British Plastics and Rubber Nov-Dec 2013

THE MONTHLY MAGAZINE FORBRITAIN’S POLYMER PROCESSORS

Materials handlingequipment

Films for foodpackaging

K2013: Reviewfrom the show floor

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set by the initiative. Delegates also heard case studies

from Epwin, Altro Floors, Fife Counciland Soundforms that covered casestudies involving successful recycling,implementation and replacement ofPVC over other materials as a way of

increasing andenhancing efficiency,as well as thoseshowing the versatilityand design potential ofPVC through its use ininnovative projects,including its use in highprofile sporting events,such as the LondonOlympics.

In order to supportthe development andprogress of the PVCindustry, I am thrilledthat BP&R will be the

sole media partner for PVC 2014, thetri-annual conference organised by theIOM3 that will be held in Brighton nextApril. You can read more about thepartnership and the event on page 13.

Enjoy the issue.

Leanne Taylor – Editor

This year marks 100 years since thefirst patent for PVC was granted toGerman inventor, Friedrich Klatte, in1913. Since its discovery, the materialhas doggedly survived threats ofabandonment through the recession ofthe 1920s and endured environmentalcontroversy. However,fast-forward to 2013and PVC is one of themost popular man-made materials thanksto its durability,versatility andefficiency in terms ofcost and energy saving.

Testament to this,the recently held BPFannual PVC conferencein Manchesterhighlighted theprogress that PVC hasmade, and continues tomake, in terms of sustainability andenvironmental credibility. Delegatesfrom the industry heard an updatefrom Brigitee Dero of the EuropeanCouncil of Vinyl Manufacturers (ECVM)on the progress of VinylPlus, in whichshe said she is “convinced that we asan industry are on the right path toachieve the sustainability directives”

Associated organisations

www.britishplastics.co.uk

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BRITISHPLASTICS&RUBBER

EDITORIALEditor: Leanne Taylor

T: +44(0)1244 680222 E: [email protected]

SALESGroup Advertising Manager: Lisa Montgomery


ARTSAM HAMLYN


SUBSCRIPTIONST: +44(0)1244 680222 E: [email protected]

PUBLISHERMark Blezard


British Plastics & Rubber is available on free subscription to readersqualifying under the publisher’s terms of control. Those outside thecriteria may subscribe at the following annual rates: UK: £80 Europe and rest of the world: £115

British Plastics & Rubber is published monthly (10 times/year) byRapid Plastics Media Ltd, Unit 2, Carlton House, Sandpiper Way,Chester Business Park, CH4 9QET: +44(0)1244 680222 F: +44(01244 671074

© 2013 Rapid Plastics Media Ltd

While every attempt has been made to ensure that the informationcontained within this publication is accurate the publisher accepts noliability for information published in error, or for views expressed. Allrights for British Plastics & Rubber are reserved. Reproduction in wholeor in part without prior written permission from the publisher is strictlyprohibited.

ISSN 0307-6164Incorporating Polymer Age and Rubber and Plastics Age.

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happy birthday pvc

“fast-forward to2013 and PVC isone of the mostpopular man-madematerials thanksto its durability,versatility andefficiency interms of cost andenergy saving.”

alcohol, blood and lipids, as well as being ISO10993 and USPClass VI compliant.

“The brands on offer in the ALBIS portfolio are from worldclass producers such as Bayer MaterialScience, Eastman,Solvay Speciality Polymers, BASF and many more and areusually available from stock,” continued Mills. “Our technicalteam can draw on a vast knowledge base from a number ofplastics processing sectors to ensure that the best material ischosen for a given application.”

No bugs this winter with antimicrobial additivesALBIS has recently announced a cooperation agreement withUK-based additives manufacturer, Addmaster, (UK) Ltd.,involving antimicrobial additives.

Based on this, ALBIS will offer its products, whererequired, formulated with Addmaster’s silver-based‘Biomaster’ technology, which is said to considerably reducethe growth of microorganisms.

These ALBIS products involve both masterbatches (ALBISAdditive-Batch Hygienic Material), as well as compounds(ALCOM Hygienic Material). Both ALBIS solutions will carry the‘Biomaster Protected’ label and are registered in accordancewith the German Ordinance on Notification of BiocidalProducts (ChemBiozidMeldeV) at the registration office forbiocides of the BAUA (Federal Institute for OccupationalSafety and Health).

The goal of the application is to equip plastics, withouthaving to coat them, for hygiene-critical areas of use withantimicrobial properties for the secure prevention of thegrowth of germs and bacteria.

“This agreement perfectly suits our orientation tospeciality solutions,” commented Marcel Wiesner, ProductSpecialist, Masterbatches, at ALBIS. “Hygienic solutions,particularly those for antimicrobial protection, areexperiencing more and more attention in Europe. Bycombining Biomaster’s brand and know-how with theexpertise in compounding technology and the Europe-widesales network of ALBIS PLASTIC we are now able to offer ourcustomers a wide range of antimicrobial polymers such as PE,PP, ABS, PC, PA and many more.”

further information:www.albis.com

The future is clear ALBIS has just returned from what it says was a “verysuccessful” showing at K 2013, with more visitors to its booth

than in 2010. “Many

customers, old andnew, tookadvantage of theopportunity todiscuss newprojects and meettechnical andcommercial expertswho were on handto showcase thegroup’s productportfolio andcapabilities,”commented IanMills, ManagingDirector of ALBISUK.

“A commontheme at the showwas customersrequesting highclarity plastics for a

variety of end markets, which require a demanding range ofproperties. ALBIS has one of the widest ranges of clearpolymers on the market, with a range that covers glass-likeclarity, high temperature capability or chemical resistance, aswell as other properties depending on the sector, process andrequired finish,” he continued.

The materials in the ALBIS range can be injectionmoulded, extruded or extrusion blow moulded, allowing for abroad range of processes across a number of industries, eventhose subject to industry specific challenges or legalrestrictions, such as the highly regulated medical sector, orapplications for food packaging.

Recent additions to the portfolio are NAS (SMMA) andZylar (SMMA/ SBS) from Styrolution, products that giveexcellent glass-like clarity, colour easily, have a resistance to

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THE BIG STORYliving in a material world

This year has been a busyone for specialist

distributor andcompounder of technical

thermoplastics, ALBIS, withnew additions to its

product range, high-profilecollaborations and

appearances at some of theindustry’s biggest trade

shows. Here, the companyshares the trends

discussed at the recentlyheld K exhibition as well aswhy it will be ‘germ-free’ as

the cold season getsunderway.

ALBIS has recently addedantimicrobial protection to someof the products in its portfolio

The graph shows the protectiongiven by the antimicrobial additives

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contentsoct/nov 2013

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BRITISHPLASTICS&RUBBER

on the coverLiving in a material

worldThis year has been a busy one for

specialist distributor andcompounder of technical

thermoplastics, ALBIS, with newadditions to its product range,high-profile collaborations and

appearances at some of theindustry’s biggest trade shows.

See page 4

3EDITOR’S LETTER

Happy Birthday PVC

14-19FEATURE

Materials HandlingHow do the various types

of dosing device work?

20-23FEATURE

k show reviewLeanne Taylor’s review from the

show floor

24-27]FEATURE

medicalMedical polymer market

to reach $3.5bn by 2018

28-29FEATURE

antimicrobialsResearchers develop

“environmentally friendly”antibacterial polymer

30-33FEATUREpackaging films

Identifying contaminants inpackaging materials and films

REGULARS INDUSTRY NEWS 08

Reclamation and Recycling 34

Engineering Materials 37

injection moulding 40

FROM THE FRONTLINE 42

SOFTWARE 43

BUYERS’ GUIDE 44

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The ‘Great Mini’ revs upsupport for UK’s contributionto automotive plasticsThis not-so-subtly branded Mini wasspotted at K 2013 to fly the flag for theUK in a celebration of the industry’scontribution to the automotive industryas well as to promote the British-German relationship.

The ‘GREAT’ Mini visited theinternational trade show as part of itstour of 16 federal German statesbetween January and December 2013.

Companies including AxionPolymers, Barkley Plastics and Albis alldeliver raw materials or produce plasticparts in Great Britain, which are thenbuilt into the Mini, contributing tomaking the cars lighter and loweringfuel consumption.

further information:www.k-online.com

`from L-R: Keith Freegard (Axion Polymers), Werner MatthiasDornscheidt (Messe Düsseldorf), Susan Speller (consul General),Justyna Elliot (BPF) and Ian Mills (Albis UK)

APPE has award in the bottleA hot-fill, pasteuriseable PET jar has been confirmed as thewinner of the Horners Bottlemaker Award 2013.

APPE’s ThermaLite PET jars are able to hot-fill attemperatures up to 95°C (previous industry maximum was 85°C)and also be pasteurised (previously not achievable with PET,which is a global first).

Using a revolutionary double-blow manufacturing process, aswell as specialist PET resin, APPE has produced jars that are fullytransparent, high-gloss and shatterproof.

The Horners Award Committee said it was impressed by theproduct’s “excellent environmental advantages.” The jars are 85percent lighter with a smaller footprint than glass equivalents andrequire 15 percent less food-processing energy.

Competition judge, John Bunker, said: “The standard ofentries was very high again this year but the APPE jars sood outas meeting all the criteria for a winner, including convincingsuccess in the market place.”

Highly Commended Certificates in the competition wereawarded to the ‘The EcoForm aPET Cauldron’ by GR8 EngineeringLimited and RPC Containers’ ‘Artemis’ Pack.

further information:www.horners.org.uk fill, pasteuriseable PET

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Plastics puzzle helps put pieceof history in placeWe reported on the ‘Ten Most Wanted’project a few weeks ago. It is a researchproject being undertaken jointly by theMuseum of Design in Plastics (MoDiP), theUniversity of Brighton and AdaptiveTechnologies, to build an online game toencourage people to research objects inMoDiP’s collection and thereby contributeto their documentation.

The game is now being piloted andinformation is beginning to flow in – oneplayer found that the ‘Byson’ stair carpetclips (pictured) were patented by anEarnest Harrison in 1932 and anotherthat Byson Appliance was listed at the1934 White City Industries Fair asproducers of ‘Stair-Carpet-Holders (non-metal) Made from Bysonite in Oak,Walnut, Mahogany, Black, Green andOrange Colours’. Information is stillrequired as to Earnest Harrison’s role. Hewas more likely the MD of the firm thanthe designer, so who actually designed

them? It is these sorts of questions theproject is aiming to get answers to.

Additionally, perhaps you know peoplewho worked at British Xylonite? It isbelieved, but not known for sure, that thatis where this two-toned pink deco-styledhairbrush (pictured) was manufactured.MoDiP also wants to know who designed itand when, and for how long, it wasmanufactured.

“Plastics are somewhat neglected in

most museum collections. Whereas it iscommon practice to specify of which woodor metal an object is made, plastic objectsare frequently documented simply asbeing of plastic. And being less preciousthan many museum objects, they areoften more anonymous, with both thedesigner and manufacturer unknown,”commented Susan Lambert, Curator atMoDiP.

“MoDiP wants to put that right and hasone advantage over more traditionalmuseums: because most of its objectswere made in living memory it is likely thatsomeone, somewhere has the answer.‘Ten Most Wanted’ has been designed togather this information,” she continued.

There are eight other objects includinga Portadyne radio, a Midwinter tea set,and a Streetly Manufacturing Companydustette. For more information and tocontribute, visit the website.

further information:www.10most.org.uk

MoDiP wants to know

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deco-styled hairbrush

Byson stair

carpet clips

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At a press event held during K 2013, European tradeassociation, PlasticsEurope, presented its latest production,demand and waste management data. The world plastics

production volume has shown increase, since at global level theproduction has gone from 280 Mtonnes in 2011 to 288 Mtonnesin 2012, signifying an increase of around 2.8 percent.

At European level however, the 2012 results do not show thesame trend. The sector is still suffering from the consequences ofthe crisis; production (-3 percent) and demand (-2.5 percent)results show a slight decrease in 2012 compared to 2011. This isdue to a decrease in the demand of the main customer industries(packaging, building and construction, automotive, etc.). Thereare, however, differences between Western and Central Europe: inWestern Europe, demand declined by 3 percent, while in CentralEurope demand increased by 0.6 percent.

“Confronted with a changing and often difficult economiccontext, the European plastics industry has shown great resilienceand adaptability. Even if we would have preferred a quickerrecovery, we have so far managed to dodge the threat ofglobalisation and remain competitive and innovative, therebycontributing by 2.6 percent to Europe’s GDP. However, the lowerprices of energy and raw materials in other regions of the worldare a substantial challenge for our industry in Europe,” said DrWilfried Haensel, Executive Director, PlasticsEurope.

In terms of outlook, Patrick Thomas, President ofPlasticsEurope and CEO of Bayer MaterialScience, said that “2013could well be viewed as a year of stabilisation in the Europeanplastics sector and in 2014 industry predictions suggest a slightrecovery; although we will still be far from pre-crisis level.”

Regarding plastic waste management data in Europe, 2012results show a positive trend. While post-consumer plastic wastegeneration stood at the same level as the year before (recycling

2013 “a year ofstabilisation” for plastics

industry

The latest data from PlasticsEurope suggests theworld plastics production volume has shown anincrease of around 2.8 percent

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and energy recovery rates increased and reached 26.3 percent(+4.9 percent) and 35.6 percent (+ 3.3 percent) respectively. Thesefigures have led to a total European recovery rate of an average of61.9 percent, an increase of 4 percent compared to 2011. Thesituation, however, varies significantly among the different Europeancountries, since some countries recover 100 percent of the post-consumer plastic waste they generate, while others hardly reach a30 percent recovery rate. This leaves more than 9 million tonnes ofplastic waste that are still landfilled.

