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Innovations in Plastics

NEW PRODUCTS AND INNOVATIONS IN THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY IN ASSOCIATION WITH

SNEAK PEEK Here’s an early look at what’s inside the upcoming September 2021 issue of Canadian Plastics magazine:

The cover story will be on injection molding – how you can use the latest tools to tackle the twin challenges of production and process monitoring.

In addition, we’ll also feature articles on: J The most common conveying problems, and how to solve

them J How does the rise of autonomous vehicles affect the part

making industry? J What 3D printing can contribute to moldmaking J The hot consumer colour trends for 2022

SPECI SUPPLEMAEL NT

Look fo special supp r our lement on t he Federal Gov ernment’s “toxic” desig plastics and nation for the challeng es concerning the adoptio n of bio-polym e single use p rs in lastics.

Be sure to visit www.canplastics.com for daily news updates and longer feature articles, and follow us on Twitter, @CanPlastics

contents Canadian Plastics’ Innovations in Plastics electronic book, or ebook, is designed to help fill a void: the cancellation of the huge NPE2021 trade show in Orlando, Fla. North America’s largest plastics trade event, NPE is where you go every three years to learn about emerging – and sometimes revolutionary – plastics trends and technologies; kick the tires on potential machinery and equipment; connect with industry leaders; network and exchange ideas; and catch up with colleagues and friends. Some even argue that NPE is often an economic shot in the arm for the entire industry. The decision to cancel NPE2021 was a big deal for the plastics industry, but here’s the thing: the products and technologies that would have been unveiled at the Orange County Convention Center by exhibiting companies are mostly still available. And we’re presenting some of them in this ebook. Included here, on pgs. 8-12, you’ll find some of the latest offerings in injection molding, extrusion, blow molding, conveying, robots and automation, drying and blending, hot runners, and materials.

4 SEPRO GROUP

Has Completely Redesigned Its Success Line of Robots

6 DAVIS STANDARD

Embraces Digital Transformation with DS Activ-Check

8 New under the sun

A look at some product innovations and technologies you would probably have seen in the Sunshine State if NPE2021 hadn’t been cancelled.

Injection Molding: 8-9 Extrusion: 9 Blow Molding: 9-10 Conveying: 10 Robots & Automation: 10-11 Drying & Blending: 11 Hot Runners: 11-12 Materials: 12

Innovations in Plastics

JUNE 2021 Vol. 1 No 1

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Catherine McDonald 289-921-6520 • cmcdonald@annexbusinessmedia.com ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Stephen Kranabetter C: 416-561-5362 W: 416-510-6791 • skranabetter@annexbusinessmedia.com EDITOR Mark Stephen 416-510-5110 Fax: 416-442-2230 • mstephen@canplastics.com

Visit us at www.canplastics.com www.canplastics.com

June 2021 INNOVATIONS IN PLASTICS

Sepro Group Has Completely Redesigned Its Success Line of Robots The New Success Line Features a Sleek Redesign, Exclusive Technological Breakthroughs and Optional 5-Axis Capabilities

NEW AND IMPROVED SUCCESS LINE

Sepro Group, one of the world’s largest independent robot providers, has completely redesigned its best-selling Success line. The revamped robots are available for injection-moulding machines from 20-900 tons. Users benefit from improved speed, precision and ease of use. Three of the units in the new line now offer a 5-axis servo option, bringing increased flexibility and affordability to the market. Originally introduced in 2011, Sepro’s Success line featured the first truly affordable robots to offer enhanced capabilities, while featuring the reliability for which Sepro is known. With its cutting edge redesign, the new Suc-

4 INNOVATIONS IN PLASTICS June 2021

cess line now gives moulders access to the speed and precision of 3-axis servo operation along with pick and place application and simple downstream operations. What Improvements Were Made? • Now offers 3 & 5-axis options • New cam follower bearing technology • Sleek new design • More compact footprint • Increased rigidity • Enhanced gripping components • Optimized maintenance operations • Higher payload capacity • Wider strokes for increased IMM compatibility As a part of the redesign, the latest Success robots have an extended standard demoulding stroke, and for the first time, a long-demoulding (LD) configuration is available. This feature provides an additional 200 mm to the stroke. In certain applications, this can allow robots to work with higher-tonnage

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moulding machines than previously possible. In some models, the maximum horizontal stroke has also been extended, and a telescoping vertical arm is now available to increase movement by as much as 200mm. The new Success robots also feature the use of Sepro’s cam follower bearing technology for linear motions. Developed and patented by Sepro to handle the heavy payloads and long strokes of large robots, this technology is now standard on all Cartesian robots. Sepro’s cam follower bearings provide more even weight distribution and smoother operation compared to linear bearings. Additionally, they are more tolerant of dust and other contaminants, making the robots easier to clean and keep them up and running.

