packaging version of the hybrid Hidrive series will be shown to be particularly suitable for the efficient large-scale manufacture of thin-walled technology and closures. The demonstration also includes the production of cups with full cover label in the IML process and screw caps that require the use of a 72-cavity mould.

Prominent speakers and guests from all over the world are expected to attend the international packaging technology conference, which will focus on innovations, trends and current market developments.

Arburg’s Managing Director Sales Helmut Heinson explained: “Arburg packaging days 2014 was designed as a first-class forum for packaging experts from all over the world. Together with eminent speakers and partners, we will present trends and innovations, discuss market developments in the industry and provide an opportunity for the intensive exchange of experiences. We will focus on the topic of production efficiency across the entire value chain.”

“Presentations on product design, material selection and automation solutions as well as current developments in mould, machine and process technology are featured alongside practical applications,” added Andreas Reich, Senior Sales Manager Packaging. Specific practical examples will be used to demonstrate how Allrounder injection moulding machines can be specially designed for the relevant packaging application.

After the specialist programme and machine presentations, the first day of the conference will conclude with a factory tour and an evening event spent together in the Customer Center. The optional programme includes a tour to the regional well-known Alpirsbacher Klosterbräu brewery and a visit to the company Foboha in Haslach. There, the experts give visitors an insight into the world of cube-mould technology. Besides the presentation of the mould technology, a complex application with an electric Arburg cube-mould machine can be seen in production.

CAPS AND CLOSURES NEWS

US caps & closures demand to exceed $11bn in 2018 The US Caps and Closures market is expected to exceed $11 billion in 2018 as market trends and child-lock regulations influence manufacturers.

The caps and closures market in the US is set to balloon in the coming four years.

According to a fresh report published by ReportLinker, US demand for caps and closures is set to increase by 350 billion units by 2018 - representing in excess of $11 billion (€8.5 billion, £6.8 billion). Gains, it claims, will be driven by an acceleration in container unit growth relative to that of the 2008-2013 period, and a greater use of dispensing and child-resistant closures (CRCs), which are more costly than standard threaded closures.

Demand for dispending closures will benefit from consumer trends favouring convenience and ease of use, in addition to brand owner interest in differentiating products at retail level. CRC demand, it is expected, will be driven by the need to comply with Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) requirements that mandate child-resistant packaging for pharmaceutical products, in addition to household products such as bleach.

Growing prevelance Plastic caps and closures comprise the majority of demand in this segment and are expected to post slightly above average unit and value advances over the next four years. This anticipated rise reflects the significance of plastic containers in a number of markets and the growing prevalence of plastic closures on other container types.

The long-term shift in consumer packaging away from traditional container materials glass and metal, in favour of plastics will support growth in plastic cap and closures, as plastic containers tend to employ plastic closures. Among plastic closure types, it is expected that dispensing closures will experience the fastest growth based on convenience and functionality benefits.

Overall value growth will be held back by a moderation in resin price increases and continued lightweighting for sustainability and cost-reduction purposes. In spite of an on-going loss of share to plastic closures, metal closures will post a marginal unit increase as a result of growth for screw and lid closures in ready-to-drink beverage applications such as iced tea and coffee, while there will be a greater use of roll-on closures in the wine market.

Natural corks, meanwhile, will post a modest recovery due to quality improvements and proactive industry marketing programmes aimed at promoting cork as a premium and sustainable option for wine packaging.

Economic recovery The recovering construction market will also fuel an upswing in demand for metal paint cans and their lids, while elastomer and rubber stopper demand will post gains driven by the on going commercialisation of injectable biotechnology-based drugs and a rise in preference for stoppers made using higher-value synthetic rubber and TPEs. Pharmaceuticals will present themselves as the fastest-growing cap and closure market through to 2018, boosted by the expanding elderly population and trends favouring the use of medication over medical procedures. Furthermore, the need to comply with government regulations and industry standards involving the child-resistant, senior-friendly and security features of packaging systems will underlie gains.

Beverages are by far the largest market for caps and closures. While the popularity of single serving bottles will stimulate unit gains, prospects will be constrained by weak production volume outlooks in some large markets and the conversion by most beverage companies to lighter weight, less costly closures. In the beer market, metal crown prospects will be dampened by resurgence of aluminium cans, stemming from the growing popularity of aluminium cans among producers of craft beer due to cost and sustainability advantages.

OCTOBER 2014 • WWW.EPPM.COM • 41

CAPS AND CLOSURES NEWS

NOVA Chemicals reveals commitment to caps and closures market NOVA Chemicals is demonstrating its commitment to delivering greater value in the caps and closures market by investing in equipment and lab upgrades.

