Driven by continuously high demand: product innovation KRAIBURG TPE is now supplying electrically conductive TPEs with adhesion to polyolefins or polyamides. These sophisticated products complement the THERMOLAST K portfolio, and with the company’s usual high, consistent quality they represent a convincing innovation. In addition, new and existing customers will benefit from the usual advice and service – everything from a single source.
Innovative applications such as sensors for the automotive industry, electrostatically dissipative components, or smart textiles for sportswear and safety clothes require materials with defined electrical properties. Electrically conductive TPEs open up new opportunities for this type of application with regard to touch qualities, functionality and design. KRAIBURG TPE is taking up the challenge and is now offering two new materials series of conductive TPEs to successfully serve this emerging market. Existing and new customers will benefit not only from the extended product portfolio but also from individual advice and service that is exactly tailored to their needs, no matter what phase a project is in.
The EC series with adhesion to polypropylene provides a resistance of < 101 Ω cm, a hardness of 70–80 Shore A with a density of 0.97–0.99 g/cm3. The unique EC/PA series with adhesion to polyamides has a resistance of < 103 Ω cm and a hardness of 70–80 Shore A with a density of 0.96–0.97 g/cm3. Both products are available in black.
Customers will benefit from the following characteristics, which both series provide:
Excellent electrical conductivity
Thermoplastic processability
Multicomponent injection molding with excellent adhesion to various thermoplastics
Non-sticky surface feel
Sealed and homogeneous surfaces
“The functional requirements for TPEs are steadily increasing. Following thorough testing, we have extended our portfolio to include electrically conductive TPEs in order to serve customers from a single source both now and in the future,” summarizes Dr. Johannes Krückel, Key Account Manager. “We will continue to provide for the classic areas of application, but there’s a clear trend towards new additional applications. We’re therefore expecting electrically conductive TPEs to play an important role in tomorrow’s market and we’re pleased to be able to provide our customers with consistent product quality, along with the usual excellent service for these products as well.” www.kraiburg-tpe.com
Rotary tube for controlled PET inline crystallization As of now, ips Intelligent Pelletizing Solutions GmbH & Co. KG is offering a newly developed, compact rotary tube for the inline crystallization of PET pellets as a supplement to its ips-UWG S underwater pelletizing systems and as a “stand-alone”.
PET is an ideal plastic for the production of packaging films, bottles, fibers and packaging tapes. However, before it can be processed, the material must be dried and crystallized. Ips has now launched the ips-DR / K rotary tube as a system option for its underwater pelletizing systems especially for the inline crystallization of PET recycled goods.
The ips-DR / K with its compact, horizontal design and targeted process control is particularly suitable for continuous production and the efficient crystallization of amorphous PET granulate and regrind. The permanent movement – without the supply of external energy – prevents the amorphous PET granulate from clumping and sticking during the crystallization process.
The amorphous PET crystallizes quickly and effectively by optimally regulating the speed or the dwell time in the thermally insulated rotary tube. Throughputs of up to 2,500 kg / h can be achieved in continuous operation.
The amorphous PET pellets come directly from the ips-GT pellet dryer with a pellet temperature above the necessary crystallization start temperature into the rotary kiln. The use of the PET granulates’ own thermal energy allows them to crystallize. An external energy input, for example by infrared heaters, is not necessary. Thanks to the special arrangement of the conveyor elements, the PET granules are gently transported and simultaneously separated. The optimal speed range prevents breakage, abrasion and damage to the product.
The rotary tube is controlled easily and conveniently via the control panel of the ips-UWG S or via a local control panel directly on the ips-DR / K rotary tube. The rotary kiln is driven by a three-phase motor, the speed of which is continuously adjustable.