“Despite a positive evolution of the European data for plasticsrecycling and energy recovery, we lament that more than a third ofplastic waste still ends-up in landfill,” continued Haensel. He added:“To achieve the goal of a resource efficient Europe, our industrystrives for a zero plastics to landfill by 2020 objective. At the actualpace, this ambitious goal is significantly jeopardised. Therefore, theplastic industry calls on the policy makers to support this ambitiousgoal by taking measures to avoid land filling of recyclable and highcalorific waste.”

Patrick Thomas closed the event on an optimistic note, stating,“our industry is a resilient one, we have always faced challengesand adapted to evolving circumstances. This trade fair is ademonstration of our strength and adaptability. We are the proudbearers of Parkes and Baekeland legacy, our material is the materialof innovation and creativity. It has inspired architects, designers,engineers and inventors in every sector and it will continue to pushthe boundaries of human genius and innovation.”

further information:www.plasticseurope.org

British Plastics and Rubber announced as sole mediapartner for PVC 2014PVC 2014 has announced British Plastics and Rubber as the solemedia partner for the upcoming event to be held in Brighton, UK,next April.

“This leading publication for polymer processors in the UK andaround the world is a well-established, highly respected magazine,which covers all aspects of the plastics and rubber industries. Itpublishes a broad mix of highly technical articles and features, aswell as important industry news and updates through both print anddigital media,” said PVC 2014’s organisers.

The triannual conference is one of the world’s leading and mostreputable forums to support the future of PVC globally, celebratedfor its broad appeal through the extensive programme of subjectsaddressed. Covering all aspects of rigid and flexible PVC, the 2014programme will include strategy/direction and markets; recentplasticiser developments; processing technology; performancecovering engineering properties and structure; sustainabilityincluding recovery, recycling and social aspects; and polymerisationand PVC production.

The PVC 2014 conference welcomes Jonathon Porritt CBE,founder of Forum for the Future, to provide the keynote address, aswell as an abundance of high-profile sponsors and supporters.

“British Plastics and Rubber magazine is delighted to be themedia partner for PVC 2014. The event is highly regarded in industryas one that addresses key issues and stimulates interestingdiscussion and lively debate. An impressive line-up of speakers anda seminar programme that covers timely and important areas ofPVC’s development makes the conference one that we are keen tobe involved with,” said Leanne Taylor, Editor of British Plastics andRubber.

The conference provides aglobal platform for the exchange ofinformation, educational debate anddiscussion.

further information:www.pvc2014.org

newsMetal detection solutionreduces risk of contamination atUK packaging plantTH Plastics has developed a metaldetection solution for manufacturer ofrigid plastic packaging, Logoplaste, whichit says not only reduces the potential riskof contamination, but also increasesproductivity.

The Logoplaste site in Leeds, UK,supplies milk bottles for the Arla dairy thatin turn supplies major supermarketsacross the UK. There are currently 13machines working 24/7 to fulfil thisdemand.

Logoplaste approached TH Plastics tolook at an innovative, contaminationeliminating metal detection solution to sitwithin its materials conveying line. One ofthe key challenges it faced was tomaintain uptime whilst ensuring zeroproduct contamination.

Site manager at Logoplaste, GaryMuggleton said: “We wanted to eliminatethe risk of contamination whilst improvingour performance. TH Plastics’ metaldetectors guarantee the purity of plasticproducts and are an important componentof quality assurance.

“The benefit of installing the metaldetection system has reduced thepotential risk of machine damage andimproved product safety. This is a massiveimprovement for the business and couldequate to a lot of material savings andincreased production time.

“We’re delighted with the results. It’sthe ideal solution for the food and drinkindustry because it considerably reducesthe potential risk of contamination and atthe same time increases productionbecause there’s no downtime,” he added.

further information:www.thplastics.co.uk

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THINK MATERIALS MANAGEMENT... We are passionate about...

New UK headquarters for equipment manufacturerFlexicon Europe has moved into new, larger UK headquarters inWhitstable, Kent, which it says offers an increased manufacturingarea, office space and operational efficiencies as well as theability to accommodate a larger staff.

The company was previously located in Herne Bay, Kent, whereit occupied a primary facility, and subsequently expanded byadding an adjacent manufacturing plant for the production andmanufacture of a range of bulk handling equipment.

“The Whitstable facility not only expands our total area, butconsolidates it under one roof with large open spaces, significantlyimproving production flow and manufacturing capacity,”commented Managing Director, Keith Bourton.

Administrative space has doubled and includes newconference facilities for visiting customers and an expanded staffof technical sales personnel responsible for sales throughoutEurope, Asia and the Middle East.

further information:www.flexicon.co.uk

The metal detection solution

has reduced the risk of

contamination for dairy

packaging at Logoplaste

Flexicon Europe’snew UK headquartersin Whitstable, Kent

Materials handling range meansbig business for UK company With secondary raw material from wastegaining more and more importance, oneUK company says that demand forsolutions in the recycling sector is winningit an increasing amount of business.

Kent-based Fercell Engineering says itattributes some of this newly wonbusiness to an appetite for the range ofImro materials handling products it stocks,which includes conveying, sorting andseparation technology.

“The IMRO product range is extensiveand offers the highest quality in robustbuild and industry proven materialshandling solutions,” commented Fercell

Engineering’s Marketing Manager, BruceLe Gros, when discussing the company’ssuccess in the recycling sector.

“Further complimenting our own UK-manufactured dust and fume extraction,Kwik-Fix ducting products includingshredders, briquette press foamcompactors and other industry relatedsolutions, the Imro range compliments our‘everything-under-one-roof’ businessmodel by providing the final piece in thejigsaw.”

Commenting further he said: “Withover 36 years industry experience in thefield of materials handling, whether it bepneumatic, worm-screw or conveyor;standalone or, as is now more commonly

required, a complete turnkey plant, FercellEngineering can deliver the mostcompetitively priced solutions avoiding anyreduction in quality.”

further information:www.imrouk.com

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Summit Systems recognised for insight in auxillaryequipmentAt a ceremony during K 2013, Maguire Europe honoured itslongtime agent in the United Kingdom, Summit Systems Ltd., forits leadership in introducing “innovative auxiliary equipmenttechnology” to the marketplace.

The award was presented to Summit Systems ManagingDirector, Mike Jordan, in a special ‘Partner Award’ event at theMaguire Europe stand.

“In Summit Systems’ 22-year partnership with Maguire, Jordanhas personified his company’s progressive and innovativeapproach to the marketplace,” according to Paul Edmondson,General Manager of Maguire Europe.

“It was Mike who identified the market for gravimetric blendertechnology in the UK and was the first person to importgravimetric batch weight technology to Europe in 1990,” saidEdmondson. “This foresight is at the heart of Summit’s ethos. Theteam’s relentless pursuit of excellence is impressive and excitingto be associated with.”

further information:www.summitsystems.co.uk

www.maguire.com

Mike Jordan (left) photographed herewith Steve Maguire, Maguire’s founder

The IMRO

machinery in action

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THINK MATERIALS MANAGEMENT... We are passionate about...

Demand sees materials handlingspecialist make major investmentMaterials handling and process coolingspecialist, AB Systems, says it has made asignificant investment in its serviceprovision by installing state-of-the-art jobmanagement technology in order to keepup with demand.

Designed to further improve the speedand efficiency of its service offering, ABSystems says the new simPRO softwareallows the company instant access to itscustomers’ service, project and estimationhistories, and allows quotes for spareparts and equipment to be generatedimmediately.

“We’re growing at an exceptionally fastrate, not only in terms of our client-base,

but also the number of manufacturers forwhich we distribute,” said Jeff Day,Managing Director of AB Systems. “Thesoftware has given us a real boost infuture-proofing our service and ensuresthat we can keep up with demand.”

Everything is logged by simPRO so thatall data can be tracked and traced tosource, offering complete projectmanagement, as well as integrating thecompany’s servicing and estimating

departments through stock control andplanning.

“We hold a significant amount of stockon site for both materials handling andcooling systems, and will now be able toquote, package and dispatch products inrecord time – important for the businesscontinuity of our clients,” explained Day.

further information:www.ab-ltd.co.uk

“Next generation” blendingtechnology for plasticslaunchedNew blender technology that aims toimprove the cost/performance balance forplastics manufacturers by allowingthroughputs to be measured in real time,was unveiled at K 2013.

Launched by suppliers of gravimetricblending and control systems, TSM, thislatest product development is said tocombine the benefits of its patentedreverse auger technology with an ultra-fast, responsive throughput measurement.

TSM’s Director of Sales, Declan Byrne,said the new blender has uniqueadvantages and will provide customerswith guaranteed quality and repeatability

while reducing raw material costs.“The fast, responsive throughput

measurements will benefit plasticsproducers by giving them real-time control.This will significantly improve the accuracyand consistency of their end product,reduce waste and improve costefficiency,” he commented.

A new control algorithm, which hasbeen specially developed in conjunctionwith a leading UK university, is said todeliver exceptional control, allowingperformance to be maintained at lowersetpoints. The unique mechanical designreportedly delivers a small footprint,making it ideal for either new or retrofitinstallations.

further information:www.tsmcontrols.com

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Case study: Genesis’ largest silo finds homeat Perrite UK

Perrite Ltd, the Warrington-based UK division of A. Schulman Inc.,recently invested in new equipment in order to streamline thehandling of its engineering thermoplastic compounds to increaseflexibility and reduce manual handling.

The company purchased a silo with a capacity of 50 tonnes fromGenesis Process Solutions, reportedly the largest flexible silo that thecompany has ever supplied in the UK.

Genesis designed the framework so that it would fit precisely intoplace, as well as supplying the fill pipe that connects both theexisting and flexible silos. A vacuum take-off box to allow connectionto two existing production lines was also included, as was a load cellmonitoring system. The project installation was completed in twoweekends, with a total project time of 12 weeks from order to install.Perrite says the extra storage capacity frees up its two external silos,giving it the extra flexibility in purchasing and production required.

According to Perrite, before the new silo was in place, there was alot of manual handling involved in using bagged material. This,combined with product losses through damaged bags, floor spacerequirements, packaging disposal and forklift movements, was anongoing cost.

Clinton Andrews, Continuous Improvement Manager at Perrite,commented: “Genesis fully understood the issues we were faced withand gave us exactly what was required, on time and on budget. Theadditional storage not only allows us to benefit from lower rawmaterial costs but we are also continuing to reduce the amount ofmanual handling we have to do. The total cost of the project and thetime frame for installation made it a far better solution than aconventional silo.”

further information:www.genesisps.co.uk

The 50 tonne silo installed at Perrite UK

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Effective feedstock mixing with static coneblenderBarton Fabrications, a UK-based supplier of silos to the plasticsindustry, says it is experiencing growing interest in its static coneblender, which it says addresses and improves plastic feedstockhomogeneity issues.

The company says the blender unit, which uses no power andis maintenance free, is targeted at companies that are using bothvirgin and recycled plastic feedstock.

“The problems of feedstock homogeneity will be wellrecognised by plastic moulders,” commented Mark Barton, MD ofBarton Fabrications. “With the increased interest in the use ofrecycled material, we saw an opportunity to develop an improvedstatic cone blender back in 2008.

“The blender benefits from zero power usage and requires nomaintenance, as it works using a cleverly designed static mixingunit within the silo. Every customer requires a slightly differentsolution as each type of plastic feedstock material has its ownflow characteristic. This property relates to a number of factorsincluding particulate density, morphology and coefficient offriction,” Barton continued.

“To optimise the design of newsilos we produce a scale trial unit inwhich we can alter the blender conedimensions and angles. In this way wecan ensure we obtain the best mixingresult. In addition, as thedemonstration unit is made of clearacrylic, we can dynamicallydemonstrate, using different colouredfeedstock, how effective the mixing is.”

further information:www.bartonfabs.co.uk

‘World’s largest’ compounding test center opensCompounding and bulk materials handling systems manufacturer,Coperion, has opened what it says is the worlds largestcompounding test centre in Stuttgart, Germany.

With a footprint of 2,700 m² and floorspace of 4,500 m² onthree levels, Coperion says the test centre is designed to facilitatethe installation of trial set-ups that correspond exactly to actualproduction conditions. Quality control tests and analyses aimed to

further develop processes are carried out in the analyticallaboratory. The facility will reportedly accommodate up to 100customer trials per year.

Additionally, Coperion says the centre will carry out internaltests with new machine components. It is equipped with 20different ZSK extruders with throughput rates ranging from 10 to3,000 kg/hr, including the latest generation machines, the ZSKMc18 series, for products requiring high energy input, as well asthe ZSK MEGAvolume PLUS machines for high volumethroughput.

further information:www.coperion.com

The new test

center in Stuttgart.

Credit: Coperion,

Stuttgart/Germany

Barton Fabrication’s silo blender addressesplastic feedstock homogeneity issues

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Q: How do the various types ofdosing device work? (Part 2)

mo explains: The choice ofdosing device depends on whichmaterials and method you areusing, and what throughput yourequire.

In the last article (August’s issue of BP&R), we talkedabout dosing screws and cone valves. In the second

part of our feature, we will consider some of theother widely used dosing devices, namely: slide-gate

valves; disc dosing elements and rotary valves.

