Equipment for compouders
New extruder technology, dosing and mixing units,
pelletizers and laboratory equipment are among the exhibits
for masterbatchers and compounders to assess at K 2004.
Plastics Additives & Compounding outlines some of those on
show.
The new Physica MCR rheometer series
will be presented by Anton Paar (Hall 10,
H59) including special temperature
control systems, which are optimized for
the rheological characterization of
polymers. The company says that these
temperature control systems enable rapid
and virtually gradient-free heating and
cooling from -150°C to +1000°C.
Depending on the requirements, these
systems can be used with the basic model
MCR 51 or the high-end rheometers
MCR 301 and MCR 501.
A comprehensive range of accessories such
as disposable measuring systems, solid bar
and film fixtures for DMTA
measurements and many special
measuring cells is available.
Atlas Material Testing Technology
GmbH (Hall 10, C23) has introduced the
new Xenotest® Beta+ with a modified
design. The features and benefits of the
new Xenotest® Beta+ include a modern
touch screen that is claimed to make
operation easy and user friendly. The large
colour display presents both the status of
the test programme and graphically
displays the process of the test parameters.
A Smart media card allows uploading of
data directly to the test instrument or
downloading of instrument/test data for
further processing on computer. Possible
sources of interference in the laboratory,
such as electromagnetic radiation or radio
signals, can be eliminated by transmitting
data digitally
Among other exhibits, Battenfeld
Extrusionstechnik (Hall 16, D22) is
extending its line of modular profile
extrusion lines. Following the
introduction of the miniBEX, the winBEX
is in the medium-performance range. The
winBEX range also consists of five
components - an almost completely pre-
assembled downstream package plus a
choice of four twin-screw extruder models.
Plastics Additives & Compounding September/October 2004
The company says these include the large,
negative-flight conical BEX 2-72 C twin-
screw extruder with a performance range
of 40-250 kg/h and three parallel extruder
models. The BEX 2-68-28 V has an
output of 50-200 kg/h, while the BEX 2-
92-28 V has an output of 150-350 kg/h,
and the BEX 2-110-28 V has a
performance range of 200-500 kg/h.
Among the exhibits of Berstorff GmbH
(Hall 15, A23) is the new ZE 42 BASIC
twin screw extruder. The company says
that the new-concept ZE BASIC series is
an integral part of its twin screw extruder
range and a high degree of standardization
means that a favourable price/performance
ratio can be achieved. The company says
that as the name suggests, the ZE BASIC is
suitable for basic compounding duties,
such as the manufacture of masterbatch or
the incorporation of mineral or reinforcing
fillers. The new ZE BASIC is available
with screw diameters from 26 to 77 mm.
From its range of high-performance
compounding twin screw extruders,
Berstorff is showing a ZE 60 A UTX
machine. The extruder is designed for
screw speeds up to 1200 rpm and a wide
range of outputs from 100-3500kg/h.
According to Berstorff, the many different
versatile combinations of barrel and screw
configurations make this machine suitable
for many applications in compounding,
reactive extrusion and degassing.
Advantages of the ZE UTX are claimed to
be its compact design, high operator
friendliness and ease of maintenance,
facilitated by the C-Clamp barrel
connections, generous feed throat and
degassing apertures, the optimized
temperature control system and the
integration of the auxiliary equipment in
the machine base frame.
BE.ST GmbH (Hall 11, F64) is
presenting new static mixers and heat
exchangers for extrusion, injection
ISSN1464-391X/04 © 2004 Elsevier Ltd.All rights reserved.
24
moulding and cooling and heating of
polymer melt.
The company offers a static mixer for
extrusion. The advantages include that
thermal and composition gradients are
virtually eliminated even when processing
a high percentage of additives. In addition,
the extrudate tolerances are lower due to
uniform flow of melt inside the dies and/or
heads. Colour distribution is uniform,
which means a reduction in masterbatch
costs. Finally, the company says that the
mixer provides an improvement of
mechanical and surface quality of the final
products.
BKG Bruckmann & Kreyenborg (Hall 9,
A48) is exhibiting a number of options in
pelletizing. The BKG CrystallCut® system
for PET processing with underwater
pelletizing creates a product with a degree
of crystallization of 45%. This means that
there are neither high capital investment
nor energy costs related to pre-
crystallization in a further production
process. In addition to this advantage, the
user gets an almost dust-free, even
granulate with a bulk density that is by
about 8% higher. This technology is
applicable not only for the production of
new material but also for PET recycling.
The company has also introduced strand
pelletizer type ips-SG-E 30 (with a cutting
width of 30 mm), from ips Intelligent
Pelletizing Solutions GmbH & Co. KG.
According to the company, it is especially
designed for the demands of laboratory use
and the production of small quantities,
particulary masterbatches. It widens the
ips-SG-E range which previously
comprised cutting widths of 60 and 110
mm.
Throughput rates of 5 to 150kg/h meet
the requirements of a wide range of
applications. The ips-SG-E 30 is claimed
to be easy to clean and maintain and has a
very small footprint.
 Compounding equipment
Carter International Ltd (Hall 12, E51-6)
provides a service for all sectors of polymer
compounding. Carter Mixers are available
now in both tangential and intermeshing
versions, in sizes suitable for the laboratory
and production.
In addition to the supply of new mixers,
Carter International Ltd also offers a full
support and engineering service to the
industry. This includes the supply of
replacement rotors for continuous mixers
to replacement internal mixer bodies for
all makes of machines. The company says
that spares are available for all major makes
of internal mixers with a full on-site
installation and maintenance service. The
upgrade and repair of existing mill room
plant is a specialist service offered by
Carter International including on-site
Calender roll grinding and specialist
"Stellite" welding of mixer rotors and
chambers.
Dr. Collin GmbH (Hall 9, E77) is
presenting a full range of laboratory and
pilot size polymer processing equipment.
For compounders, the company says that
specific Collin features such as the
modular system for flexible adaptation to
any process and user-friendly machine
design and controls can be seen on the
Twin-Screw Kneader Type ZK 25 × 36
L/D unit, which is designed for mixing
and compounding or even reactive
extrusion.
The company also offers testing units for
obtaining the physical properties of
polymer compounds. The WROR (Wide
Range Online Rheometer) has three
capillaries measuring either in parallel or
series and the company says that it is the
ideal tool for continuous production
control either as a bypass of a production
extruder or compounder, or working in
parallel with a film inspection line.
According to the company, the FPT-Filter
Pressure Tests units are the standard
devices for testing the quality of a
compound. The new standard prEN
13900-5 combines unique design for easy
operation with high testing speed because
of unique handling features and highly
accurate data acquisition.
Conair (Hall 10, B74) is introducing its
ResinWorks system to Europe at K 2004.
The company says that the system brings
Plastics Additives & Compounding September/October 2004
26
together drying, blending and conveying
technology into one package, custom-built
to meet the needs of processors large and
small, from micromoulders to the largest
automotive and furniture producers. Up to
five drying hoppers, each sized specifically
for either multi-machine/long run or
single-machine/short-run operations, are
factory assembled onto a sled-like base and
fitted with heaters, controls, dry-air
manifolds and purge valves for easy place-
and-play installation. Multiple sleds can be
integrated for larger installations. The
ResinWorks system can also include an
Octobin or bag station, allowing an almost
unlimited number of different materials
(dried or un-dried) to be managed through
the central resin distribution manifold and
control system. A Conair gravimetric
blender can mix different materials and
additives, which can then be conveyed to a
drying hopper or directly to processing
machines.