SUCCESS LINE X

As noted above, the Success line has also expanded to include the brand new Success X robots. These feature a 5 axis option with a full-servo wrist in partnership with Yaskawa Motoman. These robots, Sepro’s Success 11X, 22X and 33X, offer increased speed, flexibility and user-friendliness compared to 3-axis robots with pneumatic wrists. Unlike pneumatic wrists, servo motors have positional sensors that allow the robot to know exactly where the wrist, and the gripper mounted to it, are positioned at all times. This allows the robot to complete complicated actions that would

otherwise be impossible. Thus, it becomes easier to extract a large, complex part with minimal clearance between mould halves or tie bars, or to position parts for secondary operations. It also becomes possible to use simpler end-of-arm tooling, since the servo wrist more easily compensates for minor misalignments. Many of these complex part-manipulation tasks have historically been assigned to 6-axis articulated-arm robots. However, the 5-axis Success X robots offer faster intervention into the mould space for shorter cycle times, while delivering the flexibility inside and outside the mould otherwise associated with an articulated unit. Set-up and operation are highly intuitive and the programming has been designed to fit the unique needs of injection moulding.  Visit Sepro’s Virtual Showroom here to see the new Success range along with Sepro’s entire product offering in 3D. Talk to the experts at Sepro Group today to find out which Sepro robots would be right for your application. www.sepro-group.com seprocanada@sepro-group.com • 514 515-9349

3AXES

Mould clamping force - metric tons Mould clamping force - US tons Horizontal stroke (mm) Maximum instantaneous speed (m/s) Demould stroke (mm) Maximum instantaneous speed (m/s) Vertical direct arm Vertical stroke (mm) Maximum instantaneous speed (m/s) R1 pneumatic rotation (0-90°) R1 (0-180°) + R2 (0-270°) servomotor rotation Maximum load (parts + EOAT) (kg) Part grip - vacuum or pressure circuit Optional telescopic vertical arm stroke Compact beam-mounted control cabinet VISUAL2 or TOUCH2 control system

Horizontal stroke can be adapted in 500 mm increments. LD = Long Demould HL = Heavy Load

www.canplastics.com

5AXES

Success 11

Success 22

Success 33

Success 11X

Success 22X

Success 33X

80 - 250 88 - 275 1500 - 4000 2 500 - 700(LD) 2  1200 3  N/A 6 8+8 1200 -1400  

200 - 500 220 - 550 1500 - 6000 2 700 - 900 (LD) 2  1400 3  N/A 10 8+8 1400 -1600

350 - 900 385 - 990 2000 - 7000 2 900 - 1100 (LD) 2  1600 3  N/A 15 - 20(HL) 8+8 1800

80 - 250 88 - 275 1000 - 4000 2 500 - 700(LD) 2  1200 3 N/A  6 8+8 1200 -1400

200 - 500 220 - 550 1500 - 6000 2 700 - 900 (LD) 2  1400 3 N/A  10 8+8 1400 -1600

 

350 - 900 385 - 990 2000 - 7000 2 900 - 1100 (LD) 2  1600 3 N/A  15 - 20 (HL) 8+8 1800  

Contact a Sepro expert to learn about the available robot modifications that can be made in order to meet your automation needs.

(514) 515 - 9349 seprocanada@sepro-group.com June 2021 INNOVATIONS IN PLASTICS

https://davis-standard.com/?utm_source=Canadian%20Plastics&utm_medium=e-book&utm_campaign=DS%20Activ-Check

Davis-Standard Embraces Digital Transformation with DS Activ-Check™ Davis-Standard’s vision to be the most customer-centric and results-driven provider of polymer processing equipment has led to next-level process control innovation. Downtime, finished quality deviations and underutilization leads to unnecessary expenses that reduce profitability. By harnessing the value of digital transformation and smarter processing, Davis-Standard has developed technology for improving productivity gains – the DS Activ-Check™ system for continuous machine and process monitoring. This cloud-based IIoT platform improves extrusion line operation and product quality for meaningful bottom-line impact. DS Activ-Check™ employs analytical tools and process technology algorithms to support real-time process monitoring and preventative maintenance. Operators, process engineers and production management are alerted to issues before they happen, preventing unnecessary downtime

