Strictly-Extrusion

PolyTech of New Heaven, USA plans to develop a software to simulate reactions on twin-screw extruders. The product will build upon PolyTech’s successful TXS twin-screw simulation software. The new software should be a response to several polyolefin producers’ requests for better understanding and control of the post-reactor process involving large twin-screws, gear pumps, and chemical reactions occurring in that equipment.

The Frauenhofer Institute for Electron Beam and Plasma Technology, Germany has developed a new process for coating plastic sheet and film with a scratchproof layer of glass. This new process is said to be rapid and inexpensive. Potential applications for this technology might include scratch-resistant plastic windows or headlamps for automobiles, solar collectors, floor coverings, and wall panels. The new process is a vacuum technique that the researchers say can be employed at acceptable costs by using high-rate electron-beam evaporation.

New England Electric Wire Corp. will begin moving its extrusion equipment into a new expansion at its Lisbon operation, enabling the maker of insulated wires and cables to streamline its manufacturing process. The firm is adding about 120,000 square feet of space at one of its two plants in Lisbon, giving the firm a total of 360,000 square feet at the facilities.

Parkinson Technologies Inc., USA, has expanded its Woonsocket plant by 25% to accommodate its Marshall and Williams Plastics Laboratory, which is currently located in Providence, R.I. Parkinson’s Marshall & Williams Div. makes equipment for orienting plastic film. Parkinson also manufactures winders and other products for handling large webs of plastics, non-wovens and paper.

Applied Extrusion Technologies Inc.,USA, completed its acquisition of selected assets of QPF LLC, Streamwood, another maker of OPP film. The purchased assets include machinery, intellectual property and inventory. The purchase price was about US$23 million. AET plans to close the 40-million-lb/yr Streamwood plant permanently and then to supply QPF customers from AET’s more efficient facilities. Hood Companies, the former owner of QPF, announced in May its intention to close QPF and exit the OPP business because of industry overcapacity.

H. Muehlstein & Co. Inc., USA, has acquired Trinity Specialty Compounding LLC of West Unity, Ohio, which will operate as a stand- alone business in Muehlstein’s compounded products group. Muehlstein, a global distributor of plastics, is also a substantial compounder and is expanding that business segment. Muehlstein Compounded Products, headquartered in Houston, had US$875 million in revenue in 2000 from three continuous-mixer compounding lines and two twin- screw lines. Trinity, in business since 1998, runs one continuous-mixer line.

GLS Corp., USA, a leading manufacturer and supplier of soft thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) has expanded its presence in Asia with the recent opening of an office in Singapore. It is headed by Asian sales representative Shee Ming Leong, who will manage the Asian distribution network and provide technical support to customers in the region. Products offered include Kraton thermoplastic rubber compounds for molding and extrusion, Dynaflex thermoplastic elastomer compounds, Versaflex TPE alloys and new- generation Versalloy elastomer alloys.

Extrusion equipment manufacturer Davis-Standard Corp., USA, has folded its manufacturing operation in Luton, U.K., into its plant in Erkrath, Germany, near Dusseldorf. The latter is a centrally located, 175,000-sq-ft facility that will be able to better meet the needs of the company’s European profile equipment business. Davis-Standard will retain a sales and technical support office in Luton.

Terwin Instruments Ltd., a U.K. maker of extrusion pressure and temperature instruments, opened its first U.S. office in Charlotte, N.C. The U.S. office will service North and South America. Terwin is best known for its 2000 series pressure transducers with a patented twin-tube design.The series can handle pressure ranges from 0 to 30,000 psi and is abrasion and corrosion resistent. The company’s products were previously distributed by Tanyx Measurements Inc. in Billerica, Mass.

Akcros Chemicals will be promoting its comprehensive range of polymer additives, which includes stabilizers, lubricants, plasticisers, biocides, anti-static agents and rheology modifiers.
As part of its commitment to PVC processing, the company has pioneered such technologies as additives in non-dusting melt forms; INTERLITE one-pack stabiliser systems free of lead, barium and cadmium for pipes and fittings; and liquid mixed metal stabilisers that have an extremely low volatile solvent content and that are phenol free.
The LANKROMARK family of liquid mixed-metal stabilizers are available in both self-lubricating and non-lubricating forms have been developed for a range of flexible PVC products from floor and wall coverings to tarpaulin coatings. Low toxic cadmium-zince grades are available for applications such as children’s toys and food contact components.
Akcros additives provide lubricity, heat and colour stability, UV and corrosion resistance, and increased resistance to ageing. These new developments also contribute to enhanced environmental acceptability.