The company is also introducing the
Carousel Plus Dryer, which offers
processors more control over dew point
and temperature in a package that is
simple, small, light and easy to use. Instead
of placing desiccant beads in a canister or
tower, the new Carousel Plus uses
molecular sieve desiccant that is
impregnated into and bonded onto a fibre
glass substrate that is then formed into a
continuously rotating wheel. The result is
a dryer that delivers rock-steady
temperatures and dew point levels, which
are critical to processing many moisture
and temperature sensitive polymers.
Coperion Werner & Pfleiderer (Hall 14,
C17) has developed the two-stage
compounding extruder ZSK-NT for the
compounding of bimodal polyethylene.
The company says that as a result of a
special polymerization process, such
polymers contain short polymer chains for
good processability and chains of high
molecular weight for good functional
properties.
For small and medium-sized
compounding operations, Coperion
Werner & Pfleiderer is showing the ZSK
MEGAcompounder PLUS, a further
improved version of the ZSK
MEGAcompounder. A design
modification of the machine - an increase
 Compounding equipment

in the specific torque at the screw shafts - differences between the process water This advantage is extremely useful for very
has enabled the throughput to be increased temperature and the die plate temperature, low viscosity materials (viscosity in part
by up to 20 % with the same size of as well as the fact that running surfaces are < 50 Pas), for example special types of
machine. usually made of hard metal and are PET, PA6 and PA6.6.
The laboratory and mini-batch extruder attached to the supports of the die plate, Entek Extruders (Hall 12, A33) is
ZSK 26 Mc is also being exhibited and which leads to high heat transfer and exhibiting its range of twin screw extruders
offers three new features. cooling of the die plate. and compounding lines, as well as dies,
The company says that a direct scale-up to Econ has used a ceramic with low heat screws and barrels.
the ZSK MEGAcompounder series is now conductivity as the material for the die Replacement screws can improve output
possible. The machine is supplied as a plate and this is mounted on the supports and productivity of an extrusion line,
compact unit with integral control with thermotechnical insulation. This according to ETA Kunststofftechnologie
cabinet, reducing floor space requirements means that the plastic melt is kept at the GmbH (Hall 16, F39). The company says
and permits quick and easy melt temperature until its output through that the screws are barrier designs with
commissioning. The higher values for all the nozzles and is only cooled when it special mixing zones for improving melt
drive power and torque compared with the enters the process water. quality at high output rates. They provide
predecessor model permit speeds of up to This creates both an extremely uniform, high melting capacity; constant specific
1,800 rpm and higher throughputs, but round, high quality granulate form with throughput rates at a high level; low
without hindering the production of very low working temperature of the supports pressure build-up meaning no wear;
small volumes right down to 1 kg batches. (melt protection) and increases user controlled melt temperature; wide
Dieffenbacher GmbH + Co. KG (Hall 1, friendliness and process stability by several processing range; and excellent
N13) is showing new developments in its factors. The company adds that as a homogeneity. They are suitable for
long-fibre thermoplastics processing, 'process water bypass system' is not grooved feed and smooth bore extruders
which is particularly applicable for the necessary in Econ pelletizing, this and injection moulding machines.
automotive industry. Dieffenbacher and significantly simplifies the start-up of the ETA grooved feed extruders are equipped
Fraunhofer ICT have expanded the LFT- system. with air-cooling in combination with
D/ILC (ln-Line-Compounding) process
for new materials and processes. In the
method developed by Dieffenbacher, the
plastics are compounded in the plant with
additives to make the compounds stiffer,
more flexible, or more temperature
resistant, depending on the requirements
of the final component. The reinforcing
fibres then are directly incorporated into
the plastics melt and the component is
formed. Technical thermoplastics, such as
ASA, ASP, ABS, SAN, PA6, PA6.6 and
PBT, have now been processed for the first
time. This material can be reinforced by
unidirectional or textile fibre- reinforced
thermoplastics in a one-step production
process for additional local strengthening
of the component (Tailored LFT).
Automotive applications include door
modules, dashboards, bumper
attachments, spare-wheel recesses and roof
modules. According to Dieffenbacher, the
redeveloped LFT-D/ILC technology also
offers savings of up to 35% in costs and
weight compared with manufacturing
from semi-finished products.
New technology has been developed by
Econ GmbH (Hall 9, D13) to prevent the
danger of individual holes 'freezing' during
the pelletizing process in normal
underwater pelletizers. This is due to big
Plastics Additives & Compounding September/October 2004
27
 Compounding equipment
Ferlin Plastics Automation has made
several improvements to its
Gravimix blending systems.
electric heating in the feed section instead
of water cooling. This system allows a
broader range of polymers to be processed,
including technical polymers.
Farrel (Hall 9, A24) offers a line of
polymer processing equipment that
comprises internal mixers, compounders,
mills, gear pumps, extruders, pelletizers
and laboratory equipment. For plastics
compounding, the company has the
FTX500® Co-rotating Twin-Screw
Extruder and the 'X' rotor of extended
length for polypropylene processing.
Other compounding equipment includes
the Farrel Shaw range of Intermix® Series
5 Mixers. The Shaw Intermix line extends
the company's Banbury® mixer line of
tangential mixers to offer alternative
intermeshing designs.
Gravimetric blending equipment
manufacturer Ferlin Plastics Automation
(Hall 10, B45) has introduced several
improvements to its existing Gravimix®
blending systems and newly designed
blenders. The company says that the
systems are designed for efficient and
accurate dosing and blending of dry, free-
flowing thermoplastic materials. The
Plastics Additives & Compounding September/October 2004
systems are often used on injection,
extrusion and blow-moulding machines
and as central-blender to feed several
processing machines where consistency
and high quality of the finished product is
required.
According to the company, Gravimix
records the exact consumption of all
materials, allowing for a precise calculation
of the production costs. Due to the high
and consistent dosing accuracy, the
additive percentage can be reduced to
lower tolerance limits without rejects or
loss in quality. The resulting saving in
additives leads to a direct reduction in
production costs.
The modular systems consist of a base-
frame with 2-10 component-hoppers
depending on the model and application,
pneumatically operated slide- or integrated
dosing-valves and additive-hoppers with
patented tube feeders. The parts in contact
with the raw materials are made of stainless
steel.
Depending on the application, the
performance and the model, the
throughput range of the blending systems
varies from 5-3000 kg/hr. The Gravimix
blending systems can be installed directly
on the processing machine, on a
platform/mezzanine floor or placed on a
stand with integrated vacuum take-of box
next to the processing machine. Due to
simple removable parts, cleaning and
material changeover is quick.
Fluitec (Hall 9, A41) supplies the
mikromakro mixers, which are a
combination of static mixing elements of
different geometries and diameters.
