EPPM 18.4

September 2016 Volume 18 | Issue 04

ROBOTIC AUTOMATION IN THE FACTORY OF THE FUTURE: OPPORTUNITIES WIDE OPEN Cover Story | Page 8

A new generation takes shape. s V i s i t u 16 0 a t K 2 l d o r f, sse i n D Ăź m a ny Ger

5 Hall 1 5 8 C Stand

Take the proven and tested, make it even better and explore something new – that is what makes ENGEL and their customers so successful.

Following our claim be the first, we will present a new generation of injection moulding machines setting new standards at K 2016. For now, we will entice you with this: We do not compromise on energy efficiency, ergonomics or precision. Do you want to know more?

Meet us at stand C58 in hall 15, starting October 19.

www.engelglobal.com

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IN THIS ISSUE Pg 6 INDUSTRY NEWS

Pg 26 FILM AND SHEET

One of the most talked-about plastics stories of August was the Trucost ‘Plastics and Sustainability’ report, which put plastics ahead of traditional materials in terms of sustainability for some applications. Who knew?

Film and sheet inspection plays a dominant role in this section, with SolveTech and Hammer IMS both introducing their incredible technologies to this corner of the market, which is demanding thinner and thinner films for myriad applications.

Pg 8 COVER STORY: SEPRO

Pg 32 CAPS AND CLOSURES

Sepro is bringing ultra-precise, large-scale robotic technology for plastics processing to K 2016 and wants the world to know that the future is wide open when automation is playing a role on the production floor.

The unsung heroes of packaging, caps and closures are getting more sophisticated, more secure and more sustainable.

Pg 11 INDUSTRY NEWS Continuing our Industry News section in this edition, we drop in on the materials partners of two of the biggest aerospace stories to make the headlines this summer, the Solar Impulse 2 and the Airlander 10.

Pg 16 RECYCLING MACHINERY We live in a world where zero waste is the pinnacle of efficiency, so recycling machinery innovators have their work cut out to make sure every last scrap of plastic can be repurposed. We explore the latest in this exciting sector.

Pg 23 HEATING AND COOLING Our Temperature Control spotlight has been rechristened Heating and Cooling to better cover some of the amazing technologies that are giving our plastics a processability boost, as well as those keeping the machinery on an even keel.

Pg 37 MACHINERY AND MATERIALS ROUNDUPS Our roundups of the machinery and materials stories that are making the biggest impact in European plastics.

Volume 18 Issue 04

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Pg 40 K-EXTRA

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Nine pages, 42 companies and nearly 5,000 words later and we’ve got Part 1 of 2 of our K-EXTRA special focus on K 2016 ready to wow you and the K crowds.

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European Plastic Product Manufacturer is published by Rapid Plastics Media Ltd.

Pg 50 EUREKA

Each issue is distributed in print and digital format to 17,845 buyers and specifiers in the European plastic processing industry.

Carrying on from our recycling machinery focus, this edition’s EUREKA story comes from down under and features an exciting new technology that can transform paper, pulp and tricky-to-recycle plastics into a petroleum substitute.

© September 2016.

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From The Editor

Magnificent men in their flying machines Magnificent men and women have raised the bar for aerospace over the last few weeks and plastics technology has helped them get their aircraft off the ground.

Solar-powered flight is now a reality after the Solar Impulse 2 completed its round-the-world trip without using any fuel. Covestro kindly spoke to EPPM about its work as a materials partner on the Si2 and the pride the team felt

Talking of all things gargantuan - and taking my head out of the clouds just for a second - this is our first of two on-site K 2016 editions

seeing it complete its mission successfully.

In addition, even though the gargantuan Airlander 10 airship/aeroplane hybrid suffered a slight mishap by crashing on its second outing, we still think the composites technology that went into something of such size and scale is worth exploring, which is why we spoke to Forward Composites to learn more about the vast ship’s creation.

Talking of all things gargantuan - and taking my head out of the clouds just for a second - this is our first of two on-site K 2016 editions and I am pleased as punch to welcome back Sepro as our cover stars, who emphasise that with their robotics technology, the future is ‘wide open’ for plastics processing. We’ve also got news, views and case studies on heating and cooling, film and sheet technology, and caps and closures in this issue, including interviews with Bunting and SolveTech.

You can find the first half of our K exhibitor preview in this magazine, with a whopping 42 companies featured. So if you’ve picked EPPM up at K and you don’t know where to begin, flip through our nine-page K-EXTRA special focus and see what piques your interest.

I’d personally like to thank everybody who sent in their 100-word previews on time to feature in both this issue and the October edition. Each one made for exciting reading in the run-up to this massive event and I hope to meet as many of you as possible as I race about K in just a few weeks.

Rose Brooke, Editor

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INDUSTRY

Vindicated: ‘Plastics are sustainable’

P

lastics have an unfair reputation as a scourge on the environment but a study published by international environmental research organisation Trucost has revealed the environmental cost of using plastics in consumer goods and packaging is nearly four times less than alternative materials.

'Plastics and Sustainability: A Valuation of Environmental Benefits, Costs, and Opportunities for Continuous Improvement', which was commissioned by the American Chemistry Council (ACC), built on previous reports and compared the environmental costs of using plastics to alternative materials. Measuring and valuing environmental effects including water consumption and emissions, the study gives a different perspective, as these factors are not normally included in financial accounting records. Moreover, unlike other reports, the data does not rely solely on calculated environmental costs.

"We are very excited to present ‘Plastics and Sustainability,’ the largest natural capital study ever conducted for the plastics manufacturing sector," said Libby Bernick, Senior Vice-President – North America for Trucost. "This report provides the clearest picture to date of the relative costs and benefits of plastics

compared to alternative materials as well as important opportunities to enhance the environmental performance of using plastics in consumer goods."

The report contradicts common opinion that plastics are the most unsustainable option, revealing that using alternative materials to plastics in consumer goods and packaging increases the environmental costs from $139 billion (€124.6 billion, £107 billion) to $533 billion annually. This is because plastic materials are durable, strong and can do more with less material than the alternatives, providing environmental benefits throughout the entire product lifecycle.

"We now have a fuller picture of the environmental benefits of using plastics," commented Steve Russell, ACC Vice-President. "From lighter, more fuel-efficient cars to smart packaging that helps our favourite foods last longer; our industry is committed to on-going innovations that will advance sustainability across major market sectors and the globe." www.trucost.com/published-research/189/plastics/alternatives/acc

European Commission to probe Dow/DuPont merger

I

t was arguably the biggest story to hit the plastics headlines in December 2015 but the Dow/DuPont merger is far from nearing completion, as the European Commission continues to investigate the deal.

In-line with EU Merger Regulation legislation, the Commission is exploring whether the merger would have a negative impact on competition in petrochemicals, in addition to within the crop protection and seeds markets. Both companies have significant market shares in the market for herbicides and insecticides, while a merger could be a disincentive to license gene editing technologies for seed production to competitors. The Commission is also looking at how the merging of two major players in the polyolefin market and creating new vertical links in this space would affect the sector.

European Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said: “We need to make sure that the proposed merger does not lead to higher prices or less innovation for these products.”

The European Commission has until December 20th 2016 to make its decision.

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INDUSTRY

French and German industry backs EU I

ndustry associations in Germany and France have reasserted the importance of maintaining the European Union to ensure market stability and growth.

Following the result of the EU referendum in the UK, the German Mechanical Engineering Industry Association the VDMA and the French Federation of Mechanical Engineering Industries (FIM) have come together to reassure Europe that maintaining the EU is best for business.

The VDMA and FIM represent exportintensive companies fully integrated in the European value chain that strongly rely on the benefits of the EU in terms of economic development, R&D and competitiveness.

"We fully support the idea of European integration as a basis for stability, peace and economic welfare in Europe," they said in a joint statement.

"For German and French companies the European Union is their home market.

But moreover for our companies the European Union is necessary to shape the rules of globalisation. It guarantees fair trade and competition with major third [party] countries, while ensuring the implementation of a certain set of rules (safety of consumers, intellectual property…)."

The VDMA and FIM are committed to pursuing their efforts in favour of European integration. Their presidents, Dr Reinhold Festge and Bruno Grandjean, are in constant discussion about the single market, showing the willingness of German and French companies to contribute to what they describe as 'the European project'.

LANXESS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH I BU HIGH PERFORMANCE MATERIALS | 50569 COLOGNE | GERMANY | LXS-HPM-069EN

Since the UK voted by a tight margin to give up its place as one of the 28 member states, uncertainty has bled through the media, politics and industry and there are fears a threatened domino effect tipped into effect by 'Brexit' could lead to further member states following suit, thus endangering the EU and the sustainability of the economic model of the single market.

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Visit us and find out more at K 2016, Hall 6, Stand C76/C78, from October 19 to 26, 2016 – Düsseldorf, Germany

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COVER STORY

Sepro collaborates with various IMM partners to develop integrated automation solutions.

Robotic automation in the Factory of the Future:

Opportunities wide open

The Factory of the Future needs robots and Sepro is leading the way as a champion of automation technology for plastics processors. In this K 2016 special cover story, Sepro reveals how it is championing robotics for Industry 4.0.

Jean-Michel Renaudeau, CEO, Sepro Group

M

ost people expect that the industry of the future – Industry 4.0, as it has come to be called – will be built on openness, flexibility and integration.

At Sepro, we agree. Beyond that, however, it seems that the Factory of the Future is still being designed.

There have been numerous technical developments, including socalled big data, the Internet of Things, flexible manufacturing processes and collaborative robots or co-bots, which supposedly can work side-by-side with human workers. All these things exist and are being touted by some as the wave of the future when, in reality, their value in an industrial setting has yet to be fully realised. In industry, new technology must improve efficiency, productivity and quality, or it has no value. It must be ‘deliverable.’ What will the Factory of the Future look like? Only time will tell; but we can be certain of some things. Robots and automation systems have already proven they can deliver the necessary return on investment based on their connectivity, flexibility and process integration.

Robots are already capable of interoperability. The 'brain' of the robot already collaborates in a master/slave relationship with other machines and can react automatically in real time to adapt to programming and sensory inputs. Thanks to Euromap and SPI communications protocols and the latest robot controls – including Visual controls from Sepro – it is already possible to automate any moulding machine from any manufacturer, whether new or previously installed.

In fact, a recent survey found Sepro robots working on more than 30 different brands of moulding machines. That’s connectivity.

However, the Factory of the Future will require even greater flexibility and we’re working on that. Today, Sepro is collaborating with various IMM partners to offer three different levels of integration.

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More Ergonomic The robot control can be mirrored on the operator panel of the injection moulding machine. The IMM doesn’t control the robot, but it does provide the interface to the robot control. In this configuration, it is possible to control the robot from two different locations. For instance, the IMM-control interface can be used on the operator side of the machine, and, on the back of the machine, the robot control pendant can be used. This can greatly simplify the fine-tuning of robot movements without the operator having to move back and forth from one side of the machine to the other.

Quick Access This configuration represents a middle range of control integration. It offers the same operational features and benefits as Level 1, plus the ability to use shortcut icons and keyboard functionality built into the IMM control. For instance, the operator can start up the whole production cell on one touchscreen. Other shortcut operations like ‘Reset’ and ’Home Return’ are also available. Also, IMM set-up actions – like selecting or entering a mould or job code – automatically trigger similar actions in the robot control. When a specific user (operator) profile is entered on the IMM control, similar access is automatically granted in the robot control. Communication is via Ethernet TCP/IP.

Integrated Operation & Data Storage Here, the robot application program is fully integrated in the IMM control and all application data, including robot programming and possibly other auxiliary equipment like mould temperature controls, are filed in one place

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in the IMM control memory. Operation is similar to Level 2, but this configuration files and backs up application parameters of the entire cell in one single archive. This arrangement is best for moulders that want to centralise management of plant production and prevent any chance of a conflict between robot and machine controls.

This integration technology is already reality, as each of these configurations has been implemented to some degree with certain Sepro partners. That’s flexibility.

Industry 4.0 We’re told that Industry 4.0 will see different machines working together as a unit. Increasingly, processors are discovering that they can, in fact, improve productivity and make added-value parts, by using robots for more than simply replacing a machine operator for part removal. Today, robots come together with customised, multifunctional end-of-arm tooling, insert feeders and positioning systems, and post-mould inspection, assembly and packaging equipment to yield specific solutions:

Integration Level 3: Integrated Operation & Data Storage

The Factory of the Future – the first iteration of Industry 4.0, at least – is already becoming reality. And, thanks to today’s robots and evolving technology, the future is wide open.

• Control: vision; presence/absence of components; electrical continuity

Sepro at K 2016

• Parts handling: shuttle tables; vertical stackers

Sepro Group will bring a total of 27 robots to K 2016, including two that will be, most likely, the largest robots at the show. The total number, as well as the wide range of sizes and configurations, helps emphasise Sepro’s commitment to connectivity and agility.

• Traceability: marking; labeling; separation by cavity • Assembly: closing; clipping; screwing; welding • Cutting: gate vestige removal; flash removal; routing.

These systems can get quite complex. For instance, a moulder making kitchen utensils created a cell that involves two moulding machines, three 3-axis robots, an insert loading station and shuttle table. In operation, a small 3-axis robot stages six metal utensil-handle inserts for pick-up by a larger robot on one of the two IMMs. That machine moulds a TPE grip onto the handles and then the robot returns to remove the moulded handles and place six more inserts. The moulded handles are then placed in a fixture on the shuttle table that moves them over to the second moulding machine. The large robot on that machine picks them up and places them into the second mould, where a stiffer, heat-resistant material forms the working end on the utensil.