6 INNOVATIONS IN PLASTICS June 2021

and supporting end-product consistency. Customers receive notifications via e-mail or text, and continuous monitoring of machine status is available on smart devices and remote PCs. Examples of key machine components monitored include the extruder gearbox, lubrication system, motor, drive power unit, barrel heating and cooling functions. Monitoring of other process line parameters can be customized based on customer requirements. Davis-Standard has taken special care to ensure DS Activ-Check™ is easy to use. The system’s operator-friendly overview screens provide a quick reference of monitor points and data windows with a graphic indication of measurements. Operators can touch a location to view details or take advantage of on-screen formatting for e-mail or text notifications. High-level digital security and customizable application configurations provide protected accessibility.

www.canplastics.com

Here is a quick reference of the DS Activ-Check™ platform features and benefits to processors:

The greatest benefit of DS Activ-Check™ is that it provides critical and timely information for processors to improve overall line performance and plan scheduled maintenance activities. This is essential to improve efficiencies during all phases of production. Having the capability to monitor extrusion line variables such as mechanical and electrical system conditions brings products to market faster and minimizes process interruptions. What’s more, this technology is an extension of DavisStandard’s in-house process control expertise spanning more than 70 years. Davis-Standard has an installed base of over 50,000 machines globally across all extrusion and converting platforms, making DS Activ-Check™ a realistic option for new or existing installations.  www.canplastics.com

Davis-Standard looks forward to working with customers on installing DS Activ-Check to take advantage of the many possibilities for improved processing and profitability. For more information,

VISIT DAVIS-STANDARD

https://davis-standard.com/?utm_source=Canadian%20Plastics&utm_medium=e-book&utm_campaign=DS%20Activ-Check

https://davis-standard.com/contact/?utm_source=Canadian%20Plastics&utm_medium=e-book&utm_campaign=DS%20Activ-Check

DOWNLOAD OUR BROCHURE

https://davis-standard.com/DS_wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/DS-Activ-Check™-Brochure.pdf?utm_source=Canadian%20Plastics&utm_medium=e-book&utm_campaign=DS%20 Activ-Check

June 2021 INNOVATIONS IN PLASTICS

New under the sun

A look at some product innovations and technologies you would probably have seen in the Sunshine State if NPE2021 hadn’t been cancelled.

ur industry has taken some body blows lately – “toxic” designations, single-use bag bans – and the cancellation of the NPE2021 trade show in Orlando, Fla. is one of them. Even – or maybe, especially – in this new age of virtual communications, the excitement of seeing so much new technology in one location at an in-person show can’t be denied. And the opportunity for potential buyers to watch and hear machines running, and to hold and examine newly made parts, simply can’t be replicated in a Zoom meeting. The catch is, hundreds of innovative new products and equipment were in the pipeline to be unveiled at NPE2021 since before the pandemic shut the event down. And most are becoming available right now. So, here’s a look at just some of what could have displayed had there been a show.

INJECTION MOLDING

Absolute Haitian Corp. (Worcester, Mass.) now offers add-on injection units that are compatible with nearly any make or model of injection molding machine, allowing co-injection molding capabilities without requiring investment in a dedicated machine. The add-on units have a shot size that ranges from 0.7 to 8.3 ounces. The plug-and-play units have their own power and drive sources, can be mounted in either a vertical or horizontal “L” alignment, and can be moved and adapted to different machines to meet changing production requirements. According to Haitian, the user-friendly control technology makes it easy to integrate with the host machine for multicomponent processes. Arburg Inc. (Rocky Hill, Conn.) now offers the Gestica control on all Hidrive and Alldrive injection molding machines 8 INNOVATIONS IN PLASTICS June 2021

PHOTO CREDIT: MILACRON

By Mark Stephen, editor

Milacron’s Alpha-SiB all-electric injection molding machine.