Uniform pre-distribution is achieved in
the makro mixer, while in the mikro mixer
the best possible homogenization at the
molecular scale is achieved.
The company says that the mikromakro
technology can be successfully applied in
turbulent and laminar flow. With these
customized combinations it is possible to
cope with high viscosity ratios and can
solve difficult mixing tasks with an
additive flow rate of <1% of the main
stream.
A low pressure drop is a typical feature of
the mikromakro mixers. They can also be
delivered in a rectangular shape. The CSE-
X® mixing elements in the mikromakro
28
combination are mainly used in processing
and compounding of plastics.
Gabo Qualimeter Testanlagen GmbH
(Hall 10, D20) is introducing a new
Gabometer®, an intelligent universal
Goodrich flexometer. It works basically in
the compression mode and can be
equipped with up to three independent
temperature measurement units in order
to determine the heat build-up of the
sample. A needle type thermocouple
allows the measurement of the
temperature inside the test specimen. The
instrument can also be a complete high
power DMA/DMTS system providing
tensile, shear, creep and fatigue tests. An
additional range of applications includes
material testing, thermal analysis,
components testing, quality control, and
relaxation/retardation tests.
For the masterbatch and compounding
markets, Gala (Hall 9, D56) has
introduced the new Self-Cleaning Dryer.
Gala says that its systems are easy to clean
and offer a high degree of flexibility in
underwater pelletizing technology.
Gala's completely new Gala Form™ C-
PET technology (patent pending) will be
introduced to the industry for the first
time at the K 2004 show. This new C-PET
technology offers producers the advantage
of crystalline pellets straight from the Gala
Form C-PET line. The company says that
this eliminates the costly energy
requirements and extra steps where
additional heating was required to
transform PET pellets from the
amorphous to the crystalline state.
Also for compounders, Gala has
undertaken work on low wear glass fibre
compounding, as well as developing new
underwater pelletizer die plate designs for
various applications.
Gala says that it has also worked with
Atofina to develop further Gala Form
Micropellets. The company adds that
compared to ground powder, micropellets
are usually characterized by a higher bulk
density and a faster dry flow. This results in
excellent flow and packing properties that
are particularly useful in complex
moulding applications. Second generation
metallocene Finacene M3581UV resin has
now proved to be easily converted into
micropellets.
 Compounding equipment

Gneuss (Hall 9, B37) has made a series of angel hair to be removed from the top Its D65 illumination source is calibrated in
detail improvements to the filtration deck, while good pellet and fines pass both the ultraviolet and visible regions for
system RSFgenius, which is now offering through the perforations to a lower deck. accurately measuring fluorescent samples.
an extended range of performance features. The lower deck is fitted with perforations Having an extended measurement range
The company says that in addition to its of a reduced diameter to remove the into the near infrared and near ultraviolet
efficient high-pressure screen cleaning and pellets. permits the measurement of camouflage
high number of automatic screen re-uses, Alfons Greiwing GmbH (Hall 11, D04) products and UV absorbing materials.
pressure consistency to ±1.5 bar, ±0.05% offers the Granu-Control plant for sorting UltraScan PRO uses diffuse/8º geometry
loss of melt as well as minimal dwell time damaged plastic granules with sub- with automated gloss component
of the melt, there are a number of new standard colour, form deviations and inclusion/exclusion.
features. These include an increased active foreign substances. All particles are HunterLab adds that it also features three
screen area of 3,000 cm2 and an increased classified according to form and colour. A sizes of sample measurement areas with
number of automatic screen re-uses of up colour control camera films the granules automated lens change.
to 400. There are finer micron rates down on a conveyor belt. Faulty objects in the UltraScan PRO includes EasyMatch® QC
to 1-2 microns and there is expanded stream are identified and blown away by software and is superior for research and
control and monitoring of the complete computer-controlled, variable nozzles. quality control applications in both
process due to an extensive process data The UltraScan PRO from Hunter Lab laboratory and production environments.
monitoring system. Fine tuning and (Hall 10, E11) measures both reflected Industrial Plastics Ltd (Hall 12, E51-9) is
servicing can be carried out without and transmitted colour and meets CIE and introducing its latest continuous flow
influencing the process. ASTM guidelines for accurate colour screen changer. The new filtration device
The company says that it is suitable for all measurement. The company says that the (screen changer), called 'contiflow', allows
polymers including highly corrosive instrument's 5nm optical resolution polymers to be filtered without
materials, such as polymers with enables the precise measurement of plastics interruption of the melt flow during a
fluorinated or brominated additives. having colorants with sharp cut-off screen change, says the company.
Gneuss has also introduced the characteristics. The sealing system enables the air to be
SFXmagnus, which is a new Rotary
Filtration System with an excellent price-
to-performance balance, claims the
company. The SFXmagnus is based on the
principle of the fully-automatic model
RSFgenius. It operates with a new drive
technology, offers an efficiency filtration
performance, but no integrated screen
cleaning. Therefore it is possible to lower
the production costs and to offer a high-
performance, pressure and process-
constant filtration system at low
investment costs. Therefore, the
SFXmagnus is suitable for applications in
which a process- and pressure-constant
filtration is required, however, due to a low
screen change frequency integrated
cleaning is not always necessary.
The main focus of Gough Engineering
(Hall 12, F53-1) is the Vibrecon® Pellet
Screen for the removal of fines, angel hair
and oversized pellets at a controlled rate, to
improve masterbatch quality. Product is
fed onto the perforated top decks, which
are available in a variety of diameters
ranging from 600mm (24 inches) through
to 1800mm (72 inches). Circular motion
of the deck(s) is generated through
motor(s) housed at the base of the unit.
The motion enables oversized pellets and

Plastics Additives & Compounding September/October 2004

29
 Compounding equipment
expelled from the incoming breaker plate
as it enters the melt flow. The 'contiflow' is
ideally suited for all extrusion processes
that cannot accept air emission in the
extruded product during a screen change.
IPL manufactures seven different types of
screen changers, ranging from 30mm
diameter for outputs of 50 kg/h to 500mm
diameter for outputs up to 50 tons/hour.
On show on the stand of INOEX (Hall
10, D74) is the igs CF, a gravimetric
weighing machine for the processing of
poorly flowing fillers in high weight
proportions. The main feature of this
weighing machine is a pulsating inner part
that prevents material blockages. The
machine is able to process fillers such as
chalk, wood chips and recycled material,
with throughputs of 1-1500 kg/h. It can
be applied in the pipe, film and profile
industry, as well as compounding.
Jogindra Engineering Works Pvt. Ltd.,
(Hall 9, B77 ) is a leading Indian supplier
of mixing equipment for the
compounding of dry blends of rigid and
plasticized PVC, ABS, PE, and PP. The
company's product line up includes
heating/cooling mixers (vertical and
horizontal), high speed mixers, cooling
mixers (vertical and horizontal), ribbon
blenders, batch conveying systems
(semi/fully automatic), masterbatch
mixers, container mixers and plastisol
The BSP150 feeder from
K-Tron.
Plastics Additives & Compounding September/October 2004
mixers. The company says that its
heating/cooling mixers have capacities of
5-500 kg per batch. Four to seven batches
can be achieved per hour depending on the
formulation.