The second robot removes the finished parts, places them on a conveyor to a packing area and the cycles repeat. That’s integration.

Sepro will exhibit eight robots on its own stand, including two new robots aimed at large moulding machines. The new 7X-100XL, a 5-axis Cartesian beam robot, will be demonstrated along with the new 6X-400, a 6-axis articulated-arm robot that is the product of the recent partnership agreement with Yaskawa Motoman. Smaller 6-axis robots, for IMM up to 800 tons, are produced in partnership with Staübli Robotics.

Sepro is also introducing new small robots, including a 3-axis robot called the Success 5, and an S5 servo-driven sprue picker.

Thanks to partnerships with 10 different moulding machine manufacturers, an additional 19 Sepro robots can be seen operating in 3 of the machinery halls at the Düsseldorf plastics show. These exhibitors represent Europe, America, China and Asia.

What comes next?

It is likely that next big developments in robotics will be seen in the area of controls. Sepro, in fact, is collaborating with the Robotics Institute at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA, to develop the next generation of robot and injection moulding machine controls. The project is still in the development phase, but it is likely that the new controls will feature elements like ‘agile’ ergonomics, similar to tablets, the ability to ‘learn by doing,’ 3D simulation to make programming easier, extensive customisation, and ‘apps’ to facilitate routine functions like maintenance and troubleshooting.

We are already moving toward more open, more collaborative and more integrated injection-moulding systems, and this will certainly intensify.

Hall 12, Booth A49

YOUR FUTURE IS WIDE OPEN www.sepro-group.com

Integration Level 1: More Ergonomic.

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Hall 10, booth E81.

Innovations for a better world.

INDUSTRY Bertrand Piccard (right) and Bernd Rothe try the use of parts made from polyurethane rigid foam in the cockpit.

Solar Impulse 2: Covestro’s story Materials science played a pivotal role in getting the world record-making solar powered Solar Impulse 2 off the ground and back safely nearly 16 months later. Covestro revealed to EPPM the role it played as a partner company on the aerospace project.

Words | Rose Brooke

O

n July 26th 2016, the Solar Impulse 2 solar-powered aircraft completed its 40,000 km voyage around the world, touching down in Abu Dhabi and making history.

Swiss pioneers Bertrand Piccard and AndrĂŠ Borschberg's incredible vehicle circumnavigated the globe over a period of nearly 16 months without using a drop of fuel. The Si2 took off from Abu Dhabi in March 2015 and the two airmen took it in turns to fly it using 17,000 solar cells that store power in batteries for night flying, allowing the aircraft to theoretically remain airborne indefinitely.

With the wingspan of a Boeing 747, the Si2 can reach speeds of up to 87 miles per hour, but despite its albatross-like frame, the aircraft's cockpit is very compact at just 15.3 m sq, containing instruments, a small food and drink supply and a chair for the pilot.

The lightweight technology that went into the cockpit was a key challenge the Si2 team had to overcome, which is why leading global materials science innovator Covestro was brought on board as a partner.

Cross-disciplinary expertise Covestro's Dr Bernd Rothe coordinated the materials development for Solar Impulse working with a sizeable cross-disciplinary team of scientists, lab technicians, product developers and engineers, supported by simulation and materials testing experts, prototyping specialists, tooling and processing experts, purchasers, supply

chain coordinators and marketing and communications experts.

The Covestro team worked closely with an external design company which helped prepare the 3D model of the Si2. The team of 30 worked within six different projects to support the construction of the lightweight aircraft.

"Covestro was assigned the design of the cockpit due to its expertise and material knowledge," Dr Rothe told EPPM. "Covestro developed extremely lightweight materials for Si2.

Low weight has always been the decision criterion for the Solar Impulse team. The goals were really high and the timeframe really challenging. The Covestro team found solutions that were directly discussed with Si2 and then jointly optimised. Our strength was certainly our existing knowledge which was used within the boundaries set for Si2."

Dr Rothe explained that the weight of an aircraft is inversely proportional to its range, which is a critical factor to consider for a solarpowered aircraft that needs to fly by day and by night, therefore, ultralightweight materials are vital to compensate for the weight of the heavy battery.

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April 23rd 2016: Solar Impulse flying over the Golden Gate Bridge.

COPYRIGHT: Solar Impulse | Revillard | Rezo.ch

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Microcellular foam technology One of the materials the Covestro team turned to was a microcellular polyurethane rigid foam.

"It is extremely low weight due to the very low density of less than 30 kg/ m3," explained Dr Rothe. "This was achieved by further reducing the pore size to micrometer scale, with 97 per cent of the foam consisting of gaseous blowing agent. The reduced pore size also leads to even better insulation properties, so that the pilot was best protected from heat and cold."

Covestro's microcellular foam technology is not yet a mainstream material in aerospace manufacturing, but as it is suitable for tasks where extremely lightweight solutions are required, the material is being further optimised for different applications including aerospace and automotive.

Flying laboratory When using materials that are being put into new applications and environments, testing is a crucial part of the development process and Covestro was closely involved in the Si2's wind tunnel tests in Switzerland, including a special design test for the cockpit to ensure the pilot's safety in a potential door release situation in difficult New materials were flying conditions. The cockpit was tested under various wind speeds developed and directly and angles, while temperature tests tested and approved. With were performed within Covestro's innovations like these, specialised laboratories.

Covestro is aiming to make the world a brighter place

Naturally, playing a key role in such a huge aerospace event in history must connect a team emotionally to the project and Dr Rothe was not shy in admitting Covestro felt a lot of pride seeing the Si2 land.

"The team closely followed the final landing ... and other Covestro colleagues were fascinated by the adventure. The complete team is very proud to be part of this project."

CEO Patrick Thomas added his voice to the delighted chorus. Upon the aircraft's arrival back in Abu Dhabi he said: "On behalf of all employees of Covestro, I sincerely congratulate you on this courageous work. We are very proud of having contributed to the success of this project and of pushing boundaries with the materials we developed."

What's next?

The entire process - including the finished aircraft in flight - was a research and development project for Covestro and Dr Rothe described the Si2 as a 'flying laboratory'.

So what's next for the Si2? Piccard and Borschberg's adventure is not over, it seems and the team sees their achievements thus far as an opportunity to continue to push the envelope of fuel-efficiency, lightweighting and harnessing renewable energy.

"It provided us with valuable information," he said. "New materials were developed and directly tested and approved. With innovations like these, Covestro is aiming to make the world a brighter place."

In a blog post published on August 21st, the team thanked supporters for their messages of encouragement and wonder at the completed round-the-world mission and added that there is a world of opportunity to be had from the success of Si2.

"Today climate change is becoming common rhetoric," they said, "however very few people see it as an opportunity to innovate, to improve, to try out crazy ideas, to change the way we think about the world and technology. But this may be changing." www.covestro.com

We are very proud of having contributed to the success of this project and of pushing boundaries with the materials we developed

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INDUSTRY

From F1 to flying ships The composites technology that helped the world’s longest aircraft, the Airlander 10, get off the ground last month, has its roots in F1 racing.

EPPM caught up with composites partner on the project Forward Composites to learn just how engineering materials got this vast ship flying.

Words | Rose Brooke

A

irlander 10, the world's longest aircraft, emerged from its hangar in Bedfordshire, UK, last month and delighted the world when on August 17th 2016 it took its maiden flight.

The Airlander 10 is an unusual vehicle. Rigid like a zeppelin but maintaining its shape from internal gas pressure like a blimp, the gargantuan hull is filled with helium and its internal diaphragms are designed to support its longitudinal shape, making it safer than other airships and giving it the capacity to carry loads of some 50 tonnes. Achieving the lightweight strength demonstrated in its first outing does not happen overnight, with composites engineering and manufacturing specialist Forward Composites perfecting the structure of the Airlander 10 prototype over six years.

Technical Director and Co-Owner of Forward Composites Ed Collings knows more about what the Airlander 10 is made from than perhaps anybody else, becoming involved in the project back in 2010 at Lola Composites before it was bought by Forward.

"I know far too much about this," he joked. "It has taken up a few years of my career."

Unique challenges Unsurprisingly for a 92-metre long airship, the Airlander 10 presented some unique challenges for Forward, including tooling and building a robust structure that will fly.

The mission module alone is 22 metres long, and the cost of tooling components of this size would be prohibitively expensive.

"The tools we used in FEA and some classical stress calculations are derived from F1 methodology," explained Collings. "A lot of the manufacturing process was very similar to F1 technologies with some alterations due to the size of the structure and the large amounts of material. We used thicker layers of composite material and therefore applied fewer layers to build up the equivalent thickness to obtain the right structural properties, but conceptually it's quite similar to an F1 car."

Right first time There is such a vast juxtaposition between a zippy F1 racer, zooming around a racetrack like a dragonfly skimming a pond, and the cloud-like sleepiness of an airship drifting across the sky and this comparison was not lost on Collings. But even though the design and engineering techniques and the schedule are very similar or even the same, what is different is the 'get it right first time' culture in aerospace.

You have to design things right and you design things once, there isn’t time to go through various iterations

"We used some quite novel methods on the tooling manufacture," said Collings. "We manufactured the payload module and we also did the design and FEA (Finite Element Analysis) assembly, so we use techniques that are actually quite common in motorsport."

Engineering systems commonly used in F1 racing were preferable to Collings and the team at Forward not only because of the short

14

timeframes both the Airlander and an F1 project impose, but because Forward has an expert background in motorsport design and technology built on 53 years of Lola specialising in this elite engineering segment.

"You have to design things right and you design things once, there isn't time to go through various iterations of the design so it requires experienced people to get a full understanding of all the parameters affecting the product and deliver the optimum solution from the outset," Collings stated.

Forward did what it was required to do following this strict schedule thanks to its 'industry benchmark' analysis tools to analyse the composites structure down to every individual ply. Composites, Collings explained, are not isotropic materials that behave differently when pulled in different directions and Forward's analysis tools account for this, allowing the team to truly understand how many layers of material are required at specific points on the Airlander 10.

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As well as the scale of the Airlander 10, the conditions its structure would have to stand up to posed another new challenge for Forward.

The materials themselves are civil aerospaceapproved, for aircraft that ascend to much colder temperatures than the Airlander 10, but Collings revealed that this did not mean the team could relax the highly technical process of picking the right resin matrix - an epoxy resin - to suit the process and unusual curing parameters.

"It comes down to experience really. Within our company, to know what materials are available and how they work and to pick the optimum material to suit all the variables is vital," Collings said.

"I used the same tools I used to use in F1 and with that experience you can actually produce theoretically optimal design in a relatively short timeframe," said Collings.

Big project, big tools Despite the familiar process, nothing about the development of the Airlander 10 was routine for Forward.

"The scale is vast," Collings stated. "We've got some of the largest facilities within a private composites company and that allowed us to manufacture 7.2m-long components in one piece without any unnecessary joints that would have to be included purely from a feasibility and practical constraint.

"So we can manufacture the moulds, laminate the components and cure them. Full 5-axis CNC machines ensure accuracy and remove any dependency on shimming and fitting on assembly ... and that's fairly sophisticated in the industry to be able to machine something of that size and achieve the fit and tolerances. That was a key challenge for us but one we overcame and it worked very well. As a result, the finished components manufactured here at Forward were fitted to the Airlander within less than a week on-site."

In all, Forward's remit included the rigid structures assembled onto the hull, the cabin and 'universal space', which will be used for demonstrations in the prototype.

"We're a composite partner with HAV (Hybrid Air Vehicles, owner of the Airlander 10) we know their people very well," said Collings.

EPPM spoke to Collings just before the Airlander 10 took its maiden flight and the composites expert revealed that HAV's prospects, which extend from defence and shipping to delivering humanitarian aid to remote areas, rested on a successful launch.

Within our company, to know what materials are available and how they work and to pick the optimum material to suit all the variables is vital

"It's taken 160-something people (to get it to fly)," said Collings. "Personally, I have a lot of pride in having worked on the project and technically at Forward I'm more involved than anyone else here. I'm proud of it and it will be great to see it fly."

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www.forwardcomposites.com

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RECYCLING MACHINERY

From Industry 4.0 to Recycling 4.0 EREMA is bringing plastics recycling into the world of Industry 4.0 with its Smart Factory package and CAREFORMANCE initative putting customer performance first.

INTAREMA

E

REMA is spearheading the Industry 4.0 zeitgeist for recycling machinery, launching its CAREFORMANCE initiative just in time for K 2016.

CAREFORMANCE is, according to the Austrian recycling technology leading light, the flagship of the Recycling 4.0 age, bringing plastics processors, recyclers and other producers a Smart Factory package for streamlined, efficient, connected recycling.

Building on the success of its INTAREMA launch three years ago at K 2013, EREMA is bringing the message ‘CAREFORMANCE - we care about your performance’ to this year’s outing. The scheme consists of four parts, with the INTAREMA system forming the basis for the further Smart Factory applications.

Quality Street In addition to previous machine data, specially integrated sensors – the QualityOn package – can be used in future to record and evaluate MVR (Melt Volume Rate), colour and moisture. The QualityOn package enables recyclers and producers to make their recyclates with consistent quality in accordance with the special requirements of their customers and document them transparently using online data acquisition and analysis.