Slide-gate valves Like a cone valve, a slide-gate valve is a passive system – i.e. thematerial simply flows out of the supply hopper. Output is controlledby the slide, which can be positioned either vertically or horizontally.Material can be metered continuously or in batches and the volumedosed each time will depend on the cross-sectional area of the slideand how long the valve is open. Slide-gate valves are suitable forgranular and free-flowing powders. If working with materials that donot flow well, on the other hand, you run the risk of the materialsticking or clumping together (often called ‘bridging’). To avoid this,an additional device that positively feeds the material is necessary.Slide-gate valves can be used for smaller and larger materialthroughputs, however, they are only suitable for gravimetric batchdosing systems. Synchronous operation is not possible, making adownstream mixer a must.

Disc Dosing ElementsThe disc dosing unit and the rotary valve are based on the sameconcept: they actively meter the material by enclosing the requiredvolume in chambers – similar to measuring using a cup ortablespoon when cooking. And just like in the kitchen, any excessmaterial is “levelled off” before dosing. This method is also known as‘digital-volumetric’, because when the technology was in its infancy(or in the case of very simple systems); the only way to create

discrete volumetric units was to use entire chambers. Depending onthe design, today’s systems are capable of far greater precision. Youcan achieve even more precise measurements by adjusting thedosing device to the required throughput.

Both the disc dosing unit and the rotaryvalve can meter material continuously or inbatches. The volume dosed in a given periodof time depends on the volume of thechamber and the rotary speed of thewheel. Both devices can process granularand free-flowing powders, and aresuited to dosing very small to mediummaterial throughputs. If you are usingmaterial that does not flow well, you willneed additional equipment to positivelyfeed the material. This allows you toensure each chamber is filled to the samedegree. Both dosing elements are deployedprimarily in volumetric systems.

Rotary ValvesA variety of disc elements and rotary valves are available forprocessing a range of throughputs and materials. In addition, disc-dosing units can be fitted with a blade for levelling off excessmaterial. This can cut granules if required, ensuring each chamber isfilled correctly and enhancing the consistency of the volume. Thistype of disc dosing device is particularly suitable for small volumes ofmicro-granulate.

further information:[email protected]

Schematicof a slide-gate valve

(A and B): Disc dosingelement with an integratedblade for leveling off andcutting the material

(L-R) a slide-gate valve, discdosing element and rotary valve

Powder dosing stationwith a disc dosing unit

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k2013 - from the show floorSo, post-K 2013 and the dust is starting to settle. The organisers

of the fair, Messe Düsseldorf, have issued a statementoutlining visitor numbers, with the overall number of attendees

having decreased slightlysince the 2010 event. Thisyear saw 218,000 visitorscome from over 120countries, compared with222,486 visitors during thelast outing. Suggestion is, that theorganisers of the other greatplayer in the global plasticsexhibitions arena, Chinaplas,could be preparingthemselves to step up andcapitalise on attracting thosevisitors that gave K a miss totheir event in Shanghai onApril 23 – 26, 2014. There’sdefinitely opportunity in theEast, given that the MesseDüsseldorf’s figures suggestthe proportion of visitors

from Asia accounted for the largest group of foreign visitors – totalingapproximately 30,000 from South, East and Central Asia as well asfrom the Near and Middle East.

Despite this, word from the organisers suggests that expectationsfor business at the show have been exceeded, with exhibitorsreporting numerous concrete project enquiries, negotiations withvisitors and a large number of business deals, some of which wereconcluded on-site and were worth “millions”.

Chairman of the Exhibitors’ Advisory Board for K 2013, UlrichReifenhäuser, said: “We had not expected visitors’ willingness toinvest to be this high. The many innovative products and applicationspremiered in Düsseldorf were met with great interest from tradevisitors.” One such product to do justice to this statementundoubtedly came before the show had officially even begun.

Plastic freeforming – no one saw that comingIs it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s the freeformer, a plastics processingadditive manufacturing machine for the production of mould-free,prototype parts and it was undoubtedly the biggest bombshelldropped at K 2013 by none other than injection moulding machinerymanufacturer, Arburg. At the company’s pre-show press event, heldthe night before the show opened, the mystery as to what wasconcealed beneath the curtain could safely be described as a shockto many of the trade press and onlookers who weren’t privy to thesecret, which was telling from the silence that greeted the shiny,compact machine, that most definitely wasn’t an injection mouldingmachine, sitting underneath. The gymnast, or should I saycontortionist, that was pirouetting on top, only added to the polishedunveiling by the company.

So, what exactly is the freeformer? According to HerbertKraibühler, Managing Director of Technology and Engineering atArburg, the new freeformer enables the production of functionalplastic parts without a mould by layering droplets of liquid plastic.“Additive manufacturing entails the conversion of 3D CAD data intoSTL data,” commented Kraibühler. “The layered geometries obtainedin this manner are then used to build up the components on anadditive basis, i.e. in layers, without the use of a mould.”

What is causing the noise in the world of additivemanufacturing – and has led to the machine being toutedas “game changing” – is the fact that the machine usesconventional plastic granulates rather than ‘prefabricated’materials such as powders or strands, which traditionallymake the material, the processing and therefore, the parts,more expensive.

“You can continue to use your familiar standardgranulates. In other words, all the plastics that you use day-by-day at your injection moulding plant. Our freeformerrequires no additional, special and therefore expensivematerials,” said the company.

Developed using the group’s technical experience ininjection moulding, the system uses a heated plasticisingcylinder for an optimal plastic melt in the discharge unit.The patented nozzle closure, with high-frequency “piezo” technology,is said to enable fast opening and closing movements to produce theplastic droplets under pressure. “The nozzle of the freeformerremains stationary, while the component carrier moves along three orfive axes. This allows undercuts to be produced without the need forsupport structures. This means new freedom in terms of geometryand less material waste,” explained Kraibühler.

The freeformer can be configured as either a single or two-component machine, allowing the production of parts that integrateboth hard and soft polymer elements as well as multiple colours,often a drawback with conventional additive manufacturing systems.

In terms of distribution, the group says it aims to use existingchannels and customers to bring the machine to the market, with thefirst freeformers to be supplied from next year. Commenting on thefreeformer, Colin Tirel, Managing Director at Arburg UK told me: “In aword – it’s phenomenal. I think it’s going to take us into markets, intoareas and into companies that we don’t currently sell to. Initially ofcourse, it will be offered to our own customers, but if you think aboutthe whole additive manufacturing arena, it will open so many doorsfor us. It’s unique and it’s created a huge buzz.”

Although the freeformer got unreservedly the Lion’s share ofattention of all of the exhibits on Arburg’s stand, some of the othertechnology, much more in keeping with the traditional vein, was not tobe overlooked. One particularly impressive display was a fully electric

After months ofpreparation and

planning, days walkingthe halls and nights

networking in theAltstadt, K 2013 is over

for another three years.Here, Leanne Taylor

looks back at some ofthe highlights,

innovations andannouncements over the

course of the show.

K 2013 draws the crowds to Düsseldorf

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Tel: 01952 671918 Email: [email protected]

injection moulding machine and cube mould producing a functionaltwo-component juice container closure. Using a mould from Foboha,an Arburg Allrounder 720 A produced the closure in six seconds and,utilising all four sides of the mould for production, the mould filling,cooling phase and part removal was carried out simultaneously, aprocess designed to considerably reduce cycle times, particularly forapplications in the packaging industry.

Machinery – the best of the restIn terms of the other big injection moulding machinerymanufacturers, it was apparent that serious investment had beenmade in some colossal booths, which were a serious magnet forvisitors keen to see the machinery live in action. At Engel’s pressconference, the company unveiled its recently launched controlsystem, which it says has been developed due to the increase indemand for turnkey systems that incorporate automation solutions.

CEO, Peter Neumann, spoke about the company’s focus on itsongoing automation strategy, where robots are integrated into theproduction process for conformity of cycle times and ease of systemoperation. “Our strategy for automation is to grow even faster than wedo in our machine business,” he commented.

“We really do see automation as a very important part of ourstrategy going forward, all manufactured ourselves, includingconveyor belts, robots and other components. In order to ensure thatthese systems work in the best way they can we need an effective

control system – andthat is why we arepresenting the CC300 as part of ourshowcase at K2013.”

Engel says the CC300 will make theuse of injectionmoulding machinesand integrated systemsolutions safer, moreuser-friendly andmore efficient throughallowing IMMs andmanufacturing cells tobe controlledaccording to taskssuch as mouldchanging, or accordingto functions such asinjecting.

At Sumitomo (SHI)Demag’s booth, the company demonstrated a new peripheral modulecalled activeColourChange. With the product, the group hasdeveloped a pigment dosing system, which allows extremely shortcolour change times to be performed when using liquid colours.

The group demonstrated activeColourChange on its new

Systec SP 280 (producing one litre buckets) with three differentcolours at K 2013. The colour was fed directly from a closed systeminto the metering zone of the melt-filled injection unit. In contrast tocolouring with masterbatch, the upstream zones (the feed andcompression zones) are kept free of colour, which in theory meansthat less cleaning is required.

Another curtain drops – this time recycling machineryIn another ‘big reveal’ at the show, machinery manufacturer, Erema,unveiled its latest machine for plastics recycling, the ‘Intarema’.

The machine is based on newly developed and patented ‘CounterCurrent’ technology, which is said to result in increased productivity,flexibility, easy operation and “considerably lower” energyconsumption.

Erema says the innovation in the Counter Current system is in thecutter/compactor and tangentially connected extruder, where itcirculates material against the normal direction of the extruder,resulting in more material being processed in a shorter time.

Erema says to date, the worldwide technical standard has been asystem in which the material in the cutter/compactor moved in thedirection of the extruder. The centrifugal forces arising in the processwere used for the feeding of the extruder and the treated, warmmaterial was “packed” into the extruder screw. It says the inversetangential configuration of the Counter Current system now ensuresthat the extruder screw is filled virtually pressure-free with thepreheated material.

Michael Heitzinger, CTO at Erema, described the impact whichthe new system has on productivity and the quality of the recyclate,saying: “The screw basically “takes what it needs”, the extruderalways has the ideal filling level and is never overfilled, which makesit much better to regulate.”

Elsewhere in the machinery halls, Swiss plastic engineeringequipment firm, Leister, unveiled a new compact hand extruder,the Weldplast S1, a smaller version of its Weldplast S2 range.

The Freeformer is unveiled

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“The new product is the result of achallenge Leister tasked itself with todevelop a hand extruder that could beused primarily with one hand rather thantwo, as well as being suitable forfabricating in small and dark spaces,”commented Steve Gibbs, Technical SalesDirector for Plastic Extrusion at Welwyn ToolGroup, the UK distributor, sales and servicecentre for Leister equipment.

After two years in development, the newWeldplast S1 has reportedly shed asignificant 1.1kg in weight compared withthe larger S2, and is well balanced by thevirtue of the centralised hand grip. Forworking in tight corners and for lighting updarker areas, the S1 introduces an LEDlighting system at the front of the extruder.

“The Weldplast S1 ensures reproducible results andefficiency, enabling the operator to set and control weldingparameters for a diversity of different materials including PE, PP,PVC, PA and PVDF, providing variable and adjustable controls oftemperature and blower speeds independently of each other,”continued Hobbs.

Materials hold their own in terms of innovation andfootfallThe materials halls held their own in terms of impressive stands, newproduct launches and footfall. Innovation for the automotive industrywas an unavoidably apparent theme, with booths acting as podiumsdisplaying futuristic concept cars modeling the best of the cutting-edge technology that the plastics industry can offer OEMs, designersand consumers. Bayer MaterialScience, LanXess and Evonik allshowed some interesting four-wheel displays.

At the show, Evonik confirmed that it is once again fully supplyingmarkets with polyamide 12 after the explosion that caused a severeshortage in 2012 and that it is “considering” a second plant for theproduction of the CDT feedstock.

Speaking at a press event, Dr Dahai Yu of the company’sExecutive Board said that he was aware of the company’sresponsibility as a major supplier of CDT and a second plant wouldensure supply chain security should there ever be another reason fora sudden stoppage of production. “We managed to rebuild ourEssen facility within six months after the explosion, which isvery quick, and we are now fully supplying to ourcustomers,” Dr Yu commented.

The autmotive industry also played a part in thelaunch of a new product line frommanufacturer of polymer stabilisers,Songwon Industrial Group. Songxtend2121, 2122 and 2123 are designedfor the automotive industry and aretailored to address fogging and

Erema unveils the ‘Intarema’

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odour issues in car interiors.Songwon says Songxtendstabilisers reduce VOC emissions

and improve organoleptic propertiesby either eliminating or reducingundesirable odours thatnegatively impact car interiors.

A major focus for SABIC at K2013 was its materials solutionsfor the automotive industry, anarea in which it says it willcontinue to focus heavily. Oneof the company’s flagship

applications at the show was theVolkswagen XL1 diesel plug-inhybrid car, which featuresadvanced polycarbonate sidewindows as well as an all-

thermoplastic tailgate concept,which SABIC says are both aimed at

enabling lighter weight and energyefficiency within a vehicle.

At the company’s pressconference, Scott Fallon, GeneralManager for Automotive at SABIC,said the company had“collaborated with almost every

major automotive OEM in the world.”The company also announced it is working with materials that will

enable it to enter “completely new markets”, including syntheticrubbers. SABIC said it will be producing a range of Polybutadienerubber (BR), a homo-polymerised, 1-3 butadiene, which it says will beused for the production of tyres that are “safer, more fuel efficientand long lasting.”