New developments include a container
mixer with a 500-litre capacity, with two
mixing blades (upper and lower) that
rotate co-axially at different speeds. The
company says that these mixers are suitable
for masterbatch and pigment
manufacturers.
The K-Tron Feeder Group (Hall 10, A74)
will introduce the BSP 150, the newest
model of the Bulk Solids Pump™
(BSP™) Feeder Family, to the European
market at the K Show. The BSP 150 is the
third model in the series with the BSP 100
and BSP 125. The company says that this
new concept for feeding bulk material uses
positive displacement action to feed free
flowing materials with great accuracy,
offering uniform discharge, consistent
volume and gentle handling.
The company is also introducing the K4G,
which is designed as a complete package
for plastics compounding and other
extrusion applications with one to eight
feeder modules. Key new features offered
with the K4G system are the incorporation
of the new K-Tron Bulk Solids Pump
(BSP) feeder and the option of selecting
from six different feeder models to be
incorporated into the blender system. This
vastly extends the range of materials and
feed rates to be handled by one blending
system. Other features include a blender
stand design that allows the rearrangement
of any of these six types of feeders at any
feeder station, utilization of K-Tron's next
generation of weighing technology-- the
SFT III, a compact blender frame with
integrated support for vacuum refill
systems and utilization of K-Tron newest
feeder controllers, the Smart HiPo
controller (KSHM) and the Smart Stepper
Controller (KSSM) for BSP feeders.
K-Tron will also introduce a new
microfeeder concept, Model MT12,
which will feed accurately at rates as low as
20 grams/hour. The compact feeder is
designed for ease of disassembly, allowing
fast and easy cleaning. The feeder design
also allows the feeder bowl to discharge
almost completely when emptying, leaving
30
minimal amounts of residual material.
Labtech Engineering (Hall 7.2, D27) of
Thailand has recently signed a world
manufacturing and marketing agreement
with Hoshipla of Japan to produce its
patented Sidecut strand pelletizer. Labtech
says that this pelletizer uses an ingenious
fan-shaped cutting wheel that cuts the
strands sideways with a scissors action. The
machine can be used to pelletize any type
of thermoplastic resin, even materials that
cannot be pelletized using conventional
machines, such as soft PVC and
thermoplastic elastomers.
Because of the gentle shear cut action
obtained with this Sidecut pelletizer, even
highly filled and brittle strands can be
pelletized without causing dust and
shattering of the pellets.
The company adds that conventional
plastics, as well as the tough reinforced
engineering types, are equally easy to
pelletize. Another feature of the Sidecut
pelletizer is that it can be used to produce
extremely small, perfectly cut micropellets
with diameters as low as 0.3 mm.
According to the company, the Sidecut
pelletizer offers compounders great
flexibility, with one pelletizer able to
handle practically all types of compounds.
The company adds that a traditional
pelletizer with a rotary cutting knife
cannot handle soft or brittle compounds
so the only alternative until now has been
to switch to die face cutting or similar
processes where the strands are cut hot on
the extruder die face and then cooled via a
water system followed by drying of the
pellets.
The Sidecut pelletizer has been marketed
and sold in Japan for several years under
the name of Fan Cutter and has never
before been introduced to markets outside
Japan.
Among a number of products from its full
range, Leistritz Extrusiontechnik GmbH
(Hall 16, F22) is showing the smallest
twin screw extruder in its range,
demonstrating various applications. The
company's control technology used with
extrusion lines will also be highlighted -
introducing the idea of the Leistritz
Macromatex World.
Liad Weighing & Control Systems (Hall
7, B05) has recently launched the
 Compounding equipment

ColorSave Production Monitoring System (CPMS), which is an

advanced Web-based software system that monitors and controls
production. The company adds that this enables full management
of masterbatch/additive consumption - maximizing production
process efficiency.
CPMS integrates with the company's ColorSave 1000 gravimetric
masterbatch/additive feeders to provide a complete precision-
dosing and production-monitoring solution for injection-
moulding and extrusion machines. CPMS generates online real-
time and historical reports based on user-defined parameters and
acquired data.
The company says that the ColorSave 1000 series of gravimetric
feeders ensures precise masterbatch/additive dosing at the
injection-moulding machine throat - increasing accuracy,
homogeneity, and efficiency while significantly reducing costs and
wastage. The ColorSave 1000XT series of gravimetric feeders is
dedicated for extruders.
German company List (Hall 9, C24) is exhibiting the List kneader
for compounding, blending and grafting applications. The
company says that the large cross sectional areas of List kneader
reactors make it possible to incorporate light fillers such as Aerosil
or nanoparticles in a polymer. According to the company, this
distributive mixing in the radial direction ensures incorporation
times that are four times faster than conventional Z-mixers. In
addition, List technology can be processed in a continuous mode
while the Z-mixer stays in batch mode. Low shear rates ensure that
the particle structure of the filler will not be damaged during the
mixing process.
Used in the grafting process, the kneaders can provide more
residence time to accomplish the reaction under optimal surface
renewal conditions and low shear rates compared to extruders. This
technology will satisfy kinetics requiring residence times from five
minutes up to hours and for (co-)polymers in a concentrated phase
which are process limited due to shear sensitivity.
Lloyd Instruments (Hall 11, D03) is exhibiting its LFPlus test
machines to analyze the physical and mechanical properties of
polymers at different stages of manufacture using the same
machine. The company says that a simple changeover of grip or
fixture enables a wide range of raw materials and finished products
to be tested on the same Lloyd Instruments' test machine. This
increases cost-efficiency without compromising on quality for any
industry, whether in a quality control, research or training
environment. Testing for compliance with international standards
is essential in plastics manufacturing to ensure products meet
customer and market demands.
For example, on show at K, the LFPlus is the latest 1kN (225lbf )
single column machine with a modular design for an extended
choice of features. This machine is extremely easy to operate, with
a simple plug and play operation. Test speeds range from 0.05 to
1270mm/min (accuracy greater than 1% at full load) and unlike
other machines on the market, this machine features a deep
170 mm (6.9 in) throat and generous working area to
accommodate larger than average sized samples.
Among the new products on show from Maguire Products Inc.
(Hall 10, A26) include the Microblender® gravimetric blender,

Plastics Additives & Compounding September/October 2004

31
 Compounding equipment
which is the smallest of the company's
weigh scale blenders. Maguire says that it is
introducing an improved version with
advanced dosing mechanism, mixed
chamber enhancements, improved
durability and easier clean-out. In
addition, the LPD™ vacuum resin dryer
has an increase in capacity. There will also
be a new LPD model for drying wood
flour for use in wood-plastic composites.
Maguire is also introducing the
LineMaster™ extrusion yield control. The
company says that this blender-based
software is the first low-cost system for
true yield control - simultaneous
adjustment of both extruder and haul-off
speeds to target yield as measured by the
weight of a specific length of extruded
product. The company says that the
response time has been reduced.
Malvern Instruments (Hall 10, H65) will
exhibit Malvern Rosand capillary
The Wood Flour Dryer from Novatec.