Recipes recorded electronically can We have developed a be compared with each other and Smart Factory package modified.

which enables us to give our customers a clear competitive edge and make them fit for the future.

Since the technology was launched at K 2013, more than 450 INTAREMA systems have been sold worldwide. This time, delegates will not only discover the benefits of CAREFORMANCE in theory, they will also experience them live, as EREMA will be recycling the K 2016's plastic waste on-site at the CAREFORMANCE Recycling Centre in the outdoor area of the trade fair, with machine, quality and process data being transferred in real time to EREMA's booth in Hall 9, Booth C05. www.erema.at

Manfred Hackl, EREMA CEO

In order to make full use of the machine and to process data in a worthwhile and user-friendly way, EREMA has developed a sophisticated MES (Manufacturing Execution System) known as re360, which keeps track of the productivity of an entire range of machinery in five modules.

The system gives processors an overview of capacities, stoppage times, quality data and upcoming maintenance jobs.

"Fit for the future" The extent to which re360 was developed with customer requirements in mind becomes clear with the link to Spare Parts Online, EREMA's online store. Any upcoming maintenance work and the replacement of individual parts is displayed in good time by re360. Spare parts can be ordered directly via the online store to keep downtime low and ensure maximum productivity. The customers' EREMA systems and past orders are stored at Spare Parts Online.

"Building on the high degree of automation of the INTAREMA systems we have developed a Smart Factory package which enables us to give our customers a clear competitive edge and make them fit for the future," explained EREMA CEO Manfred Hackl.

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Get The Metal Out! Whether injecting, blow-molding or recycling, get the metal out of your plastics with Bunting® metal detectors and separation equipment. Our strong, high-energy magnets, quality manufacturing and innovative designs that work in any plastics conveying system will help drive your business forward.

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WITTMANN takes it to the G-Max

W

ITTMANN has brought a new-concept beside-the-press granulator for soft-to-middle hardness engineering resins to the recycling machinery marketplace.

The G-Max 12 granulator is designed for the in-line recycling of sprues from injection moulding machines with clamping forces of 90 tonnes or less. It is compact, energy-saving and equipped with a unique cutting chamber damper for significant noise reduction.

WITTMANN can give the new G-Max a coveted 'energy-saving' stamp of approval because the machine uses a 1,5 kW IE3 premium efficiency motor. Its cutting chamber is 198 x 169 mm and depending on the material, its throughput can reach 50 kg per hour.

of the production process can be integrated and coordinated in a comprehensive way: conveying and blending of material, tempering, injection moulding, and automation – and, of course, the recycling process.

All WITTMANN products are equipped with components of the highest quality, including the new G-Max 12. The material hopper and the 10 l regrind bin are made of stainless steel. The G-Max 12 has a screen with conical shaped holes as a standard feature. This makes it easier for soft tacky regrind to pass through the screen. This also helps to minimise screen hole plugging. Cleaning is made very easy, as operators can open the cutting chamber with a complete top access.

One of the star features of the new G-Max is its remote control, which replaces the conventional electrical control device.

www.wittmann-group.com

In-line with the Industry 4.0 zeitgeist, an interface enables communication with the injection moulding machine. When the IMM is 'off', the granulator stops automatically, further contributing to energy savings. There are also three different positions of the control on the granulator to choose, making it much easier for the operator to supervise the grinding process.

The control’s connecting cable to the granulator has a length of 3 m, allowing the control of the granulator from the outside of a protective housing. In contrast to the respective competitive products, WITTMANN is offering this as part of the granulator’s standard equipment.

In addition, the G-Max 12 can be operated as a part of the WITTMANN 4.0 concept that enables the interaction between the moulding machine and all the other peripheral devices. All aspects

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RECYCLING MACHINERY

Bunting magnetism drives growth Bunting’s magnetic and metal detection technology is in high demand and the company is on the lookout for new distribution partners as it extends its reach through Europe and beyond.

B

unting Magnetics Europe - a stalwart of the European plastics recycling industry - has its eye on new markets. EPPM sat down with EMEA Head of Sales David Hills to learn more about Bunting's strategy for growth.

The company will be out in force at K 2016 where every team member will be keen to speak to customers, prospective customers and future distributors to help it extend its reach across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and it seems nothing can stand in the way of its progress.

Headquartered in Hertfordshire, UK, Bunting Europe is unshaken by 'Brexit'. For the company, it is business as usual and even the changeability of the foreign exchange market is yielding positives, with Europe benefitting from buying machinery from Bunting in euros against sterling. But, as Hills stated, the matter remains a "complete unknown".

"As far as we're concerned, nothing is changing," he confirmed.

Quality is King Bunting's Eastern European growth is a by-product of the 'Quality is King' ripple effect making its way through Europe in a postfinancial crisis market, where plastics processors are now investing in the best quality for efficient production and a finer end product, rather than let value for money dictate.

Bunting is on the crest of this trend wave, bringing technology that protects expensive plastics processing machinery such as extruders with its FF Series Drawer Magnet filters.

"Now, there are drawer filters and there are drawer filters," Hills noted, "and ours is probably the highest quality because it's made of stronger metal so it can withstand a lot of weight sitting on top of it like a heavy blender. Of course, it's also about the magnetics.

All our magnets are Bunting-designed magnetic arrays. The first FF Drawer Filter was brought to the market by Bunting in the late 1960s and over the years we've honed and developed it.

EMEA growth Bunting is enjoying a winning streak of significant growth in mainland Europe that is exceeding expectations.

Germany has seen considerable growth for us this year which has been very pleasing as it’s a tough market to break into.

"I believe we are 18 per cent ahead for this year in our export sales for Europe, the Middle East and Africa," said Hills. "Our key areas that are performing extremely well are France, Belgium, Germany, Spain and Italy. Germany has seen considerable growth for us this year which has been very pleasing as it's a tough market to break into."

Hills added that outside of Europe, South Africa is yielding some good business for Bunting, bringing significant sales for the company since the first South African distributor was appointed in Q1 2016. The company is also expanding in the emerging Middle Eastern markets, with an eye on Dubai, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia in particular.

"We're doing some very strong work in distributor recruitment across the board right now," said Hills. "Because of the growth we're experiencing, what I need is more coverage. I'm looking to recruit people to help me strategically fill the gaps in places like Poland and Eastern Europe where there's a wealth of business to be had."

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"We bring a very high quality product to the marketplace, but that's not countered by high costs. It's competitively priced. What we do is offer maximum protection with the highest quality and that's what people are looking for - not just any magnet to protect their equipment."

Bunting's sales across Europe are increasing month-on-month and at Bunting HQ the team is making drawer filters every day to meet growing demand for quality magnetics.

Every product is handmade and tested to ensure the high standards Bunting prides itself on and thanks to a recent overhaul of the manufacturing facility, the team can keep up with demand as more automation has been weaved into its production line.

The company is actively seeking distributors to partner with Bunting as this tidal growth sweeps through Europe and beyond.

"We support our distributors on the ground. I see all our distributors on a regular basis and we support them right the way through the process," Hills stated.

So as well as showcasing its magnetic and metal detection technology at K 2016, Bunting will be on the lookout for distribution partners "across the whole EMEA territory".

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www.buntingeurope.com

RECYCLING MACHINERY

A STAR is born There’s an exciting new recycling technology line on the scene, promising automation and efficiency for polyolefin recycling.

Starlinger unveiled its new plastics recycling line recoSTAR dynamic 215 for a select group of prospective customers on June 7th 2016 at the Starlinger factory in Weissenbach an der Triesting, Austria.

“With this line we have again increased our capacity range for polyolefin recycling,” said Paul Niedl, Head of Sales for Starlinger recycling technology.

quantec ® 85 G3-14 C

With its output range of 2,200 to 2,600 kg/h and power requirement of 0.2 to 0.35 kWh/kg, the recoSTAR dynamic 215 is one of the most energy-efficient lines on the market. To achieve this, Starlinger recycling technology developed the ‘rECO’ concept for optimum energy use. In addition, the Dynamic Automation Package (DAP) developed by Starlinger keeps the line working at optimum operating level, maintaining not only constant production of consistent quality pellets, higher output and greater flexibility in material processing, but reducing energy consumption too.

The first recoSTAR dynamic 215 recycling line with integrated C-VAC module will be supplied to a customer in Spain, where it will be used for reprocessing post-consumer EPS packaging waste. In test runs with this material, a throughput rate of over 2,800 kg/h was achieved.

The recoSTAR dynamic recycling lines are capable of processing a wide range of plastics and are especially suitable for moist, hygroscopic or highly contaminated input materials.

Depending on the line configuration, plastic waste with up to 25 per cent moisture can be recycled. By integrating the optional C-VAC highcapacity degassing module into the line, even heavily printed or heavily soiled input materials such as postconsumer plastic waste or agricultural films can be reprocessed into valuable secondary material. www.starlinger.com

WWW.BUSSCORP.COM

“The recoSTAR dynamic 215 was purpose-built to customer specifications regarding output and minimised operator involvement. The high degree of automation makes it possible to operate even a line of this size with the same personnel as the smaller lines, working efficiently with minimum energy consumption,” he explained.

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

13394_262_Buss_EPPM_2015_E_164x235.indd 1

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30.06.15 16:12

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it’s a numbers game...

36 days left to send a bespoke E-Blast to EPPM’s 17,549 subscriber database OR

post a stand invitation, product launch or promotion Banner or MPU on www.eppm.com putting your company in front of over 14,101 unique visitors per month

Hall 16 - A05 Hall 03 - E40

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Lisa Montgomery E: lisa@rapidnews.com or T: +44 (0) 1244 680222

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Melt filtration for contaminated plastics

RECYCLING MACHINERY

a new melt Nordson has launched ycling highly rec filtration system for G HiCon R-Type BK s. stic pla contaminated taminated polyolefin 250 transforms con o clean, high-quality or styrenic plastics int less melt loss than s ibit material and exh ush systems for highly with traditional backfl al thanks to its cylindric le contaminated plastics tubes, which are availab er ain str ology and steel the d an ign des is Th separating head techn s. ron g from 120 to 750 mic ng with micro-holes rangin tribute to the long worki con m dru the in ves kni ed on siti po ally tric symme needs to be replaced. life of the tube before it m www.nordson.co

TOMRA chosen for groundbreaking recyc ling plant

Monoworld Recycling Ltd (MRL) has chosen TOMRA So rting as the technology partner for a new £9 million (€10.4 million) sta te-of-theart facility, which will be the UK’s first mixed plastics to extrusion HDPE and PP recycling plant. The facility in Northampto nshire was built by AMUT and can recover up to 100,000 tonnes of rec yclates annually. TOMR A’s AUTOSORT units hav been installed to separa e te the mixed baled plastic s into PET, HDPE, PP, fi paper, steel and alumin lm, ium. Nick Ruparelia, MR L Commercial Director “Thanks to the upgrade said: at the plant and the new TOMRA equipment, we in a position to accept ’re and process all of the material from our retail, authority and waste col local lection customers.” www.tomra.com

Munchy launches high output air recycling sy stem

Munchy International is launching a new high ou tput air recycling machi the Munchy 150, which ne can reprocess waste pla stics into high-quality pel at up to 150kg per hour. lets Munchy, a subsidiary of the UK’s Boston Matth designed the system to ews, be compact and efficient, enabling all maintenance to be carried out by the operator reducing downtime and Munch y’s Dual-Diameter Screw technology ensur es the plastic is not exposed to unne cessary thermal degradation, as is usual in size reduction operations. www.munchy.co.uk

PRE Show moves to RAI Amsterdam

2015 orist attacks in Paris in November After being postponed by the terr Show g yclin Rec tics Plas l gura inau the , and then in Brussels in March 2016 rity Amsterdam in March 2017. With secu Europe is to go ahead at the RAI ort supp r bito exhi with led the event, coup playing a key role in the planning of ent to mitm com and tion loca its for cted that it goes ahead, the RAI was sele d first fair in Europe entirely dedicate the is h whic fair, s “Thi . bility aina sust tics plas of nce orta imp s the strength and to plastics recycling, demonstrate of the economy and the development pean Euro the both recycling for well as as rtise expe our ing shar to ard circular economy. We are looking forw ns, all interested parties,” said Ton Ema knowledge and demonstrating it to PRE President.

http://plasticsrecyclers.eu

Plastics recycling ‘in transition’ T

he fallout from the EU referendum results in favour of forfeiting the UK's place in the Union casts uncertainty over recycling in Britain. Or so says Stuart Foster, CEO of RECOUP, who fears uncertainty will impact on the UK's recycling industry as markets, legislation, acquisitions and reprocessor administrations are affected by events.

From a clear system set out by the EU, British plastics recycling is now in a transitional period and Foster pressed the importance of establishing a roadmap for the sector, which has been ahead of its European counterparts by achieving recycling rates of over 22.5 per cent.

"We need to optimise recycling and draw more attention to our design for recycling guidance to maximise the environmental benefit. There is a real need for the circular economy movement to help RECOUP to continue leading the plastic recycling agenda, and ensure circular economy thinking moves beyond recycling," he said.

"The potential for more plastic recycling is undeniable, and RECOUP and its network are determined to work together to take plastic recycling to greater heights." www.recoup.org WWW.EPPM.COM

21

Busted!

