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June/July 2009
Röchling Engineering Plastics proudly announced the addition of it third MegaSheet press. The new press is capable of producing molded sheet of UHMW-PE, HDPE or PP, that measure 8 feet by 20 feet — the biggest sheet currently available worldwide. The so called MegaSheet is perfect for specific applications such as UHMW-PE chutes and truck bed liners, extra-long dock fenders, large flanges and manhole covers in the HDPE pipe industry. Due to its unique size, cost savings and quality improvements will give its customers the edge needed to be highly competitive in the market. The new state-of-the-art machine is equipped with the latest technology for the production of compression molding sheet and will increase production efficiencies and overall quality of Röchling’s products and will open up new opportunities for Röchling in the U.S. plastics market. (704) 922-7814, www.roechling-plastics.us.
Spartech Corp. has launched new Extreme™ TPO (thermoplastic olefin) sheet in three grades: Extreme LG (low gloss), Extreme HG (high gloss) and Extreme D (decorative). All three products provide a high quality, reliable replacement for large fiberglass and metal parts in a variety of markets. This innovative solution also addresses the challenges of thermoforming inconsistencies of large sheet TPOs. Extreme HG was selected for the RV front cap (large part thermoforming) shown in the photo above. Extreme TPO sheet provides a wide processing range, enabling consistent, controlled sag for stable processing. Faster set-ups, fewer rejects and consistent forming are Extreme TPO sheet hallmarks. For the manufacturer, these translate into improved productivity and cost savings. Extreme TPO sheet is an excellent solution for high vibration applications, such as parts manufactured for agricultural and construction equipment, heavy trucks, recreation vehicles and electric sports carts due to its high toughness and resistance to surface crazing and cracking. It also offers greater surface impact resistance versus gel coated surfaces, resulting in reduced maintenance, less repair and fewer warranty claims. The sheet is chemical and UV resistant, offers long-lasting weather durability, and can be painted and bonded using conventional primers and paints designed for TPOs. (314) 889-8363, www.spartech.com.
Evonik Cyro LLC has introduced ACRYLITE® hw55 acrylic polymer that provides superior heat resistance, enhanced mechanical properties and exceptional surface hardness. These excellent properties make the polymer ideal for injection molding of technical parts used in high powered compact lighting applications in automotive, marine, airport and medical lighting, as well as gauge and instrument panels. This new copolymer offers designers a tough acrylic with excellent light transmission qualities that withstands years of high thermal stress. Whether ACRYLITE hw55 is used for surgical lighting, high-intensity street lamps, or fiber optics in automobiles, it can take the heat. In applications where high heat buildup is common, materials need to withstand excessive temperature to prevent poor performance and damage, such as warping and discoloration. ACRYLITE hw55 polymer has a high heat deflection temperature of 241°F (116°C) at 264 psi under load. Even after long-term exposure to heat, the polymer retains maximum transparency in contrast with alternative plastics on the market. The new polymer has superior tensile and flexural strength; good dimensional stability; and is highly resistant to breakage, scratching and isopropyl alcohol. It can be processed on injection molding machines and extrusion lines with 3-zone general purpose screws, making it easy to integrate into most manufacturing lines. (800) 631-5384, www.cyro.com.
KYDEX LLC, manufacturer of KYDEX® thermoplastic sheet, has announced an improved formulation of KYDEX FST. The newly formulated sheet is now available in a lower gloss finish, in an integrally colored metallic, with a new texture called PB-Brushed Metal or as an injection-molding resin. KYDEX FST is high-performance aviation-grade sheet, formulated to meet all Boeing and Airbus flame-smoke-toxicity requirements. KYDEX FST also has Microban® antimicrobial protection built into the sheet so it won’t wash or wear away and lasts for the lifetime of the sheet/product. Microban technology helps keep the surface cleaner between cleanings and inhibits the growth of bacteria that can cause stains, odors and product deterioration. “We recognized a need to develop an aviation-grade sheet that was available in a lower gloss finish as well as a fully-compliant injection-molding resin,” said Ronn Cort, international business manager. “Like other KYDEX sheet materials, this product is offered in the industry standard P3 Velour Matte texture, but the enhanced KYDEX FST sheet was developed in response to our clients’ expressed needs. Our goal is to deliver a consistently quality product for demanding applications and we are proud to offer the industry’s lowest minimum order quantities and shortest lead times.” (570) 387-6997, www.kydex.com.