The ips-DR / K rotary kiln enables gentle and energy-efficient crystallization of PET granulate with degrees of crystallization greater than 30 percent. The simple and robust structure offers very good access to the conveying elements inside, so that the rotary kiln can be cleaned and serviced quickly and easily. https://www.pelletizing.de/
The new PBT product range Pocan XHR is proving a practical
all-rounder
Benefits for thermal shock stresses
Excellent long-term temperature stability; high elongation at break
Improved chemical resistance, e.g. for use in suspension applications
Flame-retardant variants added to XHR product range
The new Pocan XHR (Xtreme Hydrolysis-Resistant) product range from LANXESS boasts outstanding resistance to hydrolytic degradation in very hot and humid conditions. In internal testing with standardized test specimens based on the stringent SAE/USCAR2 Rev. 6 long-term hydrolysis tests of the US Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), the compounds reached Class 4 or Class 5 – the top two ratings. “However, the launch of Pocan XHR has demonstrated that the additional benefits of the materials are just as important to many users. They often make the most of the high resistance to thermal shock, hot air, and chemicals, as well as the mechanical properties of the compounds based on polybutylene terephthalate (PBT),” explains Ralf Heinen, application developer at the High Performance Materials business unit. parking break of Pocan B3233HR Stable in hot and dry conditions
Many electrical and electronic devices are exposed to ever-higher thermal loads for reasons including confined installation spaces or elevated operating temperatures. When used in dry environments, the plastics for these devices need to be able to withstand long periods in hot air. “That is another strength of Pocan XHR. For example, the impact strength of most product types in the XHR series remains virtually unchanged even after 3,000 hours of being stored in 150° Celsius air,” says Heinen. This makes the compounds ideal for parts in engine compartments, such as connectors, or for power electronics components. Tailor-made for overmolding of metal parts
Rapid and extreme changes in temperature often cause stress cracks in components with overmolded metal areas because of the differences between metal and plastic in terms of thermal expansion. That is why LANXESS has given the Pocan XHR series elongation at break of up to 4.7 percent (ISO 527-1,-2) because high elongation at break counteracts the formation of stress cracks. Moreover, the improved long-term temperature stability and hydrolysis resistance reduce susceptibility to stress cracks. Stress crack resistance is tested under extremely harsh conditions in heat shock tests. This involves subjecting the overmolded components to abrupt changes in temperature from -40° Celsius to 125° Celsius and back in several hundred cycles and keeping them at the various temperatures for extended periods (such as 30 minutes). As Heinen explains, “In heat shock tests, components with Pocan XHR metal overmolding exhibit no stress cracks or, if they do, the cracks do not appear until after many multiples of the usual number of test cycles.” That makes the XHR products exceptionally well suited to overmolding metal parts such as bus bars, connectors, power strips and main supporting frames. Good processing characteristics
The melt viscosity of all Pocan XHR variants remains constant for a long time at the injection-molding temperatures customary for PBT. The materials can therefore be injection molded stably within a wide processing window. The improved flowability relative to comparable standard PBT materials makes it possible to implement thin-walled geometries. Furthermore, overmolding of metal parts can take place at lower filling pressures, which means that the metal inserts are not distorted or pushed out of position in the tool by the molten material. Improved alkaline stability
Standard PBT already has good chemical resistance, and Pocan XHR has taken that a step further. For example, it offers good resistance even to very strong alkalis. This reduces elongation at break only by around 40 percent when the material is stored at
55° Celsius in 1-molar sodium hydroxide solution for 100 hours. That is a marked improvement over standard PBT. On vehicle underbodies in particular, a combination of road salt, cast iron, and moisture can cause a mildly alkaline environment to build up. “Our XHR compounds are therefore the material of choice in this application for electrical and electronic components such as sensors, housings and connectors,” explains Heinen. Flame-retardant XHR compounds soon to be launched
In response to requests from customers, LANXESS is currently adding more flame-retardant compounds to the XHR product range. They are particularly well suited to live components in hot and humid conditions, which have to exhibit excellent hydrolysis stability and fire resistance at the same time. The flame-retardant compounds are reinforced with glass fibers (15, 25, and 30 percent by weight). An unreinforced version of the product will also be available. All materials are equipped with a halogenated flame-retardant package and achieve the top classification of V-0 with low specimen thicknesses according to flammability tests in line with US standard UL 94 (Underwriters Laboratories Inc.). “This classification is required for many plastic components in batteries of electric and hybrid vehicles, for example,” says Heinen. Pocan XHR acts as a complement to Pocan HR
Pocan XHR is the third generation of hydrolysis-stabilized PBT compounds from LANXESS. It complements the second material generation of Pocan HR. “This is held in high regard by our customers. It remains part of our range because it is an established feature of many series-production applications, and, because of its hydrolysis resistance and other properties, it already covers most common requirements,” says Heinen. www.lanxess.in
Nordson Has Built a Production Line that Enables the Company to Deliver a New BKG Die Plate in Just 3 Weeks, Reducing Downtime and Increasing Flexibility for Customers
Nordson Corporation has built a dedicated production line for BKG die plates used in underwater pelletizing, enabling the company to deliver a new electrically heated die plate in only three weeks after order placement, including order entry, engineering, and production. This is less than half of competitors’ delivery times.
While most common die plates are on stock and can be delivered within a couple of days, building a new plate requires a range of engineering and manufacturing steps. By creating a database of standard designs, Nordson has eliminated upstream engineering processes that had contributed to longer lead times. To reduce manufacturing time, it has dedicated a complete production line to die plates. The line is part of an extensive new facility for BKG pelletizing and melt delivery products completed in Münster last year.