with clamping forces of 280 tons and more. Arburg says the Gestica system features a high-definition, multitouch screen that allows users to operate it via the swiping and zooming finger movements commonly used with smartphones. It has a clearly structured taskspecific start page that simplifies navigation. And the Gestica is designed to accommodate future functional upgrades. A collaboration between Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd. (Bolton, Ont.) and Chem-Trend L.P. (Howell, Mich.) aims to make the colour change process faster and more accurate for users of Husky’s Altanium injection mold controller operator interface. The companies say that trial results show that by following the new process instructions they developed together, users can reduce scrap by 85 per cent and increase mold cleaning efficiency by 80 per cent. The process is optimized for use with Chem-Trend’s Ultra Purge commercial purging compounds. KraussMaffei Corp. (Florence, Ky.) has rounded out the Netstal Elios line – which is designed for molding thinwalled packaging such as high-quality trays, cups, lids, buckets, and plant pots – with two new sizes: the Netstal Elios 8800 and 10000 models. They join four

other Elios presses, bringing the product line’s range of clamping forces to 500 tons at the low end and 1,100 tons at the top end. Equipped with a five-point dualtoggle lever, KraussMaffei says, the machines’ clamping unit features a generous installation space to accommodate the trend toward larger molds and stack molds. The tie-bar clearance is 4.1 feet by 4.1 feet, and a tie-bar clearance of 4.4 feet by 4.4 feet is optionally available. The maximum installation height is 4.9 feet to accommodate large stack molds. Cincinnati, Ohio-based Milacron’s Alpha-SiB all-electric machine series, which is based on the Fanuc Roboshot Alpha-SiA series and continues Milacron’s partnership with Fanuc in the Americas, consists of models with 55, 110, 140, 165, and 240 tons of clamping force that are available with variations in injection capacity. With the new series, Milacron expands the flexibility of the Roboshot line by providing models with smaller injection capacities in multiple sizes for high-precision molding applications. According to Milacron, new features include increased standard injection pressures, a high-performance control with higher resolution, custom lock-out capability for security, and a standard longer tie-bar on select models. Several features that previously were www.canplastics.com

options are now standard with the series, including room for taller stack molds, three-stage air ejection, expanded I/O capability for automation and sequencing, and precision clamp force control for consistent venting and reduced mold wear.

EXTRUSION

PHOTO CREDIT: DAVIS-STANDARD LLC

Aiming at a larger share of the equipment market for extruded PVC and polyolefin plastic pipe, Conair Group (Cranberry Township, Pa.) is introducing PipeMaster, a complete line of downstream processing equipment and tooling that offers rugged, reliable, and costefficient performance in six size ranges for pipe diameters from 0.4 to 24.9 inches, or 10 to 630 millimetres, with up to five-layer construction. Until now, Conair’s processing equipment was limited to pipe sizes measuring eight inches, or 200 millimetres, in diameter or smaller, so this represents a big upgrade, Conair says. Each PipeMaster die is mounted on a movable, height-adjustable stand and features polished, heat-treated internal surfaces. The DS Activ-Check system for continuous machine and process monitoring from Davis-Standard LLC (Pawcatuck, Conn.) is a cloud-based IIoT platform that provides critical and timely information for processors to improve overall line performance and plan scheduled maintenance activities. With Activ-

Check, operators, process engineers, and production management are alerted to issues before they happen, preventing unnecessary downtime and supporting end-product consistency. Customers receive notifications via e-mail or text, and continuous monitoring of machine status is available on smart devices and remote PCs. According to company officials, examples of key machine components monitored include the extruder gearbox, lubrication system, motor, drive power unit, barrel heating, and cooling functions. Monitoring of other process line parameters can be customized based on customer requirements. The HT72, the newest co-rotating twin-screw extruder from Entek Manufacturing Inc. (Lebanon, Ore.), is a hightorque machine designed for the commodity compounding and masterbatch industry, where customers require medium-to-large batch production sizes and high production rates. Entek says the HT72 – which is the first in a new series of twin-screw extruders that the company is bringing to market – has robust construction and a larger motor size for continuous 24/7/365 production. Standard features include a new, patent-pending vent flow sensor that will reduce unplanned downtime and make vent flow cleaning easier; real time vibration monitoring; a dashboard for Overall Equipment Efficiency (OEE) data; and mistake-proof screw elements and shafts.

Davis-Standard’s DS Activ-Check system for continuous machine and process monitoring. www.canplastics.com

Designed for processing batches from as small as 20 grams up to 100 grams, the ZSE-16 extruder from Leistritz Extrusion (Branchburg, N.J.) is capable of ultra-low-rate processing and, with the proper gearbox, can produce ultra-high torque. It features a segmented two-piece stainless-steel barrel and a water-cooled feed barrel, Leistritz says, and its modular screws and barrels are designed to provide efficient mixing. Customers can order it as a standalone extrusion system or they can mate a ZSE-16 process section to a new or existing ZSE-18 gearbox.

