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THE MONTHLY MAGAZINE FOR

BRITAINS POLYMER PROCESSORS


Materials handling
equipment
Films for food
packaging
K2013: Review
from the show floor
bp&r
and Rubber
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comment
set by the initiative.
Delegates also heard case studies
from Epwin, Altro Floors, Fife Council
and Soundforms that covered case
studies involving successful recycling,
implementation and replacement of
PVC over other materials as a way of
increasing and
enhancing efficiency,
as well as those
showing the versatility
and design potential of
PVC through its use in
innovative projects,
including its use in high
profile sporting events,
such as the London
Olympics.
In order to support
the development and
progress of the PVC
industry, I am thrilled
that BP&R will be the
sole media partner for PVC 2014, the
tri-annual conference organised by the
IOM3 that will be held in Brighton next
April. You can read more about the
partnership and the event on page 13.
Enjoy the issue.
Leanne Taylor Editor
This year marks 100 years since the
first patent for PVC was granted to
German inventor, Friedrich Klatte, in
1913. Since its discovery, the material
has doggedly survived threats of
abandonment through the recession of
the 1920s and endured environmental
controversy. However,
fast-forward to 2013
and PVC is one of the
most popular man-
made materials thanks
to its durability,
versatility and
efficiency in terms of
cost and energy saving.
Testament to this,
the recently held BPF
annual PVC conference
in Manchester
highlighted the
progress that PVC has
made, and continues to
make, in terms of sustainability and
environmental credibility. Delegates
from the industry heard an update
from Brigitee Dero of the European
Council of Vinyl Manufacturers (ECVM)
on the progress of VinylPlus, in which
she said she is convinced that we as
an industry are on the right path to
achieve the sustainability directives
Associated organisations
www.britishplastics.co.uk
bp&r
BRITISH
PLASTICS
&RUBBER
EDITORIAL
Editor: Leanne Taylor
T: +44(0)1244 680222 E: leanne@rapidnews.com
SALES
Group Advertising Manager: Lisa Montgomery
T: +44(0)1244 680222 E: lisa@rapidnews.com
ART
SAM HAMLYN
T: +44(0)1244 680222 E: sam@rapidnews.com
SUBSCRIPTIONS
T: +44(0)1244 680222 E: subscriptions@rapidnews.com
PUBLISHER
Mark Blezard
T: +44(0)1244 680222 E: mark@rapidnews.com
British Plastics & Rubber is available on free subscription to readers
qualifying under the publishers terms of control. Those outside the
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Chester Business Park, CH4 9QE
T: +44(0)1244 680222 F: +44(01244 671074
2013 Rapid Plastics Media Ltd
While every attempt has been made to ensure that the information
contained within this publication is accurate the publisher accepts no
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Incorporating Polymer Age and Rubber and Plastics Age.

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happy birthday pvc
fast-forward to
2013 and PVC is
one of the most
popular man-made
materials thanks
to its durability,
versatility and
efficiency in
terms of cost and
energy saving.
alcohol, blood and lipids, as well as being ISO10993 and USP
Class VI compliant.
The brands on offer in the ALBIS portfolio are from world
class producers such as Bayer MaterialScience, Eastman,
Solvay Speciality Polymers, BASF and many more and are
usually available from stock, continued Mills. Our technical
team can draw on a vast knowledge base from a number of
plastics processing sectors to ensure that the best material is
chosen for a given application.
No bugs this winter with antimicrobial additives
ALBIS has recently announced a cooperation agreement with
UK-based additives manufacturer, Addmaster, (UK) Ltd.,
involving antimicrobial additives.
Based on this, ALBIS will offer its products, where
required, formulated with Addmasters silver-based
Biomaster technology, which is said to considerably reduce
the growth of microorganisms.
These ALBIS products involve both masterbatches (ALBIS
Additive-Batch Hygienic Material), as well as compounds
(ALCOM Hygienic Material). Both ALBIS solutions will carry the
Biomaster Protected label and are registered in accordance
with the German Ordinance on Notification of Biocidal
Products (ChemBiozidMeldeV) at the registration office for
biocides of the BAUA (Federal Institute for Occupational
Safety and Health).
The goal of the application is to equip plastics, without
having to coat them, for hygiene-critical areas of use with
antimicrobial properties for the secure prevention of the
growth of germs and bacteria.
This agreement perfectly suits our orientation to
speciality solutions, commented Marcel Wiesner, Product
Specialist, Masterbatches, at ALBIS. Hygienic solutions,
particularly those for antimicrobial protection, are
experiencing more and more attention in Europe. By
combining Biomasters brand and know-how with the
expertise in compounding technology and the Europe-wide
sales network of ALBIS PLASTIC we are now able to offer our
customers a wide range of antimicrobial polymers such as PE,
PP, ABS, PC, PA and many more.
further information:
www.albis.com
The future is clear
ALBIS has just returned from what it says was a very
successful showing at K 2013, with more visitors to its booth
than in 2010.
Many
customers, old and
new, took
advantage of the
opportunity to
discuss new
projects and meet
technical and
commercial experts
who were on hand
to showcase the
groups product
portfolio and
capabilities,
commented Ian
Mills, Managing
Director of ALBIS
UK.
A common
theme at the show
was customers
requesting high
clarity plastics for a
variety of end markets, which require a demanding range of
properties. ALBIS has one of the widest ranges of clear
polymers on the market, with a range that covers glass-like
clarity, high temperature capability or chemical resistance, as
well as other properties depending on the sector, process and
required finish, he continued.
The materials in the ALBIS range can be injection
moulded, extruded or extrusion blow moulded, allowing for a
broad range of processes across a number of industries, even
those subject to industry specific challenges or legal
restrictions, such as the highly regulated medical sector, or
applications for food packaging.
Recent additions to the portfolio are NAS (SMMA) and
Zylar (SMMA/ SBS) from Styrolution, products that give
excellent glass-like clarity, colour easily, have a resistance to
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THE BIG STORY
living in a material world
This year has been a busy
one for specialist
distributor and
compounder of technical
thermoplastics, ALBIS, with
new additions to its
product range, high-profile
collaborations and
appearances at some of the
industrys biggest trade
shows. Here, the company
shares the trends
discussed at the recently
held K exhibition as well as
why it will be germ-free as
the cold season gets
underway.
ALBIS has recently added
antimicrobial protection to some
of the products in its portfolio
The graph shows the protection
given by the antimicrobial additives
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contents
oct/nov 2013
bp&r
BRITISH
PLASTICS
&RUBBER
on the cover
Living in a material
world
This year has been a busy one for
specialist distributor and
compounder of technical
thermoplastics, ALBIS, with new
additions to its product range,
high-profile collaborations and
appearances at some of the
industrys biggest trade shows.
See page 4
3
EDITORS LETTER
Happy Birthday PVC
14-19
FEATURE
Materials Handling
How do the various types
of dosing device work?
20-23
FEATURE
k show review
Leanne Taylors review from the
show floor
24-27
FEATURE
medical
Medical polymer market
to reach $3.5bn by 2018
28-29
FEATURE
antimicrobials
Researchers develop
environmentally friendly
antibacterial polymer
30-33
FEATURE
packaging films
Identifying contaminants in
packaging materials and films
REGULARS
INDUSTRY NEWS 08
Reclamation and Recycling 34
Engineering Materials 37
injection moulding 40
FROM THE FRONTLINE 42
SOFTWARE 43
BUYERS GUIDE 44
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news
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The Great Mini revs up
support for UKs contribution
to automotive plastics
This not-so-subtly branded Mini was
spotted at K 2013 to fly the flag for the
UK in a celebration of the industrys
contribution to the automotive industry
as well as to promote the British-
German relationship.
The GREAT Mini visited the
international trade show as part of its
tour of 16 federal German states
between January and December 2013.
Companies including Axion
Polymers, Barkley Plastics and Albis all
deliver raw materials or produce plastic
parts in Great Britain, which are then
built into the Mini, contributing to
making the cars lighter and lowering
fuel consumption.
further information:
www.k-online.com
`from L-R: Keith Freegard (Axion Polymers), Werner Matthias
Dornscheidt (Messe Dsseldorf), Susan Speller (consul General),
Justyna Elliot (BPF) and Ian Mills (Albis UK)
APPE has award in the bottle
A hot-fill, pasteuriseable PET jar has been confirmed as the
winner of the HornersBottlemaker Award 2013.
APPEsThermaLite PET jars are able to hot-fill at
temperatures up to 95C (previous industry maximum was 85C)
and also be pasteurised (previously not achievable with PET,
which is a global first).
Using a revolutionary double-blow manufacturing process, as
well as specialist PET resin, APPE has produced jars that are fully
transparent, high-gloss and shatterproof.
The HornersAward Committee said it was impressed by the
products excellent environmental advantages. The jars are 85
percent lighter with a smaller footprint than glass equivalents and
require 15 percent less food-processing energy.
Competition judge, John Bunker, said: The standard of
entries was very high again this year but the APPE jars sood out
as meeting all the criteria for a winner, including convincing
success in the market place.
Highly Commended Certificates in the competition were
awarded to the The EcoForm aPET Cauldron by GR8 Engineering
Limited and RPC Containers Artemis Pack.
further information:
www.horners.org.uk
fill, pasteuriseable PET
jars seen here in the
Marks & Spencer Simply
Pickles range.
High performance counts! 7.3 million cycles per year on an ALLROUNDER
HIDRIVE: performance becomes high performance. This is what really counts in the packaging sector.
Whelher il's yoghurl lubs or closure caps. Al lhe end ol lhe day, produclion ellciency alone counls.
This is precisely whal we oller you. AP8UPC lor ellcienl injeclion moulding!
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ARBURG Ltd.
Tachbrook Park Drive
Warwick CV34 6RH
Tel.: +44 (0) 1926 457 000
Fax: +44 (0) 1926 457 020
e-mail: uk@arburg.com
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Plastics puzzle helps put piece
of history in place
We reported on the Ten Most Wanted
project a few weeks ago. It is a research
project being undertaken jointly by the
Museum of Design in Plastics (MoDiP), the
University of Brighton and Adaptive
Technologies, to build an online game to
encourage people to research objects in
MoDiPs collection and thereby contribute
to their documentation.
The game is now being piloted and
information is beginning to flow in one
player found that the Byson stair carpet
clips (pictured) were patented by an
Earnest Harrison in 1932 and another
that Byson Appliance was listed at the
1934 White City Industries Fair as
producers of Stair-Carpet-Holders (non-
metal) Made from Bysonite in Oak,
Walnut, Mahogany, Black, Green and
Orange Colours. Information is still
required as to Earnest Harrisons role. He
was more likely the MD of the firm than
the designer, so who actually designed
them? It is these sorts of questions the
project is aiming to get answers to.
Additionally, perhaps you know people
who worked at British Xylonite? It is
believed, but not known for sure, that that
is where this two-toned pink deco-styled
hairbrush (pictured) was manufactured.
MoDiP also wants to know who designed it
and when, and for how long, it was
manufactured.
Plastics are somewhat neglected in
most museum collections. Whereas it is
common practice to specify of which wood
or metal an object is made, plastic objects
are frequently documented simply as
being of plastic. And being less precious
than many museum objects, they are
often more anonymous, with both the
designer and manufacturer unknown,
commented Susan Lambert, Curator at
MoDiP.
MoDiP wants to put that right and has
one advantage over more traditional
museums: because most of its objects
were made in living memory it is likely that
someone, somewhere has the answer.
Ten Most Wanted has been designed to
gather this information, she continued.
There are eight other objects including
a Portadyne radio, a Midwinter tea set,
and a Streetly Manufacturing Company
dustette. For more information and to
contribute, visit the website.
further information:
www.10most.org.uk
MoDiP wants to know
more about this pink
deco-styled hairbrush
Byson stair
carpet clips
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A
t a press event held during K 2013, European trade
association, PlasticsEurope, presented its latest production,
demand and waste management data. The world plastics
production volume has shown increase, since at global level the
production has gone from 280 Mtonnes in 2011 to 288 Mtonnes
in 2012, signifying an increase of around 2.8 percent.
At European level however, the 2012 results do not show the
same trend. The sector is still suffering from the consequences of
the crisis; production (-3 percent) and demand (-2.5 percent)
results show a slight decrease in 2012 compared to 2011. This is
due to a decrease in the demand of the main customer industries
(packaging, building and construction, automotive, etc.). There
are, however, differences between Western and Central Europe: in
Western Europe, demand declined by 3 percent, while in Central
Europe demand increased by 0.6 percent.
Confronted with a changing and often difficult economic
context, the European plastics industry has shown great resilience
and adaptability. Even if we would have preferred a quicker
recovery, we have so far managed to dodge the threat of
globalisation and remain competitive and innovative, thereby
contributing by 2.6 percent to Europes GDP. However, the lower
prices of energy and raw materials in other regions of the world
are a substantial challenge for our industry in Europe, said Dr
Wilfried Haensel, Executive Director, PlasticsEurope.
In terms of outlook, Patrick Thomas, President of
PlasticsEurope and CEO of Bayer MaterialScience, said that 2013
could well be viewed as a year of stabilisation in the European
plastics sector and in 2014 industry predictions suggest a slight
recovery; although we will still be far from pre-crisis level.
Regarding plastic waste management data in Europe, 2012
results show a positive trend. While post-consumer plastic waste
generation stood at the same level as the year before (recycling
2013 a year of
stabilisation
for plastics
industry
The latest data from PlasticsEurope suggests the
world plastics production volume has shown an
increase of around 2.8 percent
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and energy recovery rates increased and reached 26.3 percent
(+4.9 percent) and 35.6 percent(+ 3.3 percent) respectively. These
figures have led to a total European recovery rate of an average of
61.9 percent, an increase of 4 percent compared to 2011. The
situation, however, varies significantly among the different European
countries, since some countries recover 100 percent of the post-
consumer plastic waste they generate, while others hardly reach a
30 percent recovery rate. This leaves more than 9 million tonnes of
plastic waste that are still landfilled.