The company also revealed plans to open a new plant in 2016 inSaudi Arabia for the production of POM, a polymer known for its highstiffness, mechanical strength and good resistance to chemicals andsolvents. The company highlighted its use of POM in the automotiveindustry by displaying fuel caps on its stand.

Outside of the automotive industry, Innovia Films, a leading global

Netzsch launched the

new DSC 214 Polyma

Leister’s new WeldplastS1 launched at the show

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Tel: 01952 671918 Email: [email protected]

manufacturer of Biofilms, and Corbion Purac, a global leader in lacticacid and lactides, displayed a range of prototype PLA (polylactic acid)films that are both transparent and resistant to higher temperatures.Possible opportunities for the new bioplastic films include both foodand non-food packaging and many industrial applications.

Specialty chemicals group, Perstorp, premiered four new productsfor the plastic materials market at K 2013. The four new products areCapa for bioplastics, a highly biodegradable plastic that improvesmechanical properties as well as accelerating biodegradation;Charmo for intumescent systems in plastics, a halogen-free, richcarbon source for phosphorous/nitrogen based systems said tosignificantly reduce the release of smoke and heat in the event of afire; Pevalen, a non-phthalate plasticiser for sensitive applicationssaid to be perfect for close contact PVC applications, such as flooring,coated fabrics, plastisols, toys and moulded parts; and finally, a newco-polyester alternative called Akestra, a thermoplastic alternative topolycarbonate, polystyrene and glass.

Separately, at a panel discussion on the future of plastics and therole of styrenics, Dr. Norbert Niessner, Global Head of Research andDevelopment at Styrolution, said that styrenics were “much morethan insulation” and that they had an “exciting future” in the areas ofbuilding construction, architecture and design.

Professor Dr. Hans-Werner Schmidt, Head of the Department forMacromolecular Chemistry at the University of Bayreuth, said that K2013 was “full of innovation” and that the “polymer age” was “onlyjust starting” in terms of exploiting the potential of plastic materials,but that research was key.

Putting those materials to the test There was also a number of new launches and announcementsfrom companies in the field of instrumentation for the testing andanalysis of polymer materials.

UK-based manufacturer of testing instrument and equipment,Lacerta Technology, launched two new products at K 2013 aswell as announcing a new UK distributor.

BMB Plastics Machinery Limited has taken on soledistributorship of Lacerta’s identiPol range of products, includingthe next generation QA2 and new OIT models launched at thetrade show.

“BMB is joining us at pivotal moment of our growth plans andwe’re very excited about two new products that we’ve launched atK 2013 that continue our focus on developing techniques andtechnologies to assist with plastic quality assurance,” said StevePrice, Lacerta Sales Manager.

Lacerta has unveiled a second generation system, theidentiPol QA2, which it says takes the identiPol QA, the relativelylow-cost device for the identification and rapid quality

assessment of virtually any thermoplastic material, to the nextlevel of sophistication, as well as launching the identiPol OIT, aninstrument for measuring oxidative induction time.

Additionally, manufacturer of instruments and equipment forthe analysis and testing of polymers, Netzsch, held the worldpremiere of its new characterisation system, the DSC 214 Polymaat the show.

The company says the new system is an ideal tool for theresearch, development, quality assurance and failure analysis ofpolymer materials. This allows both novice and experienced usersto successfully carry out a Differential Scanning Calorimeter(DSC) analysis involving sample preparation, measurement,evaluation and the interpretation of data, by incorporatingspecially designed software to complement the instrumenthardware.

Flying the flag for Great BritainA number of UK companies said they had enjoyed a successfulK Show. Charmaine Bowers from The Polymer Training andInnovation Centre (PTIC), exhibiting as part of the ‘BritishGroup’ alongside the British Plastics Federation, said: “We’vebeen really busy and have had good quality leads from severalnationalities for our PICAT II software. The K Show is a globallyrecognised platform for our industry, a lot of our technical team areexcited by the innovation that is being shown, which is important forus as a training provider as it means we keep a competitive edge.”

Richard Benyon of CJP Sales, distributors of Dynapurge purgingcompounds, said that the show had been “a great opportunity tonetwork and knowledge share with other distributors from around theworld.”

North Wales-based producer of solid masterbatch, SilvergatePlastics, announced at the show that it has appointed a newEuropean-based manager to lead the company’s export growthstrategy.

Dr. Giuseppe Chiacchio will be responsible for developing andsupporting Silvergate’s growing client base in mainland Europe fromthe company’s new offices in Italy. Following a significant investmentto reconfigure Silvergate’s manufacturing facility at its headquartersin Wrexham, North Wales, the company says it now has the capacityto satisfy the most demanding of requests, from specialist multi-component 1kg purchases to high volume commodity masterbatchesincluding blacks and whites.

Commenting on Chiacchio’s new appointment, ManagingDirector, Tony Bestall, stated: “We are delighted Giuseppe has comeon board to lead our Export Growth Strategy. Having invested a totalof almost £250,000 into our manufacturing facility, we now operate amuch slicker, flexible and larger operation. We can now bring ourextensive technical know-how to a much wider market and rapidlydeliver products of any volume to fulfil the needs of our growingcustomer base.”

Derbyshire-based Vinyl Compounds reaffirmed its expansionplans at K 2013, with MD, Chris Makin, confirming the purchaseand delivery of a fourth compounder from battenfeld-cincinnati’sHartmut Hachmeister on site at the show.

The new machine, one of many purchased in closesuccession by the company, is on track for delivery by December2013, with further investment opportunities in mid 2014.

“The partnership between our two companies goes fromstrength to strength. It is based on mutual respect andsatisfaction,” agreed both Makin and Hachmeister at the show.

Until next we meetMesse Düsseldorf has confirmed the dates for the next event will be19 – 26 October 2016. Until then, the impact of the other bigtradeshows remains to be seen. As Helmut Heinson, ManagingDirector of Arburg, said during the EUROMAP press conference at K2013, it is “important for plastics and rubber companies to strive forglobal presence at exhibitions.”

further information:www.k-online.de

Chris Makin

of Vinyl

compounds

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al newsCase Study: Carclo TechnicalPlastics expands into ISO Class 8ManufacturingContract technical moulder, CarcloTechnical Plastics (CTP), has successfullyventured into ISO Class 8 manufacturingwith the installation of two activeCell self-contained cleanroom moulding andpacking cells designed and manufacturedby Sumitomo (SHI) Demag.

Surrey-based CTP provides injectionmoulding and contract manufacturingservices for medical, automotive, PPE,optics and mechatronics applications andoperates in twelve locations across USA,UK, Czech Republic, China and India.

Following numerous customerrequests for medical devices made toclass 8 standards, CTP’s operation in Brno(Czech Republic) looked to integrate anonsite cleanroom at its 4730m2 facility,however, the cost implications this wouldhave incurred led them to invest in a self-contained activeCell cleanroom mouldingand packing system from Sumitomo (SHI)Demag.

“Without specifying any applicationdetails, we challenged Sumitomo (SHI)Demag to build two systems to meet ourcustomer’s proposed capacityrequirements. We required a mouldingand packing solution which had norestrictions, navigated numerousobstacles both technically andcommercially and could easily switchbetween several different modes ofproduction,” commented Carclo TechnicalPlastics’ Technical Director, Lee Dodd.

Sumitomo (SHI) Demag had a numberof bespoke challenges to overcome: thecell’s seal would be broken by cranes andother equipment regularly entering themachine, yet the system had to retainclass 8 standards; the product portfoliowas extensive requiring large and smallparts of all geometries to bemanufactured and then either bagged orboxed; the facility to track and tracebagged products; identical machines wererequired with inter-transferable mould androbot programmes.

The resulting all-electric compact mini

cleanroom system is fitted with laminarairflow cabinets for particle free air inthe mould-space area, integralpackaging equipment and a six-axisYaskawa Motoman robot which removesparts from the mould ready for packing:“Over and above its primary purpose, thesix-axis robot is a value-add formanufacturers looking for futureexpansion options including pick andplace, assembly or even palletising,”commented Sumitomo (SHI) DemagManaging Director, Nigel Flowers.

The activeCell units were built within20 weeks, meet all CTP requirements andcurrently manufacture a range of complexsingle impression and multi-impressionparts (including contact lens cases) toclass 8 standards in volumes from125,000 - 9,000,000. With order valuesto date exceeding £500,000 per year, CTPwill see a return on its investment in lessthan 24 months.

“The solution hit a sweet spot, in thatit was affordable, flexible and transferable.Without Sumitomo (SHI)Demag’s

activeCell solution, we would not be ableto offer cleanroom moulding. We now havea cost effective and highly flexiblemachine blueprint which any CTP facilityworldwide can use should they decide toexpand into cleanroom manufacturing,”concluded Dodd.

“activeCell has been designed toaddress current market requirements for alow investment alternative with completeflexibility at a fraction of the cost of a fullcleanroom,” added Flowers.

The all-electric system is installed fullycompliant meeting GAMP and FDArequirements with DQ, IQ and OQdocumentation and available in 100, 160,220 and 280 tonne formats.

further information:uk.sumitomo-shi-demag.eu

Sumitomo (SHI) Demag’s self-contained activeCell cleanroomsat Carclo Technical Plastics

Carclo Technical Plastics

manufactures contact

lens cases on the

activeCell

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Spotlight on medical:UltrapolymersUltrapolymers continues to extend itsportfolio of grades tailored to thehealthcare market. The company says thisunderlines an on-going commitment to itsrole as an experienced, reliable andknowledgeable provider of high quality rawmaterials for healthcare applications. Asthe official distributor of LyondellBasell,Styrolution and BASF materials,Ultrapolymers is responsible for theintroduction of a broad range of specialistmedical polymers into an industry thatrequires strict control, security andconsistency. Offering a consultativeapproach to polymer selection anddevelopment provides designers andconvertors with an invaluable service tohelp meet the increasing demands of thehealthcare market.

Ultrapolymers says its portfoliosupports risk class I and II applications aswell as offering global regulatoryapprovals, long-term formulationconsistency, enhanced quality control andguaranteed security of supply.

LyondellBasell’s Purell PP and PErange supports a wide variety ofhealthcare applications and processes,including injection moulding, blowmoulding, film extrusion, injection blowand stretch blow moulding. Recentdevelopments include Purell HP671T, ahigh flow PP offering high stiffness, goodoptical properties, easy processing, highoutput rates and excellent resistance togama sterilisation. Additionally, PurellPE3320D, an LDPE offering greater rigidityfor blow filled seal applications has beenadded.

In partnership with Styrolution,Ultrapolymers offers a range of healthcarespecific styrenics. Telux HD, Novodur HD,Luran HD, NAS, Zylar, Styrolution PS,Styroflex and Styrolux are tailored toapplications such as housings, drugdelivery devices and labware and provideadditional stiffness, outstanding opticalproperties and excellent dimensionalstability.

Ultraform PRO, Ultradur PRO andUltrason deliver engineering polymersolutions for applications requiringhealthcare approvals coupled withincreased mechanical performance.

further information:www.ultrapolymers.com

Ferromatik UK Ltd. I Carrwood Road I Chesterfield Trading EstateChesterfield S41 9QB I UK | +44 (0)1246 [email protected] I www.ferromatik.com

Manufacturing facilities:

Germany, Malterdingen USA, CincinnatiIndia, AhmedabadChina, Jiangyin

Ferromatik knows the taste of success.A German company with strong roots, we are a proud part of the Milacron group which manufactures exceptional injection moulding machines in four locations around the world. Dig in and enjoy!

Enjoyed around the world!

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ATM hits the mark for drugdelivery devicesLeicestershire-based ATM Automation saysit has collaborated with a leading UKmedical device manufacturer to develop afully automated solution for high accuracy,high clarity circumferential printing on arange of drug delivery components.Following a review of specificrequirements for the application, ATMchose a combination of HF coronatreatment and pad printing for themanufacturer to ensure consistent anddurable printing.

“With a wide range of polymers beingused within the industry and a number ofdifferent printing techniques available, it isessential that the correct combination ofmaterials, pre-treatment and printingprocesses are selected to achieve themarking quality and durability required fordifferent applications,” ATM said.

Equally as important as the choice oftechnologies for marking is the need toensure consistent print orientation andregistration. For these particularcomponents, precise radial orientationwas required and ATM says this was

achieved using a closed loop system,comprising of a laser sensor and servopositioning system. Once set, the radialorientation is maintained duringprinting using a precision clamping andsupport mechanism. This combinationof technologies is said to enable printregistration tolerances of better than0.4 degrees radially and 0.3mmlongitudinally.

Following printing, ATM says eachpart is subsequently checked using amachine vision system to verify bothcorrect print and print quality, with anyparts deemed as reject being segregated.

further information:

www.atmautomation.com

Printing on drug

delivery devices

must be precise

and consistent

ATM’s fully automated feeding,

printing and inspection system

can accept new part types

with a minimum of re-design

and investment

Medical polymer marketto reach $3.5bn by 2018

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According to a new report from industry analyst firm,NanoMarkets, the global medical polymer market will growfrom $2.3 billion (USD) in 2013 to over $3.5 billion in 2018,due to an aging population and technical developments.