This company’s QA program AND reputation Like Humpty Dumpty, it is hard to put the pieces back together once a real world product quality disaster strikes. The ultimate cost of a recall will be far, far greater than any savings from cutting corners or not investing in a quality assurance program in the first place. With our broad spectrum of physical testing machines, software, and technical support, Tinius Olsen can help you assure quality from material to end product. To international standards and your toughest specifications. Reputations (yours and ours) depend on it.

The first name in materials testing. www.TiniusOlsen.com

WITTMANN launches new temperature controller

HEATING AND COOLING

WITTMANN has presented its latest temperature control technology for plastic processing, promising the industry a single unit that's remarkably powerful.

WITTMANN is bringing a new temperature control technology for plastics processors to the market.

TEMPRO temperature controllers from WITTMANN have been essential equipment for processors for many years, with a model to suit every requirement, and now WITTMANN has added the new TEMPRO plus D120/1-L powerful single zone unit to the family.

The low-cost entry level units of the TEMPRO primus series feature highly functional plug-andplay operation and are suitable for applications that require both, direct and indirect cooling. The TEMPRO basic series represents over half of the needs-based production of WITTMANN temperature controllers, the most advanced of which being the TEMPRO plus D series. These units are conveniently operated via their touch-screen display. The large number of available options makes it possible to adapt the units to the requirements of just about any existing plastic production application.

controller with water as a tempering medium. It is designed for a temperature range of up to 120 °C. The “L” in the product name stands for “large”, which refers to the model’s large heating and pump capacities. The pump is rated for 4 kW with a maximum pressure of 5.9 bar and a flow rate of 280 l/min. The heating capacity is 36 kW. This unit can be used wherever large machine tools are operated, i.e. especially where production runs initially require high heat output followed by high cooling.

The options that are available for the TEMPRO plus D120/1-L are in principle the same as for the other models of the D range of temperature controllers.

The new model is also equipped with a 5,7” userfriendly touch-display. Via this display, the unit can be controlled, and all the different parameters can be read out. Many differing interfaces can be realised and the temperature controller can also be integrated into the control of the processing machine, following the WITTMANN 4.0 concept.

The latest development is the TEMPRO plus D120/1-L, a generously dimensioned single zone temperature

www.wittmann-group.com

ICS Cool Energy gets panEuropean certification International leading light in temperature control solutions ICS Cool Energy has been awarded panEuropean SafeHire certification and been granted Gas Safe Register membership.

The awards join an established line-up that includes Eurovent Certification and Refcom, while the business is also ISO registered.

SafeHire certification was awarded by the Hire Association Europe. The scheme has been developed with the assistance of BSI and the HSE to certify an organisation’s ability to deliver the highest standards of service to customers, in a risk-free and environmentally friendly way.

To cater for growing demand for boiler hire, the leading temperature control solutions provider has also joined the Gas Safe Register.

“As a business, we recognise that delivering excellence relies not only on the skill of our people but also on having policies and procedures in place that provide a framework for us to achieve that,” said Keith Holroyd, QHSE Manager ICS Cool Energy.

“These latest additions to our certifications and accreditations provide further assurance that businesses can rely on us to provide high performance, energy efficient temperature control solutions that keep their business running. Whether

it’s with rental equipment, capital sales and service or frequently a combination of all three,” he added.

ICS Cool Energy provides fully integrated total solutions through its pan-European divisional operations and international partners. It also has one of the most extensive hire fleets in the UK, available for long term hire for businesses preferring to minimise capital equipment investments, shortterm hire for seasonal spikes as well as emergency breakdown cover.

In addition to the SafeHire certification, ICS Cool Energy’s hire division is also now able to offer Gas Safe Register installations, which means reduced installation times as a third party

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subcontractor is no longer needed to verify the connection.

“The demand for boiler rentals has significantly increased in recent years, particularly in the farming and agricultural sector during autumn and winter. While we have a significant fleet of oil boilers, some customers do require gas, which is why we’ve taken it upon ourselves to join the Gas Safe Register, through our service engineers. This will help streamline installations and ensure we can get our customers’ gas boiler rentals up and running as quickly as possible,” Holroyd added. www.icscoolenergy.com

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HEATING AND COOLING

Infrared tech heats up car-making A super-efficient infrared heating system from Heraeus Noblelight is helping to speed up automotive production and bring a wealth of energy savings along with it.

AN

IDEA AHEAD Leading Technologies Extrusion. Filtration. Measurement.

A new infrared heating system from Heraeus Noblelight is speeding up automotive production for some big-name brands.

The systems from Heraeus deburr, weld and form plastic parts in automotive manufacturing ultra efficiently, saving the OEM time and energy - and the technology is already being put through its paces by luxury car brand Bentley, while UK car parts supplier Faurecia is cutting its dashboard production cycle times by 20 seconds.

Faurecia uses carbon infrared emitters to produce dashboards, which are formed under heat and then given a sound-proof coating. Before Heraeus' technology, the carmaker heated the component using metal foil emitters and steam, but this proved limiting within the entire production chain. Carbon emitters transfer large amounts of energy very quickly, allowing Faurecia to replace their heating system for pre-heat, as they can now heat their components for moulding directly in their moulds, cutting energy down to some 9kW per hour, a 35 per cent saving.

Meanwhile, Bentley has been seeing similar benefits in their roof liners, which consist of a carrier fabric, an adhesive and a decorative leather facing piece which together should maintain its integrity for the life of the vehicle. When Bentley introduced a new adhesive which improves the bond strength of the joined layers, it required a suitable heat source, as the adhesive needed to be heated to of 65°C to maintain the process stage cycle time. The infrared system from Heraeus was incorporated into a new custom-built trim-handling system that brings the adhesive up to temperature in less than three minutes.

Heating systems like this are key to smooth modern automotive production and Heraeus' infrared technology is being used in the manufacture of some 200 components. The infrared systems are precisely matched to both the product and the process, saving energy, cost and time. If the process is known precisely, then quality can be improved and energy saved. New developments and intelligent infrared systems lead to optimised process solutions, especially when working with plastics. www.heraeus.com

Find Heraeus Noblelight’s K 2016 in our K-EXTRA section

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Innovative solutions for: • polymer processing • polymer recycling • thermoforming sheet lines • decontamination of polyester waste

Visit our website for further information, animations and videos: www.gneuss.com

Hall 9 / Stand A38

Specialized in pipe extrusion lines

This is not a die-head

•

It’s an idea of performance & energy efficiency

Tecnomatic Srl | Bergamo | Italy | tel. +39 035 310375 | www.tecnomaticsrl.net

agenziapep.it

Energy efficiency criteria is a crucial issue across manufacturing industries. Pipe extrusion is an energy intensive process and optimisation of process energy usage while maintaining melt stability is necessary in order to produce good quality product at low unit cost. At Tecnomatic, since 1977, the idea behind any machine is to design according to performance and productivity principles. The goal to offer to the market the most efficient, economic and competitive solution for pipe production.

FILM AND SHEET

SolveTech’s proprietary capacitance technology as shown on the BF200 Blown Film Gauge.

SolveTech’s QC Lab Gauge- The PR2000 Precision Profiler.

The Ferrari of film gauging SolveTech believes it has the ultimate tool for ensuring quality across the film supply chain and it is bringing its ultra-high precision film gauging to Europe. We spoke to Vice-President of Sales and Marketing Rob Lawrence to learn more.

Words | Rose Brooke

F

or 35 years, SolveTech has been supplying extraordinarily high-precision measurement technology to the US market and this year, the Delaware-based company decided the time is right to break into Europe.

In addition to offering free sample testing, Lawrence videos himself taking samples to prove the accuracy of the data to customers in real time. Video is a very useful medium for communicating the precision of SolveTech’s film measurement technology and the company regularly posts demonstration videos of all its devices. The videos are also helping SolveTech to promote the technology across the pond. Europe, Lawrence believes, is ready for SolveTech.

highest performance on line cast film gauge’, the Multichannel gauge is designed for narrow cast film webs (<1.5 meters wide) is less prone to ‘flutter’ effects than other gauges, offering precision down to better than 0.1 micron.

“Once people have a Profiler (Precision Profiler Thickness Gauging System) they’ll wonder how they ever lived without it,” Lawrence said.

Pinnacle of precision SolveTech Profiler product demo video.

Developed by Doug Lawrence, SolveTech’s proprietary measuring technology for film claims to be the best in the world for precision, stability and reliability. The problem SolveTech is having is that its technology is so advanced that many potential customers refuse to believe it, which is why Rob Lawrence, Vice-President of Sales and Marketing, has stepped in to help SolveTech prove that his father’s innovation is just as outstanding as it claims to be.

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Everything in SolveTech’s portfolio is made using the same basic capacitance technology invented by Doug Lawrence and offers an economic alternative that is also more accurate than the nearest competition.

Lawrence explained that if a cast film processor wanted continuous coverage and lined up many nuclear gauges along a plastic web, not only would such an arrangement be prohibitively costly, but the devices would interfere with one another. The alternative? SolveTech’s Multichannel Array Gauge Thickness Gauging System, dubbed ‘the world’s

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The MultiChannel Array Gauge offers up to 32 directly adjacent channels.

Complementing the Multichannel is a bespoke software package delivering real-time 3D web views of the film being measured, offering a true profile of the film every second allowing processors to understand the behaviour of the extrusion live.

“R&D teams like this because it means they can set their systems up quickly and get instant results,” Lawrence explained.

are getting so thin that it is impossible to guarantee their thickness with the vast majority of devices available, which are accurate to plus or minus one micron.

Live 3D view of a cast film web (19 Channels)- true profile delivered every second.

Advanced, not inaccessible Instant results and all-round efficiency gains sounds a lot like Industry 4.0 and Lawrence emphasised that SolveTech has always been ahead of the measurement trend curve, bringing a much higher standard than required to the industry leaving the competition far behind.

When dealing with ultra-thin films, one micron’s difference matters and SolveTech’s measuring technology is capable of meeting the levels of precision required for ultra-thin films with precision measuring down to 0.025 micron.

It is the guarantee of precise results that SolveTech is certain will appeal to the European plastics processing market, where quality is king.

“Quality is really important to European consumer and producers,” commented Lawrence. “This technology is

Two runs overlaid show repeatability to ~0.1 micro.

such a good fit [for Europe] because it’s the best device for measuring quality. We have a green technology that’s more precise. We have our niches but in those niches, nobody has technically displaced us.” http://gauging.com

“It’s the Ferrari of film gauging,” he said. “You’re able to do so much with it. You know you’re going to get it on line and up and running quickly.

“Producers use our lab device to scan a film sample and create a profile to verify the thickness and variability of the film. The customers buying the film may want it to be plus or minus 1.5 per cent variability, for example, and the producer can present this report to the customer to prove what they’re delivering. This quality check prevents them from delivering bad film which is bad for business relationships and can cost tens of thousands of dollars.”

For such technical accuracy, SolveTech’s portfolio is surprisingly accessible, which is something the company believes is important to ensure customers get the results they need time and time again.

“When something is advanced, that shouldn’t mean it’s hard to use. We like to try to make a very complex precise technology very easy to use,” Lawrence stated.

“We strive to take the operator error out of the equation with easy reproducibility,” he added. “That’s really important in measurement science because there will be different operators using the gauge. But with the profiler, we tested it with three different operators - one who had never used the technology before and the error was only 0.25 per cent of the measured variability. So it is extremely consistent.”

Faster mould changes... www.staubli.com

… to boost your productivity!

Reducing downtime during mould change operations is a daily challenge when trying to remain reactive and competitive. From the simplest application to complete solutions for Quick Mould Change, Stäubli addresses these challenges with proven solutions for each key stage of the process ensuring productivity, flexibility and safety.

Connecting energy, mould clamping, mould transfer and process automation, discover all Stäubli offers for plastics processing on the dedicated website www.quick-mould-change.com and on our booth H 21 Hall 11 at the K 2016.

The new ASTM standard To add yet more ballast to its role as champion of transparency and reproducibility in film measurement, SolveTech is working on a new ASTM standard for measuring plastic film thickness with a non-contact capacitance gauge.

Lawrence explained that as the industry is veering towards more lightweight, sustainable products, films

Stäubli (UK) Ltd - mail : connectors.uk@staubli.com - Phone: +44 1952 671918

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FILM AND SHEET

Super soft, ultra transparent BASF has presented a new highquality Ultramid copolyamide for film and monofilament applications that promises to be soft to the touch and more transparent.

Launched on July 5th 2016, BASF is offering Ultramid C37LC, a PA6/6.6 copolyamide that allows manufacturers

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to shrink film for food packaging to achieve higher hot water and hot air shrinking, allowing the manufacturer to forgo the usual admixture of amorphous polyamides process, making production leaner and more efficient.

The new product also avoids undesirable curling and is ideal for the packaging growth area of stand-up pouches, as well as lid films and deep drawing applications. Moreover, because of its low crystallinity, films produced with Ultramid C37LC have a much softer feel and look more transparent.

"The new Ultramid C37LC is a huge step forward," said Frank Reil, Head of

Marketing

and

New

Business

Development for Polyamides at BASF. "It will redefine the standard for shrink films and monofilaments. This is our way of fulfilling the industry's request for higher product quality and efficiency in the manufacturing process."

In addition, the product properties of Ultramid C37LC allow manufacturers of fishing nets and fishing lines, and monofilaments, to improve the tear resistance or knot strength of their product.

ACCURATE AND RELIABLE TCU SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR PLASTIC PROCESS.

The

production

process

for monofilaments is also becoming more efficient as the admixture of amorphous polyamides or caprolactam

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can be forgone.