Sheffield Plastics, a Bayer MaterialScience LLC Business, has introduced MAKROLON® 15 polycarbonate sheet for architectural glazing. This tough polycarbonate sheet is virtually unbreakable and can prevent serious break-ins that result in tens of thousands of dollars of damage to building structures, equipment and furnishings. It can be used as a direct replacement to monolithic glass in storefront and commercial glazing. The PC sheet can also be used to protect existing windows as an alternative to metal screens currently used in many facilities. Natural lighting is achieved by installing MAKROLON 15 polycarbonate sheet, as over-glazing, while protecting existing school windows from breakage. The sheet combines the proven break resistant capability of MAKROLON polycarbonate sheet with advanced coating technology that ensures significantly increased protection against tough environmental conditions and long-term UV exposure. It’s lighter than glass for easier installation and, when installed as an over-glazing system, can provide further savings in energy and the reduction of exterior noise. MAKROLON 15 polycarbonate sheet comes with a 15-year limited warranty covering breakage, yellowing and coating integrity. (800) 628-5084, www.sheffieldplastics.com.
NSF International has reported that IPEX Inc., a leader in thermoplastic piping systems, is the first molecularly-oriented polyvinyl chloride (PVCO) pressure pipe manufacturer to receive certification to ASTM F1483 and AWWA C909 standards for pressure pipes. NSF is currently the only organization that tests and certifies PVCO pipe to these standards. PVCO can be used in water mains, sewer force mains, process piping and irrigation applications. NSF/ANSI Standard 14: Plastics Piping System Components and Related Materials requires that PVCO pipe meet AWWA C909: PVCO Pressure Pipe, 4-inch through 24-inch (100 mm through 600 mm), for Water Distribution and ASTM F1483: Standard Specification for Oriented Poly (Vinyl Chloride), PVCO, Pressure Pipe. According to John Houle of IPEX, “Bionax PVCO is an extremely tough, high-strength pipe material that is perfectly suited for buried applications. IPEX also claims that Bionax PVCO has dramatically increased impact strength, increased fatigue resistance, and has larger inside diameters allowing increased flow. In addition, it is the most environmentally-friendly pipe on the market, with a lower carbon footprint than any other material.” The official listing for IPEX is available on NSF’s web site at www.nsf.org. For meeting the requirements outlined above, IPEX will bear the NSF-pw mark, as well as the ASTM F1483 and AWWA C909 marks on its pipes. (800) 463-9572, www.ipexinc.com.
Plastics processor ENSINGER has extended its program within the area of amorphous, non-melting high-temperature polyimides. The new product line, TECASINT, includes several new developments and modifications, as well as proven materials which have been established in the market under the brand name SINTIMID. ENSINGER has introduced semi-finished products and direct formed parts made of the new material TECASINT 2000 which is characterized, amongst other things, by improved toughness. The polyimide portfolio is to be further developed this year. Semi-finished products and direct formed parts made of TECASINT have outstanding long-term thermal stability. The broad temperature range of these materials extends from -454°F to -572°F (-270°C to 300°C). TECASINT materials will even withstand short-term heating to 662°F (350°C), without melting or softening. Material strength, dimensional stability and creep resistance under mechanical load also remain high in continuous use. The sintering material, TECASINT 1000, was introduced 20 years ago to the market under the name SINTIMID. The newly developed products from ENSINGER include the high-temperature polyimides in the TECASINT 2000 series, eminently suitable for the direct forming procedure, which allows economical volume production of parts. TECASINT 5000 (previously SINTIMID PAI) is a non-thermoplastic processible high-temperature polyamide-imide. The sintering material is suitable for applications in semiconductor manufacturing. Products of the series TECASINT 8000 (SINTIMID 8000) are proven materials for sliding friction applications. (800) 243-3221, www.ensinger-online.com.
AXYZ International, a leading manufacturer of CNC router system solutions, has announced the release of the 21G and 7G Automatic Tool Change Systems for the AXYZ Series CNC router system. The new 21G and 7G Automatic Tool Change Systems (ATCs) represent another one of the market innovations that AXYZ has delivered to its ever-growing customer base. The systems are a departure from most traditional tool change systems in the market today specifically with respect to their increased capacity — they are overall a much faster and more reliable tool change system. Features of the 21G and 7G ATCs include very fast tool changes — 30 seconds or less. The ATC changes tools from below the level of the table, increasing the usable area of the machine gantry without increasing its size and without interfering with loading and unloading of materials from any side of the machine. New features also include the capability to load tools on multiple spindle machines from a single tool changer, and software allows for flexible tool assignments. (905) 634-4940, www.axyz.com.
Palopaque flat PVC sheet (Type 1 PVC) is now available from Palram Americas, one of the world’s largest and most advanced manufacturers of polycarbonate and PVC sheets. Palopaque PVC sheet benefits from Palram’s 45 years of PVC extrusion experience. The PVC sheet has a smooth, uniform surface that makes it ideal for welded tanks, thermoforming, fabrication projects, air handling, fume scrubbers or anyplace additional chemical resistance is required. Palopaque has excellent flammability characteristics and is available in thicknesses through 5/8 inches thick and in sheet sizes of 48 inches by 96 inches. (800) 999-9459, www.palramamericas.com.