The report entitled, ‘Worldwide Medical Polymer Markets2013 - 2020’ suggests implants currently consume abouthalf the medical polymers produced and are expected toaccount for around $1.6 billion in polymer sales by 2018.Polymers have been penetrating the implant market becausethey are lower cost and lighter weight than metal alternatives,such as titanium. The report also indicates that increased useof medical imaging is creating further demand for polymers.

According to the report, sales of polymers for diagnosticsystems will reach $1.04 billion in 2018. In vitro diagnosticsaccount for 50,000 to 60,000 metric tonnes of specialisedand commodity plastics every year. Most diagnosticprocedures today are rapid, multi-assays, and plastics havebecome indispensable. The report suggests growth prospectsin this sector are thus particularly strong.

The report claims that PMMA, PS/styrenics and PP arethe leading medical polymers, based on revenue, accountingfor around 26 percent of the market in 2013. There is alsosome high value niches appearing in the market. Commercialelastomers that provide a ‘soft touch’ are being used to coat

accessories, such as catheters, gloves and syringes, in orderto impart a soft touch feel. Their use is expected to grow inintravenous drug delivery systems, cardio systems and bloodcollection devices.

The last decade has seen the rise of biodegradablepolymers. The report says the current trend suggests that inthe near future, entire prostheses will be developed fromthese materials. While they will not be used to manufacturediagnostic products, biodegradable polymers will beincorporated into implants and some clinical labware. Thereport suggests there is some additional interest indiscovering new biodegradable polymers for medicalapplications, but investment in this area is limited due to theneed to complete extensive long-term studies in order tovalidate new materials.

further information:www.nanomarkets.net

Clinicallabware

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INJECTION MOULDING EXPERTS

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newsAntibacterial alternative tonano-silver or triclosandevelopedA company based in Rotterdam,Netherlands, says it has invented atechnology that combines zinc withpolymers to give antibacterial properties.

The technology, created by ParxPlastics, is said to offer a safe and non-toxic alternative to presently availablesolutions such as nano-silver or triclosan.

The effectiveness can reportedly reachas high as 98 - 99 percent after 24 hoursfollowing the ISO 22196 testing guidelinesand is said to work effectively againstStaphylococcus Aureus, Escherichia Coli,MRSA and Clostridium Difficile.

Parx Plastics says the technologyexclusively targets bacteria cells, causingthem to die, without affecting human cells.The incorporated technology is notcytotoxic, says the company, and is fullysafe in contact with humans and nature.The technology is said to be suitable forplastics that come in contact withfoodstuff or materials for other regulatedapplications, as it presents no increased

migration and it uses only allowedsubstances.

“As we are able to apply the technologyto any existing polymer without changingthe original characteristics of the materialit truly offers groundbreakingpossibilities,” said Michael van der Jagt,co-founder of Parx Plastics. “Theantibacterial property can be included inproducts that to date could not

incorporate this functionality because ofguidelines, limitations or compromisedcharacteristics.”

Eastman has incorporated theantibacterial property into a copolyesterfor use in an infant care product.

further information:www.parxplastics.com

Parx Plastics says it has invented a technology that combineszinc with polymers to give antibacterial properties.

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Researchers develop “environmentallyfriendly” antibacterial polymer

KTH Chemistry Researcher, Josefin Illergård, explained thatthe team got around the problem of resistant bacteria bycreating an antibacterial surface in which polymer binds withcellulose. “We have managed to find an antibacterial polymer

that attaches stably tocellulose and thereforecannot be released intothe environment,” shesaid. The Institute says thediscovery could be animportantbreakthrough in thesearch forenvironmentally friendlyways to control bacteriawhile preventingantibiotic resistanceand resistant bacteria.Illergård says theteam’s discovery isbased on cellulosefibres embedded in apolymer, which killbacteria. Cellulose is

the most common organic substance in nature and theprimary structural component of plant cell walls. The activepolymer is so strongly bonded to the fibres of the cellulosematerial that it does not loosen or leak into the environmentvia water.

Antibacterial agents such as triclosan and silver ions arecommonly used in sportswear and shoes to removeunpleasant odours from bacteria formation. But the Institutesays such biocides leak into the environment when the treatedgarments or surfaces are washed, raising the risk thatbacteria will gradually become resistant to their effect. “Ifsomeone uses a cloth to wipe a countertop treated withantibacterial agents, and that cloth is rinsed in the sink, thosesubstances are then spread further through the drain and intothe environment where they can contaminate soil and waterand give rise to bacterial resistance,” Illergård conitnued.

The material may have applications in water purification,according to Illergård, who says that bacteria must come indirect contact with the material for the antibacterial process towork.

Due to polymer having a positive charge and bacteria anegative charge, the new material actually attracts bacteria,Illergård explained. The material does not contain largeamounts of polymer; and only non-toxic nitrogen oxidesremain after it is burned. Nevertheless, she said the team’sgoal for the future is to continue the research and try toreplace the antibacterial polymer with an entirely renewablematerial. “We know that this project is of international interest,”Illergård continued. “Our papers have been requested bycompanies abroad and we are getting a lot of feedback whenwe present our findings at conferences. “In the future, Ibelieve our material will be used in cleaning clothes, insanitation for hospitals and in different kinds of waterpurification filters.”

further information:www.kth.se

Researchers at KTHRoyal Institute of

Technology inStockholm, Sweden, have

discovered anantibacterial polymer

that they say can be usedin everyday productssuch as sportswear,

nappies and bandageswithout causing

resistant bacteria. HereBP&R takes a closer

look at the research.

The new polymer

can be used in

everyday applications

such as sportswear

and shoes

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High-barrier polymers for food packaging turn 50 Solvay Specialty Polymers is celebrating its 50th anniversary asthe global supplier of Diofan and Ixan polyvinylidene chloride(PVDC) polymers used in barrier packaging and says continuedinvestments are planned to support future expansions for PVDCproduction around the world.

Solvay says Diofan and Ixan high barrier polymers have bothoxygen and water vapour barrier properties. They are used toenhance and upgrade packaging materials by preventing thepermeation of oil and grease, as well as the loss of aroma andflavour. They provide strong seals to make hermetic packages andimprove package appearance through transparency, gloss, printadhesion and scratch resistance.

“Diofan and Ixan products have a long history of providingsafe and reliable packaging and they have become aperformance standard in the barrier packaging industry,” said AnNuyttens, Solvay’s Global Business Manager for high-barrierpolymers.

Solvay says a thin layer of an aqueous Diofan dispersion onvarious types of base both webs enhances barrier and packagingproperties, ensuring the freshness of food and preserving theefficacy of drugs even when distributed to remote geographicalregions. The material’s typical water vapour transmission rate

New product increases potentialfor using PA6 blown films forflexible food packagingRoyal DSM, the global life and materialsscience company, has launched a newly-developed product which it says offersprocessors increased potential for usingpolyamide 6 in blown film for flexible foodpackaging.

DSM says thanks to its improvedcrystallisation properties, new Akulon XShas an extended processing window,which provides new opportunities indesigning co-extruded multi-layer as wellas monolayer film structures.

As awareness of the need for foodwaste reduction and shelf life extensiongrows, demand for barrier films for flexiblefood packaging continues to increase.DSM says Polyamide 6 (PA6) is a viableoption for use in such films, owing to itsgood barrier properties and its mechanicalstrength. The high crystallisation rate ofpolyamide 6, however, can limit its

Akulon XS for blown film used in food packaging

processing window. Processors have toeither compromise on productivity, orobtain improved processability by blendingthe PA6 with special, and more expensive,amorphous polyamides or polyamidecopolymers. This, says DSM, reduces thecost-effectiveness of the film.

Akulon XS is said to resolve this issueas it crystallises much slower in the filmbubble than conventional PA6—matchingthe crystallisation rate of other materiallayers. This creates a more stable bubbleand gives processors more leeway in theirprocessing conditions. The film is alsomore stretchable, so less force is neededto achieve the same blow-up ratio (BUR),

or the same force can be used to producea bubble with a BUR between 7 and 10percent higher. There are also said to befewer wrinkles in the flat film.

Even though slower crystallisationcreates larger crystals that might beexpected to produce a less clear film, DSMsays tests on full-scale production lineshave shown that there is virtually nodiscernible difference in the opticalproperties of films made with abenchmark film-grade polyamide andAkulon XS. DSM says all properties of thefilm in use are the same as in film madewith standard PA6.

DSM says Akulon XS is making iteasier and more cost effective forprocessors to make polyamide 6 blownfilms for flexible food packaging,leveraging the unique barrier andmechanical properties of polyamide 6.

further information:www.dsm.com

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ranges between 0.05 - 10 g/(m²•d) and its oxygen transmissionrate can be lower than 1 cc/(m²•d•bar).

Extrusion grades of Ixan high barrier polymer are said toprovide long lasting protection for advanced film packagingsolutions for both vacuum and Modified Atmosphere Packaging(MAP), thereby extending the shelf life for fresh and processedmeat, fresh and frozen fish, poultry and cheese.

further information:www.solvay.com

Case study: KM Packaging puts a lid on it Peterborough – based KM PackagingServices has helped a high streetsupermarket chain to launch a new rangeof premium ready meals in colouredaluminium trays by providing a versatile,tailor-made film lidding solution.

KM worked alongside several UKmanufacturers to develop the range ofaround 50 different trays, which have twodifferent lidding solutions for both hot andcold peel. The company says the trays areunique in that they have a cream lacquerboth inside and out – a particularlychallenging surface for KM to tackle.

Despite this, the lidding specialist saysit came up with a high-clarity ovenable andpeelable solution with excellent anti-fogproperties and a high oxygen barrier,suitable for ready-to-heat meals.

KM Packaging’s Commercial Director,Graham Holding, explained: “In thisinstance we faced particular challengeswith the lacquered surface, which hasquite different qualities to plainaluminium. With meals that are pre-cooked in the tray we also had to mitigateagainst the potential risk of productcontamination.

“Our lidding solution is not just highly

process-tolerant: in keeping with therange’s premium credentials, we had toplay our part in ensuring the meals wouldbe both functional and visually appealing– thus the optical clarity and anti-fogproperties were key. Because the film lidstays clear, the size of the outer sleevehas been significantly reduced so the

contents are displayed much more visiblyand provide instant on-shelf appeal forshoppers.”

further information:www.kmpack.co.uk

The new trays

with a

tailor-made lid

ding solution

Solvay says Diofan and Ixan

high-barrier polymers have

both oxygen barrier and water

vapour barrier properties.

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packaging materials and films

Contaminations of polymer films and products are oftenmicroscopically small and not easy to analyse. It isimportant to know the chemical composition of the defect

so it origin can be determined. FT-IR microscopy is the ideal toolfor this because it canmeasure small samplesonly a few micrometres insize.In this example, blackstreaks are seen on apolycarbonate packagingsample. The question is ifthe streaks are on thesurface or embedded in thePC-matrix and what theirchemical nature is. Theanalysis can be performedwithout any samplepreparation. Sixmeasurement points wereset on the sample andautomatically measured,the total measurementtaking less than twominutes. Figure 1 showsthe visual image of thecontaminated sample andmeasurement positions,shown as coloured spots.The results spectra areshown also in Figure 1;clear differences are shownbetween the spectrameasured on the blackspots compared to thepolycarbonate matrix. Figure 2 shows tworepresentative spectra; theupper spectrum is from thepolycarbonate matrix andthe middle one from thecontamination (markedwith a purple dot in Figure1). The spectrum of theblack spots contained

strong bands of the polycarbonate matrix, so a differencespectrum was created by subtracting the polycarbonate spectrumfrom the spectrum measured on the black spot. The lowerspectrum in figure 2 shows the result, demonstrating that theblack spot is different to the polymer matrix. It is then possible toperform a library search on the resulting spectrum using theOpus Search software, revealing that the contaminant resultsfrom a black ink marker (library search result was marker inkblack 6558). This information can now be used to track down thesource of the ink.

The Lumos is an ideal instrument for QC laboratories thathave to analyse defects and contaminations in various productson demand, and for development laboratories needing tounderstand better the structure of their materials. In combinationwith the built-in library search function it is possible to quickly

identify unknown samples, as highlighted in the example here.The combination of the fully automated, motorised Bruker LumosFTIR Microscope and wizard-driven Opus software makes FT-IRmicroscopy fast, easy and highly accessible to QC and R&D Labsfor many different applications.

Further information:www.bruker.com

Figure 1: Visual microscopic image of thepolycarbonate packaging with black streaks,showing spectra from the measurementpositions with relevant colours.

Fourier-Transform-Infrared(FT-IR) microscopy is a well-established method for the

analysis of samples that aretoo small or complex to be

measured in a standard IRspectrometer. It is possible

to obtain an IR spectrumanywhere on the sample,

revealing the chemicalcomposition of a defined partof the sample. This makes thetechnique useful for quality

control, forensic and medicalapplications to name only a

few. A large variety ofdifferent samples can be

analysed, such as fibres, paintchips, contaminations orcomposite materials (e.g.

laminates, tablets). Forexample, it may be of interest

to determine the chemicalcomposition of different

layers in a packaging material,to identify contaminant

particles found on a plasticpart, or impurities within a

film matrix. In this article, DrSarah Elliott, of Bruker UK,

presents a case study where apolymer used in packaging has

been analysed with thecompany’s Lumos FTIR

microscope.

