Composite Products Worth Seeing

Mother’s Day is this Sunday. You could say these companies might be sending cards and flowers to necessity, for it’s the mother of invention.

Graco's next generation polyurethane mixing head, the EP Pour Gun.

Graco’s getting into the mix with its next generation polyurethane mixing head, the EP Pour Gun. Designed for open pour applications and closed-mold injection, the new applicator features updated mix head technology that allows users to rebuild the mixing head on site instead of sending it back to the manufacturer for a rebuild. With flow rates of 1 to 50 lb/min (0.45 to 22.7 kg/min) and wide fluid ratio capabilities of 1:1 to greater than 5:1, the gun processes rigid and flexible polyurethanes, as well as filled materials. The product’s design features a lubricated purge rod that reduces material sticking and a mechanically self-cleaning element intended to eliminate excessive solvent flushing.

KraussMaffei Berstorff is putting the screws to natural fiber – literally! Its ZE-UTX twin-screw extruder was created for optimum processing of natural fiber reinforced compounds. The technology is characterized by intensive material and heat exchange, narrow residence time distribution, efficient degassing and speed-independent output rates. Large free volume, special mixing elements and efficient barrel temperature control are the key factors that ensure excellent processing results. The patented multi-process elements employed are designed to ensure gentle incorporation of natural fibers. The company designed the product to avoid high shear rates and temperature peaks that may lead to thermal damage of the fibers. The natural fiber compound can also be directly converted into the final product (film, profiles or sheets) by connecting the extrusion tool and the downstream equipment directly to the twin-screw extruder.

Keyence's new IG Series laser micrometer

Get ready for some laser tag (or at least inspection) from KEYENCE. The company’s new IG Series laser micrometer is focused on advancing modern micrometer technology. The system is designed for applications such as edge guiding of opaque, transparent or translucent materials, position control, outer diameter measurement, and gap control. The IG Series also includes numerous built-in, application specific operation modes enabling most installations to be configured and operational within seconds after powering on the system. The company says the system differs from conventional edge guiding and positioning devices due to a high precision L-CCD (charged couple device) to determine the edge positions of any target placed within the sensor’s beam. This feature, combined with several error extraction algorithms and an I-DSP (digital signal processor), allow the IG to operate stably.

Chem-Trend is feeling protected thanks to Lusin Protect O 45 F, a new anti-corrosion agent specifically developed for use in the thermoplastic industry in and around food processing areas. The material dissipates the condensation that occurs during the cool-down process of the mold, and offers reliable corrosion protection for up to twelve months, depending on the environmental conditions. Lusin Protect O 45 F is available in aerosol form or as refillable loose goods for use in a variety of spray or dip applications. Lusin is said to meet NSF H1 registration guidelines and is targeted for the treatment of metal surfaces and tools that are used in the manufacturing process of products such as beverage and baby bottles, toys, tooth brushes, coffee machines and other household articles.