BLOW MOLDING

France-based 1Blow’s new 2XL is a compact, all-electric blow molding machine with two cavities, designed for the manufacture of PET bottles with a maximum capacity of 12 litres, a maximum height of 16.1 inches, and a maximum diameter of 8.9 inches. Its output ranges from 1,400 10-litre bottles per hour to 3,400 half-litre bottles per hour. The 2XL’s motions are 85 per cent rotary and only 15 per cent linear, which the company says provides smooth, energyefficient production. Options include neck orientation and the ability to make hot-fill and oval bottles. The new Skyreef series extrusion blow molding machines from Kautex Machines Inc. (North Branch, N.J.) are built using components and features from the company’s hydraulic KCC series and all-electric KBB series. Kautex says the Skyreef machines – which are available in hydraulic, all-electric, and hybrid versions – offer sustainable and efficient production of plastics packaging, whether using virgin or postconsumer resin. From its installed sensors to its control platform, the Skyreef series is designed to collect and share process information as part of Kautex’s shift to smart production. This will enable proactive interventions, self-tuning capabilities, and increasing automation of production. Kautex’s quickchange systems also allow for material, colour or mold changes to be accomplished in as little as 20 minutes. Fitchburg, Mass.-based Rocheleau Tool & Die’s RS-80 model, part of the company’s RS series of reciprocatingscrew blow molding machines – which are designed for volume production of June 2021 INNOVATIONS IN PLASTICS

PHOTO CREDIT: KAUTEX

Kautex’s Skyreef series extrusion blow molding machine.

thin-walled containers, industrial containers, wide-mouth jars, and specialty items – has a new hybrid technology option. According to Rocheleau, the combination of VFD and hydraulics can result in a 40 per cent reduction in kilowatt-hour consumption compared to previous machines of the same capacity.

CONVEYING

The Binventory inventory management software for tracking the level of solids and liquids in bins, tanks, and silos from BinMaster (Lincoln, Neb.) has now gained compatibility with more level sensors using the HART communication protocol – the most widely used digital communication protocol – or Modbus output. Users can manage level data from all their vessels with one program, BinMaster says, saving time and eliminating the need to climb silos. The software is compatible with level sensors from other manufacturers, and can monitor multiple locations. Also, users can share information with production, purchasing and finance personnel, as well as with vendors for vendor-managed inventory programs. The KCM-III feeder control system 10 INNOVATIONS IN PLASTICS June 2021

from Coperion K-Tron (Sewell, N.J.) has been redesigned to offer more connectivity options. Featuring a powerful CPU that offers expanded memory – allowing it to collect more log and event files, and improving its ability to trace and process data – the KCM-III’s improved algorithms offer faster communication with the feeder drive, weighing system and peripherals, the company says, allowing the feeder control system to react quickly to any changes. It has higher weighing resolution than earlier models; and its integrated Ethernet capability allows it to connect to a PLC without requiring additional data converters and, with its optional Wi-Fi gateway, operators can access any networked KCM-III control module via smartphones, tablets, laptops or other devices. The newest version of the Hybrid conveyor series from Dynamic Conveyor Corp. (Norton Shores, Mich.) combines a heavy-duty belt and a slider bed drop zone to bear the load, and is said to be especially suited for handling large, heavy injection molded plastic parts. The heavy-duty plastic link-style belt is selftracking and, unlike many other conveyor systems, doesn’t require tensioning

or frequent replacement. The company says the combination of the heavy-duty belt and a slider bed drop zone, which cushions the impact of heavy parts, lets this conveyor withstand repeated impact from heavy parts. The new M version of France-based Sidel’s CoboAccess_Pal palletizer features an intuitive HMI and a Yaskawa HC20 collaborative robot, or cobot, which can reach speeds of up to six cycles per minute, and stack boxes as high as 6.2 feet. The CoboAccess_Pal improves worker safety by taking on tasks that would require repetitive, strenuous manual labour while also allowing safe worker interaction without requiring fencing. The palletizing cell can be repositioned to another line by one worker using a pallet jack, Sidel says, and it can be set up at its new location in less than 10 minutes. Torrington, Conn.-based Wittmann Battenfeld’s conveying systems have gained a new control upgrade: the M8-IPC network control, which the company says has new features to simplify the running of complex installations. An upgrade to the previous M7-IPC system, the CAN bus-based control has a number of new features, including freely programmable modules for functions such as cycle counting; this enables users to trigger a certain action following the completion of a set number of switch cycles. Another new function switches the system to a second source of material when the first one runs out. The control also supports RFID technology so that regrind from different granulators can be transported unmixed to separate containers. Additionally, residual material left in equipment can be transported back to the source so that it isn’t wasted.

