Modern Plastics Worldwide - July/August 2009 - dae uptlax

PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY
PRODUCT WATCH
EXTRUSION
Wavin on board for new
KM screw design
Pipe extrusion processor Wavin helped develop and field-test a new
range of 36D twin-screw, single-venting extruders for processing
of PVC pipe, and these new machines are now being offered to the
broader processing market by extruder manufacturer KraussMaffei
Berstorff.
They are outfitted with what KraussMaffei is calling its HPG
(High Performance Geometry) screw concept, with which the
entire 36 L/D length of the processing unit is used to optimize
plasticizing and homogenizing of PVC. Atmospheric venting has
been eliminated. Throughput is up to 10% higher than with
double-venting extruders, according to KM.
A longer metering zone means the machine
can better build pressure and keep
control of the melt temperature over
the whole output zone. The longer
mixing zone also improves dispersal
of additives and blowing agents in the
melt.
With only one venting zone, the whole length of KraussMaffei, Munich, Germany;
the unit can be used to process material. +49 89-88-990; www.kraussmaffei.com
Tools good for four stripes
An extruder tool
from this manufacturer
of precisionextrusion
tooling
for cable, hose,
pipe, and profiles
has introduced
a striping
attachment that
allows the co-extrusion
The B&H striping attachment offers
multiple options to wire and cable
processors.
of a single, dual, triple or ‘quad’ stripe. The attachment installs between the die
holder and barrel body. It is said to be compatible with all adjustable center crossheads
and in-line dies used for insulating wire and jacketing cable. The attachment
allows the stripe to be embedded in a tube or jacket, or extruded on the outside.
Attachments are available for low-temperature and high-temperature insulated
wire and jacketed cable applications. Processors can choose a stand-alone striping
attachment or opt for a new assembly that includes the attachment. An extendedrange
core tube can be supplied where added length is needed.
Also new from the company is a tip removal wrench for use with its in-line spider
dies. The tool was designed to reduce the time, effort, and risk involved with
changeovers and to lengthen tool service life. It enables operators to access the tip
even when space is tight, without creating dead spots, or otherwise damaging the
flow path or assembly parts.
B&H Tool Company, San Marcos, CA, U.S.A.; +1 760-471-8949; www.bhtool.com
Extrusion line targeted
at PS pipettes
New from Boston Matthews is an extrusion
line designed specifically for the production of
polystyrene pipette tubes. The manufacturer
says the line is capable of extruding, sizing,
drying, and accurately cutting PS tubes without
marking or swarf, no small claim considering
PS’s sticky nature. A direct-drive on
Sticky PS pipettes are no
problem for this line.
the extruder yields clean, brushless operation.
The machine was designed with clean- or
greyroom processing in mind, with easy-clean
surfaces and easy access to all areas. Typical
tube sizes range from 1-25-ml capacity. All
tubes are extruded and cut to length in-line
at up to 30 tubes per minute. The firm’s ‘PS
Tube Cutter’ can be automatically synchronized
for more accurate cutting.
Boston Matthews, Worcester, England;
+44 1905-763101;
www.boston-matthews.co.uk
Automatic strap coilers
A fully automatic coiling range that coils
and straps flexible plastic pipe up to 180
mm in diameter is now available from
Pipe Coil Technology Ltd. Pipe processors
can coil and package their pipe by fully
automating a process that in the past often
required high labor levels. This machine
range automates the whole coiling process
from the point the pipe leaves the extrusion
line to the removal of the completed coil.
Pipe Coil Technology Ltd., Wallsend,
Tyne & Wear, England; +44 191-295-9910;
www.pipecoil.co.uk
24 JULY/AUGUST 2009 • MODERN PLASTICS WORLDWIDE mpw.plasticstoday.com