Despite a positive evolution of the European data for plastics
recycling and energy recovery, we lament that more than a third of
plastic waste still ends-up in landfill, continued Haensel. He added:
To achieve the goal of a resource efficient Europe, our industry
strives for a zero plastics to landfill by 2020 objective. At the actual
pace, this ambitious goal is significantly jeopardised. Therefore, the
plastic industry calls on the policy makers to support this ambitious
goal by taking measures to avoid land filling of recyclable and high
calorific waste.
Patrick Thomas closed the event on an optimistic note, stating,
our industry is a resilient one, we have always faced challenges
and adapted to evolving circumstances. This trade fair is a
demonstration of our strength and adaptability. We are the proud
bearers of Parkes and Baekeland legacy, our material is the material
of innovation and creativity. It has inspired architects, designers,
engineers and inventors in every sector and it will continue to push
the boundaries of human genius and innovation.
further information:
www.plasticseurope.org
British Plastics and Rubber announced as sole media
partner for PVC 2014
PVC 2014 has announcedBritish Plastics and Rubber as the sole
media partner for the upcomingevent to be held in Brighton, UK,
next April.
This leading publication for polymer processors in the UK and
around the world is a well-established, highly respected magazine,
which covers all aspects of the plastics and rubber industries. It
publishes a broad mix of highly technical articles and features, as
well as important industry news and updates through both print and
digital media, said PVC 2014s organisers.
The triannual conference is one of the worlds leading and most
reputable forums to support the future of PVC globally, celebrated
for its broad appeal through the extensive programme of subjects
addressed. Covering all aspects of rigid and flexible PVC, the 2014
programme will include strategy/direction and markets; recent
plasticiser developments; processing technology; performance
covering engineering properties and structure; sustainability
including recovery, recycling and social aspects; and polymerisation
and PVC production.
The PVC 2014 conference welcomes Jonathon Porritt CBE,
founder of Forum for the Future, to provide the keynote address, as
well as an abundance of high-profile sponsors and supporters.
British Plastics and Rubber magazine is delighted to be the
media partner for PVC 2014. The event is highly regarded in industry
as one that addresses key issues and stimulates interesting
discussion and lively debate. An impressive line-up of speakers and
a seminar programme that covers timely and important areas of
PVCs development makes the conference one that we are keen to
be involved with, said Leanne Taylor, Editor of British Plastics and
Rubber.
The conference provides a
global platform for the exchange of
information, educational debate and
discussion.
further information:
www.pvc2014.org
news
Metal detection solution
reduces risk of contamination at
UK packaging plant
TH Plastics has developed a metal
detection solution for manufacturer of
rigid plastic packaging, Logoplaste, which
it says not only reduces the potential risk
of contamination, but also increases
productivity.
The Logoplaste site in Leeds, UK,
supplies milk bottles for the Arla dairy that
in turn supplies major supermarkets
across the UK. There are currently 13
machines working 24/7 to fulfil this
demand.
Logoplaste approached TH Plastics to
look at an innovative, contamination
eliminating metal detection solution to sit
within its materials conveying line. One of
the key challenges it faced was to
maintain uptime whilst ensuring zero
product contamination.
Site manager at Logoplaste, Gary
Muggleton said: We wanted to eliminate
the risk of contamination whilst improving
our performance. TH Plastics metal
detectors guarantee the purity of plastic
products and are an important component
of quality assurance.
The benefit of installing the metal
detection system has reduced the
potential risk of machine damage and
improved product safety. This is a massive
improvement for the business and could
equate to a lot of material savings and
increased production time.
Were delighted with the results. Its
the ideal solution for the food and drink
industry because it considerably reduces
the potential risk of contamination and at
the same time increases production
because theres no downtime, he added.
further information:
www.thplastics.co.uk
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THINK MATERIALS MANAGEMENT... We are passionate about...
New UK headquarters for equipment manufacturer
Flexicon Europe has moved into new, larger UK headquarters in
Whitstable, Kent, which it says offers an increased manufacturing
area, office space and operational efficiencies as well as the
ability to accommodate a larger staff.
The company was previously located in Herne Bay, Kent, where
it occupied a primary facility, and subsequently expanded by
adding an adjacent manufacturing plant for the production and
manufacture of a range of bulk handling equipment.
The Whitstable facility not only expands our total area, but
consolidates it under one roof with large open spaces, significantly
improving production flow and manufacturing capacity,
commented Managing Director, Keith Bourton.
Administrative space has doubled and includes new
conference facilities for visiting customers and an expanded staff
of technical sales personnel responsible for sales throughout
Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
further information:
www.flexicon.co.uk
The metal detection solution
has reduced the risk of
contamination for dairy
packaging at Logoplaste
Flexicon Europes
new UK headquarters
in Whitstable, Kent
Materials handling range means
big business for UK company
With secondary raw material from waste
gaining more and more importance, one
UK company says that demand for
solutions in the recycling sector is winning
it an increasing amount of business.
Kent-based Fercell Engineering says it
attributes some of this newly won
business to an appetite for the range of
Imro materials handling products it stocks,
which includes conveying, sorting and
separation technology.
The IMRO product range is extensive
and offers the highest quality in robust
build and industry proven materials
handling solutions, commented Fercell
Engineerings Marketing Manager, Bruce
Le Gros, when discussing the companys
success in the recycling sector.
Further complimenting our own UK-
manufactured dust and fume extraction,
Kwik-Fix ducting products including
shredders, briquette press foam
compactors and other industry related
solutions, the Imro range compliments our
everything-under-one-roof business
model by providing the final piece in the
jigsaw.
Commenting further he said: With
over 36 years industry experience in the
field of materials handling, whether it be
pneumatic, worm-screw or conveyor;
standalone or, as is now more commonly
required, a complete turnkey plant, Fercell
Engineering can deliver the most
competitively priced solutions avoiding any
reduction in quality.
further information:
www.imrouk.com
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Summit Systems recognised for insight in auxillary
equipment
At a ceremony during K 2013, Maguire Europe honoured its
longtime agent in the United Kingdom, Summit Systems Ltd., for
its leadership in introducing innovative auxiliary equipment
technology to the marketplace.
The award was presented to Summit Systems Managing
Director, Mike Jordan, in a special Partner Award event at the
Maguire Europe stand.
In Summit Systems 22-year partnership with Maguire, Jordan
has personified his companys progressive and innovative
approach to the marketplace, according to Paul Edmondson,
General Manager of Maguire Europe.
It was Mike who identified the market for gravimetric blender
technology in the UK and was the first person to import
gravimetric batch weight technology to Europe in 1990, said
Edmondson. This foresight is at the heart of Summits ethos. The
teams relentless pursuit of excellence is impressive and exciting
to be associated with.
further information:
www.summitsystems.co.uk
www.maguire.com
Mike Jordan (left) photographed here
with Steve Maguire, Maguires founder
The IMRO
machinery in action
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THINK MATERIALS MANAGEMENT... We are passionate about...
Demand sees materials handling
specialist make major investment
Materials handling and process cooling
specialist, AB Systems, says it has made a
significant investment in its service
provision by installing state-of-the-art job
management technology in order to keep
up with demand.
Designed to further improve the speed
and efficiency of its service offering, AB
Systems says the new simPRO software
allows the company instant access to its
customers service, project and estimation
histories, and allows quotes for spare
parts and equipment to be generated
immediately.
Were growing at an exceptionally fast
rate, not only in terms of our client-base,
but also the number of manufacturers for
which we distribute, said Jeff Day,
Managing Director of AB Systems. The
software has given us a real boost in
future-proofing our service and ensures
that we can keep up with demand.
Everything is logged by simPRO so that
all data can be tracked and traced to
source, offering complete project
management, as well as integrating the
companys servicing and estimating
departments through stock control and
planning.
We hold a significant amount of stock
on site for both materials handling and
cooling systems, and will now be able to
quote, package and dispatch products in
record time important for the business
continuity of our clients, explained Day.
further information:
www.ab-ltd.co.uk
Next generation blending
technology for plastics
launched
New blender technology that aims to
improve the cost/performance balance for
plastics manufacturers by allowing
throughputs to be measured in real time,
was unveiled at K 2013.
Launched by suppliers of gravimetric
blending and control systems, TSM, this
latest product development is said to
combine the benefits of its patented
reverse auger technology with an ultra-
fast, responsive throughput measurement.
TSMs Director of Sales, Declan Byrne,
said the new blender has unique
advantages and will provide customers
with guaranteed quality and repeatability
while reducing raw material costs.
The fast, responsive throughput
measurements will benefit plastics
producers by giving them real-time control.
This will significantly improve the accuracy
and consistency of their end product,
reduce waste and improve cost
efficiency, he commented.
A new control algorithm, which has
been specially developed in conjunction
with a leading UK university, is said to
deliver exceptional control, allowing
performance to be maintained at lower
setpoints. The unique mechanical design
reportedly delivers a small footprint,
making it ideal for either new or retrofit
installations.
further information:
www.tsmcontrols.com
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The new blender has been designed to
balance performance and cost
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Call (+44) 01246 260222 Or visit www.motan-colortronic.co.uk your business
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Case study:
Genesis largest silo finds home
at Perrite UK
Perrite Ltd, the Warrington-based UK division of A. Schulman Inc.,
recently invested in new equipment in order to streamline the
handling of its engineering thermoplastic compounds to increase
flexibility and reduce manual handling.
The company purchased a silo with a capacity of 50 tonnes from
Genesis Process Solutions, reportedly the largest flexible silo that the
company has ever supplied in the UK.
Genesis designed the framework so that it would fit precisely into
place, as well as supplying the fill pipe that connects both the
existing and flexible silos. A vacuum take-off box to allow connection
to two existing production lines was also included, as was a load cell
monitoring system. The project installation was completed in two
weekends, with a total project time of 12 weeks from order to install.
Perrite says the extra storage capacity frees up its two external silos,
giving it the extra flexibility in purchasing and production required.
According to Perrite, before the new silo was in place, there was a
lot of manual handling involved in using bagged material. This,
combined with product losses through damaged bags, floor space
requirements, packaging disposal and forklift movements, was an
ongoing cost.
Clinton Andrews, Continuous Improvement Manager at Perrite,
commented: Genesis fully understood the issues we were faced with
and gave us exactly what was required, on time and on budget. The
additional storage not only allows us to benefit from lower raw
material costs but we are also continuing to reduce the amount of
manual handling we have to do. The total cost of the project and the
time frame for installation made it a far better solution than a
conventional silo.
further information:
www.genesisps.co.uk
The 50 tonne silo installed at Perrite UK
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Effective feedstock mixing with static cone
blender
Barton Fabrications, a UK-based supplier of silos to the plastics
industry, says it is experiencing growing interest in its static cone
blender, which it says addresses and improves plastic feedstock
homogeneity issues.
The company says the blender unit, which uses no power and
is maintenance free, is targeted at companies that are using both
virgin and recycled plastic feedstock.
The problems of feedstock homogeneity will be well
recognised by plastic moulders, commented Mark Barton, MD of
Barton Fabrications. With the increased interest in the use of
recycled material, we saw an opportunity to develop an improved
static cone blender back in 2008.
The blender benefits from zero power usage and requires no
maintenance, as it works using a cleverly designed static mixing
unit within the silo. Every customer requires a slightly different
solution as each type of plastic feedstock material has its own
flow characteristic. This property relates to a number of factors
including particulate density, morphology and coefficient of
friction, Barton continued.
To optimise the design of new
silos we produce a scale trial unit in
which we can alter the blender cone
dimensions and angles. In this way we
can ensure we obtain the best mixing
result. In addition, as the
demonstration unit is made of clear
acrylic, we can dynamically
demonstrate, using different coloured
feedstock, how effective the mixing is.
further information:
www.bartonfabs.co.uk
Worlds largest compounding test center opens
Compounding and bulk materials handling systems manufacturer,
Coperion, has opened what it says is the worlds largest
compounding test centre in Stuttgart, Germany.
With a footprint of 2,700 m and floorspace of 4,500 m on
three levels, Coperion says the test centre is designed to facilitate
the installation of trial set-ups that correspond exactly to actual
production conditions. Quality control tests and analyses aimed to
further develop processes are carried out in the analytical
laboratory. The facility will reportedly accommodate up to 100
customer trials per year.
Additionally, Coperion says the centre will carry out internal
tests with new machine components. It is equipped with 20
different ZSK extruders with throughput rates ranging from 10 to
3,000 kg/hr, including the latest generation machines, the ZSK
Mc
18
series, for products requiring high energy input, as well as
the ZSK MEGAvolume PLUS machines for high volume
throughput.
further information:
www.coperion.com
The new test
center in Stuttgart.
Credit: Coperion,
Stuttgart/Germany
Barton Fabrications silo blender addresses
plastic feedstock homogeneity issues
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Q: How do the various types of
dosing device work? (Part 2)
mo explains: The choice of
dosing device depends on which
materials and method you are
using, and what throughput you
require.
In the last article (Augusts issue of BP&R), we talked
about dosing screws and cone valves. In the second
part of our feature, we will consider some of the
other widely used dosing devices, namely: slide-gate
valves; disc dosing elements and rotary valves.
Slide-gate valves
Like a cone valve, a slide-gate valve is a passive system i.e. the
material simply flows out of the supply hopper. Output is controlled
by the slide, which can be positioned either vertically or horizontally.