While the dedicated line produces only two-piece, electrically heated die plates in the BKG A, AH, Compact, and AHD190 families, these standard designs constitute the largest share of Nordson’s die plate output. At the same time, the company continues to produce die plates based on custom designs, as well as oil-heated die plates.
Die plates are wear components which periodically must be refurbished or replaced in order to maintain required levels of productivity and product quality. “The dedicated production line for die plates enables Nordson to meet the needs of customers much more quickly, helping then to reduce downtime and maintain product quality,” said Andreas Trouvain, Sales Director EMEA.“We continue to expand the range of designs that can be produced in this line, and we are looking for more ways to shorten the processes upstream and downstream of die plate production in order to make lead times even shorter.”
The BKG A, AH, Compact, and AHD190 families of die plates are available with the most common nozzle bore diameters. Optional features include several different carbide inlays, thermal insulation layers, pressure reduction, staggered rows of nozzle bores, and both standard and short land lengths.
To prevent injection moulds from opening during installationand removalas well during transport and to preventany movingplates, like ejector assemblies from shifting out of position, it is essential to secure them against unintentional movement. The new mould lock Z730/… availableexclusively fromHASCO provides asimple, reliable solution andensuring maximum safety.
Positive locking action
With its positive locking action, the tool lock can be operatedwith justonehand and withoutanytools, avoidingany damageto the mould. The lock, which can remain on the mould, ensures securetransportand productionpositions. This product, which is available exclusively from HASCO, can be used at temperatures of up to 90°C.
The new low-leakage HASCO temperature control program offers users maximumsafetyduring uncoupling. It impresses with its excellent tightnessand durability. Safe and reliable coupling of cooling lines
The innovative temperature control system with flat end sealing surfaces and shuts offs on both sides enables low–leakage, cleanopening and closingunder pressure withoutmedialeakage.
The one–handedquick–release couplings with a particularly longand preciseguidancefor the sealing nipple and guaranteesafeand independentcoupling with a maximumflowrateand only a lowpressuredrop.
The High-quality materials 2.0401 (brass) and 1.4305 (stainless steel) make the quick-release couplings robustagainst vibrationsand movements. The stainless-steel versions are ideal for use in medicaland cleanroom–technology applications.
The couplings are also suitable for high–temperature applications as a function of the cooling medium. They guaranteea reliableand long–lastingproductionprocess and round off the extensive HASCO temperature-control program.
Even if the Corona pandemic crisis has side-lined the issue a little in recent months, conducting business in a climate-conscious and sustainable manner remains as important as ever and is high on the agenda of companies, organizations and end consumers.
As a specialist for the development and production of polymere specific color, additive- and multifunctional masterbatches another step in the right direction already being pursued by ROWA Masterbatch is the development of sustainable products.
These products, referred to as bioplastics, are differentiated between bio-based and biodegradable: Bio-based plastics are produced from renewable raw materials, such as starch or sugar. The term biodegradable refers to plastics that can be decomposed by microorganisms. This results in the following three groups of bioplastics:
> bio-based, non-biodegradable plastics: Bio-PE, Bio-PA, Bio-PET, CA
> bio-based, biodegradable plastics: PLA, PHA
biodegradable plastics of fossil origin: PCL, PBAT, PBS
Until now bioplastics have been used mainly for food packagings, toys and some technical applications – although in relative terms they are still very rare. Dorit Krienke, Head of Development at ROWA Masterbatch, is certain that “The topic will gain momentum in the coming years. The demand for bioplastics will increase significantly. At ROWA Masterbatch we are well prepared and are the perfect partner when it comes to processing these kind of products”.
ROWA Masterbatch works polymer-specific and can therefore process virtually all possible materials – including, of course, biopolymers. “We develop custom color and additive concentrates for our customers and are open for projects in all future-oriented fields”, said Mrs. Krienke. www.rowa-masterbatch.de
ROWA Masterbatch has been established as a competent and internationally renowned partner of the automotive industry and well-known polyamide processors and compounders for polyamide-based nigrosine masterbatches. The newly developed ROWALID PA-B044A RHC BLACK will ensure that this will continue to be the case in the future.
For sensitive applications, soluble colorants, nigrosine, are usually used because carbon black influences the mechanical properties and material behavior in the injection molding process. ROWA Masterbatch is recognized as a specialist in this area and supplies customers all over the world with ROWALID PA-16292 BLACK, primarily from the automotive industry, where this masterbatch is used for items such as glass fiber reinforced polyamide in the engine compartment of passenger cars.