Figure 2. ATRspectra of thecleanpolycarbonatematrix (top) andthe black spot(middle). Resultof thesubtraction ofthe above spectrais shown on thebottom. Thelibrary search ofthe differencespectrum revealsthat thecontaminationoriginates from ablack ink

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Automatic sorting offerspotential for increasedrecycled contentAutomatic sorting systems designed toboost the recycled content of plastic foodpackaging could be available within a fewyears, claims resource recovery specialist,Axion Consulting.

Following its technical researchundertaken for WRAP, Axion says majorbreakthroughs in sorting technologiescould increase the recycling of anestimated 180,000 tonnes of wastepolypropylene (PP) pots, tubs and traysarising annually in the UK. More than 60percent comprises food contactpackaging, with the remaining 40 percentconsisting of non-food applications, suchas cleaning products or cosmetics.

Axion’s research centred ondeveloping an automatic process, whichuses diffraction gratings to identify andseparate PP that has been in contact withfood from that which has not. UnderEuropean food packaging regulations onlyPP that has been in prior contact with foodcan be recycled into new food grade PP.

The process involves marking foodcontact PP packaging material with lines(a diffraction grating) that can be scannedby a laser to reflect a specific pattern. Thepattern is then captured by a cameraconnected to a computerised imagerecognition system, which is able toidentify the marked food contact PPpackaging. This technique is potentiallyapplicable to other polymer types,particularly high density polyethylene(HDPE) and polyethylene terephthalate(PET) packaging. The diffraction gratingcan be used on packaging labels,stamped on a mould or directly onto apackaging item.

According to Axion Chemical Engineer,Richard McKinlay, who helped to build ademonstration unit for the project, it wasthe first time the diffraction grating

concept had been used in this type ofsorting application. “This represents aninnovative application of existingtechnology that could revolutionise anyfood contact plastic recycling in offering acommercially-viable automated solution.Manual sorting is simply too expensive,”said McKinlay. “Diffraction is when onebeam of light is split into several, so weare utilising this phenomena to detect aparticular type of plastic packaging.”

Axion estimates the total capital costfor a single diffraction grating sorting unit,including conveyors and ancillaryequipment, at £500,000, with a potentialpayback within four years. Its report statesthat this payback period “should representa good investment opportunity for aPlastics Recovery Facility (PRF) operator ora potential food grade reprocessorprocessing bales of sorted PP packaging.”

Acknowledging that further work is stillneeded, Liz Morrish, Axion SeniorConsultant, said their research had helpedto move the development of technology astep closer.

“Challenges remain, including theneed to widen applications and markets

for this technology. It is also crucial forretailers, manufacturers and machinerysuppliers to adopt agreed industry-widemethods that would optimise theidentification and subsequent recycling ofthese waste streams,” said Liz.

“Although we focussed heavily on PPfor this project, using this technologyinitially to sort HDPE milk bottles could beadvantageous. Once it has been shown towork on this material, it may give theindustry more confidence to invest furtherto allow the technology to be used on PP,”she continued.

“Overall it appears that diffractiongratings can potentially be used to identifyfood contact packaging effectively andeconomically; however, they are not yetready for use commercially until a fullindustry-wide solution has beendeveloped and commercialised,” addedMorrish.

further information:www.axionconsulting.co.uk

Thermoformed trays with

impression moulded gratings &

pots with printed diffraction

grating labels

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Stuart Foster, Recoup CEO;Lord de Mauley, ResourceMinister for Defra; andrepresentatives from thePlastic Matters initiativefounding signatories at theplastics recycling conference.

‘Plastic Matters’ says Lord de Mauley at recyclingconferenceIn his keynote speech at the Recoup Plastic Recycling Conference andAGM, Lord de Mauley announced that Defra would be adding itssupport and financial backing to Recoup’s new ‘Plastic Matters’initiative, and that it would be “a significant step to help reduce waste,achieve the ambitious plastic packaging recycling targets to 2017 andkeep valuable plastic resources from ending up in landfill.”

The initiative, launched earlier in the day by Recoup CEO, StuartFoster, will develop plastic recycling communications tools andguidance to provide support to local authorities to increase thecollection of plastic packaging for recycling and deliver moreconsistency of information. By providing clear messages andminimising confusion, Recoup says it hopes the initiative will helpconsumers to take the right actions and ultimately lead to more plasticbeing recycled.

Together with Defra, the founding signatories of this initiativeinclude Marks & Spencer, Kent Resource Partnership, Unilever, WRAP,Coca Cola Enterprises, Nestle Waters, RPC, Veolia, Closed LoopRecycling and Valpak. Both the Minister and Recoup called for moreorganisations to come forward and support the initiative.

“Understanding consumer behaviour is the key to changingconsumer behaviour and as such, the first activity under the newinitiative will be an in depth plastic recycling consumer insight study tobuild on existing knowledge. From this work, the steering group madeup of the founding signatories will develop the consumer facingcampaign and will aim to launch the consumer facing tools before theend of the year,” commented Foster at the event.

During the conference, Recoup launched two of its flagshipdocuments, the ‘2013 UK Household Plastics Packaging CollectionSurvey’ and an updated version of ‘Recyclability By Design’.

Other key points of the day included a debate over the exclusion ofbiodegradable bags from the recently announced carrier bag tax. The5p per bag charge, which will only apply to supermarkets and largerstores, will begin after the 2015 election, with the proceeds going tocharities.

Led by Bernard Chase of Regain Polymers, there was alsodiscussion around the current lack of parity within the PRN system, aswell as a call for a review of the advantage that currently exists forexport markets when compared to UK plastic reprocessors.

further information:www.recoup.org

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LyondellBasell announces newgrade for strength andlifespanLyondellBasell has announced anaddition to its Lupolen family of ultra-high molecular weight (UHMW) polymerresins. The new Lupolen UHM 5000polyethylene grade, with an averagemolecular weight of 5 million, is claimedto display strong wear resistance, a lowcoefficient of friction and stress crackresistance.

“Lupolen UHM 5000 is a valuableaddition to our product portfolio, offeringcustomers a demonstrated improvementin performance,” said Detlef Schramm,Polyethylene Pipe and Sheet MarketingManager for LyondellBasell. “The coarsepowder allows for a reduction in theclosing time of the moulding press. Thelarger particle size, with the very lowfines content, offers a good free-flowingproperty and a reduction in dustgeneration during handling andprocessing. Each of these attributesenables us to meet the current andfuture needs of a broad range ofcustomers.”

The group said that the engineeredpolymer has been designed to meet withdemand for abrasion resistance andimpact strength in multiple industries,while also addressing industryrequirements for faster processing bycompression moulding and ramextrusion processes.

Potential applications include foodand beverage machinery, chemicalprocessing, textiles, pulp and paper,mining and mineral processing. Thematerial is supplied in the form of acoarse, natural coloured powder and canbe moulded into many shapes andcolours, says LyondellBasell.

further information:www.lyondellbasell.com

LyondellBasell hasannounced an addition toits Lupolen family of ultra-high molecular weight(UHMW) polymer resins.

38

Partnership to bring togethergraphene and plasticelectronicsA formal collaboration betweenCambridge’s Graphene Centre, and theUniversity’s spin-out company, PlasticLogic, has been announced.

Plastic Logic will work with Cambridgeresearchers on a specific programmewhich aims to exploit graphene, relatedtwo dimensional materials and hybridsystems in flexible, plastic electronics — afield in which the UK already enjoys aworld-leading position.

Plastic Logic, founded in 2000, is aspin-off company from the University’sCavendish Research Laboratory anddevelops and manufactures colour andmonchrome plastic, flexible displays. Themarket for these devices is expected to beworth $40bn by 2020.

The Cambridge Graphene Centre was

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the application of graphene in our flexibleplastic electronics process. This willenable higher levels of customisation anddrive a step change in technologyperformance, opening up new commercialapplications, such as the huge potentialmarket for large area distributed sensors.”

further information:www.graphene.cam.ac.uk

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established earlier this year to capitaliseon the University’s research into thematerial as well as a large class of relatedlayered materials and hybrids. Grapheneis a one atom-thick layer of graphite withremarkable potential to enable significanttechnological advances.

The research programme willinvestigate the development of grapheneas a transparent, conductive layer withinflexible displays and of novel transistorstructures using layered materials, whichpromise to significantly improve theperformance of flexible electronics.

Indro Mukerjee, CEO of Plastic Logic,said: “I am delighted that Plastic Logic isworking with the world-class team at theCambridge Graphene Centre on thistransformational research programme for

Plastic Logic will work with Cambridge

researchers on a programme which aims

to exploit graphene in flexible, plastic

Ski boots slope off with weight reductionARPRO, the specialist lightweight material from JSP, has beenused to enhance the performance of a new range of ski boots,making them lighter, more comfortable and better insulated.

Incorporating ARPRO into the sole of the new X-Pro range ofSalomon ski boots has not only resulted in a reported weightreduction of 15 percent, but also a 30 percent increase in levelsof thermal insulation.

The development follows the successful use of ARPRO inSalomon’s range of helmets, where the material’s multipleimpact protection qualities is said to offer optimum protection towearers.

Paul Compton, JSP President and CEO, explained: “Having alightweight boot is now considered a necessity. The inclusion ofan ARPRO sole in Salomon X-Pro ski boots has contributed to asubstantial weight reduction and an increase in thermalinsulation compared with traditional ski boots.”

Paul-Eric Chamay fromSalomon, added: “We first usedARPRO technology in ourhelmets, which enhanced theirability to withstand shock whilemaintaining a lightweightcomposition. Now, the inclusionof ARPRO has been a revelationfor wearers of our boots. It’s abrilliant material solution andone which we will continue tobuild into our products, keepingthem innovative and giving ourcustomers what they want toenhance their skiingexperience.”

further information:www.arpro.com

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Does FR imply fire resistance?When we see ‘FR’ in a plastics grade codingwe can sometimes be lulled into believing wehave a material that is ‘fire resistant’. Ofcourse the bottom line is that, because allplastics are based on carbon, they willundergo high temperature oxidation. In otherwords, given the right conditions (a supplyof oxygen and heat) they will all burn.

By choosing particular base polymers andadditives we can make things ‘less serious’,by concentrating on one particular aspect offire performance: ease of ignition; heatcontribution; spread of flame; toxicvolatiles; smoke production.

Plastics with a ‘limiting oxygen index’ ofover 25, eg PVC, require additional oxygenand heat to continue burning and will bedifficult to ignite and to sustaincombustion. Plastics which thermally degradeto produce combustible volatiles contributeto the spread of flame. Additives canoperate through physical effects (cooling,

// Materials Technical //Blog

This month, polymer expert and technical blog author, Dr Charlie Geddes, discusses the fire resistance of plastics.

In association with Hardie Polymers –www.hardiepolymers.com

dilution, protective layer) or by chemicaleffects (reactions in the solid phase or gasphase).

In fires in occupied buildings, perhapsthe most serious feature is smoke production.Smoke can travel along a corridor faster thanUsain Bolt can run. Smoke leads to peoplebecoming disoriented and hampers escape.Eventually they will be overcome by heat ortoxic gases, but the smoke is often the primecause for loss of life. Paradoxically therehave been examples where fast burningplastics, such as acrylic roof lights, haveactually saved lives by allowing rapid smokedispersal.

In particular applications, the propertiesof FR grades have to be carefully matched upto specific aspects of fire performance.

Got a view on the above? Blog posts will also bepublished on the BP&R website atwww.britishplastics.co.uk - feel free to leaveyour comments.

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Plas-Tech thermoformingacquires injection moulder Plas-Tech Thermoforming, a specialist inthermoforming techniques based inBrandesburton, East Yorkshire, hasrecently expanded its operations byacquiring the specialist injection mouldingcompany, Protomould, based in Fife,Scotland. The move will reportedly see the twocompanies combine their tooling serviceto their customer base and open upopportunities for crossover businessbetween thermoforming and injectionmoulding.

Plas-Tech says Protomould will be runas a sister company under the new nameof Protomould Plastics Limited as part ofthe Poly Plastics Limited umbrella.

“From starting off as a small operationin 1994, we’ve seen great growth andsuccess over the years. Our expansion willhelp us to build on the strength of both

companies, offer new and better servicesto our customers and continue to grow inthe future,” commented Plas-Tech’sChairman, Rick Rial.

Bill Scott, founder of Protomould,helped with the handover and has nowretired. He commented: “I’m delighted tohave passed on the reins to Plas-Tech.Protomould has always been built on its

news

Engineering Passion

Expanding Cybertools adds larger 200 tonneinjection moulding machineUK-based Cybertools has extended the range of parts it canproduce by investing in the latest generation Romi Sandretto EN200 plastic injection moulding machine.

“Demand dictated our decision to buy,” commented GrahamDriver, Sales and Marketing Manager. “The additional tonnage ofthe 200 tonne machine will be a great advantage to us.”Based in Hertfordshire, Cybertools offers a trade service to a verybroad range of industries, from medical to industrial productsthroughout the UK, but also to export markets, which include theCzech Republic, America and Ireland.

With design support, tool making, assembly and logistics inaddition to moulding, Cybertools says it can now offer a fullturnkey solution. The company says the retention of good toolmaking skills is seen as a particular USP that has underpinnedthe company’s growth and put it in a position where it can investin the latest machinery to support growing demands within thebusiness.

further information:www.sandretto.co.uk

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excellent service, quality products, quickturnaround and competitive, cost-effectiveprices and Plas-Tech will only help tostrengthen its reputation, and grow anddevelop the company further.”

further information:www.plas-tech.co.uk

Plas-Tec

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41bp&r

3D printing helps moulder cuttooling costs by 97 percentA moulder and mould maker is usingtechnology to 3D print the injection toolingused to make prototypes, which it says issignificantly reducing the time and cost ofproducing sample parts.