This transformation is taking place at the Calgaryheadquartered company’s Centre for Performance Applications. This financial boost will enhance the Canadian business’s ability to deliver greater value to its customers through collaborative product and applications development work.

A new lab-scale injection moulding unit is now fully commissioned and in operation at the site. The company’s Sumitomo injection moulding machine and custom-built Z Moulds carbonated soft drink cap mould offer the capability to manufacture commercialgrade closures. Caps made on the new moulder are tested in NOVA Chemicals’ newly renovated onsite lab, using a suite of industry-leading ‘in-use performance’ equipment. This is a critical advantage that allows NOVA Chemicals and its customers to evaluate polyethylene closure performance under real-world conditions.

Alan Schrob, Caps and Closures Market Manager, Polyethylene Business, said:

“

These investments help us improve polyethylene closure performance, develop new resins and facilitate the conversion to one-piece polyethylene closures. Broadly speaking, they are a key component of our strategy to deliver more value to our customers and the caps and closures market overall.

”

NOVA’s caps and closures investments add to the company’s polyethylene capabilities, which include a wide range of R&D equipment and facility assets, worldclass manufacturing and dedicated teams of marketspecific experts. Combined, these enable the company and its customers to bring better-designed, betterperforming products to market more quickly.

Rank hires JPMorgan to sell Closure Systems Intl.

Rank has hired JPMorgan to oversee the sale of Closure Systems International in a deal estimated to make in excess of $1.5 billion.

Rank Group has hired banks to sell two food and beverage packaging businesses in a deal worth an estimated $4 billion (€3 billion, £2.5 billion).

Rank has appointed JPMorgan to sell Closure Systems International, which manufactures plastic and aluminium bottle tops and caps for the pharmaceutical industry and engine oil products. This sale is expected to fetch in excess of $1.5 billion, according to the Financial Times.

The other side of the deal is being handled by Credit Suisse, which is charged with the sale of Evergreen, which makes cartons for juice and milk products sold in the US and Canada.

An official estimate for the Evergreen sale has not been confirmed, but news outlets have quoted insiders who claim the deal will reach some $2.5 billion - or roughly ten times 2013’s earnings before interest, tax, amortisation and depreciation.

Both deals are in their early stages and there is no guarantee either Closure Systems International or Evergreen will indeed be sold. Both businesses are part of Graeme Hart’s empire - New Zealand’s richest man.

42 • WWW.EPPM.COM • OCTOBER 2014

Aren

Plastic removal technologies Pyrolysis ovens and fluidized beds

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26/09/14 11:39

TPES NEWS

Global TPE market to soar to $15.3bn by 2018 The worldwide TPE market is expected to jump to $15.3 billion by 2018, according to a fresh market report on the trends affecting demand for this plastics segment.

Demand for thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) across the globe is set to soar in the coming years.

In the new report on the subject entitled ‘Thermoplastic Elastomers Market (SBCs, TPOs, TPUs, TPVs & COPEs) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth and Forecast 2012 - 2018’ published by Transparency Market Research, the TPE market’s revenue is anticipated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4 per cent over this six-year period.

Moreover, the volume of global TPEs are forecast to reach 4,879.7 kilo tonnes by 2018 from 3,480.4 kilo tonnes in 2011. This volume growth is predicted to expand at a five per cent rate over the six-year timeframe.

But what of the factors behind this anticipated expansion? The report singles out the automotive industry as being one of the single most important factors behind demand for TPEs rocketing, as a need for high performance, lightweight material grows with innovative and efficient car design.

In addition, the report claims that the growing demand for TPEs is fuelled by end use industries looking to replace PVCs with TPEs, while the materials’ UV and chemical resistance, recyclability, adhesion, bondability and processability make TPEs a good material to use in many industries.

In 2011, the Asia Pacific region was the biggest global region for TPE accounting for more than 40 per cent of global demand.

China’s growth and the expansion of India’s automotive market are anciticpated to push demand in this part of the world by 5.4 per cent CAGR by 2018.

Thanks to their superior characteristics, TPEs are used extensively in the automobile sector and for automobile interiors, as well as in the sports equipment sector, sealants, gaskets, the medical sector and in healthcare. However, strict regulations and the cost of raw materials still inhibit the potential for TPEs in terms of growth.

The report adds that in terms of consumption, styrenic block copolymers (SBCs) account for 48 per cent of the TPE segment. SBCs are largely used in the footwear 44 • WWW.EPPM.COM • OCTOBER 2014

market and in construction, however this segment is set to suffer a slowdown as the market reaches maturity. However, thermoplastic

vulcanizates (TPVs) are expected to grow at the fastest past of 6.6 per cent from 2012 to 2018.