W W W. I C S C O O L E N E R G Y.C O M

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www.BASF.com

09/05/2016 11:38

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FILM AND SHEET

Belgian film measurement innovator seeks partners An exciting film measurement startup is looking for reseller partners for its contactless millmeter wave measurement technology.

A

new company with an innovative film measurement technology is seeking resellers to support its international expansion.

such as paper and plastic and through an accurate time measurement system, they succeeded in measuring the thickness or the basis-weight of a range of materials.

Hammer-IMS, which is headquartered in Belgium, supplies high-tech, highly accurate and contactless measurement millimeter wave systems for plastic sheet, film and foam extrusion.

"The innovation is the combination of different specialties, which allows new applications to emerge," explained Prof Patrick Reynaert, ESAT - MICAS. "Through extensive research, Noël and Tom were able to take the lab measurements and successfully apply these on the production floor. Millimeter waves – the core of their measuring technology – are also used in mobile communication, adaptive cruise control and radar systems."

Faster, more accurate quality control "By controlling ever higher frequenties, we succeed in measuring materials faster and more accurately on the assembly line," said Redant. "This is good news for manufacturers with the ambition to equip their production lines with faster and more accurately quality control. In the meantime we built industrial prototypes of our measuring systems and developed a commercial portfolio of robust measuring solutions. The Hammer-IMS product offering currently contains entry level variants complemented with higher-performance measuring systems."

Redant added that a number of international manufacturers – also in Flanders – have subscribed to test measurements with Hammer-IMS systems in their production lines.

The ground-breaking measurement Marveloc 602 system and supporting CURTAIN mechanical technology combine numerous advantages including clean non-nuclear and non-radioactive technology that it suitable for materials of thicknesses up to a few centimeters. The modular and robust system supports multiple sensor heads to efficiently measure thickness and weight profiles in cross-machine direction.

"We are going to dedicate the invested resources to perfecting our technology, which is patent pending, and aligning it better with market requirements," noted Deferm. "Ultimately we have the ambition to gradually make our millimeter wavesbased measuring technology the gold standard in our application domains."

The Hammer-IMS team is based at the Corda Campus in Hasselt, North-East Belgium and asks potential resellers to get in touch via the website.

Hammer-IMS is a spin-off from the internationally-renowned research laboratory ESAT - MICAS of KU Leuven. The company was given an €800,000 (£695,000) injection from Gemma Frisius Fonds of KU Leuven and Limburgse Investerings maatschappij (LRM) to allow Technical and Product Manager Tom Redant and General Manager Noël Deferm to start work.

www.hammer-ims.com/become-a-reseller

Powerful alternative Deferm and Redant had an eight-year research background at the university and had developed new systems for measuring thickness and weight in production lines offering a powerful alternative to traditional nuclear measuring equipment.

Before starting Hammer-IMS, Noël Deferm and Tom Redant worked for years as doctoral researchers in the ESAT - MICAS research group of KU Leuven. Deferm specialised in the high frequency technology itself, while Redant developed methods to retrieve useful dimensional information from the environment. They discovered that electro magnetic waves slow down when penetrating materials

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29

FILM AND SHEET

DuPont champions photovoltaic quality

ghtweight li e v a h to t rs fi m iu d ta S ETFE film roof in the US featuring

DuPont has launched a digital campa ign promoting quality solar panel installations.

The B2B scheme dem onstrates the benefits of using quality photovoltaics for rooftop in stallations. Its film backshee own Tedlar po ts are known lyvinyl fluorid for their value producing pa e and efficacy an nels made with d manufacture Tedlar feature recommended rs on a hand-pic organisations ked shortlist compiled by competitivenes of DuPont for qu s. “By sharing ality and cost our expertise, solar industry w to be successf e hope to he lp enable the ul and future segment,” said -proof in the Stephan Padlew growin ski, Regional M Photovoltaic So arketing Manag g rooftop lutions, Europe er at DuPont . www.dupont.c om

Dow materials up for R&D 100 awards

wn D 100 awards. Also kno d for films are up for R& ise the tim th op bo ials in d ter ate ma o min Tw n no n, Dow products have bee ter as the Oscars of Inventio s categories. In the lat stic Pla ce an rm rfo Pe d an s g ion lut nin So run re the ctu Infrastru kaging are in er Modifiers for clear pac lym in Po s IN gel TA ng RE uci ry, red d ego cat nce an ain mechanical performa for their ability to maint RETAIN is also a finalist s. eam str e ycl rec lm fi r rie bar . m fro ced films produ a special green award g category and is up for pin oty rot s/P ces Pro in the In the Infrastructure category, Solutions ic Resin ryl Ac le Flexib for numerous processes including calendaring and film blowing is being recognised for its flexibility and UV resistance.

stadium Minneapolis is the first The US Bank Stadium in ruded from 3M Dyneon h-performance films ext hig h wit t of f roo nt are a transp hions allow 95 per cen 3M Dyneon ETFE film cus e al Th . tot FE ET the er stic cov pla ns oro Flu lm cushio . 75 three-layer ETFE fi daylight to pass through of roof and facade area it g kin ma sq m 0 22,00 lm fi the largest ETFE project in the US. Some of the individually air re filled cushions are mo d than 110 m long an e. wid m 3 around www.3m.com

EVOLUTION ‘blows customers away’ Reifenhäuser Blown Film is celebrating a successful Open House in Troisdorf, western Ger many, which it held conc urrent with the DRUPA trade show in Düsseldor Open House f. What mad event so appe e the Reifenh aling were th highlight was äuser e lines in op the EVOLUTI eration. A sp ON Ultra Flat a convincing ecial te ch selling point. nology, which “Film flatness has become production of imperfections packaging film occurring in th s are inherent explained Eu e gen Friedel, Se in blown film nior Sales M processes,” Film. “With EV anager at Re OLUTION Ultr ifenhäuser Bl a Flat featurin film via heatin own g minimum st g-cooling rolls retching of th it is possible to for subsequent e produce a web winding and co perfectly flat nversion.”

www.dow.com

Reifenhäuser sells wid cast film line in Europeest

www.reifenhau ser.com

Reifenhäuser Cast Sheet Coating has sold the wid est cast film line in Europ In the production of BO e.

PP, lines of widths of ove r 4,000 mm are stand but in the production ard, of CPP (cast polyprop ylene) these widths are usual. Reifenhäuser ha less s adapted to the growin g popularity of wide line and is installing a 5,300 s mm-wide MIDEX cast fi lm line at a film produ in Portugal. It will cer be the widest cast film line in Europe, enabling the productio n of films with a finished wid th of up to 4,800 mm. An d even larger widths will be po ssible in the future: Reifenh äuser’s portfolio includes cas t film lines with up to 6,700 mm wide rolls.

A. Schulman acquires 5-layer blown film line ealed A. Schulman has rev of a on ssi sse po it has taken ion rus ext lm fi wn blo r 5-laye h atc lyb Po its at line the growing multilayer m in order to support lgiu Be in r nte kaging or agricultural Technology Ce pac d markets such as foo in ts en ws em uir req r rie and bar ple production, as it allo line is also ideal for sam ion new e rus Th ext ns. cotio lm fi lica wn app . The blo and quick changeovers outputs around 50 kg/h s. tie par rd thi al extern line can also be used by ulman.com

www.reifenhauser.com

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www.asch

CAPS AND CLOSURES

Having a gas Essentra caps have been put to use by Air Liquide for its argon gas bottles, which are now safe from contamination and leakage.

H

aving a sturdy cap for a gas bottle is one of the most crucial safety requirements we take for granted, and providing small but significant solutions like this is something UKbased global manufacturer Essentra is leading the market with.

Essentra brought its custom cap technology to Air Liquide, a global leader in industrial and medical gases supplying over 80 countries around the world. Air Liquide operates in high-accountability markets and turned to Essentra for a new cap solution for its argon gas bottle valves. The product needed to have increased functionality and improved product safety, and needed to maintain customer satisfaction.

Our custom-designed solution was so effective it is now sold as a standard part within Essentra’s range of caps providing further breadth to our innovative range

Custom solution

Safe from spillage

Air Liquide’s argon bottles are used mainly for metal fabrication and for diving suit inflation. The cap on the argon bottle was required to protect industrial valves from unwanted dust and dirt particles and prevent leakages. Originally, the company utilised an off-the-shelf solution that was impractical, as the cap was prone to falling off, resulting in the valve being made vulnerable to contamination, damage and spillage.

After prototyping and testing the cap, the design was approved and Essentra’s team of experts drew on their knowledge to bring the solution to market, helping Air Liquide to improve its customer service with a quick turnaround using KraussMaffei injection moulding systems.

“Essentra’s custom solutions team were delighted to be able to work with Air Liquide, to solve the challenge that was faced by the company using their standard plastic cap. We understood how important it was to Air Liquide to be able to prove to their customers that the canisters they have purchased are suitable for use and haven’t been tampered with,” commented Hans Wili, Essentra Custom Solutions.

Essentra’s custom solutions safeguarded Air Liquide’s product from production through to storage and shipping and saved the company money, as the bottled argon product is now safe from spillage and contamination.

“Essentra Components helped us to improve our customer service and enhance delivery,” a spokesperson for Air Liquide said. “Their extensive knowledge and expertise has ensured that all orders are received intact, resulting in increased customer satisfaction and no further complaints.”

Essentra designed a custom-made thread protector cap, quickly creating a 3D prototype for Air Liquide to test according to its own specific requirements. The new tamper-evident valve caps were coloured blue and labeled ‘Valve Protection’ to help differentiate Air Liquide’s product from the competition.

“Our custom-designed solution was so effective it is now sold as a standard part within Essentra’s range of caps providing further breadth to our innovative range,” added Wili. uk.essentracomponents.com

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PolyOne positions itself as premium packaging partner PolyOne is boasting its prowess as a materials partner for the luxury packaging market, after collaborating with leading luxury cosmetics brands to bring distinctive finishes to their caps and closures.

Its success at the Luxe Pack Show in New York in May 2016 proved that packaging producers - and in particular caps and closures manufacturers - can collaborate with PolyOne for brilliant colours and effects, TPEs and attention-grabbing engineered materials such as Gravi-Tech density modified formulations, in addition to getting access to PolyOne’s InVisiO colour and design services and IQ Design Labs engineering design support.

CAPS AND CLOSURES

are utilised in cosmetics closures and applicators via an overmoulding process, which eliminates the time and cost associated with secondary operations and assembly. Finally, InVisiO designers work with brand owners to develop new colour ranges and adapt existing palettes to bring a marketing vision to life.

“Packaging can play a pivotal, influential role in a consumer’s perceived value of a product when designers use tailored materials and colourants that appeal to the senses,” explained Darcy Meyers, Marketing Director for Packaging at PolyOne. “We’re helping brand owners deliver on the distinctive requirements of luxury packaging while also improving manufacturing efficiencies.”

By drawing on these resources provided by PolyOne, the resulting caps and closures elevate packaging quality and the perception of prestige, and contribute to sensory branding experiences involving sight, touch and sound.

www.polyone.com

Weight, metallic finish and a premium sound can be achieved in a closure by using Gravi-Tech formulations, while removing the secondary operations and constraints that traditional metals require. Similarly, metallic-effect GLS TPEs

INDUSTRIAL SHREDDING & WASHING

19 - 26 October Düsseldorf Germany, Stand 9E75 www.l-rt.com

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33

HRSflow broadens reach

CAPS AND CLOSURES

Italian technology leader for hot runners for caps and closures, packaging, medical, cosmetics and automotive manufacturing is making the most of the booming marketplaces in both Central America and South East Asia. The company announced on August 10th 2016 that it is opening a service centre in Queretaro, Mexico and a new site in Bangkok, which has been set up to provide local injection moulders and toolmakers with a sales point of contact, spare parts and technical support.

The facility in Mexico has been founded to supply local manufacturers with hot runner sales and services.

Gerresheimer presents ClearJect syringe Gerresheimer will present the first Gx RTF ClearJect syringe at CPhI this October. The Gx RTF ClearJect plastic syringe is the first to be made of COP in Germany, which means it does not leach any metal ions into the liquid pharmaceutical drug. The entire syringe, including the needle overmould, is produced in one single step ensuring cost-efficiency. It has standard needles, plungers, plunger heads, backstops and closures.

Gerresheimer will also present the next generation of DUMA Twist-Off Protect.

“We’ve extended our established range of Duma-family products to include an additional model with improved barrier properties for enhanced airtightness and more reliable content protection,” said Dr Wolfgang Dirk, Product Management and Innovation at Gerresheimer.

www.hrsflow.com

Senior-friendly closure for effervescent packaging Sanner GmbH, a manufacturer of high-quality plastic packaging, has developed a new closure for effervescent packaging that is suitable for seniors.

The new FOG 27 closure can be opened in about a third of the time – and with 70 per cent less physical effort compared to conventional closures. About a quarter of adults consume nutritional supplements such as vitamins or minerals, often sold as effervescent tablets, and half of these consumers are over 60 years old. Subsequently, good and easy handling of the packaging is especially important.

“Customers receive a user-friendly packaging; and food supplement producers obtain an especially attractive solution, satisfied customers, and higher repurchase rates,” said Ursula Hahn, product manager at Sanner.

www.gerresheimer.com/en/home.html

www.sanner-group.com

Caps and closures market to hit £38.5bn in 2020?

Internet of Things for Caps and Closures?