Seuffer, a German supplier of parts forhousehold appliances and commercialvehicles, is using Stratasys 3D-printedinjection moulds to produce parts forfunctional testing in their final material.

“Working with the automotive industry,sample parts need to be tested in theenvironment of moving mechanical partsas well as in high temperatureenvironments,” explained AndreasBuchholz, Head of Research andDevelopment at Seuffer.

“With Stratasys 3D printing, we candesign first drafts of the injection mouldwithin a few days and 3D print them inless than 24 hours for part evaluation.Traditionally, it would take eight weeks tomanufacture the tool in metal using theconventional CNC process. And while theconventional tool costs us about 40,000euros, the 3D printed tool is less than1000 euros, a saving of 97 percent.”

www.kraussmaffei.com

Contact AB Systems on 01844 339044 or visit www.ab-ltd.co.uk

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Using the Stratasys technology,Seuffer also produces 3D printed mouldsfor its hot melt process. These moulds,which are used to overmould low meltingpoint polyamide over electronic circuitboards, are created with Stratasys’ rigid,opaque Vero materials.

“Companies worldwide are looking tointroduce significant efficiencies to theirmanufacturing processes whenintroducing new products and arediscovering the many benefits of additive

manufacturing, also known as 3Dprinting,” said Andy Middleton, GeneralManager, Stratasys EMEA at Stratasys.“More and more manufacturers areadopting 3D printed tools as acomplimentary injection moulding solution– not only to cost-effectively test productsbefore mass production, but also toproduce customised parts.”

further information:www.stratasys.com

42bp&r

The economic outlook for the UK keeps improving, at leastthat is what the government would have us believe. One

barometer of confidence isexhibition attendance at therecent K 2013 Show.

Having just spent thelast few days at this hugeinternational trade show inDüsseldorf, I would have to

agree that things appear to be on the up. Throughout theexhibition, the atmosphere was far more positive than priorevents. It was especially encouraging that so many UKcompanies visited the show – noticeably up on the 2010event. Innovation has not been forgotten, with manycompanies thinking outside the box and stepping out of theirtraditional market segments with true product innovations.

It was also very encouraging that discussions taking placewere around new investments and projects. This brings meneatly to UK exhibitions; the summer PMMDA member surveyconfirmed that exhibitions are very important to ourmembership. However the exhibition diary is becoming verycongested, especially in 2014 when we will have two UKshows diluting both visitors and budgets.

Personally, I would prefer that we adopted the K/Fakumamodel with a larger show on a three year cycle supported by asmaller event in the intervening years. It is more importantthan ever that we hear the views of the market, so please dofeedback your views on UK exhibitions to the PMMDA.

further information:www.pmmda.org.uk

potlighton exhibitions

SThe dust is settling on the ‘K’ Fair with the surprising newsthat number of visitors had reduced slightly to about

218,000. The organisers of thatrising star in the East,Chinaplas, now snapping at theheels of ‘K’, will now be rubbingtheir hands. Nevertheless, weassessed the BPF’s attendanceat ‘K’ to be a great success. Notonly did we host two sites forsome thirty companies with adiverse and balanced offering,we provided a meeting groundfor UK companies at the fairand hosted the signing of a

Memorandum of Understanding between the PlastindiaFoundation and eight European Polymer andMaterials Clusters, including NEPIC from the north-east ofEngland. The BPF also participated in a promotional event inDüsseldorf featuring the ‘GREAT’ Mini Cooper, currentlytouring all German states, which allowed us to celebrate thecontribution made to the vehicle by two BPF membercompounding operations, Albis and Axion.

The principal offering from the BPF’s stand at ‘K’ was ‘AGuide to the Best of British at K 2013’.This is downloadablefrom www.k2013.co.uk and it contains all thearguments supporting the purchase of UK materials, productsand equipment. It includes a statement of the key strengthsof our UK industry and also case studies of British innovationin plastics. Crucially, it details the products and servicesoffered by BPF member firms. Some 2000 copies of thebrochure were distributed during the fair.

A distinctive feature of recent months has been a higherlevel of coordination with UK Trade and Investment. UKTI hasnow committed its support for the BPF’s presenceat Chinaplas in Shanghai, China, on 23 - 26 April 2014, atPlastimagen, on 18 - 21 November 2014 in Mexico Cityand at Plastindia, February 5 - 10, at Ahmedabad, Gujarat,India. For each fair UKTI will be offering companies grants ofup to £2,500 to attend. Companies wanting to find out moreshould contact Justyna Elloitt at the BPF on 0207 457 5001.

On a different note, it is 100 years since the first award ofa patent for the polymerisation of PVC. Following difficultyears at the eye of the environmental storm, arguably and tosome extent on the back of the Vinyl 2010 andVinylPlus programmes, the industry’s overall reputation is at ahigh point. It was therefore absolutely appropriate that theBPF used the centenary to celebrate the work of twoextraordinary individuals who have done so much to ‘hold theline’ for PVC during the last twenty years in the UK. JasonLeadbitter and Roger Mottram were awarded BPF Goldmedals for their service to the Federation and its PVCinterests at our recent Annual Dinner. Both are remarkablydoughty operators for their company, Ineos ChlorVinyls, and Ihave personally witnessed and admired their efforts since thecreation of the BPF Vinyls Group back in the early 90s. Bothstudied at the University of Bradford, under Phil Coates, andtheir professional lives have proceeded in parallel, pursuingsimilar positions in their respective companies until a fewyears ago, when, with the merger of Ineos ChlorVinyls andHydro Polymers, they found themselves working alongsideeach other, in the same team, now providing a combined firepower of exceptional calibre.

further information:www.bpf.co.uk

News from the front line

This month, Philip Law, Publicand Industrial Affairs

Director at the BritishPlastics Federation, reflects

on an eventful K 2013, looksat the opportunities rising in

the East, as well as wishingPVC a very happy birthday as

the patent for itspolymerisation reaches its

centenary.

This month, PMMDA Chairman,Nigel Flowers, discusses the

positive UK turnout for therecent K Show, as well as

highlighting the importance ofexhibitions for the industry.

A good show for a good show

Part of the ‘British

Group’ exhibiting at K 2013

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43bp&r

software directorymanufacturingmanagement directory

ENTERPRISE RESOURCEPLANNINGSolarsoft Mattec Real-time MES(Microsoft Windows™ PC Servers& “Web Based”)Solarsoft Business Systems MEIDivision (Europe)T: +44 (0)1909 479 886E: [email protected]: Production Monitoring,“Drag and Drop”,Scheduling/Planning, “FamilyMoulding”, PreventativeMaintenance, Bar Coding/Parts,Trace-ability, Operator Visual Aids,Process Parameter Profiling, E-mail/Tannoy Alerts, Stand-alone,“Drag and Drop” Scheduler, Stand-alone, SPC “Machine Analyzer”,Machine Energy, Monitoring, KPIDash-boards, VisualManufacturing (Large LED/LCDDisplays), Automatic DataImport/Export Functions (forIntegration to ManufacturingSystems &Other SoftwarePackages).

Solarsoft iVP ERP SAASManufacturing Software (forPlastics’ Processors)Solarsoft Business SystemsT: +44 (0)1909 479 886E: [email protected]’s iVP ERP (SAAS)software for the plastics’converting industry covers the fullrange of back office operationsfrom on-line and off-line sales andquotations to production planning,inventory management andfinance through to logistics, ware-housing and distribution. Itseamlessly integrates withSolarsoft-Mattec’s Real-time MESto provide a single system thatoffers a complete quote-to-cashsolution for the plastics’ industry.

REAL TIME PRODUCTIONMONITORING, SCHEDULINGAND PROCESS MONITORINGintouchT: 01604 646144F: 05601 506253 E: [email protected] production monitoringsystems. Designed to be easy touse and providing affordablesolutions to all sizes ofbusinesses. Productionmonitoring, scheduling, reporting,data import/export, databases forparts, tools and operators,integration with other softwarepackages.

ProHelp EPM (for MicrosoftWindows™ PC Servers)Mattec LtdT: 01909 561544F: 01909 560675E: [email protected] Modules: ProductionMonitoring, ‘Drag and Drop’Scheduling/Planning, PreventativeMaintenance, Bar Coding/PartsTraceability, Operator Visual Aids,Process Parameter Profiling,Pager/Tannoy Alerts, Stand-alone‘Drag and Drop’ Scheduler, Stand-alone SPC Machine Analyzer,Automatic Data Import/ExportFunctions (for integration toManufacturing Systems and othersoftware packages).

PlantMasterBMS Vision LtdT: 01254 662244,E: [email protected]: www.visionbms.com/plastics.Affordable and flexible MESsystem for the plastics/rubberindustry. Real-time productionmonitoring features wireless dataunits and OPC Ethernet machineconnections. “Drag & drop” jobscheduling supports frame/insertlevel family tooling plus KAN BAN.ERP system integration, SPC/SQC,Touch Screen Data Units, MachineMaintenance, Operator Tracking,Traceability, DNC, EnergyMonitoring, Bar Coding, PagerAlerts.Easy to use systems from a€600m company with over 30 years experience.

SYSCON-PlantStarMTec Services LtdT: 0114 2476267F: 0114 2476267E: [email protected]: www.mtec-services.co.ukW: www.syscon-intl.comPlantStar systems providecustomised, scalable applicationsthat deliver real-time plant floordata from any machine, shift, andplant anywhere in your business.Affordable systems available for allsize of processor.

Browser-based software andhardware, and wireless ethernettechnology make for highlyversatile and configurable systemsproviding information whereverneeded. Standard systems includereal-time alarms, downtime &reject analysis, capacityscheduling, ERP integration andmore. With options includingSPC/SQC, Labour tracking andScheduling, Family Tooling,Material traceability, bar-coding.

A listing in the Software Directory costs £140 per programme per year.

Call Lisa on 01244 680222 for details.

RAPRA attended two fantasticdays exhibiting some of the verylatest in medical plastics relatedengineering and manufacturingtechnology at Mediplas on the25-26 September. It was also achance to grow ourunderstanding and knowledgeabout the whole spectrum of 3Dprinting and additivemanufacturing technologies at the partner TCT Show.

The growing demand for innovative, more effective clinicaltreatments and medical technologies is well documented. Frequentfailures of small businesses in this market include insufficientknowledge of how to commercialise their technology and the mostappropriate route to into the challenging market for new devices.

RAPRA contributed to the exhibition by organising three of ourPreferred Partners and Providers who explained potential issuesencountered during product development and how to combat them.

Anthony Goff, Technical Manager for G&A Moulding TechnologyLtd, raised essential questions related to key concepts of mouldingoptimisation, anticipated technical issues and possible failures, inorder to prevent them in considerable time.

Dr Stephen Jenkins, MD/Principal Scientist of LPD LaboratoryServices Ltd, summarised the techniques and analyticalmethodology, which establish causes and solutions to problems withproducts including a range of materials and their associatedmanufacturing process and Gabriele Frediani, a PhD Student fromQueen Mary, University of London, presented his latest researchactivities on new biomedical and bio inspired mechatronic systemsbased on electro active elastomeric actuators.

further information:www.rapralimited.org

This month’s update fromRAPRA looks at the

organisation’s recentparticipation at Mediplas.

RAPRA puts a focus on medical

RAPRA Director, Steve

Shaw, at Mediplas 2013

Interplas 2014 - – let the countdown begin

2014 is set to be an exciting year. Not only is it the year of the horse,the World Cup in Brazil and Glasgow’s turn to host theCommonwealth Games, crucially, it is an Interplas year.

What that means for the plastics industry is excitement on amass scale. Interplas is the UK’s largest plastics industry exhibitionand the only event to cover all of the manufacturing processes,technologies and services within the plastics industry. As theheadline magazine for the show, BP&R will be covering Interplas inits entirely, from pre-show build-up to last day stand break-downs,making sure we capture the buzz that surrounded the revitalisedevent in 2011.

We will feature a full page run down in every issue throughout2014 until the event, reporting on developments, interviewing someof the top industry figures lined up to present on some of the mostinteresting and thought-provoking topics in the seminar sessions, aswell as giving readers a sneak preview into what’s not to be missedat the show.

With some of the biggest industry players lined up to exhibit andover 65 percent of the expanded floorspace already sold a year outfrom the show, Interplas 2014 is certainly a crucial date for the diary.

Interplas comes to the NEC, Birmingham from 30thSeptember - 2nd October 2014.

further information:www.interplasuk.com

Branson Ultrasonics158 Edinburgh Avenue, Slough,Berkshire SL1 4UET: 01753 756675F: 01753 551270E: [email protected]: www.bransoneurope.eu

vibration welding

equipment

colour masterbatch

Units 3E + 3F, Hillam RoadIndustrial Estate, Bradford, West

Yorkshire, BD2 1QNT: 01274 731552F: 01274 738118

E: [email protected]: www.eclipsecolours.com

Polymer Specific andUniversal Colour and Additive

Masterbatches. Fastmatchcolour matching service.

1 mm Easysperse MicroPellets to4 mm MaxiPellets.