Material can be metered continuously or in batches and the volume
dosed each time will depend on the cross-sectional area of the slide
and how long the valve is open. Slide-gate valves are suitable for
granular and free-flowing powders. If working with materials that do
not flow well, on the other hand, you run the risk of the material
sticking or clumping together (often called bridging). To avoid this,
an additional device that positively feeds the material is necessary.
Slide-gate valves can be used for smaller and larger material
throughputs, however, they are only suitable for gravimetric batch
dosing systems. Synchronous operation is not possible, making a
downstream mixer a must.
Disc Dosing Elements
The disc dosing unit and the rotary valve are based on the same
concept: they actively meter the material by enclosing the required
volume in chambers similar to measuring using a cup or
tablespoon when cooking. And just like in the kitchen, any excess
material is levelled off before dosing. This method is also known as
digital-volumetric, because when the technology was in its infancy
(or in the case of very simple systems); the only way to create
discrete volumetric units was to use entire chambers. Depending on
the design, todays systems are capable of far greater precision. You
can achieve even more precise measurements by adjusting the
dosing device to the required throughput.
Both the disc dosing unit and the rotary
valve can meter material continuously or in
batches. The volume dosed in a given period
of time depends on the volume of the
chamber and the rotary speed of the
wheel. Both devices can process granular
and free-flowing powders, and are
suited to dosing very small to medium
material throughputs. If you are using
material that does not flow well, you will
need additional equipment to positively
feed the material. This allows you to
ensure each chamber is filled to the same
degree. Both dosing elements are deployed
primarily in volumetric systems.
Rotary Valves
A variety of disc elements and rotary valves are available for
processing a range of throughputs and materials. In addition, disc-
dosing units can be fitted with a blade for levelling off excess
material. This can cut granules if required, ensuring each chamber is
filled correctly and enhancing the consistency of the volume. This
type of disc dosing device is particularly suitable for small volumes of
micro-granulate.
further information:
askmo@moscorner.com
Schematic
of a slide-
gate valve
(A and B): Disc dosing
element with an integrated
blade for leveling off and
cutting the material
(L-R) a slide-gate valve, disc
dosing element and rotary valve
Powder dosing station
with a disc dosing unit
A
B
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k2013 -
from the show floor
S
o, post-K 2013 and the dust is starting to settle. The organisers
of the fair, Messe Dsseldorf, have issued a statement
outlining visitor numbers, with the overall number of attendees
having decreased slightly
since the 2010 event. This
year saw 218,000 visitors
come from over 120
countries, compared with
222,486 visitors during the
last outing.
Suggestion is, that the
organisers of the other great
player in the global plastics
exhibitions arena, Chinaplas,
could be preparing
themselves to step up and
capitalise on attracting those
visitors that gave K a miss to
their event in Shanghai on
April 23 26, 2014. Theres
definitely opportunity in the
East, given that the Messe
Dsseldorfs figures suggest
the proportion of visitors
from Asia accounted for the largest group of foreign visitors totaling
approximately 30,000 from South, East and Central Asia as well as
from the Near and Middle East.
Despite this, word from the organisers suggests that expectations
for business at the show have been exceeded, with exhibitors
reporting numerous concrete project enquiries, negotiations with
visitors and a large number of business deals, some of which were
concluded on-site and were worth millions.
Chairman of the Exhibitors Advisory Board for K 2013, Ulrich
Reifenhuser, said: We had not expected visitors willingness to
invest to be this high. The many innovative products and applications
premiered in Dsseldorf were met with great interest from trade
visitors. One such product to do justice to this statement
undoubtedly came before the show had officially even begun.
Plastic freeforming no one saw that coming
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, its the freeformer, a plastics processing
additive manufacturing machine for the production of mould-free,
prototype parts and it was undoubtedly the biggest bombshell
dropped at K 2013 by none other than injection moulding machinery
manufacturer, Arburg. At the companys pre-show press event, held
the night before the show opened, the mystery as to what was
concealed beneath the curtain could safely be described as a shock
to many of the trade press and onlookers who werent privy to the
secret, which was telling from the silence that greeted the shiny,
compact machine, that most definitely wasnt an injection moulding
machine, sitting underneath. The gymnast, or should I say
contortionist, that was pirouetting on top, only added to the polished
unveiling by the company.
So, what exactly is the freeformer? According to Herbert
Kraibhler, Managing Director of Technology and Engineering at
Arburg, the new freeformer enables the production of functional
plastic parts without a mould by layering droplets of liquid plastic.
Additive manufacturing entails the conversion of 3D CAD data into
STL data, commented Kraibhler. The layered geometries obtained
in this manner are then used to build up the components on an
additive basis, i.e. in layers, without the use of a mould.
What is causing the noise in the world of additive
manufacturing and has led to the machine being touted
as game changing is the fact that the machine uses
conventional plastic granulates rather than prefabricated
materials such as powders or strands, which traditionally
make the material, the processing and therefore, the parts,
more expensive.
You can continue to use your familiar standard
granulates. In other words, all the plastics that you use day-
by-day at your injection moulding plant. Our freeformer
requires no additional, special and therefore expensive
materials, said the company.
Developed using the groups technical experience in
injection moulding, the system uses a heated plasticising
cylinder for an optimal plastic melt in the discharge unit.
The patented nozzle closure, with high-frequency piezo technology,
is said to enable fast opening and closing movements to produce the
plastic droplets under pressure. The nozzle of the freeformer
remains stationary, while the component carrier moves along three or
five axes. This allows undercuts to be produced without the need for
support structures. This means new freedom in terms of geometry
and less material waste, explained Kraibhler.
The freeformer can be configured as either a single or two-
component machine, allowing the production of parts that integrate
both hard and soft polymer elements as well as multiple colours,
often a drawback with conventional additive manufacturing systems.
In terms of distribution, the group says it aims to use existing
channels and customers to bring the machine to the market, with the
first freeformers to be supplied from next year. Commenting on the
freeformer, Colin Tirel, Managing Director at Arburg UK told me: In a
word its phenomenal. I think its going to take us into markets, into
areas and into companies that we dont currently sell to. Initially of
course, it will be offered to our own customers, but if you think about
the whole additive manufacturing arena, it will open so many doors
for us. Its unique and its created a huge buzz.
Although the freeformer got unreservedly the Lions share of
attention of all of the exhibits on Arburgs stand, some of the other
technology, much more in keeping with the traditional vein, was not to
be overlooked. One particularly impressive display was a fully electric
After months of
preparation and
planning, days walking
the halls and nights
networking in the
Altstadt, K 2013 is over
for another three years.
Here, Leanne Taylor
looks back at some of
the highlights,
innovations and
announcements over the
course of the show.
K 2013 draws the crowds to Dsseldorf
21
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Tel: 01952 671918 Email: connectors.uk@staubli.com
injection moulding machine and cube mould producing a functional
two-component juice container closure. Using a mould from Foboha,
an Arburg Allrounder 720 A produced the closure in six seconds and,
utilising all four sides of the mould for production, the mould filling,
cooling phase and part removal was carried out simultaneously, a
process designed to considerably reduce cycle times, particularly for
applications in the packaging industry.
Machinery the best of the rest
In terms of the other big injection moulding machinery
manufacturers, it was apparent that serious investment had been
made in some colossal booths, which were a serious magnet for
visitors keen to see the machinery live in action. At Engels press
conference, the company unveiled its recently launched control
system, which it says has been developed due to the increase in
demand for turnkey systems that incorporate automation solutions.
CEO, Peter Neumann, spoke about the companys focus on its
ongoing automation strategy, where robots are integrated into the
production process for conformity of cycle times and ease of system
operation. Our strategy for automation is to grow even faster than we
do in our machine business, he commented.
We really do see automation as a very important part of our
strategy going forward, all manufactured ourselves, including
conveyor belts, robots and other components. In order to ensure that
these systems work in the best way they can we need an effective
control system and
that is why we are
presenting the CC
300 as part of our
showcase at K
2013.
Engel says the CC
300 will make the
use of injection
moulding machines
and integrated system
solutions safer, more
user-friendly and
more efficient through
allowing IMMs and
manufacturing cells to
be controlled
according to tasks
such as mould
changing, or according
to functions such as
injecting.
At Sumitomo (SHI)
Demags booth, the company demonstrated a new peripheral module
called activeColourChange. With the product, the group has
developed a pigment dosing system, which allows extremely short
colour change times to be performed when using liquid colours.
The group demonstrated activeColourChange on its new
SystecSP 280 (producing one litre buckets) with three different
colours at K 2013. The colour was fed directly from a closed system
into the metering zone of the melt-filled injection unit. In contrast to
colouring with masterbatch, the upstream zones (the feed and
compression zones) are kept free of colour, which in theory means
that less cleaning is required.
Another curtain drops this time recycling machinery
In another big reveal at the show, machinery manufacturer, Erema,
unveiled its latest machine for plastics recycling, the Intarema.
The machine is based on newly developed and patented Counter
Current technology, which is said to result in increased productivity,
flexibility, easy operation and considerably lower energy
consumption.
Erema says the innovation in the Counter Current system is in the
cutter/compactor and tangentially connected extruder, where it
circulates material against the normal direction of the extruder,
resulting in more material being processed in a shorter time.
Erema says to date, the worldwide technical standard has been a
system in which the material in the cutter/compactor moved in the
direction of the extruder. The centrifugal forces arising in the process
were used for the feeding of the extruder and the treated, warm
material was packed into the extruder screw. It says the inverse
tangential configuration of the Counter Current system now ensures
that the extruder screw is filled virtually pressure-free with the
preheated material.
Michael Heitzinger, CTO at Erema, described the impact which
the new system has on productivity and the quality of the recyclate,
saying: The screw basically takes what it needs, the extruder
always has the ideal filling level and is never overfilled, which makes
it much better to regulate.
Elsewhere in the machinery halls, Swiss plastic engineering
equipment firm, Leister, unveiled a new compact hand extruder,
the Weldplast S1, a smaller version of its Weldplast S2 range.
The Freeformer is unveiled
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The new product is the result of a
challenge Leister tasked itself with to
develop a hand extruder that could be
used primarily with one hand rather than
two, as well as being suitable for
fabricating in small and dark spaces,
commented Steve Gibbs, Technical Sales
Director for Plastic Extrusion at Welwyn Tool
Group, the UK distributor, sales and service
centre for Leister equipment.
After two years in development, the new
Weldplast S1 has reportedly shed a
significant 1.1kg in weight compared with
the larger S2, and is well balanced by the
virtue of the centralised hand grip. For
working in tight corners and for lighting up
darker areas, the S1 introduces an LED
lighting system at the front of the extruder.
The Weldplast S1 ensures reproducible results and
efficiency, enabling the operator to set and control welding
parameters for a diversity of different materials including PE, PP,
PVC, PA and PVDF, providing variable and adjustable controls of
temperature and blower speeds independently of each other,
continued Hobbs.
Materials hold their own in terms of innovation and
footfall
The materials halls held their own in terms of impressive stands, new
product launches and footfall. Innovation for the automotive industry
was an unavoidably apparent theme, with booths acting as podiums
displaying futuristic concept cars modeling the best of the cutting-
edge technology that the plastics industry can offer OEMs, designers
and consumers. Bayer MaterialScience, LanXess and Evonik all
showed some interesting four-wheel displays.
At the show, Evonik confirmed that it is once again fully supplying
markets with polyamide 12 after the explosion that caused a severe
shortage in 2012 and that it is considering a second plant for the
production of the CDT feedstock.
Speaking at a press event, Dr Dahai Yu of the companys
Executive Board said that he was aware of the companys
responsibility as a major supplier of CDT and a second plant would
ensure supply chain security should there ever be another reason for
a sudden stoppage of production. We managed to rebuild our
Essen facility within six months after the explosion, which is
very quick, and we are now fully supplying to our
customers, Dr Yu commented.
The autmotive industry also played a part in the
launch of a new product line from
manufacturer of polymer stabilisers,
Songwon Industrial Group. Songxtend
2121, 2122 and 2123 are designed
for the automotive industry and are
tailored to address fogging and
Erema unveils the Intarema
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odour issues in car interiors.
Songwon says Songxtend
stabilisers reduce VOC emissions
and improve organoleptic properties
by either eliminating or reducing
undesirable odours that
negatively impact car interiors.
A major focus for SABIC at K
2013 was its materials solutions
for the automotive industry, an
area in which it says it will
continue to focus heavily. One
of the companys flagship
applications at the show was the
Volkswagen XL1 diesel plug-in
hybrid car, which features
advanced polycarbonate side
windows as well as an all-
thermoplastic tailgate concept,
which SABIC says are both aimed at
enabling lighter weight and energy
efficiency within a vehicle.
At the companys press
conference, Scott Fallon, General
Manager for Automotive at SABIC,
said the company had
collaborated with almost every
major automotive OEM in the world.
The company also announced it is working with materials that will
enable it to enter completely new markets, including synthetic
rubbers. SABIC said it will be producing a range of Polybutadiene
rubber (BR), a homo-polymerised, 1-3 butadiene, which it says will be
used for the production of tyres that are safer, more fuel efficient
and long lasting.
The company also revealed plans to open a new plant in 2016 in
Saudi Arabia for the production of POM, a polymer known for its high
stiffness, mechanical strength and good resistance to chemicals and
solvents. The company highlighted its use of POM in the automotive
industry by displaying fuel caps on its stand.
Outside of the automotive industry, Innovia Films, a leading global
Netzsch launched the
new DSC 214 Polyma
Leisters new Weldplast
S1 launched at the show
23
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Tel: 01952 671918 Email: connectors.uk@staubli.com
manufacturer of Biofilms, and Corbion Purac, a global leader in lactic
acid and lactides, displayed a range of prototype PLA (polylactic acid)
films that are both transparent and resistant to higher temperatures.