Plastics Additives & Compounding September/October 2004
rheometers and the Gemini advanced,
modular and compact rheometer system
with 'fluids to solids' capability, as well as
the Mastersizer 2000 laboratory-based
particle size analyzer and the Parsum in-
line particle probe.
A new melt tension or 'haul off'
measurement apparatus for use with
Malvern's latest generation Rosand RH7D
and RH10D capillary rheometers will be
shown. The RH7-D and RH10-D are
highly robust, floor-standing systems
designed to operate under high loading
conditions. The melt tension apparatus
incorporates an automated spooling device
for neat collection and storage of the
extrudate and can be operated directly
from the Rosand Flowmaster™ software.
It has an exceptionally wide operating
range: melt take-up speeds can be set at up
to 2000 metres per minute with a dynamic
range in speed of 100,000:1. Melt tension
32
is measurable down to 0.005 grams.
Malvern Instruments says that its
Mastersizer 2000 is a fully automated
particle size analyzer that uses the
technique of laser diffraction to make
measurements over the size range 0.02 to
2000 microns. It can handle amounts of
sample ranging from only a few milligrams
up to bulk minerals and chemicals. The
instrument is driven by standard operating
procedures (SOPs), making it easy for
anyone to use and its software provides
control and management of all
measurement and data management tasks,
guiding the user at every stage with online
help and advice. Measurement protocols
can be developed quickly and easily and
shared between systems and between sites.
A choice of sample dispersion units means
that the system can be used equally well for
the measurement of both wet and dry
dispersions and it is a simple process to
change between the two types.
MANN+HUMMEL ProTec (Hall 9,
D60) offers a wide range of products for
materials handling in the plastics industry,
in particular for drying, crystallization,
dosing and conveying.
The latest developments of CAMPUS will
be presented by M-Base (Hall 7.1, D23).
The most important new development is
the availability of the complete CAMPUS
data set for easy downloading via the
Internet and the direct interactive access to
the data via CAMPUS WebView.
MCBase is the official CAMPUS® merge
program. It is used in the plastics industry
to merge the data of different CAMPUS
suppliers and realize direct comparison and
material searches over all producers.
Compared to CAMPUS, MCBase offers
several additional features. These include
facilities for searching for substitute
materials, calculating simulation
parameters (for example, viscosity and
creep), editing individual data and data
interfacing to CAE systems.
At K 2004 version 5.0 of MCBase will be
introduced. It is data compatible with the
new version CAMPUS 5.0. In addition, a
new module will be presented, which
allows the fitting of pvT data, according to
the relevant material models.
Following the purchase of Motan,
Zeppelin Silo- und Apparatetechnik

GmbH (Hall 9, C22) is exhibiting a new
blow-through type rotary valve, adding to
the company's portfolio of rotary valves,
pneumatic & gravity diverter valves, air
management packages, hopper loaders and
associated components. The new blow-
through valve incorporates some of the
sealing technologies of Motan's MPC
(Motan Pneumatic Conveying) range of
valves. By doing so the valve can achieve
tighter radial clearances and therefore offers
reduced leakage rates suitable for
applications of up to 3 Bar (g).
According to the company, included under
the special solutions banner will be the
development of an Angel Hair Separator
designed to be installed as a simple but
effective in-line device for installation
upstream of an elutriator. By removing
'angel hair' and 'bird-nests' the system
protects the elutriator from blockage and
improves its efficiency in removing dust
particles.
Downstream Motan have also developed a
new Elutriator Inlet that improves the
distribution of product within the
elutriator again, improving dust separation
efficiency.
Motan's Cross Cone Blender (CCB) will
also be on display. The CCB uses steel
sheets welded into the cone of the silo to
create 13 zones with different velocity
profiles to give effective blending at low
cost. The design is easy to apply to new or
retrofit applications primarily in the
plastics industry.
Three sets of equipment will be exhibited
by Mould-Tek Industries Inc. (Hall 10,
E76). The 'Herbie' Mini Blender, the HRB
Series pneumatic hopper loader control
and the GXB Series 20 Gravimetric weigh
scale blender.
According to the company, the 'Herbie'
mini blender provides blending capacities
of up to 70 kilograms (155 pounds) per
hour with good accuracy and consistency,
batch after batch. It offers the processor a
cost-effective way to blend virgin, regrind,
colour and additive materials at the
machine throat. The HRB/PAL-4
pneumatic hopper loader control provides
conveying capacities of up to 112
kilograms (250 pounds) per hour,
consistently and efficiently. It lets the
processor maintain a constant inventory of
Compounding equipment
material for each compartment in a cost-
effective manner. The GXB Series 20
Gravimetric weigh scale blender uses
exclusive pinch valve feeders for accuracy
and reliability in blending virgin, regrind,
colour and additive materials at the
machine throat. Combined with the Multi-
Task Touch Screen microprocessor-based
controller, the blender provides advanced
productivity that saves time, energy and
money.
Movacolor (Hall 11, D42) has developed a
dosing device that can ensure a regular and
repeatable output and also create a wide
range of application capabilities. The
Movacolor dosing-cylinder® is a cylinder
that ensures that colorant lines up before it
enters the main stream of material.
Especially when low outputs are required,
the dosing cylinder can substantially save
on colorants.
Movacolor adds that a screw-type dosing
device gives an irregular output through
pulsations created by the screw itself, which
means that the colorant to be dosed will be
irregular in the main material. A twin screw
feeder has a better performance, however,
but cannot handle regrind (due to
clamping) and the price is much higher
than compared to single screw feeders.
With a dosing cylinder, Movacolor says
accurate dosing is ensured. The Movacolor
dosing cylinder works in combination with
a stepper motor that ensures the exact
speed of the cylinder and thus the colorant.
NDC Infrared Engineering (Hall 10,
A01) has a range of measurement and
control solutions on display. These include
the FG710 infrared gauge for film
thickness measurement, the model 312 X-
Ray transmission and the Minitrak™
scanner for large and small webs.
According to Netzsch Feinmahltechnik
GmbH (Hall 9, A60), the advantages of its
planetary mixing and kneading machines
type PML and PMH include the
processing of viscous and pasty products.
Also fine pulverized and very light
components can be dispersed in liquids
quickly.
The company supplies mixers with
volumes of 0.7 l for laboratory machines up
to 1600 l for production machines. All
machines have one thing in common - they
are suitable for vacuum operation and are
Plastics Additives & Compounding September/October 2004
33
equipped with a batch tank.
The company has also developed an Inline
Disperser Y-MIXTM to wet finely
dispersed powders in a large liquid surface.
The Inline Disperser allows fine
homogeneous dispersions to be produced.
The extremely effective and high-quality
pre-dispersion of the solid improves the
wetting of the particles. A particular feature
is the dust and emission-free dispersion
that takes place in an enclosed process
chamber. The company adds that
compared to conventional rotor-stator-
systems, this machine needs significantly
less energy for dispersing and has low
interference with foreign bodies in the
pigment suspension. Both temperature
sensitive products and materials with a
wide viscosity range can be processed.
