EQUIPMENT.

High torque shredders

Hydraulic and electric rotary shear shredders are offered in sizes ranging from 5 hp to 800 hp. These low speed shredders process materials by continuously drawing feed stock past two counter-rotating cutter shafts. These shafts, outfitted with cutting discs separated by spacers, rotate at 5 to 30 rpm. The cutters have one or more beak-like hooks, or knives, that intermesh with cutters on the adjacent shaft. When overfeeding occurs, or when non-shreddable matter is introduced into the feed hopper, the machine automatically shifts into a reversing mode and clears the overload condition. (SSI Shredding Systems, 9760 S.W. Freeman Dr., Wilsonville, OR 97070-9286)

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Heat cleaning ovens

Ovens manufactured by the company are said to easily remove rubber, plastic, urethane and more from metal parts, such as rubber-to-metal bonded parts, molds and breaker plates without damaging the metal parts. The load is heated to 650 [degrees] to 800 [degrees] F (340 [degrees] to 427 [degrees] C) in an oxygen-deficient atmosphere, where the combustible hydrocarbons decompose. Parts leave the oven completely dry. Ash residue is said to be easily removed. The system is said to eliminate chemical stripping which is hazardous to employees and the environment. Typical cleaning cycles are four to six hours. (Armature Coil Equipment, 4725 Manufacturing Rd., Cleveland, OH 44135-2696)

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Pressure reduction

The RV Series pressure reducing valve has been introduced by the company. The valve is made from a lead-free cast bronze material for strength and durability, according to the company. The valve is also soft-seated, utilizing a reinforced PTFE disc for precise temperature control. The RV Series is said to be easily adaptable to systems utilizing existing pressure reducing valves. (Durbin Industrial Valve, 1062 Triplett Blvd., Akron, OH 44306)

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Precision preformer

The C3 precision preformer is a hydraulic powered ram extruder with an eight speed rotating cutter mounted in the head of the machine which cuts the compound across the die face as it is extruded. The extrusion rate is monitored by a volume control valve, and the barrel capacity holds up to 132 pounds of rubber. The C3 preformer has the capacity to handle difficult rubber compounds, and produces accurate rubber blanks of +1.5% with minimal setup time, according to the company. It is said to produce rubber blanks of virtually any shape, any weight up to six pounds and any dimension up to 7.5 inch diameter. The machine is said to be easily stopped for a die change or barrel cleaning. The C3 preformer can also be used as a screening or filtering machine to remove impurities from rubber compounds either as a separate process or during production of blanks. (Barwell, 460 Tacoma Ave., Tallmadge, OH 44278-2719)

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Intake system

The company's dense phase pneumatic intake system is said to be field proven for providing low fines handling of carbon black and other fillers. The pneumatic transmitter has only three moving parts and can transport 30 tph of carbon black from the intake point to silos or daybins with a fines increase of less than 2% (as compared to virgin fines). The system's compact layout has been developed to enable it to be directly retrofitted into installations with existing mechanical elevators or traditional pneumatic conveying systems. The simple design is said to make the system capable of sustained long-term operation at throughputs greater than 25 tons per hour. The system can intake material from sack tips, sack splitters, IBCs, bulk road tankers or rail cars, etc. (Chronos Richardson, Arnside Rd., Bestwood, Nottingham, NG5 5HD, U.K.)

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Cold feed extruder

The AZ MCTD 200 (8") CF extruder, with design at 10 L/D, features a rubber extrusion system that offers controlled temperature and screw speed with controlled plasticization for maximum output at optimum temperature and appearance, according to the company. This adjustable extruder system features screw threads in the rotor and barrel that are said to plastify and mix robber for a wide range of compounds. MultiCut-Transfermix-D (MCTD) extruders are available as stand alone extruders in 10 D, vacuum extruders in 18 D and underpack extruders for various applications in the rubber processing industry. Options include different versions of heads, throttles, feed-rolls, TCUs, flanges, etc. (Kiffer Industries, 4905 Rocky River Dr., Cleveland, OH 44135)

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High shear mixers

A range of high shear rubber mixers is under development that is said to change the way in which compounding and reclaim operations are performed. The mixing principle used subjects the elastomer to high shear and extensional stresses at relatively low processing temperatures, while simultaneously controlling the alignment of the polymer chains. This action is said to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of routine compounding. It also selectively ruptures crosslink chains, thereby devulcanizing previously cured rubber. The principle applies equally well to continuous compounding as it does to batch. The machinery, which was researched and developed at laboratory scale over a number of years, is now being expanded upwards into 2 kg and 20 kg batch versions, with larger sizes being made available on demand. (Watson Brown HSM Ltd., 34 Hathersage Dr., Shirebrook Park, Glossop, Derbyshire SK13 8RG, U.K.)