Switching Unit for Variothermal Temperature Control • Elimination of weld lines • Contour accuracy in the moulding of the finest structures • Optimal surface quality • Reduction of high injection pressures • Reduction of sink marks www.hb-therm.ch

Thermoplastics compounder expands extrusion line A global custom engineered thermoplastics compounder has increased its line of conductive compounds to include those specifically designed for extrusion processes and applications.

RTP Company’s Conductive Extrusion Compounds provide consistent electrical conductivity, electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection and maximised physical properties, produced on dedicated manufacturing equipment designed for the highest level of uniform carbon black dispersion.

Many applications require consistent ESD protection, excellent physical properties, and flawless surface appearance - even in thin extrusions. Physical properties and surface appearance are often compromised if the conductive carbon is not highly and consistently dispersed. In addition, thin extrusions require carbon loadings to be accurately controlled to maintain consistent conductivity over the entire extruded product. Fortunately, RTP Company has thermoplastic compounds that are engineered to meet these demands.

TPES NEWS

These extrusion compounds can also be engineered to provide the needed conductivity (both surface and volume resistance) as well as the required mechanical properties (tensile strength, tear strength, abrasion resistance and durometer and flexibility for elastomers). RTP Company can also incorporate other performance enhancements during compounding such as RoHS compliant flame retardant modifiers and processing aids.

These properties can be incorporated into a wide range of both elastomeric and rigid resin systems, including polyvinyl chloride (PVC), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). Conductive Extrusion Compounds from RTP Company are available worldwide through their global network of full-service facilities that provide technical support from design through production.

Neil Hardwick, Marketing Manager for Conductive Products at RTP Company, explained: “Extrusion compounds require special attention to both formulation and manufacturing details. RTP Company takes special care to select the correct polymer and fillers to provide the best results for customers. In addition, we have installed specialised manufacturing equipment globally to address the application demands of our extrusion customers.”

Some of the most popular applications for flexible conductive extrusion compounds include vacuum hoses, ESD tubing, wire and cable, and geomembrane films used a large range of applications in the industrial, automotive, pharmaceutical, and electronics markets.

Common applications for rigid extrusion compounds include industrial pipes and ESD packaging sheets.

PolyOne TPEs launched with authentication technology PolyOne has launched thermoplastic elastomers complete with anti-fraud capabilities in a bid to tackle counterfeiting.

PolyOne’s TPEs have been given the anti-fraud treatment, as its Versaflex CE TPE materials for consumer electronics have been launched with authentication technology.

The Ohio-based industry giant announced that its GLS Thermoplastic Elastomers’ arm - based in Illinois - has developed the materials with its Percept innovation.

The material will help brand owners combat counterfeiting and reduce the risks associated with fraudulent goods like smart watches, headphones, earbuds, phone cases and wearable technologies.

Percept technologies can be tailored to a range of processing conditions, end-use applications and authentication techniques based on overt, covert, or forensic-based approaches, PolyOne said. This enables the identification of counterfeit products with easy-to-use methods based on additives and unique identifiers called taggants.

In 2013, the US Department of Homeland Security recorded $145 million worth of counterfeit consumer electronics entering the country. PolyOne’s development will help counteract this said Charles Page, Director of Global Marketing, PolyOne GLS Thermoplastic Elastomers.

“

When designing innovative consumer products, it is extremely important to protect brand equity, differentiated offering and overall revenues. Our new solution combines Percept’s anti-counterfeiting ability with the haptics and durability of Versaflex CE TPEs

”

OCTOBER 2014 • WWW.EPPM.COM • 45

PET

TPES NEWS

Passion Week 2014

Sierra Resins introduces injection-mouldable tyre rubber thermoplastic

NUREMBERG, GERMANY

10-14 NOVEMBER

2014 CONFERENCE 10-11 NOVEMBER

An injection-mouldable tyre rubber thermoplastic could address the environmental problem of tyres taking up space in landfill sites.

www.petnology.com

Massachusetts-based Sierra Resins has announced its new development - an injection-mouldable thermoplastic containing tyre rubber.

Christened Z-Resin, the company has claimed the material could address significant environmental issues.

Ground Tyre Rubber (GTR) is used in asphalt paving, synthetic mulch and various types of athletic field surface top dressing, amongst other applications.

Without the recyclers who process used tyres into GTR, billions of tyres would be packed into landfills on an annual basis.