Noris Plastic GmbH has two new twin
screw compounding extruders - the smaller
ZSC 20 and the larger ZSC 25. The 20mm
and 25mm screw diameter extruders are
co-rotating with intermeshing screw
profiles. The company says that they both
well designed, offering good modular
technology and functionality. Noris adds
that the new machines offer high
performance and value for money.
The ZSC 20 is suitable for small to mid-
size runs of up to 40 kg/h, while the ZSC
25 is ideally suited to a performance level of
up to 100 kg/h, for laboratory use or
smaller production runs.
Applications include the modification of
plastics through reinforcing, filling,
alloying, degassing and filtering, for
example, as well as the development and
small scale production of additive, colour
and flame retardant batches. The machines
are also suitable for the development of
wood-plastic compounds, colour
compounds and direct extrusion.
Norres Schlauchtechnik (Hall 7.1, A34) is
one of the leading producers of technical
hoses for highly abrasive environments for
conveying mineral compounds and other
bulk materials. The hoses are made of
polyurethane, PVC, PE, TPE, metal,
silicon, Neopren, Hypalon and PTFE.
Other hoses are suitable for electrostatic
discharge applications.
Among the laboratory machines on show
from Brabender OHG (Hall 10, A22) is
the stand-alone extruder E 19/25 D. The
 Compounding equipment
The Sidecut strand pelletizer is being introduced to markets outside Japan by
Labtech Engineering.
company says that this extruder has been
developed for quantities of up to 3 kg/h for
laboratories and small production runs.
A large number of screws, die heads and
downstream equipment is available for this
extruder, allowing its use for all kinds of
polymers and other materials. According
to the company, this small processing
machine is suitable for developing new
products and recipes, as well as incoming
or final inspection and quality control
during production.
Complete processing lines can be put
together by combining the stand-alone
extruder E 19/25 D with the appropriate
downstream equipment, such as a
pelletizer.
US company Novatec Inc. (Hall 10, B65)
has a new Wood-Flour Dryer and show
high-volume dryers for wood-plastic
pellets on show at K 2004. The Nova
Drier™ - a compressed air/membrane
dryer - will also be on display. The
company will also exhibit a stainless steel
version for medical moulders. A new
model, which can be run with or without a
membrane will be operating.
Conveying products will include a
Vacuum Loader for use with powders,
Vacuum Chambers, an Easy-Clean J.I.T.
Loader, Conveying Controls and a
Portable Drying/Conveying System.
Nucon Wittmann (Hall 10, A04) is
exhibiting its materials handling
equipment. The company says that it has
Plastics Additives & Compounding September/October 2004
developed an integrated central system
that will be controlled by the M7-control.
This control will operate and control all
the components connected to the central
system on the booth, including the battery
dryer Drymax, various sizes of the
intelligent drying hopper Silmax, a
coupling station with electrically coded
manifolds, as well as various Feedmax
vacuum loaders.
An innovative introduction will be the
network link and complete integration of
the central drying system into the M7-
control and the networking of the Silmax
drying hoppers via Can-Bus to the
Drymax dryer. The material handling
system therefore offers the additional
features of central material management
for all connected components, a uniform
and centralized visualization of all
operating modes and conditions, as well as
the display of alarm conditions on the
different levels of the system.
For the first time, the compact dryer
Drymax C30 with 30 cubic metres per
hour of dry air capacity will be displayed
with two separate and independent drying
hoppers. The air distribution will be
handled via SmartFlow technology based
on the actual material throughput of the
respective drying hopper.
A further show introduction will be the
compact dryer Drymax C60, succeeding
the Drymax 60 dryer. The company says
that the new unit has an optimized and,
34
via the SmartRegen function, highly
efficient drying process. Various
equipment options allow single hopper
operation with or without integrated
material conveying, as well as the dual
hopper operation with the SmartFlow
function.
One of the new machines on show from
Pallmann Maschinenfabrik (Hall 9, A22)
will be the Polygrinder®-Systems,
machines for pulverizing of plastic
granules. The new Polygrinder-System,
type PM 300 was specifically designed for
the pulverizing of thermoplastics used in
applications such as compounding or
masterbatch production. The company
says that the compact system can be easily
integrated into existing production lines.
The company has also introduced
processes and systems for the production
of Wood-Plastic-Composite granules. The
Palltrusion™ process is based on the
gentle preparation and drying of the feed
materials by means of frictional heat. Feed
materials - wood, plastics and additives -
are continuously fed into the Palltruder®
via a gravimetrical dosing system. The type
of plastic and wood flour, as well as the
moisture content (maximum 8%) and the
corresponding mixing ratio are decisive for
the throughput rate to be achieved. The
material mixture is equally plastified with
frictional heat and pressure. Resulting
steam is vacuumed off. The palltruded
material is pneumatically transported into
a granulator that produces a homogeneous
and uniform granule. Pallwood® can be
instantly processed further or, depending
on the requirement, be conveyed to an
intermediate bin in front of the
production machine. The Palltruder® can
be easily adjusted to any customer
requirement in no time at all, says the
company.
The OPT-5000 oxygen permeability tester
from Danish company PBI-Dansensor
A/S (Hall11, C47) is specially designed to
provide an easy and a reliable test of the
oxygen transmission rate (OTR) through
films and foils. All operations are
performed directly on the tester's touch
screen display. At the completion of
testing, the oxygen transmission rate is
provided directly in ml/m2/24 hr.
With automated temperature control and

single- or dual-side relative humidity
control, the OPT-5000 offers the
capability of measurement within a wide
range of testing conditions. The tester's
durable, ceramic solid-state oxygen sensor
offers high sensitivity at low oxygen
concentrations and long life.
Preparation and changing of samples is
simple and fast using the sample holder
cards provided. No grease is required for
tight sealing of the sample in the chamber.
Pelletizer Knives Inc. (Hall 13, C47-7)
manufactures underwater pelletizer knives
for OEM equipment, such as Kobe, JSW,
Coperion Werner & Pfleiderer, Berstorff,
Black Clawson and Gala.
Bulk material handling company Pelletron
(Hall 13, C47-11) will be exhibiting its
new Flow-Enhancer, which increases the
capacity and efficiency of pneumatic
transfer systems without changing
conveying line size. Pelletron says that its
unique design features ensure easy retrofit
into existing systems.
Key system benefits include: decreased
particle attrition due to reduced conveying
velocities; decreased noise levels when
conveying plastic pellets; increased
pressure level for optimum efficiency
without stepping the pipe; and optimized
velocity profile throughout the entire
conveying system.
The company has also introduced the P1
Mini-DeDuster, a contaminant removal
system for plastics product manufacturers
and resin suppliers. The P1 Mini-
DeDuster is claimed to separate efficiently
plastic pellets from dust contaminants that
contribute to rejected parts, increased
scrap rates and costly production delays.
The company adds that it is the most
compact DeDuster in the Pelletron line. It
has the capacity to 'dedust' up to 100 kg of
raw material per hour and can separate
particles as small as 1 micron. The system
is ideal for mid-sized to small
manufacturers that want to be more
competitive in the processing industries.
Large manufacturers that specialize in low-
volume processes also benefit from the
technology by producing cleaner products
with less scrap.