The Plastics Caps and Closures 2016 Conference, which will be held in Barcelona in November, has announced some new sessions to make this year’s event even more topical, addressing key trends in food and drink; exploring plastic screws, sports caps and press closures; and regional performances, as well as looking at the Internet of Things in packaging solutions. The two-day event runs from November 9th to 10th 2016 at the Hotel Barceló Sants and promises a host of new speakers from big name brands including Tesco and Britvic. www.plasticscapsandclosures.com

The global market for plastic caps and closures could be as big as $38.5 billion (€34 billion) in 2020. This is according to a report titled Global Plastic Caps and Closures Market Trends and Forecasts 2015-2020 distributed by Wise Guy Reports which states plastics captures 70 per cent of the total caps and closures market when looking at all packaging materials including metal and cork. In 2014 the global production of plastic caps and closures was 1,286 billion units, with this rising to an estimated 1,814 billion units in 2020 - a CAGR of 5.89 per cent, with revenue rising to $38.5 billion in 2020 at a CAGR of 4.63 per cent. www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/474551-global-plastic-caps-and-closuresmarket-trends-and-forecasts-2015-2020

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More time for other things.

The portal for mouldmaking

K has the future wrapped up More than one third of global plastics production serves to package and transport foods and consumer goods. One of the biggest challenges in the packaging industry is environmentally appropriate material cycles. K 2016 has the future wrapped up. With some 3,200 exhibitors in 19 exhibition halls on more than 171,000 sqm of exhibition space, the world’s premier trade fair for the plastics and rubber industry will once

All products, innovations and services are available 24 / 7 worldwide in the new HASCO customer portal.

again be presenting the entire range of products and services that the industry has to offer. Everything that will move the world in the future – with globally unique live presentations of sophisticated production units. Plan your visit now.

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r eldo Düss r 2016 6 1 0 e K2 ctob 23 26 o 19 – , booth A 01 hall

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www.messe-duesseldorf.de

11.07.16 11:08

35

International exhibition and conference on the next generation of manufacturing technologies

Frankfurt, Germany, 15 – 18 November 2016 formnext.com

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MACHINERY ROUNDUP

I want to brake free

China in your hand

Sumitomo (SHI) Demag’s Systec 130 and Staübli precision robotics technology have been working round the clock for Body Control Systems (BCS) to make brake light switches for VW cars. Sumitomo was selected for its efficiency and speed, which has enabled the OEM to produce eight million switches a year thanks to a mould-cycle of just 5.7 seconds.

“The cell meets all of our requirements, producing parts reliably, quickly and economically,” said Jochen Ley, Moulding Specialist at BCS. “With the largescale production of eight million switches annually to contend with, we would not have it any other way.”

Extrusion machinery giant battenfeldcincinnati is celebrating two Chinese anniversaries this year, marking its 20th year of operations in China on top of its 20th time at CHINAPLAS. The concept of producing locally in China for the Chinese marketplace is important to the company, which has a Chinese base in Foshan, Shunde.

“This birthday is a milestone in our history – it shows both our technology leadership and our market acceptance in China,” said Gerold Schley, CEO. Today battenfeld-cincinnati China has 130 employees and its Chinese operations contribute a quarter of the company’s sales. Some 90 per cent of customers are small local processors.

uk.sumitomo-shi-demag.eu

www.battenfeld-cincinnati.com

Is this the way to Pontirolo

Pins and needles

SABIC has installed six Coperion packaging lines and a common palletising island at its Pontirolo plant in Italy, where flexibility, quick cleaning and continuous bar code tracking are paramount. With the successful realisation of the project, Coperion has demonstrated its commitment to being the ideal partner across the entire process chain in compounding as well as packaging, working closely with the customer in identifying and applying customised requirements.

Meusburger’s new HSS ejector pins and DLC coated blade ejector pins with extra long blade guarantee long life and minimal wear. The use of high-speed steel and diamond-like carbon coating results in longer maintenance intervals and reduced downtimes. Moulds can be operated at higher temperatures due to the HSS pins’ excellent high-temperature resistance. In addition, minimal wear is guaranteed through their hardness of ~64HRC. The DLC coated blade ejectors assure highest precision and longest service life through the best sliding properties.

www.coperion.com

www.mesuburger.com

Yes, Prime Minister

Pack up your troubles

Prime Minister of Norway Erna Solberg has praised TOMRA’s purposebuilt manufacturing and distribution facility in Slovakia, commenting on the company’s sorting technology.

Solberg was guided around the plant by TOMRA CEO Stefan Ranstrand, who explained that its powerful sensorbased solutions makes TOMRA a leader in its field.

The facility employs over 230 people who produce some 1,200 sorting systems annually based on 30 different machine types. Ranstrand noted that it was “an honour” to show the Prime Minister around.

ZAHORANSKY’s Z.LODOS is a new intelligent modular system developed for automation and packaging solutions. The compact add-on unit with safety guard housing can be flexibly integrated in any automation plant and has been developed for a range of universal trade loader applications.

With excellent tray changeover times of up to 3.5 seconds, the tray loader is extremely fast and ideally suited to all palletising tasks. The stacked trays can be transported or emptied with a suitable transporter. These solutions allow the injection moulding process to be efficiently decoupled from downstream automation.

www.tomra.com

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www.zahoransky.com

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MATERIALS ROUNDUP

I saw the Lite

Her name is Rio Dow’s polyurethane technology helped ma ke the Rio 2016 Olymp ics more comfortable and efficient. The polyuretha ne DOWLEXTM linear low density resin was used in the synthetic tur f on the hockey field, wh ile the hockey balls were developed with Dow polyols. The bedro oms in the Athletes’ Vil lage were appointed with mattresses made with Dow polyurethane foam, wh ile the waterproofing and flooring of the Ma stadium were completed rcanã with Dow technology. Mo reover, Dow innovations directly reduced the Olympics’ carbon foo tprint by providing effi insulation. cient

lightweighting chnology to te e iv ass tit pe m w co t with hollow gl brought a ne e PA6 produc nt, Th s. ce r er m pe ly SO.F.TER. has 30 po by up to gineering s en rt L pa PO tic TE as LI pl Fi with its ght of per car. rst duces the wei 1,000 tonnes re of s s re ng w vi he sa sp ro on mic emissi oducing the ne potential CO2 ER. is now intr .T y .F ad SO re a, al m es which means ku Fa e PP grad ctober 2015 at 6 on top of th e id am presented in O ly Po ades based on LITEPOL B gr Automobiles. oup.com A Fiat Chrysler FC www.softergr approved by

www.dow.com

Living in a material wor ld

e The Colour and the Shap LANXESS brought colour to the Rio Olympics 2016 yferrox Ba its with The portfolio. ht ug bro pigment s red ing tch eye-ca to blacks and surfaces various Sports the around da rra Ba in rk Pa Tijuca. The drainage stones in the public viewing park were grey Olympic Way coloured red using nt, while the black and me pig 110 x rro yfe Ba 20 tonnes of de black Bayferrox 318 r 40 tonnes of iron oxi ove ng s’ usi ed tur fac nu was ma le paths in the Athete microasphalt of the cyc nt. me pig and 340. Moreover, the oxide with Bayferrox 130 iron Village was coloured red ss.com

3M subsidiary Dyneon is celebrating 20 yea rs of materials innova The fluoropolymers ma tion. nufactured in Dyneon ’s hometown Burgkirc an der Alz are put to hen use in kitchen pans, roo fing and even space sui for astronauts. Dyneon ts produces some 17,000 tonnes of fluoropolyme annually and the mater rs ials are universally popu lar due to their resista to chemicals and tempe nce rature and their insula ting properties. “We tha our customers and em nk ployees for their trust an d dedication,” said Burkh Anders, Managing Direct ard or of Dyneon. solutions.3m.com/wp s/portal/3M/en_EU/Dy neon_EU

www.lanxe

You wear it well Covestro has develope d a new patch-like we arable that sticks direct the skin, staying put eve ly to n during physical activit y and in more extrem environments. The little e device is made from the rmoplastic polyurethane thermoplasticPUfoam, and affixingitselftotheskin withaskin-friendly,breath able adhesive making it comfortable to wear for even long periods of time.

“Developments like this are helping us make the world a brighter place,” said films expert at Covestro Gerd Büschel. www.covestro.de

Sing for ABSolution

nting ces to develop 3D pri PLAS have joined for AIM ced d an van ad ers p lym elo Po Elix t aims to dev S 3D Printing R&D projec h wit ls de mo ng nti pri materials for FDM. The AB d especially for 3D ise tim op er lym ge, po ter rpa wa versions of the to impact. Low rties including resistance better mechanical prope dimensional precision and high resolution. e Elix and AIMPLAS hav er eth tog ng been worki for some time now, with their work thus far resulting in filaments g of thicknesses rangin mm 1.75 en we bet and 2.85mm using own AIMPLAS’s . line er rud ext t en filam m www.elix-polymers.co

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2016 EXTRA MATERIALS

It’s the

big one: European plastics has orbited around Planet K all year and now it’s time for the industry to take their protein pills and put their helmets on, because its time to invade.

Words | Rose Brooke This is the first of two on-site editions of EPPM, which features our K-EXTRA special feature including insights and exhibitor previews of the show, while online at EPPM.com we are bringing you exhibitor previews in full, exclusive insights into what companies have planned, as well as daily updates of the breaking news we’ve picked up from the show floor.

Opens Wednesday October 19th 2016, 10am

All of this is a lot to take in, so to ease you into Planet K gently, we’ve drawn up the handy infographic below to help you get your mind around the scale of the event and just why this it has become such a crucial outing on the plastics calendar.

Main product categories

171,245+ m sq net exhibition space

• Raw materials, auxiliaries • Semi-finished products, technical parts, reinforced plastics • Machinery and equipment • Services

41%

visitors from Germany

19

halls

Visitor target groups • Construction • Medical • Precision engineering • Automotive • Energy technology • Photovoltaics • Agriculture • Sports • Universities

40

59% visitors from

Visitors • 218,000+ expected visitors • From 108 countries

Exhibitors expected sore feet

6

decades

• Plastic product manufacturing • Chemicals • Rubber processing • Machinery manufacturing • Packaging • Distribution • Aerospace • Electronics

436,000+

History dates back

• 3,220+ expected exhibitors • 2,159 exhibitors from overseas

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rest of world

Closes Wednesday October 26th 2016, 6.30pm

2016 EXTRA MATERIALS

K 2016 makes way for science E

nglish philosopher Sir Francis Bacon coined the phrase ‘Knowledge is Power’ and at a time when science is making cars lighter, electronic components smaller and computers smarter, never has this saying been truer.

This is why the Science Campus, which premiered to an incredible response three years ago at K 2013, will be returning to K 2016 to spark key discussions on four themes between research and industry. These themes are defined by the K 2016 Innovation Circle, which is a panel made up of experts from the scientific community and representatives from the K Exhibitors’ Council.

The institutions and organisations represented at the Science Campus in Hall 7.0 of Messe Düsseldorf include: Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences; Institute of Plastics Engineering (ikd); Johannes Kepler University; Institute of Polymeric Materials and Testing, Linz, Austria; Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden (IPF); Chemnitz University of Technology; Cluster of Excellence MERGE, Institute of Lightweight Structures; Dresden University of Technology; Institute of Lightweight Engineering and Polymer Technology (ILK); University of Stuttgart; Institute of Polymer Technology (IKT); and a total of 10 institutes or chairs of macromolecular and technical chemistry.

In addition, eight institutes of the Fraunhofer Society for the advancement of applied research will be represented in addition to Kunststoff-Institut (plastics institute for SMEs in North RhineWestphalia) (KIMW); Beteiligungs- und Kunststoffverwertungsgesellschaft mbH (BKV) – investment and plasticsrecycling company; EnCO2re – a European innovation programme to enable CO2 re-use by ClimateKIC; Fachagentur Nachwachsende Rohstoffe e.V. (FNR) – coordinating institute for renewable materials activities; German Chemical Society (GDCh); VDI – The Association of German Engineers; and the Scientific Alliance of Plastics Technology (WAK).

All of them will be presenting pioneering materials and technologies and responding to the central challenges of plastics technology.

At the Science Campus, the discussions will be focused on efficiency innovation drivers including Industry 4.0, new materials, lightweight engineering, and scientific training in macromolecular chemistry and plastics technology.

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2016 EXTRA MATERIALS

AGC CHEMICALS

AGR

Among AGC Chemicalsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; K 2016 showcase is its new Fluon LH8000 ETFE development, which offers good adhesion along with a low melting point, giving it the capacity to co-extrude with other low melting point polymers for a cost-efficient layer of chemical resistance. It can be used in applications such as multilayer tubes, bottles, cast film and blown film. AGCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fluon C-88AXMP-HT ultra heat-resistant ETFE will also be on show. HT was designed especially to meet automotive standard LV 112. It performs better at higher temperatures than standard ETFE, with improved stress crack resistance, stability, resistace and MIT flex life. It is used in automotive and industrial wire coating.

Agr International offers a number of products that are designed to help bottle manufacturers achieve their most aggressive lightweighting goals. At K, Agr will display its latest developments in an array of quality management and process control equipment for plastic containers including the Process Pilot automated blow moulder management system.