Phthalates are plasticizers that make flexible vinyl softer. They have been used in the production of vinyl products, including flooring, shower curtains and children’s toys for decades. A recent ban of children’s toys containing phthalates in the European Union and in California has caused a number of issues. Therefore, there has been an increased demand for non-phthalate products, including PVC and fabrics. Where can manufacturers find vinyl and fabrics that contain no phthalates? TMI LLC, a leading manufacturer and supplier of flexible PVC products, is the first supplier in the United States to carry a full line of non-phthalate flexible vinyl. To help manufacturers meet stringent production requirements, TMI has non-phthalate clear flexible PVC film, strip and sheet, as well as a line of PVC coated and laminated fabrics. While research shows that phthalates pose no health risk to humans, researchers hypothesize that exposure to phthalates, especially at a young age, may cause reproductive problems. But until now, many manufacturers had no choice but to use vinyl and coated fabrics containing phthalates. The TMI Group of Companies is the first to offer a broad line of non-phthalate products. TMI’s ongoing commitment as a market and innovation leader is to develop next generation flexible PVC product solutions that meet and exceed market and government demands. Joe Peilert, CEO of the TMI Group of Companies, comments, “Outside of legal requirements, many customers are realizing the opportunity to sell products that do not contain phthalates as a way to differentiate themselves from the competition and collect a premium.” (800) 888-9750, www.tmi-pvc.com.
Techno Inc. has added the Pro Series CNC Router to its current product line of CNC machining solutions. Designed to meet the high demands of panel process manufacturing, the Pro Series is constructed of large, heavy tubing that is both welded and stress-relieved, the perfect foundation for Techno’s precision drive system. Also comprised of precision ball screw drives on all three axes, THK rails and bearings, high-speed closed-loop servomotor and drives, the Pro Series drive system ensures minimal maintenance, machine longevity and superior machine performance. Techno’s New Pro Series is available in a variety of standard sizes ranging from 4 feet by 8 feet through 6 feet by 20 feet. “We are welcoming special sizes and customization requests with this model because we understand that size and usage vary from shop to shop,” said CNC router sales manager, Roy Valentine. The Pro Series machine can be equipped with a variety of spindle options including automatic tool changer, collet spindles, drill banks, or multi-spindle setup for high volume part production. Reverse engineering lasers, and 4th axis rotary tables are just some of the additional accessories compatible with this new machine. (800) 819-3366, www.technocnc.com.
Piedmont Plastics Inc. is excited to announce a new vendor relationship that has been established with LOFO High Tech Films. LOFO is located in Weil am Rhein, Germany, and is a global leading manufacturer of specialty films based on soluble polymers. It’s a win-win relationship that partners LOFO’s solvent casting, coating and lamination with Piedmont Plastics’ film conversion capabilities. Customers will now have access to superior grade high performance films such as TACPHAN® (cellulose – triacetate), ARYPHAN® (polyarylate), POKALON® (polycarbonate), VIPOPHAN® (PVC) and TRANSPHAN® brands. LOFO High Tech Films are used for a wide gamut of technical to opto-electronic applications. LOFO is ISO 9001: 2000, ISO 14001:2004 and SONY Green Partner Program certified. This, in combination with Piedmont’s ISO 9001:2000 certification ensures you get the highest quality products from a leading domestic film converter. You can learn more about these products on its web site. (800) 277-7898, www.piedmontfilmgroup.com.
Asahi/America has announced the newest addition to its product family, PP-Pure™, a pigmented high-purity polypropylene piping system for pure water systems that provides a cost savings over traditional PP-natural and PVDF systems. PP-Pure also offers the advantage of a much larger size range (1/2 inches to 12 inches) over commercially available PP-natural systems (1/2 inches to 4 inches). PP-Pure is manufactured under stringent purity requirements, where pipe and fittings are extensively cleaned and double bagged. The final product purity makes it an ideal piping system for pure water applications with semiconductor, photovoltaic, institutional and bio-pharm clients where system costs are a major concern. The large size range, extending up to 12 inches, makes PP-Pure ideal for large facility expansion projects. This size range will provide a cost-effective means to transport pure water in large diameter pipe sizes typically required in new semiconductor and photovoltaic manufacturing plants. PP-Pure is available in 150 psi pressure rating (SDR 11) and offers a complete range of fittings and valves. (877) 24-ASAHI, www.asahi-america.com.
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New MegaSheet press
Extreme™ TPO sheets
ACRYLIC® hw55 acrylic polymer
Polycarbonate hard-coated sheet
New polyimide materials
Automatic tool changer system
Palram expands panel offering
New Pro Series CNC router
High-purity PP piping system