ROBOTS & AUTOMATION

The new GoFa CRB 15000 six-axis cobot from ABB Inc. (Zurich) has a payload of 11 pounds – which is 9.9 pounds more than the company’s YuMi cobot – and can perform tasks such as material handling, machine tending, component assembly, packaging, inspection, and laboratory automation. According to ABB, it features intelligent torque and position sensors in each of its joints for good power- and force-limiting performance, and the specialized joints elimiwww.canplastics.com

nate the risk of injury to workers by sensing any contact between the cobot’s arm and a person and stopping the arm within milliseconds. It can be mounted in any direction, such as on the wall or floor, and uses ABB’s OmniCore controller. And with a reach of 3.1 feet and speeds up to 7.2 feet per second, the GoFa CRB 15000 opens up new tasks and applications for cobots. Japan-based Fanuc’s new CRX series cobots have a 22-pound payload and are appropriate for working side-by-side with humans to perform various industrial and manufacturing jobs. The series includes two versions: the CRX-10iA and a long-arm version, the CRX-10iA/L. The arms are lightweight and compact, Fanuc says, and are easy to connect with third-party grippers. And the CRX offer simple setup and ease of use – even users with no experience can set up the ergonomic robots right out of the box. The new KR 4 Agilus robot from Kuka (Sterling Heights, Mich.) has a maximum payload of 8.8 pounds and a 38 per cent larger work envelope than its predecessor, the KR 3. Benefits include lower total cost of ownership, Kuka says: The KR 4 has lower investment and operating costs than competing robots, and its high reliability cuts maintenance expenditures. It has a reach of almost two feet, and when handling a payload of 6.6 pounds the KR 4 can reach a top cycle time of 0.4 seconds. And the new robot works with Kuka’s KR C5 microcontroller. A redesign has added functionality to France-based Sepro Group’s generalpurpose, three-axis Success servo robots. In addition to new streamlined styling, Sepro says, the three largest robots in the Success portfolio – with the Success www.canplastics.com

Line X designation – can now be optionally equipped with a two-axis servo wrist codeveloped with Yaskawa Motoman, turning them into five-axis Cartesian robots. All the Success robots now have an extended standard demolding stroke and, in some applications, this can allow them to work with a larger injection molding machine than previously would have been possible. For some models, a telescoping vertical arm is available to extend the vertical stroke by as much as 200 millimetres. The company also has switched to cam follower bearings for the robots’ linear motions.

DRYING & BLENDING

Dri-Air Industries Inc. (East Windsor, Conn.) has introduced a closed-loop dry air recirculating system for users that need to crystallize and dry multiple batches of PET and other amorphous resins. Temperatures, hold times, and recirculating times can be customized for each hopper, Dri-Air says, so that multiple batches of different materials can be processed. The same desiccant dryer that supplies dry air to the hopper bank also crystallizes the resin. Benefits include flexibility and efficiency: Users can crystallize resins in some hoppers while drying already crystallized resins in others. And eliminating the need for a separate dryer to process the resin after crystallizing saves time and work.

HOT RUNNERS

Primezone H1281, the newest hot runner controller from Hasco (Fletcher, N.C.), incorporates a wide range of monitoring functions to protect the controller, the hot runner system, and the mold. For example, the controller has integrated diagnostics to check the wiring of the hot runner components before start-up to identify potential assembly errors. There are three sizes of desktop models for controlling up to 48 zones, and a mobile floor model for controlling from 64 to 96 zones. Additionally, Hasco says, the unit has a robust design with externally

PHOTO CREDIT: SEPRO GROUP

PHOTO CREDIT: SIDEL

Sidel’s CoboAccess_Pal palletizer.