AGR will also present its CrystalView enhancement to the Process Pilot, providing PET bottle manufacturers with the means for automatic management of material orientation/crystallinity, and its Automated Laboratory Test Cell, which provides an automated solution that tightly integrates multiple testing operations.

www.agcce.com

Hall 7a, Booth C10

www.agrintl.com

Hall 11, Booth B40

AIMPLAS

ATLAS

AIMPLAS, the Plastics Technology Centre, will launch its innovations on advanced materials and bioplastics at K 2016. It will show a sample of innovative bio-packages for food and cosmetics, as well as a series of interactive demonstrators based on innovative materials with advanced properties. For instance, the conductive materials developed within the European project POLYCOND, the new heating systems for electric vehicles developed within the project JOSPEL with carbon nanotubes resulting in 30 per cent energy savings, and the ultrahydrophobic items from RECAN for aircrafts to avoid the formation of ice and to optimise production in solar panels.

Atlas Converting Equipment will present its range of primary and secondary slitter rewinders at K, where it will also be celebrating its 40th anniversary as one of the premium pioneers of slitting and rewinding in the industry. Being one of the first companies to develop slitting and rewinding machines to handle unwind widths of over 5m Atlas quickly became the industry leader. Now Atlas slitter rewinders can accommodate 10.6m wide unwind rolls and process them at a staggering speeds, up to 1500 m/min (5000ft/min). The company has to date installed more than 2.600 secondary Titan and 1000 Atlas primary slitter rewinders worldwide, with over 250 film slitters exceeding 6 metres (236 ins) in width.

www.aimplas.net

Hall 7, Level 1, Booth B41

www.atlasconverting.com

Hall 3, Booth B91

BANDERA

BATTENFELD-CINCINNATI

Bandera is bringing the latest high tech solutions for packaging and converting to K 2016, including its 5-layer coextrusion blown film line for both polyolefin and barrier film, while providing the opportunity to get a closer look at its cutting-edge technology at its Open House event, which will run concurrent with the show in Busto Arsizio, where other blown film lines and flat die extrusion lines for rigid packaging will be on show.

Packaging and converting have a bright future and Bandera is keen to play a leading role by helping the industry move from mono- to 3-layer film 5-, 7-, 9- and even 11-layer films.

At K 2016, battenfeldcincinnati will be introducing a newlydeveloped series of high-performance single screw extruders: the solEX NG series. This latest development features a completely new processing unit offering a lower melt temperature and up to 15 per cent energy savings thanks to the system needing less drive energy and less heat discharge. The solEX NG series not only complements the wide range of battenfeld-cincinnati single and twin screw extruders, but also the portfolio of solutions for largediameter pipe extrusion, where battenfeld-cincinnati is the technology leader. The solEX NG extruders with high outputs and excellent melt processing capacities are ideally suited for PO pipe lines with diameters of up to 2.6 m.

www.luigibandera.com

42

Hall 17, Booth C06

www.battenfeld-cincinnati.com

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Hall 16, Booth B19

2016 EXTRA MATERIALS

BRÜCKNER

CLARIANT

Brückner has stretch film line innovations up its sleeve for K 2016 with its Intelligent Line Management (ILM) system. ILM is an integrated solution that smooths the way for Smart Production and Industry 4.0. The innovation opens up a new way of operating lines, putting an emphasis on the process view as opposed to the usual machine view. In addition, Brückner will present a 10.4m concept for biaxially stretched polyester packaging film and its new sliding system for transversely stretched film, increasing production speeds to over 600m/min, in addition to its Linear Motor Simultaneous Stretching (LISIM) technology, which produces high quality BOPA film.

Clariant, a world leader in specialty chemicals, will focus on the value it brings to people across the plastics industry, from processors to brand owners and end-users, at K 2016.

Addressing priorities such as safety and comfort, more efficient and environmentally-compatible production, easier product recycling and brand protection, Clariant will demonstrate the innovative and sustainable contribution of its products and solutions for plastics applications. K visitors can expect new additions and trusted developments from its extensive ranges of masterbatches, pigments and additives. Key industry topics in the spotlight at the Clariant booth will include engineering resins and high-temperature plastics, brand protection and safety and comfort in the home and beyond.

www.brueckner.com

Hall 3, Booth E90

www.clariant.com

Hall 8a, Booth J11

CONAIR

DAVIS-STANDARD

Conair’s patent-pending R-PRO dense-phase vacuum-conveying system developed to minimise pellet fracturing, ‘angel hair’ and equipment wear will make its first appearance in Europe at K 2016. Other innovations on display will include a new FLX-128 Plus conveying control, a new Mobile Drying/Conveying (MDC) system with standard colour touchscreen control interface, and several examples of equipment from Conair’s new MedLine range of clean-room-ready auxiliaries. The new MedLine family includes 40 different models and 170 different configurations for moulding and extruding medical products and the MedLine display at K will include the MicroWheel dryer, the MedLine TubeLoader and the TB-45 TrueBlend gravimetric blender.

Davis-Standard will exhibit its Global Advantage in extrusion and converting technology at K 2016. Highlights include the Global Advantage Extruder with Quick Screw Exchange Adapter - a 90mm extruder with features such as computerdesigned feedscrews, electrical barrel heating with air-cooling for each zone, and simplified electrical installation - as well as the High Speed Film & Foil Unwind - designed for thin substrates, this two-position turret unwind is designed for an 800 m-per-min splice speed for sensitive webs such as aluminium foil at 6 micrometers. Moreover, there will be Feedscrew and Die Displays, with multiple feedscrew designs and finishes on show, as well as a seven-layer die stand from Davis-Standard’s Gloucester Engineering product line.

www.conairgroup.com

Hall 10, Booth J59

www.davis-standard.com

Hall 16, Booth A43

DSM

ELIX POLYMERS

K delegates are invited to ‘Meet the Extreme’ and see how DSM can solve even the most extreme challenges with its own extreme expertise, technologies and materials and applications knowhow. DSM opened the era of high temperature polyamides with its Stanyl PA46 in 1986 and has since broadened its platform with ForTii and ForTii Eco based on PA4T. At K, it is launching a new generation of ultra-high performance polyamides, which will accelerate the rate of replacement of die-cast metals in automotive and industrial applications. DSM is also helping the electronics industry harness the smartphone, tablet and wearables market with its growing ForTii family based on PA4T and is bringing other solutions such as its EcoPaXX PA410 into the market.

ELIX Polymers is making its first appearance at K 2016, bringing its ABS technology to the biggest show in plastics.

The company will shine the spotlight on new material innovations and market, showcasing ABS grades with extralow volatiles, high-heat ABS for automotive, a new generation of metal platable grades of ABS, and blends of ABS with biopolymers and natural fibres currently in advanced development. ELIX Polymers is also celebrating opening its new subsidiary ELIX Americas LLC for the North American market.

www.DSM.com

Hall 6, Gallery / Booth N04

www.elix-polymers.com

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Hall 7, Booth 1E04

43

2016 EXTRA MATERIALS

EUROLASER

EUROTEC

Eurolaser will present its flexible CO2 laser technology with live demonstrations boasting its diversity. Films, foam, FOREX and acrylic sheets are cut on just one cutting system, engraved and labelled. The modular design of the laser systems allows the operator to use up to two mechanical tools in parallel to the laser. Automation technologies give eurolaser customers the efficiency edge, helping to reduce cutting system assembly downtime and increasing overall efficiency by up to 75 per cent across a range of sectors, from household electricals and automotive applications to textiles.

Eurotec has been providing innovative solutions in engineering plastics for 10 years and now offers fresh alternatives for the changing demands in high performance plastic compounds. Tecotek EI (PEI), Tecopeek PK (PEEK) and Tecotron XS (PPS) products have been developed to meet harsh conditions and strict international requirements with their excellent structural properties, chemical and corrosion resistance, low smoke- and flame-resistance, electrically, and thermally conductive and dimensional stability options. New products focus on metal replacement applications for lightweighting and energy efficiency in automotive, aerospace and defence with their outstanding properties. Eurotec welcomes you to their stand at K 2016. Eurotec is your partner to make a difference in material limits. Demand the impossible!

www.eurolaser.com

Hall 3, Booth F25

www.eurotec-ep.com

Hall 8b, Booth F80

GILLARD

GNEUSS

Gillard is exhibiting the new Servo-Torq Plus extrusion cutter at K, which combines the latest Lenze brushless AC servo motors with a fully digital multi-axis control. Very high cut rates are made possible with precise cut length accuracy with maximum diameter cutting capacities of up to 150 mm. Integral twin-belt Accra-FeedTM caterpillar infeeder/puller machines are provided to match every cutter model. These feature direct drive AC motors and planetary gearboxes. A high level of connectivity is standard with online support available online via built-in VPN router, while Profinet communications allows networking with the rest of the extrusion line.

The Gneuss Processing Unit (GPU) has proven itself on the bulky PET waste processing circuit for years and now Gneuss has developed the Jump system, which is installed directly downstream of the GPU, ensuring an accurate and controllable IV boost of the PET by up to 0.3 in the melt phase. The Jump system is a compact, quick and efficient alternative to conventional SSP (solid state) systems and enables direct reintroduction of the polymer into the production process without remelting the PET. At K, Gneuss will show an MRS 90i for a throughput rate of 400 kg/h, for industrial waste recycling. The extruder is coupled to the new Jump system, model V600.

www.gillardcutting.com

www.gneuss.de

Hall 16, Booth C77

Hall 9, Booth A381

HERAEUS NOBLELIGHT

IMERYS

Optimally matched infrared systems from Heraeus deburr weld or form plastic parts in the automotive manufacturing industry so efficiently that significant savings in time and energy result. In the same vein, the British car parts supplier Faurecia, has reduced cycle times by 20 seconds in the forming of dashboards by using innovative infrared emitters from Heraeus, while car manufacturer Bentley, relies on IR technology to ensure perfect fitting of roof liners in its luxury car bodies. These will be just some of the infrared solutions to be shown by Heraeus Noblelight at K 2016.

Imerys will be showcasing its high-performance minerals for automotive lightweighting, recycled plastics, odour- and VOCreduction, and thermally conductive plastic materials.

Optimised for automotive applications, HAR 3G significantly enhances the performance of TPO and PP compounds increasing stiffness, maintaining impact resistance and lowering CLTE, allowing designers to achieve zero gap tolerancing.

ImerPlastTM extends the number of useful applications of recycled plastic feedstock, allowing a higher recycling rate and increasing the scope of recycled polymers. ImerSorbTM mineral range has been designed to help meet solvent legislation, and easy-feedable TIMREX C-THERMTM additives allow the realisation of thermally conductive polymers with outstanding thermal conductivity at low loadings.

www.heraeus-noblelight.com

44

Hall 10, Booth G59

www.imerys.com

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Hall 8a, Booth F40

2016 EXTRA MATERIALS

JOMAR

KOCH-TECHNIK

Jomar, the leading global manufacturer of injection blow moulding (IBM) machinery for the pharmaceutical, healthcare, personal care, beauty, food and beverage, and household products industries will be launching a new series of machines that feature a custom servo-driven hydraulic system. The new IntelliDrive Series promises energy savings of 40-50 per cent and have a faster dry cycle time compared to standard hydraulic machines. As a result, the IntelliDrive series makes parts cheaper through utility cost reductions and then increases the rate of production. Jomar will be bringing other solutions built with its 50 years of expertise in manufacturing IBM machines.

KOCH-TECHNIK will be demonstrating an economical conveyor that is able to deliver material to two plastics processing stations or granulate dryers. The Duo conveyor is used for various packages put together consisting of a frame with a vacuum generator and control system, as well as two material hopper loaders with hoppers allowing material throughputs of between 120 kg/h and 340 kg/h. For more than 40 years, the name KOCH-TECHNIK has been synonymous with innovation, precision, modular flexibility and cost-effectiveness in the mixing, dosing, conveying, drying and storing of plastic granulates and more than 5,000 plastics processing companies around the world can testify to the high efficiency of these systems daily.

www.jomarcorp.com

Hall 14, Booth A32

www.koch-technik.com

LABOTEK

LWB-STEINL

Labotek is proud to present its efficient drying systems and Industry 4.0-ready technologies at K 2016. Labotek’s drying systems use External Heat Recovery (EHR), and can boost energy savings by up to 85 per cent by reusing waste heat from other processes. Its Gravi-Dryer and new Labotek dryer series will be on show at the event, with the latter aimed at SMEs. Several new Labotek products for vacuum conveying will also be presented. Labotek also has solutions for data transfer and communicating processes within the chain, preparing customers for Industry 4.0.

LWB-Steinl is launching its new FlexEvo machine control at K. The FlexEvo Machine Control with a 18,5“ multi-touch display is based on a Modular Application concept offering ease-of-use. LWBSteinl has increased the installation space in the clamping units of their vertical machines both with C-frame and tie-bar clamping units and introduced the new machine line with the version label “Performance”. The LWB-machine presentation also features its micro-injection moulding machine with 10 tons C-frame clamping unit and 10 cc injection volume. Since the clamping unit design is based on the tiebarless C-Series machines, the micro machine offers optimum conditions for the addition of automation equipment.

www.labotek.com

Hall 9, Booth B73

www.lwb-steinl.com

MAAG

MILLIKEN

Maag will unveil its most recent innovation, combining its own capabilities with Gala Industries and RE Scheer in a new one-stop solution underwater pelletising system. All of the components, from the tip of the extruder screw to the finished plastic pellets, are produced

by Maag companies, including the melt pumps, screen changers, diverter valves, die plates, cutting chambers, water bath, strand dies, cutter systems, interlocking systems, cutter hubs, system controls, cutting tools and support frame. The commitment of the Maag companies will drive the performance of this next-generation of underwater pelletising and deliver many benefits to compounders. With this machine, Maag sets a new standard in terms of flexibility, reliability and efficiency.