Possible opportunities for the new bioplastic films include both food
and non-food packaging and many industrial applications.
Specialty chemicals group, Perstorp, premiered four new products
for the plastic materials market at K 2013. The four new products are
Capa for bioplastics, a highly biodegradable plastic that improves
mechanical properties as well as accelerating biodegradation;
Charmo for intumescent systems in plastics, a halogen-free, rich
carbon source for phosphorous/nitrogen based systems said to
significantly reduce the release of smoke and heat in the event of a
fire; Pevalen, a non-phthalate plasticiser for sensitive applications
said to be perfect for close contact PVC applications, such as flooring,
coated fabrics, plastisols, toys and moulded parts; and finally, a new
co-polyester alternative called Akestra, a thermoplastic alternative to
polycarbonate, polystyrene and glass.
Separately, at a panel discussion on the future of plastics and the
role of styrenics, Dr. Norbert Niessner, Global Head of Research and
Development at Styrolution, said that styrenics were much more
than insulation and that they had an exciting future in the areas of
building construction, architecture and design.
Professor Dr. Hans-Werner Schmidt, Head of the Department for
Macromolecular Chemistry at the University of Bayreuth, said that K
2013 was full of innovation and that the polymer age was only
just starting in terms of exploiting the potential of plastic materials,
but that research was key.
Putting those materials to the test
There was also a number of new launches and announcements
from companies in the field of instrumentation for the testing and
analysis of polymer materials.
UK-based manufacturer of testing instrument and equipment,
Lacerta Technology, launched two new products at K 2013 as
well as announcing a new UK distributor.
BMB Plastics Machinery Limited has taken on sole
distributorship of Lacertas identiPol range of products, including
the next generation QA2 and new OIT models launched at the
trade show.
BMB is joining us at pivotal moment of our growth plans and
were very excited about two new products that weve launched at
K 2013 that continue our focus on developing techniques and
technologies to assist with plastic quality assurance, said Steve
Price, Lacerta Sales Manager.
Lacerta has unveiled a second generation system, the
identiPol QA2, which it says takes the identiPol QA, the relatively
low-cost device for the identification and rapid quality
assessment of virtually any thermoplastic material, to the next
level of sophistication, as well as launching the identiPol OIT, an
instrument for measuring oxidative induction time.
Additionally, manufacturer of instruments and equipment for
the analysis and testing of polymers, Netzsch, held the world
premiere of its new characterisation system, the DSC 214 Polyma
at the show.
The company says the new system is an ideal tool for the
research, development, quality assurance and failure analysis of
polymer materials. This allows both novice and experienced users
to successfully carry out a Differential Scanning Calorimeter
(DSC) analysis involving sample preparation, measurement,
evaluation and the interpretation of data, by incorporating
specially designed software to complement the instrument
hardware.
Flying the flag for Great Britain
A number of UK companies said they had enjoyed a successful
K Show. Charmaine Bowers from The Polymer Training and
Innovation Centre (PTIC), exhibiting as part of the British
Group alongside the British Plastics Federation, said: Weve
been really busy and have had good quality leads from several
nationalities for our PICAT II software. The K Show is a globally
recognised platform for our industry, a lot of our technical team are
excited by the innovation that is being shown, which is important for
us as a training provider as it means we keep a competitive edge.
Richard Benyon of CJP Sales, distributors of Dynapurge purging
compounds, said that the show had been a great opportunity to
network and knowledge share with other distributors from around the
world.
North Wales-based producer of solid masterbatch, Silvergate
Plastics, announced at the show that it has appointed a new
European-based manager to lead the companys export growth
strategy.
Dr. Giuseppe Chiacchio will be responsible for developing and
supporting Silvergates growing client base in mainland Europe from
the companys new offices in Italy. Following a significant investment
to reconfigure Silvergates manufacturing facility at its headquarters
in Wrexham, North Wales, the company says it now has the capacity
to satisfy the most demanding of requests, from specialist multi-
component 1kg purchases to high volume commodity masterbatches
including blacks and whites.
Commenting on Chiacchios new appointment, Managing
Director, Tony Bestall, stated: We are delighted Giuseppe has come
on board to lead our Export Growth Strategy. Having invested a total
of almost 250,000 into our manufacturing facility, we now operate a
much slicker, flexible and larger operation. We can now bring our
extensive technical know-how to a much wider market and rapidly
deliver products of any volume to fulfil the needs of our growing
customer base.
Derbyshire-based Vinyl Compounds reaffirmed its expansion
plans at K 2013, with MD, Chris Makin, confirming the purchase
and delivery of a fourth compounder from battenfeld-cincinnatis
Hartmut Hachmeister on site at the show.
The new machine, one of many purchased in close
succession by the company, is on track for delivery by December
2013, with further investment opportunities in mid 2014.
The partnership between our two companies goes from
strength to strength. It is based on mutual respect and
satisfaction, agreed both Makin and Hachmeister at the show.
Until next we meet
Messe Dsseldorf has confirmed the dates for the next event will be
19 26 October 2016. Until then, the impact of the other big
tradeshows remains to be seen. As Helmut Heinson, Managing
Director of Arburg, said during the EUROMAP press conference at K
2013, it is important for plastics and rubber companies to strive for
global presence at exhibitions.
further information:
www.k-online.de
Chris Makin
of Vinyl
compounds
confirms the
companys plans
for further
investement at
the battenfeld-
cincinnati stand
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Case Study: Carclo Technical
Plastics expands into ISO Class 8
Manufacturing
Contract technical moulder, Carclo
Technical Plastics (CTP), has successfully
ventured into ISO Class 8 manufacturing
with the installation of two activeCell self-
contained cleanroom moulding and
packing cells designed and manufactured
by Sumitomo (SHI) Demag.
Surrey-based CTP provides injection
moulding and contract manufacturing
services for medical, automotive, PPE,
optics and mechatronics applications and
operates in twelve locations across USA,
UK, Czech Republic, China and India.
Following numerous customer
requests for medical devices made to
class 8 standards, CTPs operation in Brno
(Czech Republic) looked to integrate an
onsite cleanroom at its 4730m
2
facility,
however, the cost implications this would
have incurred led them to invest in a self-
contained activeCell cleanroom moulding
and packing system from Sumitomo (SHI)
Demag.
Without specifying any application
details, we challenged Sumitomo (SHI)
Demag to build two systems to meet our
customers proposed capacity
requirements. We required a moulding
and packing solution which had no
restrictions, navigated numerous
obstacles both technically and
commercially and could easily switch
between several different modes of
production, commented Carclo Technical
Plastics Technical Director, Lee Dodd.
Sumitomo (SHI) Demag had a number
of bespoke challenges to overcome: the
cells seal would be broken by cranes and
other equipment regularly entering the
machine, yet the system had to retain
class 8 standards; the product portfolio
was extensive requiring large and small
parts of all geometries to be
manufactured and then either bagged or
boxed; the facility to track and trace
bagged products; identical machines were
required with inter-transferable mould and
robot programmes.
The resulting all-electric compact mini
cleanroom system is fitted with laminar
airflow cabinets for particle free air in
the mould-space area, integral
packaging equipment and a six-axis
Yaskawa Motoman robot which removes
parts from the mould ready for packing:
Over and above its primary purpose, the
six-axis robot is a value-add for
manufacturers looking for future
expansion options including pick and
place, assembly or even palletising,
commented Sumitomo (SHI) Demag
Managing Director, Nigel Flowers.
The activeCell units were built within
20 weeks, meet all CTP requirements and
currently manufacture a range of complex
single impression and multi-impression
parts (including contact lens cases) to
class 8 standards in volumes from
125,000 - 9,000,000. With order values
to date exceeding 500,000 per year, CTP
will see a return on its investment in less
than 24 months.
The solution hit a sweet spot, in that
it was affordable, flexible and transferable.
Without Sumitomo (SHI)Demags
activeCell solution, we would not be able
to offer cleanroom moulding. We now have
a cost effective and highly flexible
machine blueprint which any CTP facility
worldwide can use should they decide to
expand into cleanroom manufacturing,
concluded Dodd.
activeCell has been designed to
address current market requirements for a
low investment alternative with complete
flexibility at a fraction of the cost of a full
cleanroom, added Flowers.
The all-electric system is installed fully
compliant meeting GAMP and FDA
requirements with DQ, IQ and OQ
documentation and available in 100, 160,
220 and 280 tonne formats.
further information:
uk.sumitomo-shi-demag.eu
Sumitomo (SHI) Demags self-
contained activeCell cleanrooms
at Carclo Technical Plastics
Carclo Technical Plastics
manufactures contact
lens cases on the
activeCell
25
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Spotlight on medical:
Ultrapolymers
Ultrapolymers continues to extend its
portfolio of grades tailored to the
healthcare market. The company says this
underlines an on-going commitment to its
role as an experienced, reliable and
knowledgeable provider of high quality raw
materials for healthcare applications. As
the official distributor of LyondellBasell,
Styrolution and BASF materials,
Ultrapolymers is responsible for the
introduction of a broad range of specialist
medical polymers into an industry that
requires strict control, security and
consistency. Offering a consultative
approach to polymer selection and
development provides designers and
convertors with an invaluable service to
help meet the increasing demands of the
healthcare market.
Ultrapolymers says its portfolio
supports risk class I and II applications as
well as offering global regulatory
approvals, long-term formulation
consistency, enhanced quality control and
guaranteed security of supply.
LyondellBasells Purell PP and PE
range supports a wide variety of
healthcare applications and processes,
including injection moulding, blow
moulding, film extrusion, injection blow
and stretch blow moulding. Recent
developments include Purell HP671T, a
high flow PP offering high stiffness, good
optical properties, easy processing, high
output rates and excellent resistance to
gama sterilisation. Additionally, Purell
PE3320D, an LDPE offering greater rigidity
for blow filled seal applications has been
added.
In partnership with Styrolution,
Ultrapolymers offers a range of healthcare
specific styrenics. Telux HD, Novodur HD,
Luran HD, NAS, Zylar, Styrolution PS,
Styroflex and Styrolux are tailored to
applications such as housings, drug
delivery devices and labware and provide
additional stiffness, outstanding optical
properties and excellent dimensional
stability.
Ultraform PRO, Ultradur PRO and
Ultrason deliver engineering polymer
solutions for applications requiring
healthcare approvals coupled with
increased mechanical performance.
further information:
www.ultrapolymers.com
Ferromatik UK Ltd. I Carrwood Road I Chesterfield Trading Estate
Chesterfield S41 9QB I UK | +44 (0)1246 260666
sales@ferromatik.co.uk I www.ferromatik.com
Manufacturing facilities:
Germany, Malterdingen
USA, Cincinnati
India, Ahmedabad
China, Jiangyin
Ferromatik knows the taste of success.
A German company with strong roots, we are a proud part of the
Milacron group which manufactures exceptional injection moulding
machines in four locations around the world.
Dig in and enjoy!
Enjoyed around the world!
A
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news
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ATM hits the mark for drug
delivery devices
Leicestershire-based ATM Automation says
it has collaborated with a leading UK
medical device manufacturer to develop a
fully automated solution for high accuracy,
high clarity circumferential printing on a
range of drug delivery components.
Following a review of specific
requirements for the application, ATM
chose a combination of HF corona
treatment and pad printing for the
manufacturer to ensure consistent and
durable printing.
With a wide range of polymers being
used within the industry and a number of
different printing techniques available, it is
essential that the correct combination of
materials, pre-treatment and printing
processes are selected to achieve the
marking quality and durability required for
different applications, ATM said.
Equally as important as the choice of
technologies for marking is the need to
ensure consistent print orientation and
registration. For these particular
components, precise radial orientation
was required and ATM says this was
achieved using a closed loop system,
comprising of a laser sensor and servo
positioning system. Once set, the radial
orientation is maintained during
printing using a precision clamping and
support mechanism. This combination
of technologies is said to enable print
registration tolerances of better than
0.4 degrees radially and 0.3mm
longitudinally.
Following printing, ATM says each
part is subsequently checked using a
machine vision system to verify both
correct print and print quality, with any
parts deemed as reject being segregated.
further information:
www.atmautomation.com
Printing on drug
delivery devices
must be precise
and consistent
ATMs fully automated feeding,
printing and inspection system
can accept new part types
with a minimum of re-design
and investment
Medical polymer market
to reach $3.5bn by 2018
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According to a new report from industry analyst firm,
NanoMarkets, the global medical polymer market will grow
from $2.3 billion (USD) in 2013 to over $3.5 billion in 2018,
due to an aging population and technical developments.
The report entitled, Worldwide Medical Polymer Markets
2013 - 2020 suggests implants currently consume about
half the medical polymers produced and are expected to
account for around $1.6 billion in polymer sales by 2018.
Polymers have been penetrating the implant market because
they are lower cost and lighter weight than metal alternatives,
such as titanium.The report also indicates that increased use
of medical imaging is creating further demand for polymers.
According to the report, sales of polymers for diagnostic
systems will reach $1.04 billion in 2018. In vitro diagnostics
account for 50,000 to 60,000 metric tonnes of specialised
and commodity plastics every year.Most diagnostic
procedures today are rapid, multi-assays, and plastics have
become indispensable. The report suggests growth prospects
in this sector are thus particularly strong.
The report claims that PMMA, PS/styrenics and PP are
the leading medical polymers, based on revenue, accounting
for around 26 percent of the market in 2013. There is also
some high value niches appearing in the market.Commercial
elastomers that provide a soft touch are being used to coat
accessories, such as catheters, gloves and syringes, in order
to impart a soft touch feel. Their use is expected to grow in
intravenous drug delivery systems, cardio systems and blood
collection devices.