Standards second to none.

ancillary

For TemperatureControl Rental

turn to the experts• FLUID CHILLERS• BOILERS• AIR CONDITIONING• HEATING• DRY COOLERS/

FREE COOLING

0800 026 4717

Rental Systems

Branson Ultrasonics158 Edinburgh Avenue, Slough,Berkshire SL1 4UET: 01753 756675F: 01753 551270E: [email protected]: www.bransoneurope.eu

Machine Techniques LtdUnits 3-5, Sutton Court, BathStreet, Market Harborough,Leicestershire LE16 9EWT: 01858 434059F: 01858 433638E: [email protected]: www.mactec.co.uk

assemblyhot plate welding

masterbatch

Motan Colortronic LtdMatilda House, Carrwood Road,Chesterfield Trading Estate,Chesterfield S41 9QBT: 01246 260222F: 01246 455420E: [email protected]: www.motan-colortronic.co.uk

chillers/temperaturecontrollers

Kistler Instruments LtdT: 01256 741550 F: 01256 741551E: [email protected]: www.kistler.comPressure transducers and associatedmonitoring/control equipment fornew and existing injection mouldingapplications.

Elmatic (Cardiff) LtdWentloog Road, Rumney, CardiffCF3 1XH T: 029 20 778727F: 029 20 792297E: [email protected]: www.elmatic.co.uk

control systemsand equipmentquality monitoring control

Cannon Shelley UK agents forBelotti 5 axis CNC machinesT: 01480 453651F: 01480 52113E: [email protected]: www.cannonforma.comW: www.belotti.comW: www.shelley.biz

CNC ASSEMBLYMACHINES

Dosing equipment

InControl Ultrasonics Ltd(FFR Ultrasonics Ltd)The Swan Centre, 8A Swan Street,Sileby, Leicestershire LE12 7NWT: 01509 816507E: enquiries@ffr-ultrasonics. co.ukW: www.ffr-ultrasonics.co.uk

ultrasonic welding

spin welding

Telsonic UK Ltd 12a - 15 Birch Copse, TechnologyRoad, Poole, Dorset BH17 7FH T: 01202 697340 F: 01202 693674 E: [email protected] W: www.telsonic.co.ukBlog:wwwtelsonicuk.wordpress.com

mould release

buyers’ guide

thermocouples

C.J.P. Sales Ltd, 8 Heol West Plas,Litchard, Bridgend CF31 1PA

Tel: 01656 644907 Fax: 01656 662 397

Email: [email protected]: www.cjpsales.co.uk

FLEXIBLE POLYMERS RIGID POLYMERS

ADDITIVESPURGING SOLUTIONS

H.T.E Engineering Services LtdUnit 9, St Ives Enterprise Centre,St Ives, HuntingdonCambridgeshire, UK, PE27 3NP

T: +44 (0) 1480 467321M: +44 (0) 7435 967632E: [email protected]: www.pulsestaker.com

FOR SALE

��

For further details:01925 596170 – 07838138342

Email: [email protected]

Reheat Stretch Blow Moulding Machine (PET)

Make: Sidel, FranceType: SBO 24/24Year: 1994

- Preform Tipper, Hopper / Elevator, Infeed Rail

- Oven & Heating Wheel - Electrical Cabinet (Siemens S5)- Operating manuals

materials

polymer distributors

TBA Electro Conductive Products LtdUnit 3 Transpennine Trading EstateGorrells Way, Rochdale, OL11 2PXT: 01706 647718 F: 01706 646170E: [email protected]: www.tbaecp.co.uk

conductive plasticsand coatings

To advertisein this spacecontactlisa montgomery01244 680222

44bp&r

extrusion systems

heating equipment

Cooper Plastics MachineryUnit 12, Harmill Industrial Estate,Grovebury Road, LeightonBuzzard, Bedfordshire LU7 4FFT: 01525 850610 F: 01525218008E: [email protected] W: www.cooperplastics.co.ukExtruders, extrusion tooling, waterbaths, haul-offs, fly knife cutters,conveyors/tip tables, in-line punches, coilers etc. New andused. Repairs, servicing or rebuilds.UK agent for Lyons Electronics.

extruders and downstreamequipment

dryers/dehumidifiers

granulators

MF Induction HeatingUnit 5, Martindale, Hawks Green, Cannock, Staffs, WS11 7XN Replacement CoilsNew platensT: 01543 570642 F: 01543 574460E: [email protected]: www.mfinduction.comBS EN ISO9001: 2000 registered.BS EN ISO9001:2008

induction heating for platensand tools

infra red systems

Motan Colortronic LtdMatilda House, Carrwood Road,Chesterfield Trading Estate,Chesterfield S41 9QBT: 01246 260222 F: 01246 455420E: [email protected]: www.motan-colortronic.co.uk

Motan Colortronic LtdMatilda House, Carrwood Road,Chesterfield Trading Estate,Chesterfield S41 9QBT: 01246 260222 F: 01246 455420E: [email protected]: www.motan-colortronic.co.uk

materials handlingand storage

PLASTICOLORB A Thorne (Machinery) Ltd 19AImex Business Centre, OxleasowRoad, East Moons Moat, Redditch,Worcestershire B98 0RET: 01527 584714F: 01527 584784E: [email protected]: www.bathorne .co.uk

gravimetric/volumetric blending


hopper loaders

Motan Colortronic LtdMatilda House, Carrwood Road,Chesterfield Trading Estate,Chesterfield S41 9QBT: 01246 260222 F: 01246 455420E: sales@motan colortronic.co.ukW: www.motan-colortronic.co.uk

LABORATORY machines

Injection Moulding

metal detection &separation equipment

nozzles & nozzle tips



mixing, feeding, drying

screws and barrels

printing machinespad

hot runner systemshot runner controllers

hopper dryers

Industrial Plastics LtdUnit 13 Canterbury Industrial Park,297 Ilderton Road, London, SE15 1NPT: 020 7252 9600F: 020 7252 9601E: [email protected]: www.ipl-london.co.uk

screen changers

Energy Saving Dryers

To advertisein this spacecontactlisa montgomery01244 680222

45bp&r

buyers’ guide

testing equipment

World leader in Materials Testing Instrumentation

Tensile | Fatigue | Impact Compression| Melt Flow

Coronation Road, High Wycombe, Bucks

HP12 3SY, UK

Tel: +44 1494 464646

www.instron.com

MAPRA Technik Co — BAREISSFor Bareiss of Germany -IRHD & SHORE hardness testers,Abrasion & Rebound testers.T: 020 8508 4207F: 020 8502 5107E: [email protected]: www.mapra.co.uk

hardness - IRHD and shore

MAPRA Technik Co – DOSS –MARCEL AUBERT – KAFERFor DOSS visual solution of Italy –Inspection & sorting machinesfor O’rings, Seals, Gaskets.T: 020 8508 4207F: 020 8502 5107E: [email protected]: www.mapra.co.uk

inspection & measurement

Plasplant LtdUnit 4, Oakhanger Farm, Oakhanger,Bordon, Hants GU35 9JAT: 01420 473013F: 01420 475152E: [email protected]: www.plasplant.com

Rawmec (EEC) LtdRawmec Industrial Park, Plumpton Road, Hoddesdon, HertsEN11 0EET: 01992 471796F: 01992 471797E: [email protected]: www.rawmec.com

TransXL International LtdThornhill, South Marston, WiltshireSN3 4TAT: 01793 827666F: 01793 823826E: [email protected]: www.transxl.co.uk

Arrowquint LtdUnit 5 Sanders Close, Finedon RoadIndustrial Estate, Wellingborough,Northamptonshire NN8 4HQT: 08450 655455 F: 08450 655456E: [email protected]: www.arrowquint.co.ukStatic control solutions, equipmentsales and rental, repairs and on-siteservicing. UK/Eire agent for Eltex –market leaders in static controlsystems.

Ray Ran Test Equipment LtdKelsey Close, Attleborough Fields Industrial Estate, Nuneaton,Warwickshire, CV11 6RST: 024 763 42002F: 024 766 41670E: [email protected]: www.ray-ran.com

static control

DM Machinery LtdUsed Injection Moulding MachineStockists40 Thorne Lane, WakefieldWest Yorkshire, WF1 5RRT: 01924 290206E: [email protected]: www.dmmachinery.co.uk

DTL Machines We Buy / Sell all Makes, Age andSizes of Injection MouldingMachines & AncillariesTool room machines and alsocomplete factories / plantsFactory Clearance ServicesDismantling / Removal of obsoleteplant and machineryT: 01925 596170M: 07838138342E: [email protected]

services

injection moulding

Gammadot Rheology Testing &Consultancy ServicesUnit 5C, Leaton Industrial Estate,Bomere Heath, Shrewsbury,Shropshire, SY4 3APT: 01939 291677E: [email protected]: www.gammadot.comProviding independant testingsolutions to all your quality control,failure analysis & flow simulationdata needs

printersprinters of plastic mouldings

Total Print LtdSpecialist Pad PrintersStation Road, Gedney Hill,Lincolnshire PE12 0NPT: 01406 330122F: 01406 330123E: [email protected]: www.totalprintltd.comSub-contract printers pad to theplastics industry

mouldflow analysis

InjectionMouldingExtrusion

• Hot Runners• Nozzles• Moulds• Dies• Filters • Screws

Cleaning service for processorsRemove all polymersTel:- +44 121 511 1203Fax:- +44 121 511 1192

Email:- [email protected] Web:- www.claytonholdings.com

Contract cleaning

Injection MouldingBusiness Wanted

T/O between £100,000 and£1.5million.Contact in the strictest confidence,Joe Reeve, Data Plastics Ltd

[email protected] 700777

ACQUISITION

WANTEDPLASTIC SCRAP

T: 0121 328 5222F: 0121 328 3555

E: [email protected]

We are looking to purchase LDPE post

production scrap.Can take over 100 Tonne

a week.

Payment terms: COD

TAMPO.SCREEN.FOILContour Marking Co LtdAlbert house, Gledrid IndustrialPark, Chirk ,Wrexham, LL14 5DGT: 01691 770093F: 01691 770023Sub Contract Tampo, Screen & Foil Printing to the plasticmoulding industryE: [email protected]: www.contourmarking.com

parts & services

FLEMINGPolymer Testing and Consultancy

An independent ISO9001 accreditedlaboratory specialising in the

flow simulation of:Extruder screws & spiral mandrel,flat

spiral,profile,coathanger & coex diesCompuplast distributor

Stop guessing start simulatingTel: +44 (0)1299 253300

www.flemingptc.co.uk

EXTRUSION FLOWANAYLYSIS

EXTRUSION

FLEMINGPolymer Testing and Consultancy

An independent ISO9001 accreditedlaboratory specialising in:

Capillary rheometryFTIR

DSC/TGAMFR/MVRExtrusion

Pilot-scale blown film LineInstrumented impact

Flow simulationTel: +44 (0)1299 253300

www.flemingptc.co.uk

Extrusion and Plastics ServicesExtrusion, Compounding, Wash

PlantInstallation, Maintenance,

RemovalNew Factory Setups / Single

MachineCAD work / Tooling Mods / TrialsProduct Development / Line TrialsDownstream Equipment RepairsChillers, Pumps, Pipework, Air etcPunching / Drilling / Foiling / WrapFiltration / Settlement SystemsProcess Improvement / Training

07930 [email protected]

testing/consultancy

RIDAT COMPANY

UK manufacturer of Thermoforming & Pressure FormingEquipment, including Blister & Skin Packaging machines

For more information or to order our sales brochure please contact us:

T: 0845 050 6525 or E: [email protected]

www.ridat.com

SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE. COMPETITIVE PRICE.

SUPERIOR

RIDAT COMPANYRIDAT COMPANYCOMPETITIVE PRICE.PERFORMANCE. COMPETITIVE PRICE.

UK manufacturer of Thermoforming & Pressure FormingUK manufacturer of Thermoforming & Pressure Forming

T: 0845 050 6525 or E: [email protected]

Equipment, including Blister & Skin Packaging machines


www.ridat.com

Equipment, including Blister & Skin Packaging machines

T: 0845 050 6525 or E: [email protected] For more information or to order our sales brochure please contact us:

www.ridat.com


WANTED

Buy and Sell Cableand Plastics Machinery

Presently Available:

Please Contact:

Floatair tumble mixer 250kg capacity

50mm x 24:1 Boston Matthews extruder

90mm x 24:1 Francis Shaw extruder

Rapid Granulator type 4535/KV

T: +44 (0)1204 534414E: [email protected]: www.goodwinmachinery.co.uk

ANGLO PLASTICS LTDBuy/Sell Used Plastics MachineryRutland Road, Scunthorpe, DN16 1HXT: +44 (0) 1276 470910T: +44 (0) 7740 632907E: [email protected]: www.angloplastics.com

secondhand andreconditioned

46bp&r

ENGEL e-mac. A machine that achieves evenmore for you. A machine that combines great perfor-mance with amazing precision. All electric. A machine that offers you a huge amount of freedom. Freedom enough to design your individual injection moulding applications with the required degree of flexibility.

The innovative ENGEL e-mac does not use up too much of your floor space despite offering excellent performance. It is a machine that is extremely frugal. In ongoing operations, because it uses very little energy. But above all in terms of capital outlay – keyword: unbeatably inexpensive purchasing price.

be the first.ENGEL e-mac

ENGEL U.K. LIMITED | GB-Warwick CV34 6RW | tel: +44 (0)19 26 33 50 00 fax: +44 (0)19 26 33 66 77 | e-mail: [email protected] | www.engelglobal.com

engel-the-machine.com

British Plastics and Rubber Nov-Dec 2013

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Transcript of British Plastics and Rubber Nov-Dec 2013