Sierra Resins CEO John Tersigni said: “The whole idea behind Z-Resin development was straight forward: to determine applications for various GTR percentages and mesh sizes when we loaded GTR with a polyolefin resin and a binder during Masterbatch compound creation.

PET AT BRAUBEVIALE 11-13 NOVEMBER www.pet-arena.com

“For example, the type of question we asked ourselves was, what’s the right GTR particle size and percentage when combined with a polyolefin to create a compound for protective athletic gear to improve impact resistance and possibly reduce risk of injury? The market opportunity drove the product research and development, versus the other way around. We’re exploring different ventures with tyre recyclers as not just suppliers, but also as business development partners. The plan now is concept testing and commercialisation.”

Furthermore, Sierra Resins is evaluating its bio-concentrate bio-Lene 14 into the injection-mouldable Z-Resin compound. The company is also set to conduct recycling testing on injection-moulded Z-Resin components consisting of micronised tyre rubber particles with olefin resins at various load rates and compounding variables to determine the recyclability of Z-Resin.

46 • WWW.EPPM.COM • OCTOBER 2014

Lead Sponsor:

PETnology/tecPET GmbH | Regensburg, Germany Phone: +49 941 870 23 74 | Fax: +49 941 870 23 73 info@petnology.com

ptl_107x320_eppm.indd 1

Supported by:

28.08.14 08:38

Stratasys ASA UV-resistant thermoplastic has 'best aesthetics' Stratasys' thermoplastic material for its FDM-based 3D printers offers superior UV-resistance and durability for rapid prototyping.

TPES NEWS

Stratasys ASA thermoplastic's UV resistance is ideal for manufacturers in the construction, automotive, electronics, and sporting goods industries.

Additive manufacturing giant Stratasys has announced the availability of a new thermoplastic material option for its FDM-based 3D printers.

ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate) is an all-purpose material used for rapid prototyping, manufacturing tools and finished goods and is suitable for automotive, commercial, sporting, construction and electronic applications thanks to its UVresistance, strength and durability.

The material is well suited for recreational vehicles, outdoor tools, jigs and fixtures, and electrical boxes.

The thermoplastic is compatible with Stratasys' Fortus 360mc, 400mc and 900 mc 3D Production Systems and "surpasses the capabilities of ABS", thanks to its resistance to fading in sunlight over time.

“

As 3D printing becomes a more mainstream production process, and parts are used for a longer period of time and in diverse environments, UV resistance becomes a must-have feature," explained Brendan Dillon, Product Manager for Stratasys. "Once customers use ASA, they may not go back to ABS.

”

ASA also offers a high-quality surface finish and has the best aesthetics of any FDM material on the market, while details sich as printed text and other features are much improved by ASA's matte finish compared to ABS. A "green-flag" material, ASA enables Stratasys Insight software users to produce parts using default settings with a single click. The material is available in black and ivory and is compatible with existing Stratasys SR-30 support material, and priced similar to ABS.

OCTOBER 2014 • WWW.EPPM.COM • 47

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CM

MY

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CMY

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48 • WWW.EPPM.COM • OCTOBER 2014

EUREKA SERIES

Fluorescent fingerprints: A recycling revolution?

An innovative system of using fluorescence to identify polymers could revolutionise how plastics are sorted at recycling plants.

Words | Rose Brooke

Researchers in Germany have developed a new process that could greatly simplify how plastics are sorted at recycling plants.

A team from Ludwig-MaximilliansUniversitaet (LMU) has been working on a system that enables automatic identification of polymers, facilitating the rapid separation of plastics allowing them to be reused.

The significant step has been made by researchers led by LMU’s Professor Heinz Langhals, from the institution’s Department of Chemistry, who promises the development will markedly expedite the recycling of plastics.

The technique - which features in the latest issue of the Green and Sustainable Chemistry journal - takes advantage of the polymer-specific nature of the intrinsic fluorescence induced by photoexcitation.

Langhals explained: “Plastics emit fluorescent light when exposed to a brief flash of light and the emission

decays with time in a distinctive pattern. Thus, their fluorescence lifetimes are highly characteristic for the different types of polymers and can serve as an identifying fingerprint.”

Currently the subject of a patent application, the new technique involved exposing particles of plastic to a flash of light causing the polymers to fluoresce. Photoelectric sensors then measure the intensity of the light emissions in response to the inducing photoexcitation to determine the dynamics of its decay.

Because the different materials used in manufacturing plastics display specific fluorescence lifetimes, the form of the decay curve can be used to identify their chemical characteristics.

Langhals said: “With this process, errors in measurement are practically ruled out; for any given material, one will always obtain the same value for the fluorescence half-life, just as in the case of radioactive decay.”