The last decade has seen the rise of biodegradable
polymers. The report says the current trend suggests that in
the near future, entire prostheses will be developed from
these materials. While they will not be used to manufacture
diagnostic products, biodegradable polymers will be
incorporated into implants and some clinical labware.The
report suggests there is some additional interest in
discovering new biodegradable polymers for medical
applications, but investment in this area is limited due to the
need to complete extensive long-term studies in order to
validate new materials.
further information:
www.nanomarkets.net
Clinical
labware
28
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Do you need medical or bio-medical
products and components?
Class 7 clean room
Closed loop manufacturing
Cleanroom assembly and packaging
We can help you during every stage of
the production process from prototype
and tooling, small batch runs to
full manufacture.
Contact us:
T. 01993 700777
E. sales@dataplastics.co.uk
Avenue Three, Station Lane,
Witney, Oxfordshire OX28 4BP
www.dataplasticsmedical.co.uk
INJECTION MOULDING EXPERTS








































dataplastic . w w w




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news
Antibacterial alternative to
nano-silver or triclosan
developed
A company based in Rotterdam,
Netherlands, says it has invented a
technology that combines zinc with
polymers to give antibacterial properties.
The technology, created by Parx
Plastics, is said to offer a safe and non-
toxic alternative to presently available
solutions such as nano-silver or triclosan.
The effectiveness can reportedly reach
as high as 98 - 99 percent after 24 hours
following the ISO 22196 testing guidelines
and is said to work effectively against
Staphylococcus Aureus, Escherichia Coli,
MRSA and Clostridium Difficile.
Parx Plastics says the technology
exclusively targets bacteria cells, causing
them to die, without affecting human cells.
The incorporated technology is not
cytotoxic, says the company, and is fully
safe in contact with humans and nature.
The technology is said to be suitable for
plastics that come in contact with
foodstuff or materials for other regulated
applications, as it presents no increased
migration and it uses only allowed
substances.
As we are able to apply the technology
to any existing polymer without changing
the original characteristics of the material
it truly offers groundbreaking
possibilities, said Michael van der Jagt,
co-founder of Parx Plastics. The
antibacterial property can be included in
products that to date could not
incorporate this functionality because of
guidelines, limitations or compromised
characteristics.
Eastman has incorporated the
antibacterial property into a copolyester
for use in an infant care product.
further information:
www.parxplastics.com
Parx Plastics says it has invented a technology that combines
zinc with polymers to give antibacterial properties.
29
bp&r
Researchers develop environmentally
friendly antibacterial polymer
KTH Chemistry Researcher, Josefin Illergrd, explained that
the team got around the problem of resistant bacteria by
creating an antibacterial surface in which polymer binds with
cellulose. We have managed to find an antibacterial polymer
that attaches stably to
cellulose and therefore
cannot be released into
the environment, she
said.
The Institute says the
discovery could be an
important
breakthrough in the
search for
environmentally friendly
ways to control bacteria
while preventing
antibiotic resistance
and resistant bacteria.
Illergrd says the
teams discovery is
based on cellulose
fibres embedded in a
polymer, which kill
bacteria. Cellulose is
the most common organic substance in nature and the
primary structural component of plant cell walls. The active
polymer is so strongly bonded to the fibres of the cellulose
material that it does not loosen or leak into the environment
via water.
Antibacterial agents such as triclosan and silver ions are
commonly used in sportswear and shoes to remove
unpleasant odours from bacteria formation. But the Institute
says such biocides leak into the environment when the treated
garments or surfaces are washed, raising the risk that
bacteria will gradually become resistant to their effect. If
someone uses a cloth to wipe a countertop treated with
antibacterial agents, and that cloth is rinsed in the sink, those
substances are then spread further through the drain and into
the environment where they can contaminate soil and water
and give rise to bacterial resistance, Illergrd conitnued.
The material may have applications in water purification,
according to Illergrd, who says that bacteria must come in
direct contact with the material for the antibacterial process to
work.
Due to polymer having a positive charge and bacteria a
negative charge, the new material actually attracts bacteria,
Illergrd explained. The material does not contain large
amounts of polymer; and only non-toxic nitrogen oxides
remain after it is burned. Nevertheless, she said the teams
goal for the future is to continue the research and try to
replace the antibacterial polymer with an entirely renewable
material.
We know that this project is of international interest,
Illergrd continued. Our papers have been requested by
companies abroad and we are getting a lot of feedback when
we present our findings at conferences. In the future, I
believe our material will be used in cleaning clothes, in
sanitation for hospitals and in different kinds of water
purification filters.
further information:
www.kth.se
Researchers at KTH
Royal Institute of
Technology in
Stockholm, Sweden, have
discovered an
antibacterial polymer
that they say can be used
in everyday products
such as sportswear,
nappies and bandages
without causing
resistant bacteria. Here
BP&R takes a closer
look at the research.
The new polymer
can be used in
everyday applications
such as sportswear
and shoes
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High-barrier polymers for food packaging turn 50
Solvay Specialty Polymers is celebrating its 50th anniversary as
the global supplier of Diofan and Ixan polyvinylidene chloride
(PVDC) polymers used in barrier packaging and says continued
investments are planned to support future expansions for PVDC
production around the world.
Solvay says Diofan and Ixan high barrier polymers have both
oxygen and water vapour barrier properties. They are used to
enhance and upgrade packaging materials by preventing the
permeation of oil and grease, as well as the loss of aroma and
flavour. They provide strong seals to make hermetic packages and
improve package appearance through transparency, gloss, print
adhesion and scratch resistance.
Diofan and Ixan products have a long history of providing
safe and reliable packaging and they have become a
performance standard in the barrier packaging industry, said An
Nuyttens, Solvays Global Business Manager for high-barrier
polymers.
Solvay says a thin layer of an aqueous Diofan dispersion on
various types of base both webs enhances barrier and packaging
properties, ensuring the freshness of food and preserving the
efficacy of drugs even when distributed to remote geographical
regions. The materials typical water vapour transmission rate
New product increases potential
for using PA6 blown films for
flexible food packaging
Royal DSM, the global life and materials
science company, has launched a newly-
developed product which it says offers
processors increased potential for using
polyamide 6 in blown film for flexible food
packaging.
DSM says thanks to its improved
crystallisation properties, new Akulon XS
has an extended processing window,
which provides new opportunities in
designing co-extruded multi-layer as well
as monolayer film structures.
As awareness of the need for food
waste reduction and shelf life extension
grows, demand for barrier films for flexible
food packaging continues to increase.
DSM says Polyamide 6 (PA6) is a viable
option for use in such films, owing to its
good barrier properties and its mechanical
strength. The high crystallisation rate of
polyamide 6, however, can limit its
Akulon XS for blown film used in food packaging
processing window. Processors have to
either compromise on productivity, or
obtain improved processability by blending
the PA6 with special, and more expensive,
amorphous polyamides or polyamide
copolymers. This, says DSM, reduces the
cost-effectiveness of the film.
Akulon XS is said to resolve this issue
as it crystallises much slower in the film
bubble than conventional PA6matching
the crystallisation rate of other material
layers. This creates a more stable bubble
and gives processors more leeway in their
processing conditions. The film is also
more stretchable, so less force is needed
to achieve the same blow-up ratio (BUR),
or the same force can be used to produce
a bubble with a BUR between 7 and 10
percent higher. There are also said to be
fewer wrinkles in the flat film.
Even though slower crystallisation
creates larger crystals that might be
expected to produce a less clear film, DSM
says tests on full-scale production lines
have shown that there is virtually no
discernible difference in the optical
properties of films made with a
benchmark film-grade polyamide and
Akulon XS. DSM says all properties of the
film in use are the same as in film made
with standard PA6.
DSM says Akulon XS is making it
easier and more cost effective for
processors to make polyamide 6 blown
films for flexible food packaging,
leveraging the unique barrier and
mechanical properties of polyamide 6.
further information:
www.dsm.com
31
bp&r
ranges between 0.05 - 10 g/(md) and its oxygen transmission
rate can be lower than 1 cc/(mdbar).
Extrusion grades of Ixan high barrier polymer are said to
provide long lasting protection for advanced film packaging
solutions for both vacuum and Modified Atmosphere Packaging
(MAP), thereby extending the shelf life for fresh and processed
meat, fresh and frozen fish, poultry and cheese.
further information:
www.solvay.com
Case study:
KM Packaging puts a lid on it
Peterborough based KM Packaging
Services has helped a high street
supermarket chain to launch a new range
of premium ready meals in coloured
aluminium trays by providing a versatile,
tailor-made film lidding solution.
KM worked alongside several UK
manufacturers to develop the range of
around 50 different trays, which have two
different lidding solutions for both hot and
cold peel. The company says the trays are
unique in that they have a cream lacquer
both inside and out a particularly
challenging surface for KM to tackle.
Despite this, the lidding specialist says
it came up with a high-clarity ovenable and
peelable solution with excellent anti-fog
properties and a high oxygen barrier,
suitable for ready-to-heat meals.
KM Packagings Commercial Director,
Graham Holding, explained: In this
instance we faced particular challenges
with the lacquered surface, which has
quite different qualities to plain
aluminium. With meals that are pre-
cooked in the tray we also had to mitigate
against the potential risk of product
contamination.
Our lidding solution is not just highly
process-tolerant: in keeping with the
ranges premium credentials, we had to
play our part in ensuring the meals would
be both functional and visually appealing
thus the optical clarity and anti-fog
properties were key. Because the film lid
stays clear, the size of the outer sleeve
has been significantly reduced so the
contents are displayed much more visibly
and provide instant on-shelf appeal for
shoppers.
further information:
www.kmpack.co.uk
T
he new
trays w
ith a
tailor-m
ade lidding solu
tion
Solvay says Diofan and Ixan
high-barrier polymers have
both oxygen barrier and water
vapour barrier properties.
32
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Identifying contaminants in
packaging materials and films
C
ontaminations of polymer films and products are often
microscopically small and not easy to analyse. It is
important to know the chemical composition of the defect
so it origin can be determined. FT-IR microscopy is the ideal tool
for this because it can
measure small samples
only a few micrometres in
size.
In this example, black
streaks are seen on a
polycarbonate packaging
sample. The question is if
the streaks are on the
surface or embedded in the
PC-matrix and what their
chemical nature is. The
analysis can be performed
without any sample
preparation. Six
measurement points were
set on the sample and
automatically measured,
the total measurement
taking less than two
minutes. Figure 1 shows
the visual image of the
contaminated sample and
measurement positions,
shown as coloured spots.
The results spectra are
shown also in Figure 1;
clear differences are shown
between the spectra
measured on the black
spots compared to the
polycarbonate matrix.
Figure 2 shows two
representative spectra; the
upper spectrum is from the
polycarbonate matrix and
the middle one from the
contamination (marked
with a purple dot in Figure
1). The spectrum of the
black spots contained
strong bands of the polycarbonate matrix, so a difference
spectrum was created by subtracting the polycarbonate spectrum
from the spectrum measured on the black spot. The lower
spectrum in figure 2 shows the result, demonstrating that the
black spot is different to the polymer matrix. It is then possible to
perform a library search on the resulting spectrum using the
Opus Search software, revealing that the contaminant results
from a black ink marker (library search result was marker ink
black 6558). This information can now be used to track down the
source of the ink.
The Lumos is an ideal instrument for QC laboratories that
have to analyse defects and contaminations in various products
on demand, and for development laboratories needing to
understand better the structure of their materials. In combination
with the built-in library search function it is possible to quickly
identify unknown samples, as highlighted in the example here.
The combination of the fully automated, motorised Bruker Lumos
FTIR Microscope and wizard-driven Opus software makes FT-IR
microscopy fast, easy and highly accessible to QC and R&D Labs
for many different applications.
Further information:
www.bruker.com
Figure 1: Visual microscopic image of the
polycarbonate packaging with black streaks,
showing spectra from the measurement
positions with relevant colours.
Fourier-Transform-Infrared
(FT-IR) microscopy is a well-
established method for the
analysis of samples that are
too small or complex to be
measured in a standard IR
spectrometer. It is possible
to obtain an IR spectrum
anywhere on the sample,
revealing the chemical
composition of a defined part
of the sample. This makes the
technique useful for quality
control, forensic and medical
applications to name only a
few. A large variety of
different samples can be
analysed, such as fibres, paint
chips, contaminations or
composite materials (e.g.
laminates, tablets). For
example, it may be of interest
to determine the chemical
composition of different
layers in a packaging material,
to identify contaminant
particles found on a plastic
part, or impurities within a
film matrix. In this article, Dr
Sarah Elliott, of Bruker UK,
presents a case study where a
polymer used in packaging has
been analysed with the
companys Lumos FTIR
microscope.
Figure 2. ATR
spectra of the
clean
polycarbonate
matrix (top) and
the black spot
(middle). Result
of the
subtraction of
the above spectra
is shown on the
bottom. The
library search of
the difference
spectrum reveals
that the
contamination
originates from a
black ink
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www.tecnimoplas.pt
TJ AOS, Lda.
www.tj-moldes.pt
TJ MOLDES, S.A.
www.tj-moldes.pt
UEPRO, Lda.
www.uepro.com
VIDRIMOLDE, Lda.
www.vidrimolde.pt
COMPANIES COMPANIES
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Automatic sorting offers
potential for increased
recycled content
Automatic sorting systems designed to
boost the recycled content of plastic food
packaging could be available within a few
years, claims resource recovery specialist,
Axion Consulting.
Following its technical research
undertaken for WRAP, Axion says major
breakthroughs in sorting technologies
could increase the recycling of an
estimated 180,000 tonnes of waste
polypropylene (PP) pots, tubs and trays
arising annually in the UK. More than 60
percent comprises food contact
packaging, with the remaining 40 percent
consisting of non-food applications, such
as cleaning products or cosmetics.