Milliken is inviting producers, compounders and converters of polypropylene (PP) to join the company by ‘Making polypropylene clearer, better, faster. Together” with its technology-leading clarifiers and nucleators Millad NX 8000 and Hyperform HPN to improve PP. Milliken will also present its wide range of additives designed to advance the features and performance of materials such as PET, PE and PU. These additives address key challenges including evolving electrostatic discharge standards, reactive colorants, antioxidant and antimicrobial additives, PET UV absorbers, and nucleators to enhance performance and processing.

www.maag.com

Hall 9, Booth A04

Hall 10, Booth A21

Hall 14, Booth A68

www.milliken.com

Hall 6, Booth A27

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45

2016 EXTRA MATERIALS

MORETTO

PALLMANN

Moretto has a proud history of bringing moisture management solutions to plastics and the Italian company will be championing Industry 4.0 for drying at K 2016, where it will present several exclusive solutions including: XD 10, a high performance mini-dryer; DGM, a continuous batch gravimetric dosing unit; EXA, a conveying system for up to six stations; and MOISTURE METER PLUS, which has been upgraded to improve dryer performance control by connecting the material, dryer, process quality and machine in a closed loop, optimising the system for Industry 4.0. Moretto’s full range of technologies will be on its booth and the celebrated Moretto in Motion lorry will be making an appearance outside the halls.

Mechanical processing, especially pulverising materials into the finest, powders is performed by special machinery.

PALLMANN presents the Turbofiner LYNX, type PLMW, developed for this application. At K, visitors will be able to learn more about this special pulverisation process, which allows for end product sizing of minus 425 microns. Any rubber tyre waste, precut to 2 – 4 mm, or other natural or synthetic rubber, as well as hard-to-grind or temperature-sensitive products, can be used as feed material to be processed. The entire process is performed at ambient temperature.

www.moretto.com

Hall 11, Booth H57

www.pallmann.eu

Hall 9, Booth A22

PERIPLAST

PLASMATREAT

Periplast will once again be present at world’s biggest plastics event showcasing a wide range of equipment including its latest model of extruder and technology that is easy-to-use and energy efficient. The Periplast commercial team will be available to discuss and find the best solution for visitors’ projects, lines or individual pieces of equipment for pipe and profile extrusion, blown and flat film, co-extrusion, PVC compounding and mixing, conveying to production, recycling and reintegrating rejected production.

The interface between plastic and metal is a risk factor for injection moulders during the production of hybrid components. System partners Plasmatreat and Akro-Plastic presented a solution by developing the fully automatic PT1200 plasma cell, which can be adapted to suit any conventional IMM. The unit makes the process faster and allows for a continuous flow production of injection moulded plasticto-metal components. The turnkey cell contains everything the process needs, from the generator, robot, control technology, PCU plasma control unit and plasma jets to cables and consumables. The world premiere will take place at K. Plasmatreat and Akro-Plastic will join forces with trade fair partners Kuka, Arburg and Krallmann to give live demonstrations of the new plasma hybrid process together with all the machines and systems.

www.periplast.pt

Hall 16, Booth B18

www.plasmatreat.de

Hall 11, Booth G04

PLASTICOLOR

PLASTICS CONSULTANCY NETWORK

Woywod Kunststoffmaschinen is introducing a new 4 litre weighing hopper (TRW 4L) for the processing of quantities up to approximately 80 kg/h.

The new weighing hopper fits perfectly in the PLASTICOLOR modular system, it is therefore possible to upgrade already existing equipment. Three different versions are available: PLASTICOLOR TRW 4L Weighing Hopper with small hopper for the manual refilling by the operator, PLASTICOLOR TRW 4L Weighing Hopper with inlet funnel and Hopper Loader for the automatic refilling and PLASTICOLOR TRW 4L Weighing Hopper with storage hopper and butterfly valve for the automatic refilling.

At K 2016, the Plastics Consultancy Network (PCN) will provide free access to the knowledge of PCN experts through its ‘Ask the Consultant’ scheme. PCN members will be available throughout the show to help visitors in all aspects of plastics technology including: identifying and matching materials or selecting the right material for the application; design optimisation and selecting the right design for cost reduction and performance; process testing for best results and efficiency; market research; and processing cost control. PCN pledges to have a team member who can provide the solution.

www.plasticolor.de

46

Hall 10, Booth B75

www.pcn.org

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Hall 5, Booth A28

2016 EXTRA MATERIALS

PROTEC

PSG PLASTIC SERVICE

ProTec Polymer Processing is rising to the occasion by covering the entire process chain from conveying and drying to metering and mixing whether for injection moulding or for extrusion.

ProTec is also presenting itself as a one-stop shop supplier of long-fibrereinforced thermoplastics (LFT) lines covering the full gamut from planning via construction to commissioning. New developments presented for the first time at K 2016 include the SOMOS Batchmix XL batch metering unit for throughputs of up to 1,920 kg/h and the stationary SOMOS RDT-200 dry air dryer for moderate throughputs.

PSG Plastic Service is presenting its new Hot Runner Controller profiTEMP at K 2016.

The key advantages of the new technology are a small footprint, convenient touch screen operation and an extended range of functions such as Smart Power Limitation, super-fast and non-reactive current measurement as well as plurality of data interfaces, bringing Industry 4.0 to customers. Furthermore, PSG is presenting numerous other solutions at K inclusing its new reflector nozzle for narrow cutouts.

It supplements the cascade control varioFILL and offers two additional advantages: the variable opening speed of needles for better process control, and a sensor.

www.sp-protec.com

Hall 9, Booth D60

www.psg-online.de

Hall 1, Booth A11

REIFENHÄUSER

ROLF SCHLICHT

Reifenhäuser is making Industry 4.0 its own at K 2016 where it will be ‘Setting The New Standards’.

Reifenhäuser’s Digital Business Platform and Performance Cockpit are just two innovations optimising production and automation to Industry 4.0 standards. With its Reifenhäuser Digital Business Platform, Reifenhäuser systems enable customers to realise the potential of Industry 4.0, which means maximum machine performance, less waste and optimised quality. “Industry 4.0 empowers our customers to make their business even more profitable. For this reason, we are continually reinventing ourselves,” stated Bernd Reifenhäuser CEO.

Rolf Schlicht will present its latest technology for the cutting of hoses, pipes, and profiles made of plastic and rubber. The RS Multicut cutting unit type MC-50 and caterpillar RB-600/100 have been optimised for precise cutting of soft and semi-rigid extrudates up to about 50 mm diameter at highest line speed of 200 m/min with cutting cycles of up to about 3000 cuts/min. RS will also present the RS Multicut orbital cutter system for precise and fast cutting of semi-rigid and rigid pipes. The system is characterised by clean, spanfree, rectangular cuts carried out on-fly. The machines can be shown in live demonstrations at the show.

www.reifenhauser.com

Hall 17, Booth C22

www.schlicht-gmbh.de

Hall 3, Booth A35

SABIC

SACMI

SABIC will be exhibiting at K 2016 and will showcase to the expo’s 220,000 visitors how Chemistry that Matters is addressing global trends and challenges in key industries with inspiring solutions to help create a better future for everyone. On its two-deck stand, SABIC will feature the new, sustainability-enabling materials and breakthrough technologies it has developed in close collaboration with customers. With the focus on key industry segments such as packaging, construction, healthcare, transportation, consumer goods and electronics, SABIC will display specific, innovative applications, such as renewable packaging, fuelefficient transportation solutions, and easily constructed, reusable buildings.

Sacmi will be showcasing its latest innovations for caps and preform manufacturing, promoting the message of added value, ‘total’ quality control systems, automation and efficiency. On the Sacmi stand, visitors will be able to see the most cutting-edge cap digital printing solutions, super compression technology for container manufacturing and integrated vision and quality control systems for inspecting the whole product for defects, eliminating inefficiencies down the line. In addition, Sacmi-designed vision systems for the packaging process - from bottle, to closure, to labelling - will be on show, with Sacmi’s experts onhand on the booth to ask any questions about its all-encompassing service.

www.sabic.com

Hall 6, Booth D42

www.sacmi.it

Hall 13, Booth A63

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47

2016 EXTRA MATERIALS

SOLVAY

SONGWON

Solvay is taking lightweighting to new levels. Under the slogan ‘More Protection, More Freedom and More Future’, Solvay will showcase new products, innovative customer applications, manufacturing updates and leading viewpoints on industry trends, covering aerospace and automotive, to additive manufacturing and waste. Solvay will introduce two Technyl product offerings dedicated to the automotive market: a series of heat performance PA6.6 for thermal management applications and an innovative PA6.6 range with a specified and controlled halogen content tailored to fit sensitive electrical and electronic applications. Solvay will also share further updates about the Polimotor 2 all-plastic race engine.

Songwon, the world’s second-largest manufacturer of polymer stabilisers and key global player in the specialty chemicals business, will showcase its latest high performance solutions while highlighting its commitment to the polymer industry. Songwon has built strong customer and supplier relationships and consolidated its competitive position and its success has come from listening closely to customers and transforming their needs into high performance products.

Songwon is rapidly becoming the additives partner of choice, as well as a leading supplier in emerging markets.

Songwon will be showcasing high performance solutions and its excellent manufacturing capability to highlight its commitment to the polymer industry.

www.solvay.com

Hall 6, Booth C61

www.songwon.com

Hall 6, Booth B07

ST SOFFIAGGIO TECNICA

USD

The ST SOFFIAGGIO TECNICA team are again preparing to surprise the K audience with their technological innovations.

ST will be exhibiting the well-known, top selling model the ASPI 150.2 MONO. The machine has a 70 mm extruder, a 2 lt accumulator head and will be equipped with a robot for the extraction and the handling of the blown piece. Thanks to its great versatility it can adapt to the needs of customers in the most diverse production conditions, which is why it continues to be exported all over the world.

Buying a used car from a pro and not just any dealer is a good rule for discerning consumers, so why take the risk with plastics or rubber processing machinery?

USD and partners act as a broker and sell used machines, in as-is condition or completely overhauled, by always considering the latest EN-norm. USD is always searching for used plants in good condition, as well as new ones. Beside the used machinery business USD presents a small collection of cutting machines with peripherals as well as small roll mills and other new plants.

www.st-blowmoulding.com

Hall 14, Booth B04

www.usdmachinery.de

Hall 3, Booth A35

WEIMA

X-RITE PANTONE

Size reduction specialist WEIMA will present its all-new WKS singleshaft shredder series with 1400, 1800, and 2200 mm working width.

The new machines shred voluminous objects, tearresistant fibres and film. The new WEIMA WKS 1400-2200 plastic shredder series with 500 mm rotor diameter has a so-called “swingram,” which is guided on rolls. This is what makes the shredder very compact and easy to maintain. It also allows a more aggressive material infeed. Visitors will be able to take a closer look at the WKS 1800, which will be on display at the WEIMA booth.

X-Rite Pantone is showcasing its latest colour management solutions to help product designers, compounders and manufacturers easily specify, communicate, formulate and control colour quality. Under the theme ‘Colour as You Imagined It’ and with four Inspiration Zones addressing the specific colour needs and requirements for design, development, formulation, production and quality control professionals, the X-Rite Pantone booth is equipped to provide colour solutions from across the product development spectrum, from its SpectraLight QC light booth at the design end of a product’s journey, right through to the quality control challenges met by the NetProfiler and X-Rite Pantone’s range of handheld and benchtop spectrophotometers.

www.weima.com

48

Hall 9, Booth A59

www.xrite.com

Hall 8b, Booth H65

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EUREKA SERIES

Biomasters An Australian start-up is gaining serious international traction for its Catalytic Hydrothermal Reactor technology, which can transform paper, pulp and hard-to-recycle plastics into a petroleum substitute.

Words| Rose Brooke

Some plastics are easier to recycle than others, with much plastic waste languishing in landfill because reprocessing is just too difficult. But an Australian start-up’s technology could further curb the amount of plastic ending up in landfill.

can be transformed into kerosene and diesel using standard refinery technologies.

Professor Thomas Maschmeyer - who is also the Director of the new Australian Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology (AINST) - co-founded Licella.

In partnership with the University of Sydney, Licella is reimagining the pulp and paper industry as biorefineries while upgrading end-of-life, hard-to-recycle plastics into renewable or recycled fuel blend-stocks with global investors already tendering contracts It is extremely pleasing to see with the start-up.

this Australian green technology going global; it will make a substantial impact

The transformation of biorefinery technology using Licella’s Catalytic Hydrothermal Reactor (Cat-HTR) turns pulp, paper and plastics into a petroleum substitute biocrude, which can then be refined as a renewable fuel or chemical.

The Cat-HTR can theoretically process any form of lingocellulosic biomass without the need to dry the feedstock prior to processing, and testing at the ITQ Laboratory in Valencia, Spain, has already demonstrated that Licella’s bio-crude

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“After nine years of very hard work by an amazing team of individuals at Licella and the University, it is extremely pleasing to see this Australian green technology going global; it will make a substantial impact,” he said.

Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sydney Dr Michael Spence added: “The University is delighted to have played a part in supporting Licella to reach this milestone - a partnership that is flourishing and that shows Australian capabilities in the best possible light on the global stage.”

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