Unlike metals, which suffer in terms of quality during the recycling process, reconstituted plastics can be processed efficiently and put to a great many uses.

“Polymers represent an interesting basis for the sustainable cycling of technological materials. The crucial requirement is that the recycled material should be chemically pure. In that case, bottles made of PET, for example, can be relatively easily turned into synthetic fibre for use in waterproof windcheaters,” Langhals stated.

The majority of technical polymers are processed as thermoplastics - where the material is melted at high temperature and the finished article is produced using injection moulding. Reheating recycled plastic can lead to deleterious alterations in its properties of the material unless the sorted material is of a high purity. Contamination levels as low as five per cent are sufficient to significantly reduce the quality of the reformed product.

The reason for this effect is that, as a general rule, polymers tend to be

immiscible as they are chemically incompatible with one another.

Re-melting the polymer mixtures, therefore, often leads to partitioning of the different polymers into distinct domains separated by grain boundaries, which compromise the quality of the final product. Because of this, high-quality plastics are always manufactured exclusively from pristine precursors - never from recycled material.

The research team from LMU could change all of this, though.

Langhals explained: “The waste problem can only be solved by chemical means, and our process can make a significant contribution to environmental protection, because it makes automated sorting feasible.”

As such, the fluorescence lifetime measurements system could identify and sort up to 1.5 tonnes of plastic every hour - which means the technique is already capable of working on an industrial scale.

OCTOBER 2014 • WWW.EPPM.COM • 49

E The Online Directory for the

GLOBAL PLASTICS INDUSTRY

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Over 40 Years of Service

1300mm wide Kuhne sheet extrusion line with K701E - 30D vented extruder, melt pump, 1200mm die head, 1300mm x 300mm chrome rolls, pump group, winder.

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2950mm wide Welex Davis Standard sheet extrusion line with 150mm DS extruder, 33D, Flex lip die, 2950mm x 500mm 3 roll stack, pump group, haul off, guillotine

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1700mm wide Bandera Virginio Mai PMMA ABS sheet extrusion line. 80mm extruder, 1600mm Simplas die, 2-7mm thickness.

Complete line 1987.

1120mm wide EDI close approach PET sheet die model H100 with Flex lip and decals. Lip heater. Lip gap up to 2.5mm 1996.

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2950mm Sheet line for HDPE 2290mm Sheet line for ABS 2000mm Omipa Union Sheet line.

1700mm Line for ABS and PMMA 1500mm Bandera stack 1350mm Welex/union sheet line 1300mm Kuhne Sheet line 1000mm Omv sheet line 1000mm Esde 3 rollstack 890mm Welex 3 roll stack

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250mm Speedex vacuum unit

Piovan gravimetric blender

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100mm Union single screw extruder. 35D vented with fan cooled barrel. Vacuum vent.

110kw dc motor and drive. Temperature panel 1987.

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30mm Apv (Baker Perkins) Model MP30 Twin screw extruder.

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50 • WWW.EPPM.COM • OCTOBER 2014

Recycling Conduit

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To advertise here please contact Lucinda Nicholls: Tel: (44) 0161 308 2550 T: +44 Fax: (0) 1244 680222 E:Whitelands lucinda.nicholls@rapidnews.com (44) 0161 343 2026 Mill, Whitelands Road,

Email: aml@abbeymb.comAshton-under-Lyne, OL6 6UG, UK Web: www.abbeymb.com Tel: (44) 0161 308 2550 Fax: (44) 0161 343 2026 Download USED MACHINERY our full stock MATERIALS HANDLING Email: aml@abbeymb.com lists onlineExtrusion Extruder and Web: www.abbeymb.com sales@rawmec.com

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Speciality Engineering Polymers Whitelands Mill, Whitelands Road, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 6UG, UK Whitelands Mill, Whitelands Road, 308 2550UK Tel: (44) 0161 Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 6UG, Fax: (44) 0161 343 2026 Tel: (44) 0161 308 2550 Email: aml@abbeymb.com Fax: (44) 0161 343 2026 Web: www.abbeymb.com Email: aml@abbeymb.com Web: www.abbeymb.com

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APRIL / MAY 2014 • WWW.EPPM.COM OCTOBER WWW.EPPM.COM •• 35 51

visit

Leading Masterbatch producer in Black, White, Color & additives

Visit Ampacet’s stand at Fakuma, 2014 - Hall B1- Stand 1219 For further information on our full product range, please contact your local Ampacet correspondent or email: marketing.europe@ampacet.com www.ampacet.com 52 • WWW.EPPM.COM • OCTOBER 2014