Axions research centred on
developing an automatic process, which
uses diffraction gratings to identify and
separate PP that has been in contact with
food from that which has not. Under
European food packaging regulations only
PP that has been in prior contact with food
can be recycled into new food grade PP.
The process involves marking food
contact PP packaging material with lines
(a diffraction grating) that can be scanned
by a laser to reflect a specific pattern. The
pattern is then captured by a camera
connected to a computerised image
recognition system, which is able to
identify the marked food contact PP
packaging. This technique is potentially
applicable to other polymer types,
particularly high density polyethylene
(HDPE) and polyethylene terephthalate
(PET) packaging. The diffraction grating
can be used on packaging labels,
stamped on a mould or directly onto a
packaging item.
According to Axion Chemical Engineer,
Richard McKinlay, who helped to build a
demonstration unit for the project, it was
the first time the diffraction grating
concept had been used in this type of
sorting application. This represents an
innovative application of existing
technology that could revolutionise any
food contact plastic recycling in offering a
commercially-viable automated solution.
Manual sorting is simply too expensive,
said McKinlay. Diffraction is when one
beam of light is split into several, so we
are utilising this phenomena to detect a
particular type of plastic packaging.
Axion estimates the total capital cost
for a single diffraction grating sorting unit,
including conveyors and ancillary
equipment, at 500,000, with a potential
payback within four years. Its report states
that this payback period should represent
a good investment opportunity for a
Plastics Recovery Facility (PRF) operator or
a potential food grade reprocessor
processing bales of sorted PP packaging.
Acknowledging that further work is still
needed, Liz Morrish, Axion Senior
Consultant, said their research had helped
to move the development of technology a
step closer.
Challenges remain, including the
need to widen applications and markets
for this technology. It is also crucial for
retailers, manufacturers and machinery
suppliers to adopt agreed industry-wide
methods that would optimise the
identification and subsequent recycling of
these waste streams, said Liz.
Although we focussed heavily on PP
for this project, using this technology
initially to sort HDPE milk bottles could be
advantageous. Once it has been shown to
work on this material, it may give the
industry more confidence to invest further
to allow the technology to be used on PP,
she continued.
Overall it appears that diffraction
gratings can potentially be used to identify
food contact packaging effectively and
economically; however, they are not yet
ready for use commercially until a full
industry-wide solution has been
developed and commercialised, added
Morrish.
further information:
www.axionconsulting.co.uk
Thermoformed trays with
impression moulded gratings &
pots with printed diffraction
grating labels
35
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Stuart Foster, Recoup CEO;
Lord de Mauley, Resource
Minister for Defra; and
representatives from the
Plastic Matters initiative
founding signatories at the
plastics recycling conference.
Plastic Matters says Lord de Mauley at recycling
conference
In his keynote speech at the Recoup Plastic Recycling Conference and
AGM, Lord de Mauley announced that Defra would be adding its
support and financial backing to Recoups new Plastic Matters
initiative, and that it would be a significant step to help reduce waste,
achieve the ambitious plastic packaging recycling targets to 2017 and
keep valuable plastic resources from ending up in landfill.
The initiative, launched earlier in the day by Recoup CEO, Stuart
Foster, will develop plastic recycling communications tools and
guidance to provide support to local authorities to increase the
collection of plastic packaging for recycling and deliver more
consistency of information. By providing clear messages and
minimising confusion, Recoup says it hopes the initiative will help
consumers to take the right actions and ultimately lead to more plastic
being recycled.
Together with Defra, the founding signatories of this initiative
include Marks & Spencer, Kent Resource Partnership, Unilever, WRAP,
Coca Cola Enterprises, Nestle Waters, RPC, Veolia, Closed Loop
Recycling and Valpak. Both the Minister and Recoup called for more
organisations to come forward and support the initiative.
Understanding consumer behaviour is the key to changing
consumer behaviour and as such, the first activity under the new
initiative will be an in depth plastic recycling consumer insight study to
build on existing knowledge. From this work, the steering group made
up of the founding signatories will develop the consumer facing
campaign and will aim to launch the consumer facing tools before the
end of the year, commented Foster at the event.
During the conference, Recoup launched two of its flagship
documents, the 2013 UK Household Plastics Packaging Collection
Survey and an updated version of Recyclability By Design.
Other key points of the day included a debate over the exclusion of
biodegradable bags from the recently announced carrier bag tax. The
5p per bag charge, which will only apply to supermarkets and larger
stores, will begin after the 2015 election, with the proceeds going to
charities.
Led by Bernard Chase of Regain Polymers, there was also
discussion around the current lack of parity within the PRN system, as
well as a call for a review of the advantage that currently exists for
export markets when compared to UK plastic reprocessors.
further information:
www.recoup.org
Wherever we are,
whatever were doing.
Well be there for you.
No Higher Level of Service
www.summitsystems.co.uk | 0800 030 2122
24 7
CUSTOMER CARE
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LyondellBasell announces new
grade for strength and
lifespan
LyondellBasell has announced an
addition to itsLupolenfamily of ultra-
high molecular weight (UHMW) polymer
resins. The newLupolenUHM 5000
polyethylene grade, with an average
molecular weight of 5 million, is claimed
to display strong wear resistance, a low
coefficient of friction and stress crack
resistance.
LupolenUHM 5000 is a valuable
addition to our product portfolio, offering
customers a demonstrated improvement
in performance, said Detlef Schramm,
Polyethylene Pipe and Sheet Marketing
Manager for LyondellBasell. The coarse
powder allows for a reduction in the
closing time of the moulding press. The
larger particle size, with the very low
fines content, offers a good free-flowing
property and a reduction in dust
generation during handling and
processing. Each of these attributes
enables us to meet the current and
future needs of a broad range of
customers.
The group said that the engineered
polymer has been designed to meet with
demand for abrasion resistance and
impact strength in multiple industries,
while also addressing industry
requirements for faster processing by
compression moulding and ram
extrusion processes.
Potential applications include food
and beverage machinery, chemical
processing, textiles, pulp and paper,
mining and mineral processing. The
material is supplied in the form of a
coarse, natural coloured powder and can
be moulded into many shapes and
colours, says LyondellBasell.
further information:
www.lyondellbasell.com
LyondellBasell has
announced an addition to
its Lupolen family of ultra-
high molecular weight
(UHMW) polymer resins.
38
Partnership to bring together
graphene and plastic
electronics
A formal collaboration between
Cambridges Graphene Centre, and the
Universitys spin-out company, Plastic
Logic, has been announced.
Plastic Logic will work with Cambridge
researchers on a specific programme
which aims to exploit graphene, related
two dimensional materials and hybrid
systems in flexible, plastic electronics a
field in which the UK already enjoys a
world-leading position.
Plastic Logic, founded in 2000, is a
spin-off company from the Universitys
Cavendish Research Laboratory and
develops and manufactures colour and
monchrome plastic, flexible displays. The
market for these devices is expected to be
worth $40bn by 2020.
The Cambridge Graphene Centre was
bp&r
news
the application of graphene in our flexible
plastic electronics process. This will
enable higher levels of customisation and
drive a step change in technology
performance, opening up new commercial
applications, such as the huge potential
market for large area distributed sensors.
further information:
www.graphene.cam.ac.uk
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established earlier this year to capitalise
on the Universitys research into the
material as well as a large class of related
layered materials and hybrids. Graphene
is a one atom-thick layer of graphite with
remarkable potential to enable significant
technological advances.
The research programme will
investigate the development of graphene
as a transparent, conductive layer within
flexible displays and of novel transistor
structures using layered materials, which
promise to significantly improve the
performance of flexible electronics.
Indro Mukerjee, CEO of Plastic Logic,
said: I am delighted that Plastic Logic is
working with the world-class team at the
Cambridge Graphene Centre on this
transformational research programme for
Plastic Logic will work with Cambridge
researchers on a programme which aims
to exploit graphene in flexible, plastic
Ski boots slope off with weight reduction
ARPRO, the specialist lightweight material from JSP, has been
used to enhance the performance of a new range of ski boots,
making them lighter, more comfortable and better insulated.
Incorporating ARPRO into the sole of the new X-Pro range of
Salomon ski boots has not only resulted in a reported weight
reduction of 15 percent, but also a 30 percent increase in levels
of thermal insulation.
The development follows the successful use of ARPRO in
Salomons range of helmets, where the materials multiple
impact protection qualities is said to offer optimum protection to
wearers.
Paul Compton, JSP President and CEO, explained: Having a
lightweight boot is now considered a necessity. The inclusion of
an ARPRO sole in Salomon X-Pro ski boots has contributed to a
substantial weight reduction and an increase in thermal
insulation compared with traditional ski boots.
Paul-Eric Chamay from
Salomon, added: We first used
ARPRO technology in our
helmets, which enhanced their
ability to withstand shock while
maintaining a lightweight
composition. Now, the inclusion
of ARPRO has been a revelation
for wearers of our boots. Its a
brilliant material solution and
one which we will continue to
build into our products, keeping
them innovative and giving our
customers what they want to
enhance their skiing
experience.
further information:
www.arpro.com
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Does FR imply fire resistance?
When we see FR in a plastics grade coding
we can sometimes be lulled into believing we
have a material that is fire resistant. Of
course the bottom line is that, because all
plastics are based on carbon, they will
undergo high temperature oxidation.In other
words, given the right conditions (a supply
of oxygen and heat) they will all burn.
By choosing particular base polymers and
additives we can make things less serious,
by concentrating on one particular aspect of
fire performance: ease of ignition; heat
contribution; spread of flame; toxic
volatiles; smoke production.
Plastics with a limiting oxygen index of
over 25, eg PVC, require additional oxygen
and heat to continue burning and will be
difficult to ignite and to sustain
combustion. Plastics which thermally degrade
to produce combustible volatiles contribute
to the spread of flame. Additives can
operate through physical effects (cooling,
// Materials Technical //
Blog
This month, polymer expert and technical blog author, Dr Charlie Geddes, discusses the fire resistance of plastics.
In association with Hardie Polymers
www.hardiepolymers.com
dilution, protective layer) or by chemical
effects (reactions in the solid phase or gas
phase).
In fires in occupied buildings, perhaps
the most serious feature is smoke production.
Smoke can travel along a corridor faster than
Usain Bolt can run.Smoke leads to people
becoming disoriented and hampers escape.
Eventually they will be overcome by heat or
toxic gases, but the smoke is often the prime
cause for loss of life. Paradoxically there
have been examples where fast burning
plastics, such as acrylic roof lights, have
actually saved lives by allowing rapid smoke
dispersal.
In particular applications, the properties
of FR grades have to be carefully matched up
to specific aspects of fire performance.
Got a view on the above? Blog posts will also be
published on the BP&R website at
www.britishplastics.co.uk - feel free to leave
your comments.
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Plas-Tech thermoforming
acquires injection moulder
Plas-Tech Thermoforming, a specialist in
thermoforming techniques based in
Brandesburton, East Yorkshire, has
recently expanded its operations by
acquiring the specialist injection moulding
company, Protomould, based in Fife,
Scotland.
The move will reportedly see the two
companies combine their tooling service
to their customer base and open up
opportunities for crossover business
between thermoforming and injection
moulding.
Plas-Tech says Protomould will be run
as a sister company under the new name
of Protomould Plastics Limited as part of
the Poly Plastics Limited umbrella.
From starting off as a small operation
in 1994, weve seen great growth and
success over the years. Our expansion will
help us to build on the strength of both
companies, offer new and better services
to our customers and continue to grow in
the future, commented Plas-Techs
Chairman, Rick Rial.
Bill Scott, founder of Protomould,
helped with the handover and has now
retired. He commented: Im delighted to
have passed on the reins to Plas-Tech.
Protomould has always been built on its
news
Engineering Passion
Expanding Cybertools adds larger 200 tonne
injection moulding machine
UK-based Cybertools has extended the range of parts it can
produce by investing in the latest generation Romi Sandretto EN
200 plastic injection moulding machine.
Demand dictated our decision to buy, commented Graham
Driver, Sales and Marketing Manager. The additional tonnage of
the 200 tonne machine will be a great advantage to us.
Based in Hertfordshire, Cybertools offers a trade service to a very
broad range of industries, from medical to industrial products
throughout the UK, but also to export markets, which include the
Czech Republic, America and Ireland.
With design support, tool making, assembly and logistics in
addition to moulding, Cybertools says it can now offer a full
turnkey solution. The company says the retention of good tool
making skills is seen as a particular USP that has underpinned
the companys growth and put it in a position where it can invest
in the latest machinery to support growing demands within the
business.
further information:
www.sandretto.co.uk
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excellent service, quality products, quick
turnaround and competitive, cost-effective
prices and Plas-Tech will only help to
strengthen its reputation, and grow and
develop the company further.
further information:
www.plas-tech.co.uk
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3D printing helps moulder cut
tooling costs by 97 percent
A moulder and mould maker is using
technology to 3D print the injection tooling
used to make prototypes, which it says is
significantly reducing the time and cost of
producing sample parts.
Seuffer, a German supplier of parts for
household appliancesand commercial
vehicles, is using Stratasys 3D-printed
injection moulds to produce parts for
functional testing in their final material.
Working with the automotive industry,
sample parts need to be tested in the
environment of moving mechanical parts
as well as in high temperature
environments, explained Andreas
Buchholz, Head of Research and
Development at Seuffer.
With Stratasys 3D printing, we can
design first drafts of the injection mould
within a few days and 3D print them in
less than 24 hours for part evaluation.