With immediate effect, the masterbatch experts have a new design development in their portfolio: The nigrosine masterbatch ROWALID PA-B044A RHC BLACK (RHC stands for reduced halogen content), which achieves a further reduction in electrocorrosion and reduced interaction with other formulation components compared to other products. An improvement of the mechanical properties after thermal aging is also evident.
These benefits, in particular the fact that ROWALID PA-B044A RHC BLACK prevents corrosion of metals such as copper, open up a wider range of applications: Besides use in the engine compartment this high-purity grade of nigrosine is also ideal for E&E applications, including heat exchangers, connector housings, housings for circuit breakers or terminal blocks. With this new development ROWA Masterbatch has once again demonstrated expertise in the production of masterbatches. www.rowa-masterbatch.de
Xeikon has announced the addition of a high-end label press to its Panther portfolio to meet a need in the market and extend the company’s comprehensive offering, broadening the application reach. Providing high productivity levels, the Xeikon PX30000 is equipped with 8 printing stations, two of which are used to achieve high opaque white layers at maximum speed. This UV inkjet label press is driven by Xeikon’s unsurpassed X-800 digital front end with exceptional capabilities, all geared to maximise digital print manufacturing.
The Xeikon PX30000 UV inkjet press offers a cost-effective and fast time-to-market solution for short to medium run flexo jobs. It provides the label printer with maximum opportunities to produce the widest range of digitally printed labels with a glossy tactile look, optimum durability and high levels of resistance against scuffing and scratching. The press is designed to appeal in particular to label printers working in the high-end markets of health and beauty, chemicals and premium beers. Label printers looking for faster turnaround times, reduced production costs and lower complexity will be able to explore new business possibilities offered by digital printing. Xeikon’s PX30000 is now available for demonstration at Xeikon’s Global Innovation Center and is commercially available in Europe and North America.
Filip Weymans, VP Marketing, states, “The addition of this high-end, digital production label press is an important step in the Xeikon strategy. Adding the Xeikon PX30000 to our portfolio enhances the Xeikon offering that already was the most comprehensive in the market. Label printing companies can now opt for a dry toner press or an inkjet press, for an entry-level solution or a fully geared high-end production press, from a 5 colour engine up to a 7 colour engine. We are convinced that the appropriate and ideal choice a printing customer makes depends on their business strategy and their choice of end-use applications”.
Weymans continues, “We are recognised as a ‘go-to’ trusted advisor and solutions provider. Throughout the years, Xeikon has developed a suite of the most relevant services available, supporting its customers in developing and selling new applications, helping them with the integration of digital printing within their existing environments, and also assisting them in automating their complete label production. Apart from integration capabilities, the X-800 workflow enables further automation for complete label production. Making use of its intelligent imposition algorithms to position the labels on the web can help reduce costs by optimizing production times. There are no challenges too great for this powerful workflow – even the most demanding variable data jobs or labels where the track and trace functionality is required – Xeikon’s X-800 workflow is unsurpassed.
Xeikon has the long-standing expertise and deeper understanding to help label printers with all aspects of running a successful digital label print business, from choice of equipment to workflow integration and expert colour management services. Xeikon helps the label printer transform to a digital manufacturer.”
The Xeikon PX30000 digital press is a highly versatile solution offering an impressive range of capabilities and features. As for all Xeikon digital printing technology, Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) can be optimised using the available Xeikon Premium Services. The Xeikon PX30000 UV inkjet press is a proven press platform driven by Xeikon’s X-800 workflow, which can be easily integrated into any existing workflow environment. For flexibility and a wider range of applications, the press has extended colour gamut capability, it comes with a choice of 2 configurations – 6 or 7 colour – and full colour management controls. With a maximum speed of 70m/min (229ft/min) and using opaque white, the press is designed for maximum efficiency and industry leading productivity. This roll-to-roll, full rotary press prints on substrate widths up to 340mm (13,4”).
Weymans adds, “The addition of the Xeikon PX30000 high-end label press to our portfolio immediately gives Xeikon a broader reach. We are committed to our vision of a digital future for Labels and Packaging. We are the only company dedicated to a true consultative approach, offering both dry toner and inkjet technologies and therefore the most comprehensive choice of digital solutions.