Large blenders from Maguire Products (Aston, Pa.) now have a “bridge breaker” option – an automatic, pneumatically operated device deployed inside the hopper to improve the flow of regrind, recycled plastics, and other types of ingredients that can agglomerate or “bridge.” The bridge breaker consists of a hopper insert that directs material straight down onto the dispensing valve and a rotary device that operates automatically while the valve is open. The rotary device rapidly pulses between clockwise and counterclockwise movements, enhancing material flow through the dispense valve. To compensate for the space occupied by the insert, Maguire says, the complete hopper assembly includes an extension to accommodate the desired quantity of material. And the hopper insert can be retrofitted in any blender currently in operation.

Sepro’s general-purpose, three-axis Success servo robot. June 2021 INNOVATIONS IN PLASTICS

PHOTO CREDIT: HASCO

The Primezone H1281 hot runner controller from Hasco.

lio of additives, Ampacet says that ReVive 962 is designed exclusively for recycling polyolefin barrier films that have ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH) as the exclusive co-extruded barrier layer. Other ReVive formulations can be used with nylon barrier films or films with a combination of nylon and EVOH barriers. Ampacet ReVive 962 is designed for in-house recycling of scrap industrial polyolefin film with an EVOH barrier into the original film structure. Germany-based BASF’s Joncryl ADR 4400 and Joncryl ADR 4468 chain extenders are part of a portfolio of products designed to rebuild molecular weight in polyesters, such as PET and PLA. They chemically bond acid end groups together, BASF says, resulting in greater intrinsic viscosity. Benefits include improved processability in extrusion, thermoforming, and blown film applications; and for recyclers, the compatibilizers contribute to greater material consistency, leading to reduced scrap rates and greater efficiency.

PHOTO CREDIT: AVIENT CORP.

mounted cooling units for optimal heat dissipation; this improves reliability and extends the life of the electronics. The fuses of the control circuit also are accessible from the outside, so they can be replaced easily without opening the controller housing, which prevents damage to the mold and the need for expensive repairs. The S series cylinders for hot runner systems from HRSflow (Grand Rapids, Mich.) are designed for the production of technical parts, electronic parts, and consumer goods. The cylinders come in two versions: basic and adjustable. The basic version requires a cut-out height in the mold of 2.56 inches, and the adjustable version requires a cut-out height of 2.87 inches. The patent-pending devices are suitable for use with engineering resins, the company says. And Mold-Masters (Georgetown, Ont.) has updated its FusionG2 F3000/ F4000 nozzles with smaller diameters, along with new compact heater sleeves. These nozzles, designed for Mold-Masters’ Fusion series G2 hot runner system, can be installed without having to heat the system, or change gate seals, actuators or runner channels. The newest nozzles have the same runner channel diameters as their comparable predecessors, Mold-Masters says, but their outer diameters have been reduced by up to 30 per cent.

Japan-based Mitsubishi EngineeringPlastics Corp. (MEP) has developed its new Iupital MA series medical-grade polyacetal (POM) resin, which meets the quality and regulatory requirements for medical applications and is available in a range of standard, high-flow, high-rigidity, and low-friction grades. The resin allows greater design flexibility in the development of smaller, lighter medical devices and equipment, MEP says, and suppresses friction and wear, even when combined with ordinary POM, achieving quiet, smooth movement, which greatly improves comfort when used in medical devices. The Iupital MA series materials are suitable for molding inhalers, insulin pens, and various parts for medical devices. Avient Corp. (formerly PolyOne) (Avon Lake, Ohio) has introduced ColorMatrix Amosorb 4020G, which is a nonnylon-based oxygen scavenger for rigid PET packaging. According to Avient, ColorMatrix Amosorb 4020G reduces the yellowing of clear PET during recycling and also produces about half as much haze as other oxygen scavengers. Like other oxygen scavengers, when added to PET packaging, it can extend the shelf life of products like juices, teas, and flavoured waters by protecting them from exposure to oxygen. But unlike other competitive materials, which are ineffective oxygen scavengers when used with recycled PET (rPET), the Avient additive lost little effectiveness when tested with rPET grades; other competitive materials lost almost all oxygen scavenging ability with rPET content as low as 20 per cent. 

MATERIALS

Ampacet Corp. (Tarrytown, N.Y.) recently introduced ReVive 962, a compatibilizer masterbatch designed to allow multi-material packaging films to be recycled back into high-quality film. An addition to the Ampacet ReVive portfo12 INNOVATIONS IN PLASTICS June 2021

Avient’s ColorMatrix Amosorb 4020G non-nylon-based oxygen scavenger for rigid PET packaging. www.canplastics.com