Traditionally, it would take eight weeks to
manufacture the tool in metal using the
conventional CNC process. And while the
conventional tool costs us about 40,000
euros, the 3D printed tool is less than
1000 euros, a saving of 97 percent.
www.kraussmaffei.com
Contact AB Systems on 01844 339044 or visit www.ab-ltd.co.uk
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Using the Stratasys technology,
Seuffer also produces 3D printed moulds
for its hot melt process. These moulds,
which are used to overmould low melting
point polyamide over electronic circuit
boards, are created with Stratasys rigid,
opaque Vero materials.
Companies worldwide are looking to
introduce significant efficiencies to their
manufacturing processes when
introducing new products and are
discovering the many benefits of additive
manufacturing, also known as 3D
printing,said Andy Middleton, General
Manager, Stratasys EMEA at Stratasys.
More and more manufacturers are
adopting 3D printed tools as a
complimentary injection moulding solution
not only to cost-effectively test products
before mass production, but also to
produce customised parts.
further information:
www.stratasys.com
42
bp&r
The economic outlook for the UK keeps improving, at least
that is what the government would have us believe.One
barometer of confidence is
exhibition attendance at the
recent K 2013 Show.
Having just spent the
last few days at this huge
international trade show in
Dsseldorf, I would have to
agree that things appear to be on the up.Throughout the
exhibition, the atmosphere was far more positive than prior
events. It was especially encouraging that so many UK
companies visited the show noticeably up on the 2010
event. Innovation has not been forgotten, with many
companies thinking outside the box and stepping out of their
traditional market segments with true product innovations.
It was also very encouraging that discussions taking place
were around new investments and projects. This brings me
neatly to UK exhibitions; the summer PMMDA member survey
confirmed that exhibitions are very important to our
membership. However the exhibition diary is becoming very
congested, especially in 2014 when we will have two UK
shows diluting both visitors and budgets.
Personally, I would prefer that we adopted the K/Fakuma
model with a larger show on a three year cycle supported by a
smaller event in the intervening years. It is more important
than ever that we hear the views of the market, so please do
feedback your views on UK exhibitions to the PMMDA.
further information:
www.pmmda.org.uk
potlight
on exhibitions
S
The dust is settling onthe K Fair with the surprising news
that number of visitors had reduced slightly to about
218,000.The organisersofthat
rising star in the East,
Chinaplas, now snapping at the
heels of K, will now berubbing
their hands. Nevertheless, we
assessed the BPFs attendance
atK to be a great success. Not
only did we host two sites for
some thirty companies with a
diverse andbalanced offering,
we provided a meeting ground
for UK companies at the fair
and hosted the signing of a
Memorandum of Understanding between the Plastindia
Foundation andeightEuropeanPolymer and
MaterialsClusters, including NEPIC from thenorth-east of
England.The BPF also participated in a promotional event in
Dsseldorf featuring the GREAT Mini Cooper, currently
touring allGermanstates, which allowed us to celebrate the
contribution madeto the vehicleby two BPF member
compounding operations, Albis and Axion.
The principal offering from the BPFs stand at K was A
Guide to the Best of British atK 2013.This is downloadable
from www.k2013.co.ukand it contains all the
argumentssupporting the purchase of UKmaterials, products
and equipment. It includes a statement of the key strengths
of our UK industry and also case studies of British innovation
in plastics. Crucially, it details the products and services
offered by BPF member firms. Some 2000 copies of the
brochure were distributed during the fair.
A distinctive feature ofrecent months has been a higher
level of coordinationwith UK Trade and Investment. UKTI has
now committed its support for the BPFs presence
atChinaplas in Shanghai, China,on23 - 26 April 2014, at
Plastimagen, on 18 - 21 November 2014in Mexico City
andat Plastindia, February 5 - 10, at Ahmedabad, Gujarat,
India. For each fairUKTI will be offering companies grants of
up to 2,500 to attend. Companies wanting to find out more
should contact Justyna Elloitt at the BPF on 0207 457 5001.
On a different note, it is100 years since the first award of
a patent for the polymerisation of PVC.Following difficult
years at the eye of the environmental storm, arguably and to
some extenton the back of the Vinyl 2010 and
VinylPlusprogrammes, the industrys overall reputation is at a
high point. It wastherefore absolutely appropriate that the
BPF used the centenary to celebrate the work of two
extraordinary individuals who havedone so much to hold the
linefor PVC during the last twenty years in the UK. Jason
Leadbitter and Roger Mottram were awarded BPF Gold
medals for their service to the Federation and its PVC
interests at our recent Annual Dinner. Both are remarkably
doughty operators for their company, Ineos ChlorVinyls, and I
have personally witnessedand admired their efforts since the
creation of the BPF Vinyls Groupback in the early 90s.Both
studied at the University of Bradford, under Phil Coates, and
their professional lives have proceeded in parallel,pursuing
similar positions intheir respective companiesuntil a few
years ago, when, with the merger of Ineos ChlorVinyls and
Hydro Polymers, they found themselves working alongside
each other, in the same team, now providing a combined fire
power of exceptional calibre.
further information:
www.bpf.co.uk
News from the front line
This month, Philip Law, Public
and Industrial Affairs
Director at the British
Plastics Federation, reflects
on an eventful K 2013, looks
at the opportunities rising in
the East, as well as wishing
PVC a very happy birthday as
the patent for its
polymerisation reaches its
centenary.
This month, PMMDA Chairman,
Nigel Flowers, discusses the
positive UK turnout for the
recent K Show, as well as
highlighting the importance of
exhibitions for the industry.
A good show for a good show
Part of the British
Group exhibiting at K 2013
K

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software for the plastics
converting industry covers the full
range of back office operations
from on-line and off-line sales and
quotations to production planning,
inventory management and
finance through to logistics,
ware-housing and distribution. It
seamlessly integrates with
Solarsoft-Mattecs Real-time MES
to provide a single system that
offers a complete quote-to-cash
solution for the plastics industry.
REAL TIME PRODUCTION
MONITORING, SCHEDULING
AND PROCESS MONITORING
intouch
T: 01604 646144
F: 05601 506253
E: enquiries@
intouchmonitoring.com
Real-time production monitoring
systems. Designed to be easy to
use and providing affordable
solutions to all sizes of
businesses. Production
monitoring, scheduling, reporting,
data import/export, databases for
parts, tools and operators,
integration with other software
packages.
ProHelp EPM (for Microsoft
Windows PC Servers)
Mattec Ltd
T: 01909 561544
F: 01909 560675
E: a.jewell@mattec.com
Real-time Modules: Production
Monitoring, Drag and Drop
Scheduling/Planning, Preventative
Maintenance, Bar Coding/Parts
Traceability, Operator Visual Aids,
Process Parameter Profiling,
Pager/Tannoy Alerts, Stand-alone
Drag and Drop Scheduler, Stand-
alone SPC Machine Analyzer,
Automatic Data Import/Export
Functions (for integration to
Manufacturing Systems and other
software packages).
PlantMaster
BMS Vision Ltd
T: 01254 662244,
E: sales.bla@visionbms.com
Website: www.visionbms.com/
plastics.
Affordable and flexible MES
system for the plastics/rubber
industry. Real-time production
monitoring features wireless data
units and OPC Ethernet machine
connections. Drag & drop job
scheduling supports frame/insert
level family tooling plus KAN BAN.
ERP system integration, SPC/SQC,
Touch Screen Data Units, Machine
Maintenance, Operator Tracking,
Traceability, DNC, Energy
Monitoring, Bar Coding, Pager
Alerts.
Easy to use systems from a
600m company with over
30 years experience.
SYSCON-PlantStar
MTec Services Ltd
T: 0114 2476267
F: 0114 2476267
E: mt@mtec-services.co.uk
W: www.mtec-services.co.uk
W: www.syscon-intl.com
PlantStar systems provide
customised, scalable applications
that deliver real-time plant floor
data from any machine, shift, and
plant anywhere in your business.
Affordable systems available for all
size of processor.
Browser-based software and
hardware, and wireless ethernet
technology make for highly
versatile and configurable systems
providing information wherever
needed. Standard systems include
real-time alarms, downtime &
reject analysis, capacity
scheduling, ERP integration and
more. With options including
SPC/SQC, Labour tracking and
Scheduling, Family Tooling,
Material traceability, bar-coding.
A listing in the Software Directory
costs 140 per programme per year.
Call Lisa on 01244 680222 for details.
RAPRA attended two fantastic
days exhibiting some of the very
latest in medical plastics related
engineering and manufacturing
technology at Mediplas on the
25-26 September. It was also a
chance to grow our
understanding and knowledge
about the whole spectrum of 3D
printing and additive
manufacturing technologies at the partner TCT Show.
The growing demand for innovative, more effective clinical
treatments and medical technologies is well documented. Frequent
failures of small businesses in this market include insufficient
knowledge of how to commercialise their technology and the most
appropriate route to into the challenging market for new devices.
RAPRA contributed to the exhibition by organising three of our
Preferred Partners and Providers who explained potential issues
encountered during product development and how to combat them.
Anthony Goff, Technical Manager for G&A Moulding Technology
Ltd, raised essential questions related to key concepts of moulding
optimisation, anticipated technical issues and possible failures, in
order to prevent them in considerable time.
Dr Stephen Jenkins, MD/Principal Scientist of LPD Laboratory
Services Ltd, summarised the techniques and analytical
methodology, which establish causes and solutions to problems with
products including a range of materials and their associated
manufacturing process and Gabriele Frediani, a PhD Student from
Queen Mary, University of London, presented his latest research
activities on new biomedical and bio inspired mechatronic systems
based on electro active elastomeric actuators.
further information:
www.rapralimited.org
This months update from
RAPRA looks at the
organisations recent
participation at Mediplas.
RAPRA puts a focus on medical
RAPRA Director, Steve
Shaw, at Mediplas 2013
Interplas 2014 -
let the countdown begin
2014 is set to be an exciting year. Not only is it the year of the horse,
the World Cup in Brazil and Glasgows turn to host the
Commonwealth Games, crucially, it is an Interplas year.
What that means for the plastics industry is excitement on a
mass scale. Interplas is the UKs largest plastics industry exhibition
and the only event to cover all of the manufacturing processes,
technologies and services within the plastics industry. As the
headline magazine for the show, BP&R will be covering Interplas in
its entirely, from pre-show build-up to last day stand break-downs,
making sure we capture the buzz that surrounded the revitalised
event in 2011.
We will feature a full page run down in every issue throughout
2014 until the event, reporting on developments, interviewing some
of the top industry figures lined up to present on some of the most
interesting and thought-provoking topics in the seminar sessions, as
well as giving readers a sneak preview into whats not to be missed
at the show.
With some of the biggest industry players lined up to exhibit and
over 65 percent of the expanded floorspace already sold a year out
from the show, Interplas 2014 is certainly a crucial date for the diary.
Interplas comes to the NEC, Birmingham from 30th
September - 2nd October 2014.
further information:
www.interplasuk.com
Branson Ultrasonics
158 Edinburgh Avenue, Slough,
Berkshire SL1 4UE
T: 01753 756675
F: 01753 551270
E: bucuk.sales@emerson.com
W: www.bransoneurope.eu
vibration welding
equipment
colour masterbatch
Units 3E + 3F, Hillam Road
Industrial Estate, Bradford, West
Yorkshire, BD2 1QN
T: 01274 731552
F: 01274 738118
E: sales@eclipsecolours.com
W: www.eclipsecolours.com
Polymer Specific and
Universal Colour and Additive
Masterbatches. Fastmatch
colour matching service.
1 mm Easysperse MicroPellets to
4 mm MaxiPellets.
Standards second to none.
ancillary
For Temperature
Control Rental
turn to the experts
FLUID CHILLERS
BOILERS
AIR CONDITIONING
HEATING
DRY COOLERS/
FREE COOLING
0800 026 4717
Rental Systems
Branson Ultrasonics
158 Edinburgh Avenue, Slough,
Berkshire SL1 4UE
T: 01753 756675
F: 01753 551270
E: bucuk.sales@emerson.com
W: www.bransoneurope.eu
Machine Techniques Ltd
Units 3-5, Sutton Court, Bath
Street, Market Harborough,
Leicestershire LE16 9EW
T: 01858 434059
F: 01858 433638
E: davidchatterton@ymail.com
W: www.mactec.co.uk
assembly
hot plate welding
masterbatch
Motan Colortronic Ltd
Matilda House, Carrwood Road,
Chesterfield Trading Estate,
Chesterfield S41 9QB
T: 01246 260222
F: 01246 455420
E: sales@motan-colortronic.co.uk
W: www.motan-colortronic.co.uk
chillers/temperature
controllers
Kistler Instruments Ltd
T: 01256 741550 F: 01256 741551
E: sales.uk@kistler.com
W: www.kistler.com
Pressure transducers and associated
monitoring/control equipment for
new and existing injection moulding
applications.