UK-based manufacturer Plasmac (Hall
11, H74) has developed the Alpha
recycling extruder, which the company
Compounding equipment
says has high efficiency SST screw
technology and the latest in smart touch
screen plc control systems. The new plc
control system is fitted on all sizes of
machines across the entire Alpha Range,
which allows network integration.
Plasmac says that the SST screw
technology enables the Alpha to increase
its production efficiency significantly, with
some models demonstrating a jump in
kg/hr rate of output per kW of input
power by 100%. At the same time, the
screw length, which was already renowned
for being one of the shortest available on
the market, has been slashed by up to 12%
on some models. This further reduces the
heat history of the material and
consolidates the existing quality of the
recycled granule.
The other alternative range of machines
available from Plasmac is the Integra
recycling extruder, which the company
says is ideal for automatic and efficient
reprocessing of loose scrap, as well as off-
spec reels.
Pomini (Hall 16, B06) is part of the
Techint Group. Pomini is the Rubber &
Plastics Machinery Business Unit of
Techint SpA. The machines built by
Pomini for the polymer processing field
are: discontinuous and continuous mixers
(tangential and intermeshing), single/twin
screw extruders and different types of
pelletizing heads. Techint Pomini's
technology for discontinuous mixing of
plastics is represented by the Tangential
internal Mixer (PX) and the Intermeshing
internal Mixer (VIC). Techint Pomini's
technology for continuous mixing of
plastics is represented by the Long
Continuous Mixer (LCM), the LCM with
Axial Discharge (LCM-AX) and the new
Techint Continuous Compounder
(TCC).
By completing the X-Series and
Guardian® product family Process
Control (Hall 11, G26) says that it is now
able to offer solutions for nearly all
problems in the extrusion industry.
The PF-Series powder feeder Process
Control presented for the first time in
2003 is now available for throughput
ranges between 80 grams per hour and
3,000 kilograms per hour. In addition to
the stand-alone version Process Control
Plastics Additives & Compounding September/October 2004
35
says that the powder feeder may be
integrated into the X-Series Continuous
Gravimetric Blenders and Guardian
Gravimetric Batch Blenders. This allows
accurate mixing of pellets and difficult
powders in homogenous blends. The
company adds that it has also introduced a
gravimetric liquid feeder for its
Continuous Gravimetric Blenders.
UK-based Process Developments Ltd
(Hall 9, C26) is showing its AutoScreen
range of continuous screen changers,
which are now also available for high
friction materials such as polystyrene. New
controls for the AutoScreen are claimed to
offer a choice of screen replacement at a set
constant rate, or at a rate that
automatically adjusts to the current level of
contamination. The company says that
95% of the AutoScreen filter ribbon is
used.
Q-Panel Lab Products (Hall 10, H27) is
introducing the Q-Sun Xe-1 range of
Xenon Accelerated Lightfastness and
Weathering Test Chambers. The company
adds that the integral chiller option allows
thermally sensitive plastic materials (such
as films, mouldings and packaging
materials), to still be tested in an
accelerated way with higher levels of
irradiance, but at ambient temperature.
The chiller option (Q-Sun Xe-1C) is
available in two options. One has
controlled light and temperature control
features. The top model has an additional
water spray feature for enhanced realism
when testing for aqueous environment
applications.
The display will also feature the large free-
standing Q-Sun Xe-3 range. The Xe-3
range is gaining rapid acceptance in a
variety of plastics related applications from
roofing products to automotive grade
plastics.
A new range of filters is available to allow
greater choice in spectrum modification.
This is required for materials where extra
speed is needed to accelerate a test or for
fast screening of a new material.
Resotec (Hall 11, E22) is introducing new
modular extruder automation solutions.
The Extrusion Pack systems have been
extended and have a new structure. The
most important features of the new series
include that all operating and visualization
 Compounding equipment
units are built up on a PC platform, and
new touch screen operating units increase
the ease of operation.
UK company Rondol Technology Ltd.
(Hall 12, C51-10) has developed a
compounding and extruding line offering
the performance capabilities of a twin-screw
compounder feeding directly into a
crosshead single-screw extruder, but also
allowing both pieces of equipment to be
used as stand-alone items.
Configuration 1 includes the twin-screw
compounding extruder. The company says
that this is a high-torque machine with co-
rotating, intermeshing, self-wiping screws,
which are fully configurable to suit a wide
variety of applications. The machine, which
is available in versions ranging from 25:1 up
to 40:1 L/D ratio, has optimized
screw/barrel free space ensuring that the
equipment is not torque-sensitive, and in
addition to being able to process quantities
of less than 200 g, can reach outputs of up to
10 kg/hr even with the 25:1 version.
The compounder can be fitted with a strand
die and used in conjunction with a cooling
bath and pelletizer to produce pellets for use
in other processing applications such as
injection moulding.
Secondly, the company says that its single-
screw extruder can be used to extrude a wide
range of materials. Various screw profiles
and materials of construction are available
The TSM 50 Gravimetric batch blender
from TSM Control Systems.
Plastics Additives & Compounding September/October 2004
for use with thermoplastics, synthetic and
natural rubbers, and fluoropolymers. The
barrel is split horizontally allowing for ease
of clean down. The extruder can be fitted
with tube dies, profile dies or slot dies, or
used with a 3-roll cooling/polishing stack or
a blown film stack.
In addition Rondol adds that the two pieces
of equipment can be used in the crosshead
format with the twin-screw compounder
feeding directly into the single-screw
extruder. This is particularly useful where
reaction polymer extrusion systems are
being developed, or where extruded
materials with limited heat-processing
tolerances are used.
A single touch-screen control panel
recognizes which of the three machine
configurations is being used and
automatically activates the relevant input
screens.
Rotex Europe (Hall 12, E51-1) is exhibiting
the Rotex Plastic Pellet Screener, which is
said to overcome the problem of upstanding
pellets (longs) passing through the screener -
a problem with many vibratory screeners. It
does not have a vertical component;
therefore pellets remain flat on the screen
deck instead of passing straight though.
Utilizing a unique long stroke, gyratory
motion and exclusive 'Dual Velocity' drive,
the company says the Plastic Pellet screener
spreads the pellets evenly across the full
width of the screen area and stratifies the
material for exceptionally efficient fines
removal.
The range also includes the Rotex Screener.
According to the company, the linear-
gyratory motion of the screener guarantees
high capacity performance and accurate and
efficient screening of the product. This
range of equipment is available in one to five
decks with screen areas from 0.5-10 m2.
With its gyratory motion, Rotex claims the
Screener provides high efficiency even when
screening large volumes of product. Its 'ball
and bevel' system provides effective mesh
cleaning, which prevents mesh blinding and
the machine may be housed in an isolation
cradle for ease of installation and reduction
of transmitted vibration.
Spirex (Hall 11, A58) will show its full-
range of product lines for plasticating
screws, cylinders and front-end
components. The screw program contains a
36
variety of different patented designed mixers
like: Pulsar-mixer, Pulsar II- mixer, Z-mixer,
V-mixer and the Meltpro-Barrier screw.
For cylinders they will highlight their high
wear-resistant type Titan-2000 with the
company's special bi-metallic layer with
spherical carbides that has the highest
possible content of tungsten-carbide
available on today's market.