An investment in the Xeikon PX30000 high-end label press with high productivity and extended colour gamut will ensure an amazing opportunity for label printers working with high-end products to provide brand owners with unique, creative and durable, high-quality labels. Importantly, working with Xeikon means ease of mind, knowing not only that they can provide the widest range of digital equipment, but that they will also advise on the best choice of product for specific business needs. Weymans concludes, “We have continued to build and structure our comprehensive portfolio so that our customers can find everything they need from Xeikon. We believe it’s not just about finding the right digital equipment, it’s about working with a trusted partner who can offer the appropriate digital solution for any business model. We will continue to be on hand at all times to give confidence and continued support to our customers on their digital journey.” https://transform.xeikon.com/ / www.xeikon.com / www.flintgrp.com
Moog Industrial Group, a division of Moog Inc., (NYSE: MOG.A and MOG.B) announced the market introduction of the new Modular EAS System. The Modular EAS is a highly flexible system with excellent scalability and variability and can be easily adapted to most types of industrial manufacturing machinery. Standardized Modular EAS Solution
The Moog Modular Electrohydrostatic Actuation System (Modular EAS) features standardized modules with a wide number of customization options available. This process allows for extensive application potential by meeting the specific requirements of the customer. The system’s smallest scope of delivery consists of a basic manifold and an Electrohydrostatic Pump Unit (EPU) which Moog delivers as an assembled and tested unit.
To expand the system, the basic module can be combined with various options or adapted with additional standardized high-speed manifolds in order to build a complete motion control system. With the Modular EAS System the localized power allows for improved energy efficiency due to the elimination of the flow control valving and centralized piping, which reduces the amount of wasted energy commonly found on traditional hydraulic systems. Modular EAS Benefits
High force capability and force density that provide a compact and performant alternative to EH and EM actuation
Environmentally clean due to up to 90% lower oil requirement compared to the standard systems and low noise emission for quiet machine operation
Small number of components to reduce the risk of breakdown and allow for faster maintenance
Decentralized system that eliminates the need for a large Hydraulic Power Unit (HPU) and reduces piping
4-quadrant operation technology allows for universal suitability for a large range of challenging applications as well as for effective energy management with reduced consumption due to energy recuperation
Low mass inertia of the EPU provides high system dynamics
Applications
The Modular EAS System is suitable for a wide range of industrial manufacturing machinery. It can be used on metal pressing applications from forging, powder and sheet metal presses to hot forming, punching and isostatic press machines. In wood and paper milling, testing and power generation applications the Modular EAS System allows for improved decentralization of the machine axes. Additional high-performance applications can be realised in the industrial marine sector, on operational mobile machinery and on injection and blow molding machinery in the plastics sector. The system simultaneously reduces oil requirements for HPU by 90%, thereby reducing machine cost of ownership significantly. https://www.mooginfo.com/ModularEAS / www.moog.com/industrial Moog Industrial Group, a division of Moog Inc., (NYSE: MOG.A and MOG.B) announced the market introduction of the new Modular EAS System. The Modular EAS is a highly flexible system with excellent scalability and variability and can be easily adapted to most types of industrial manufacturing machinery. Standardized Modular EAS Solution
The Moog Modular Electrohydrostatic Actuation System (Modular EAS) features standardized modules with a wide number of customization options available. This process allows for extensive application potential by meeting the specific requirements of the customer. The system’s smallest scope of delivery consists of a basic manifold and an Electrohydrostatic Pump Unit (EPU) which Moog delivers as an assembled and tested unit.
To expand the system, the basic module can be combined with various options or adapted with additional standardized high-speed manifolds in order to build a complete motion control system. With the Modular EAS System the localized power allows for improved energy efficiency due to the elimination of the flow control valving and centralized piping, which reduces the amount of wasted energy commonly found on traditional hydraulic systems. Modular EAS Benefits
High force capability and force density that provide a compact and performant alternative to EH and EM actuation
Environmentally clean due to up to 90% lower oil requirement compared to the standard systems and low noise emission for quiet machine operation
Small number of components to reduce the risk of breakdown and allow for faster maintenance
Decentralized system that eliminates the need for a large Hydraulic Power Unit (HPU) and reduces piping
4-quadrant operation technology allows for universal suitability for a large range of challenging applications as well as for effective energy management with reduced consumption due to energy recuperation
Low mass inertia of the EPU provides high system dynamics
Applications
The Modular EAS System is suitable for a wide range of industrial manufacturing machinery. It can be used on metal pressing applications from forging, powder and sheet metal presses to hot forming, punching and isostatic press machines. In wood and paper milling, testing and power generation applications the Modular EAS System allows for improved decentralization of the machine axes. Additional high-performance applications can be realised in the industrial marine sector, on operational mobile machinery and on injection and blow molding machinery in the plastics sector. The system simultaneously reduces oil requirements for HPU by 90%, thereby reducing machine cost of ownership significantly. https://www.mooginfo.com/ModularEAS / www.moog.com/industrial