Elmatic (Cardiff) Ltd
Wentloog Road, Rumney, Cardiff
CF3 1XH
T: 029 20 778727
F: 029 20 792297
E: sales@elmatic.co.uk
W: www.elmatic.co.uk
control systems
and equipment
quality monitoring control
Cannon Shelley UK agents for
Belotti 5 axis CNC machines
T: 01480 453651
F: 01480 52113
E: sales@cannon-shelley.co.uk
W: www.cannonforma.com
W: www.belotti.com
W: www.shelley.biz
CNC ASSEMBLY
MACHINES
Dosing equipment
InControl Ultrasonics Ltd
(FFR Ultrasonics Ltd)
The Swan Centre, 8A Swan Street,
Sileby, Leicestershire LE12 7NW
T: 01509 816507
E: enquiries@ffr-ultrasonics. co.uk
W: www.ffr-ultrasonics.co.uk
ultrasonic welding
spin welding
Telsonic UK Ltd
12a - 15 Birch Copse, Technology
Road, Poole, Dorset BH17 7FH
T: 01202 697340
F: 01202 693674
E: sales@uk.telsonic.com
W: www.telsonic.co.uk
Blog:wwwtelsonicuk.wordpress.com
mould release
buyers guide
thermocouples
C.J.P. Sales Ltd, 8 Heol West Plas,
Litchard, Bridgend CF31 1PA
Tel: 01656 644907
Fax: 01656 662 397
Email: sales@cjpsales.co.uk
Web: www.cjpsales.co.uk
FLEXIBLE POLYMERS
RIGID POLYMERS
ADDITIVES
PURGING SOLUTIONS
H.T.E Engineering Services Ltd
Unit 9, St Ives Enterprise Centre,
St Ives, Huntingdon
Cambridgeshire, UK, PE27 3NP
T: +44 (0) 1480 467321
M: +44 (0) 7435 967632
E: john@hte.ie
W: www.pulsestaker.com
FOR SALE

For further details:
01925 596170 07838138342
Email: douglastrading@gmail.com
Reheat Stretch Blow Moulding
Machine (PET)
Make: Sidel, France
Type: SBO 24/24
Year: 1994
- Preform Tipper, Hopper / Elevator,
Infeed Rail
- Oven & Heating Wheel
- Electrical Cabinet (Siemens S5)
- Operating manuals
materials
polymer distributors
TBA Electro Conductive Products Ltd
Unit 3 Transpennine Trading Estate
Gorrells Way, Rochdale, OL11 2PX
T: 01706 647718 F: 01706 646170
E: info@tbaecp.co.uk
W: www.tbaecp.co.uk
conductive plastics
and coatings
To advertise
in this space
contact
lisa montgomery
01244 680222
44
bp&r
extrusion systems
heating equipment
Cooper Plastics Machinery
Unit 12, Harmill Industrial Estate,
Grovebury Road, Leighton
Buzzard, Bedfordshire LU7 4FF
T: 01525 850610 F: 01525
218008
E: cooperplastics@googlemail.com
W: www.cooperplastics.co.uk
Extruders, extrusion tooling, water
baths, haul-offs, fly knife cutters,
conveyors/tip tables,
in-line punches, coilers etc. New and
used. Repairs, servicing or rebuilds.
UK agent for Lyons Electronics.
extruders and downstream
equipment
dryers/dehumidifiers
granulators
MF Induction Heating
Unit 5, Martindale, Hawks
Green, Cannock, Staffs, WS11 7XN
Replacement Coils
New platens
T: 01543 570642 F: 01543 574460
E: sales@mfinduction.com
W: www.mfinduction.com
BS EN ISO9001: 2000 registered.
BS EN ISO9001:2008
induction heating for platens
and tools
infra red systems
Motan Colortronic Ltd
Matilda House, Carrwood Road,
Chesterfield Trading Estate,
Chesterfield S41 9QB
T: 01246 260222 F: 01246 455420
E: sales@motan-colortronic.co.uk
W: www.motan-colortronic.co.uk
Motan Colortronic Ltd
Matilda House, Carrwood Road,
Chesterfield Trading Estate,
Chesterfield S41 9QB
T: 01246 260222
F: 01246 455420
E: sales@motan-colortronic.co.uk
W: www.motan-colortronic.co.uk
materials handling
and storage
PLASTICOLOR
B A Thorne (Machinery) Ltd 19A
Imex Business Centre, Oxleasow
Road, East Moons Moat, Redditch,
Worcestershire B98 0RE
T: 01527 584714
F: 01527 584784
E: bat@bathorne.co.uk
W: www.bathorne .co.uk
gravimetric/volumetric blending
Motan Colortronic Ltd
Matilda House, Carrwood Road,
Chesterfield Trading Estate,
Chesterfield S41 9QB
T: 01246 260222
F: 01246 455420
E: sales@motan-colortronic.co.uk
W: www.motan-colortronic.co.uk
hopper loaders
Motan Colortronic Ltd
Matilda House, Carrwood Road,
Chesterfield Trading Estate,
Chesterfield S41 9QB
T: 01246 260222 F: 01246 455420
E: sales@motan colortronic.co.uk
W: www.motan-colortronic.co.uk
LABORATORY machines
Injection Moulding
metal detection &
separation equipment
nozzles & nozzle tips
Motan Colortronic Ltd
Matilda House, Carrwood Road,
Chesterfield Trading Estate,
Chesterfield S41 9QB
T: 01246 260222
F: 01246 455420
E: sales@motan-colortronic.co.uk
W: www.motan-colortronic.co.uk
Motan Colortronic Ltd
Matilda House, Carrwood Road,
Chesterfield Trading Estate,
Chesterfield S41 9QB
T: 01246 260222
F: 01246 455420
E: sales@motan-colortronic.co.uk
W: www.motan-colortronic.co.uk
mixing, feeding, drying
screws and barrels
printing machines
pad
hot runner systems
hot runner controllers
hopper dryers
Industrial Plastics Ltd
Unit 13 Canterbury Industrial Park,
297 Ilderton Road,
London, SE15 1NP
T: 020 7252 9600
F: 020 7252 9601
E: sales@ipl-london.co.uk
W: www.ipl-london.co.uk
screen changers
Energy Saving Dryers
To advertise
in this space
contact
lisa montgomery
01244 680222
45
bp&r
buyers guide
testing equipment
World leader in
Materials Testing
Instrumentation
Tensile | Fatigue | Impact
Compression| Melt Flow
Coronation Road,
High Wycombe, Bucks
HP12 3SY, UK
Tel: +44 1494 464646
www.instron.com
MAPRA Technik Co BAREISS
For Bareiss of Germany -
IRHD & SHORE hardness testers,
Abrasion & Rebound testers.
T: 020 8508 4207
F: 020 8502 5107
E: info@mapra.co.uk
W: www.mapra.co.uk
hardness - IRHD and shore
MAPRA Technik Co DOSS
MARCEL AUBERT KAFER
For DOSS visual solution of Italy
Inspection & sorting machines
for Orings, Seals, Gaskets.
T: 020 8508 4207
F: 020 8502 5107
E: info@mapra.co.uk
W: www.mapra.co.uk
inspection & measurement
Plasplant Ltd
Unit 4, Oakhanger Farm, Oakhanger,
Bordon, Hants GU35 9JA
T: 01420 473013
F: 01420 475152
E: plasplant@aol.com
W: www.plasplant.com
Rawmec (EEC) Ltd
Rawmec Industrial Park,
Plumpton Road, Hoddesdon, Herts
EN11 0EE
T: 01992 471796
F: 01992 471797
E: rawmec@btconnect.com
W: www.rawmec.com
TransXL International Ltd
Thornhill, South Marston, Wiltshire
SN3 4TA
T: 01793 827666
F: 01793 823826
E: sales@transxl.co.uk
W: www.transxl.co.uk
Arrowquint Ltd
Unit 5 Sanders Close, Finedon Road
Industrial Estate, Wellingborough,
Northamptonshire NN8 4HQ
T: 08450 655455 F: 08450 655456
E: sales@arrowquint.co.uk
W: www.arrowquint.co.uk
Static control solutions, equipment
sales and rental, repairs and on-site
servicing. UK/Eire agent for Eltex
market leaders in static control
systems.
Ray Ran Test Equipment Ltd
Kelsey Close, Attleborough
Fields Industrial Estate, Nuneaton,
Warwickshire, CV11 6RS
T: 024 763 42002
F: 024 766 41670
E: Polytest@ray-ran.com
W: www.ray-ran.com
static control
DM Machinery Ltd
Used Injection Moulding Machine
Stockists
40 Thorne Lane, Wakefield
West Yorkshire, WF1 5RR
T: 01924 290206
E: sales@dmmachinery.co.uk
W: www.dmmachinery.co.uk
DTL Machines
We Buy / Sell all Makes, Age and
Sizes of Injection Moulding
Machines & Ancillaries
Tool room machines and also
complete factories / plants
Factory Clearance Services
Dismantling / Removal of obsolete
plant and machinery
T: 01925 596170
M: 07838138342
E: douglastrading@gmail.com
services
injection moulding
Gammadot Rheology Testing &
Consultancy Services
Unit 5C, Leaton Industrial Estate,
Bomere Heath, Shrewsbury,
Shropshire, SY4 3AP
T: 01939 291677
E: enquiries@gammadot.com
W: www.gammadot.com
Providing independant testing
solutions to all your quality control,
failure analysis & flow simulation
data needs
printers
printers of plastic mouldings
Total Print Ltd
Specialist Pad Printers
Station Road, Gedney Hill,
Lincolnshire PE12 0NP
T: 01406 330122
F: 01406 330123
E: info@totalprintltd.com
W: www.totalprintltd.com
Sub-contract printers pad to the
plastics industry
mouldflow analysis
Injection
Moulding
Extrusion
Hot Runners
Nozzles
Moulds
Dies
Filters
Screws
Cleaning service for processors
Remove all polymers
Tel:- +44 121 511 1203
Fax:- +44 121 511 1192
Email:- LesH@claytonholdings.com
Web:- www.claytonholdings.com
Contract cleaning
Injection Moulding
Business Wanted
T/O between 100,000 and
1.5million.
Contact in the strictest confidence,
Joe Reeve, Data Plastics Ltd
Email
joe.reeve@dataplastics.co.uk
Phone
01993 700777
ACQUISITION
WANTED
PLASTIC SCRAP
T: 0121 328 5222
F: 0121 328 3555
E: sales@bsplastics.co.uk
We are looking to
purchase LDPE post
production scrap.
Can take over 100 Tonne
a week.
Payment terms: COD
TAMPO.SCREEN.FOIL
Contour Marking Co Ltd
Albert house, Gledrid Industrial
Park, Chirk ,Wrexham, LL14 5DG
T: 01691 770093
F: 01691 770023
Sub Contract Tampo, Screen &
Foil Printing to the plastic
moulding industry
E: sales@contourmarking.com
W: www.contourmarking.com
parts & services
FLEMING
Polymer Testing and Consultancy
An independent ISO9001 accredited
laboratory specialising in the
flow simulation of:
Extruder screws & spiral mandrel,flat
spiral,profile,
coathanger & coex dies
Compuplast distributor
Stop guessing start simulating
Tel: +44 (0)1299 253300
www.flemingptc.co.uk
EXTRUSION FLOW
ANAYLYSIS
EXTRUSION
FLEMING
Polymer Testing and Consultancy
An independent ISO9001 accredited
laboratory specialising in:
Capillary rheometry
FTIR
DSC/TGA
MFR/MVR
Extrusion
Pilot-scale blown film Line
Instrumented impact
Flow simulation
Tel: +44 (0)1299 253300
www.flemingptc.co.uk
Extrusion and Plastics Services
Extrusion, Compounding, Wash
Plant
Installation, Maintenance,
Removal
New Factory Setups / Single
Machine
CAD work / Tooling Mods / Trials
Product Development / Line Trials
Downstream Equipment Repairs
Chillers, Pumps, Pipework, Air etc
Punching / Drilling / Foiling / Wrap
Filtration / Settlement Systems
Process Improvement / Training
07930 150120
extrusionandplastics@hotmail.co.uk
testing/consultancy
RIDAT COMPANY
UK manufacturer of Thermoforming & Pressure Forming
Equipment, including Blister & Skin Packaging machines
For more information or to order our sales brochure please contact us:
T: 0845 050 6525 or E: info@ridat.com
www.ridat.com
SUPERIOR
PERFORMANCE.
COMPETITIVE PRICE.
SUPERIOR
RIDAT COMPANY RIDAT COMPANY
COMPETITIVE PRICE.
PERFORMANCE.
COMPETITIVE PRICE.
UK manufacturer of Thermoforming & Pressure Forming UK manufacturer of Thermoforming & Pressure Forming
T: 0845 050 6525 or E: info@ridat.com
Equipment, including Blister & Skin Packaging machines
For more information or to order our sales brochure please contact us:
www.ridat.com
Equipment, including Blister & Skin Packaging machines
T: 0845 050 6525 or E: info@ridat.com
For more information or to order our sales brochure please contact us:
www.ridat.com
For more information or to order our sales brochure please contact us:
WANTED
Buy and Sell Cable
and Plastics Machinery
Presently Available:
Please Contact:
Floatair tumble mixer 250kg capacity
50mm x 24:1 Boston Matthews extruder
90mm x 24:1 Francis Shaw extruder
Rapid Granulator type 4535/KV
T: +44 (0)1204 534414
E: sales@goodwinmachinery.co.uk
W: www.goodwinmachinery.co.uk
ANGLO PLASTICS LTD
Buy/Sell Used Plastics Machinery
Rutland Road, Scunthorpe, DN16 1HX
T: +44 (0) 1276 470910
T: +44 (0) 7740 632907
E: information@
angloplastics.com
W: www.angloplastics.com
secondhand and
reconditioned
46
bp&r
ENGEL e-mac. A machine that achieves even
more for you. A machine that combines great perfor-
mance with amazing precision. All electric. A machine
that offers you a huge amount of freedom. Freedom
enough to design your individual injection moulding
applications with the required degree of flexibility.
The innovative ENGEL e-mac does not use up
too much of your floor space despite offering excellent
performance. It is a machine that is extremely frugal. In
ongoing operations, because it uses very little energy.
But above all in terms of capital outlay keyword:
unbeatably inexpensive purchasing price.
be the first.
ENGEL e-mac
ENGEL U.K. LIMITED | GB-Warwick CV34 6RW | tel: +44 (0)19 26 33 50 00
fax: +44 (0)19 26 33 66 77 | e-mail: euk@engel.at | www.engelglobal.com
engel-the-machine.com

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