The company is also introducing a new
Power-Purge System™ for cleaning screws,
cylinders and valves without disassembling
the injection unit. It is accomplished by
means of a newly patented designed valve in
combination with a cleaning compound.
The Melt Blender SMB from Stamixco
(Hall 9, B14) is used on extruders where it
mixes and homogenizes the polymer melt at
the die. This results in higher quality
product (film, foils, sheets, profiles, pipes,
filaments, foamed products) at lower cost
while increasing the flexibility and process
stability of the extrusion line. The Melt
Blender is compact, has no moving parts
and thus requires no maintenance.
In the extrusion process, the Melt Blender
eliminates differences in temperature and
composition gradients. This results in
reduced colorant and additive usage, a streak
free product, improved quality when using
regrind material, wall thickness and gauge
control uniformity, foam size distribution
uniformity, and improved surface quality
and mechanical properties.
Sysmetric (Hall 11, A21) plans and
develops raw material dosing systems,
conveyors, control and data gathering
equipment for plastics. The company says
that it handles complete projects from
planning to production, installation, PLC
and writing of software for control and data
gathering from production.
TA Instruments (Hall 10, A07) is
exhibiting the DSC Q1000, DMA Q800
and AR2000 rheometers, which are claimed
to be powerful analytical tools for the
characterization of polymeric materials used
in plastics compounding.
The Q1000 with Advanced Tzero ™
Technology and Modulated® DSC
(MDSC®) is for high sensitivity
measurements of heat flow and heat capacity
related events. MDSC permits detection of
weak glass transitions (Tg), the ability to
separate overlapping thermodynamic (Tg)

and kinetic events (enthalpic relaxation) that
are valuable in understanding the transitions
seen in compounded plastics.
The company says that the DMA Q800 is
a solids rheometer that allows
characterization of a wide variety of solid
polymers by measurement of their
modulus and damping parameters over a
wide temperature range. Its advanced, non-
contact, linear drive motor provides precise
stress control. Output strain is measured
via optical encoder technology that
generates precise modulus and damping
measurements. A wide variety of clamping
systems extends the utility of the design.
The Q800 is especially useful for detecting
differences in high stiffness materials
commonly found in compounded plastics.
The AR2000 provides versatile high-quality
measurement of a wide variety of materials
including fluids of any viscosity, solids and
polymer melts. Its innovative drive system
provides unprecedented controlled stress
and direct strain performance. Smart
Swap™ temperature control systems and
multiple measurement geometries
complement the performance. The
AR2000 is ideal for viscoelastic
measurements (G', G", tan d) of polymeric
components used in research and
processing associated with plastics products.
Testometric (Hall 12, E51-2) is showing
new advanced models of its AX and CX
Strength Testing Machines. The company
says that they can be supplied with internal
or external software that has international
and customer standard test methods pre-
installed. Models are available from 1N to
300kN.
Machines are supplied with internal or
external software that covers all
international testing standards and has
user specific test methods pre-
programmed. Test data can easily be
transferred to other software packages for
report generation and statistical analysis.
Models are available with capacities from
1N to 300kN with a comprehensive range
of grips, extensometers, environmental
chambers, furnaces and specimen
preparation equipment.
Thermo Electron Corporation (Hall 10,
A60) is a leader in analytical instruments.
The company offers a comprehensive
range of material characterization products
Compounding equipment
that analyze and process materials for
rheological and thermal properties. These
instruments analyze and measure viscosity,
elasticity, processability and temperature-
related mechanical changes of plastics.
Tinius Olsen (Hall 11, C43), now
incorporating Hounsfield Test
Equipment, is displaying the H25KT and
H5KS Materials Testing Machines, a 500L
Laser Extensometer and 100S Contacting
Extensometer, a model 503 Charpy and
Izod Impact Tester, Specimen Notchers for
impact samples, the MP600 Melt Flow
Indexer and a model 603 Deflection
Temperature and Vicat Tester.
TSM Control Systems (Hall 10, J54) will be
launching its new TSM50 Gravimetric batch
blender at K 2004. The company says that
the blender is ideal for on-line/off-line
blending applications in both extrusion and
moulding. This new blender has a
throughput capability of up to 50 kg/h using
batch (shot) size of 0.5 kg, and utilizes TSM's
patented Micradose™ valves combined with
patented reverse-flight auger mixing
technology. This enables very accurate blend
ratios, (even at low throughputs and under
vibration conditions) of better than 0.1%
being achieved.
According to TSM, the pneumatic 'Self-
Clean' feature has been developed to
provide the TSM50 blender with
automatic mixing chamber clean-down
between jobs.
Other features include easily removable
hoppers, compact design (height 600
mm), no double dosing of additives with
regrind material, serial output and web
server, Inventory Reporting facilities and
self-optimizing software.
The TSM50 represents the smallest blender
in its TSM range, which encompasses
systems that can handle up to 3000kg/h.
Woywod GmbH & Co. KG, (Hall 10,
A76) is exhibiting its range of Plasticolor
dosing units and mixing stations. The
company has now introduced a special
dosing unit for powders and other difficult
materials. This unit will be shown
integrated in a 4-fold volumetric mixing
station. Woywod is also presenting a new
control for Plasticolor volumetric dosing
units and mixing stations (PPM-V-control.
This new generation of controls offers
many practical functions such as integrated
Plastics Additives & Compounding September/October 2004
37
output data storage for many standard
materials and a semi-automatic calibration
with quantity test function. A complete
hopper loader control is integrated too.
The PPM-V-control is also suitable for the
connection by a FieldBus-System to
complete all functions; the control could
also be connected via Interface to a PC or
other control systems. The PPM-V-control
can work with volumetric and gravimetric
dosing units or in a single mixing station.
The company is also introducing the
Colorette volumetric mixing station, which
is designed for 2-4 components and has a
capacity of up to 500 kg/h. The company
says that the Colorette offers easy and clear
handling and a faster return on investment.
X-Rite (Hall 10, G27) provides hardware,
software and support solutions that ensure
colour accuracy and data communication.
The Teleflash 130 system measures the
colour of plastic pellets during the
production process. The company says
that the construction of the instrument
allows reproducible and repeatable
measurements even under poor
production conditions, such as the
influence of pressure, dirt and humidity.
The system is modular, which supports the
user with his quality improvement
program and with price reduction.
The company says that by using the
Teleflash 130 system means that the
number of measurements in the laboratory
can be reduced, reducing the preparation
required. Colour corrections can be
defined quickly and the production of
waste material reduced. Continuous
control of colour allows rapid reaction
times. The colour can be clearly defined
and when the target colour is achieved, real
production can start.
The Teleflash Compact system can
produce reliable colour measurements of
pellets and other materials that can be
done in the laboratory.
UK-based Xtrutech (Hall 12, C51-9) offers
a one-stop service centre for twin screw
extruders, providing service engineers and
spare parts including screw elements, shafts,
barrels, machine upgrades, screw cleaning
and re-configuration and process
optimization. The company says that it offers
this service for all makes of co-rotating twin-
screw extruders.