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Dual layer tubing head

A dual layer co-extrusion tubing head is said to eliminate the need for multiple stage processes. Both layers of the hose are formed in one head. This task was accomplished by developing complex flow channels within a cylindrical head body in order to form a concentric ring of rubber for each layer. These two tubes of robber are gradually reduced in area until they are formed to the specified wall thickness and bonded together while under pressure just before exiting the final die. The fact that the two layers are forced together under pressure is said to insure that the adhesion between the two layers will be significantly better than using the multiple-stage process. This new design is also said to address the adhesion problems encountered when trying to make a two-layer hose with two non-compatible materials. This newly developed design is optimized specifically for the purpose of extruding a two-layer rubber hose with or without a supporting mandrel. (Davis-Standard, 1 Extrusion Dr., Pawcatuck, CT 06379)

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Continuous ink jet printers

The 200 Series continuous ink jet printers have been introduced to the robber industry. The Model 203SP is said to incorporate the durability found in the company's other printers, and is specifically designed to deliver substantially thicker inks, such as white or other pigmented inks, for extended periods without clogging. The result is said to be unsurpassed high-contrast colors and excellent adhesion on most surfaces, according to the company. The Model 203 SP is said to suit a wide variety of manufacturing applications. Standard printer features include consistently distinct marking, stability at high speeds, etc. (Wiedenbach America, 13685 Stowe Dr., Poway, CA 92064)

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Grinding, cutting machinery

Tire manufacturers are said to have reported elimination of powder clean-up problems and quality smear-free finishes on raised letter and ribbon grinding due to the cool low-heat grinding performance of the company's products. The performance was also said to provide favorable results in shoulder and tread grinding operations. The tools are said to provide rapid cutting action while at the same time producing smooth finishes. Performance is said to be due to the proprietary abrasive coating that consists of a collection of tungsten carbide particles formed into individual cutting structures and arranged into a pattern. (Friction Coating, 42776 Mound Rd., Sterling Heights, MI 48314)

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Hydraulic die extractor

The hydraulic die extractor is a self-contained unit which extracts dies and accessories out of rubber preforming machines. The accessories are pushed out by a hydraulic cylinder, which is positioned on the machine head, and works from a self-contained power pack, requiring no effort from the operator, according to the company. The hydraulic die extractor only requires a single phase power supply and is said to be easily moved about the factory from machine to machine. The trolley holds accessories as they come out of the head, so there is no need for the operator to catch them. The dies are pushed out cleanly. (Barwell, 460 Tacoma Ave., Tallmadge, OH 44278-2719)

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Loss-of-weight filling system

The loss-of-weight batching system includes a de-aeration lance which draws out a large percentage of the free air between the powder particles in an effort to rapidly settle materials in the bags. The quick-disconnect feature is said to provide for ease of cleanability and flexibility of materials. The bag filling system is said to be ideal for the loss-of-weight batching of aeratable to dense powders into bags and drums with batch sizes ranging from 10 to 50 kg in 30-60 seconds. The AccuRate Model 8000 microprocessor based control with customized batching software is also available, providing additional capabilities. (AccuRate, 746 E. Milwaukee St., PO. Box 208, Whitewater, WI 53190)

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High speed attritor

The HSA-50 high speed attritor, developed for dry grinding, is equipped with the same standard features of all HSA attritors. However, the HSA-50 has a 50 hp motor. The HSA-50 is said to meet the need for a dry grinding attritor with a middle-size range between the HSA-30 and the HSA100, which are currently available. The patented HSA attritors feature a design concept that includes a new shaft configuration and side discharge screen which allows mills to use smaller media and run at higher speeds, generating a large quantity of micron-sized products continuously. Generally, the media size used in HSA attritors is 2-3 mm; in some special cases, slightly larger media also have been used. The shaft RPM of the HSA series ranges from 400 to 800. The HSA-50 operates at 510 rpm with a tip speed of 2,670 fpm. Dry grinding attritors are said to provide fast, efficient dry grinding. (Union Process, 1925 Akron-Peninsula Rd., Akron, OH 44313)

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Single screw stuffer

A single screw top stuffer has been introduced by the company for use with its range of modular, high speed twin screw extruders with screw diameters from 18 to 135 mm. The single screw top stuffer is a metering device which mates with a downstream feed barrel section to positively deliver various solids into a process melt stream, such as fillers, fibers and other compressible materials. When mated to a vented barrel section, the same unit can also be used to push the molten polymer back into the extruder that tends to go up the vent when high levels of volatiles are being removed. The top stuffer includes a stainless steel hopper with three feed openings, a stainless steel single screw auger with removable stirrer arm and a variable speed drive. The single screw top stuffer is often used in place of a twin screw side stuffer because it can perform equally at a significantly lower cost, according to the company. It also has fewer parts and is said to be easier to maintain. The company's single screw top stuffer can mate with any model single or twin screw extruder. The manufacturer's process laboratory includes various size top stuffer units. (American Leistritz Extruder, 169 Meister Ave., Somerville, NJ 08876)

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Vulcanization system

The company's salt bath vulcanization system is used to heat and vulcanize sealing profiles made of compact, microporous and mainly peroxide-cured rubber compounds with and without a metal carrier. Single and multiple profiles can be produced. All functional groups are of completely modular design. This allows a line equipped with a controlled profile haul-off to be structured specifically for the customer's need or the process requirement at low cost, according to the company. Because of the adjustable and tiltable infeed conveyor, it is possible to change the extrusion dies uninterrupted and to thread the profiles over the entire length of the line with the pneumatic opening of the lower door segments. The profile surfaces and profile lips are sprayed thoroughly with salt right at the beginning of the treatment section. This is said to ensure that the vulcanization process begins evenly. The immersion roller sections are divided into two or more sections with separate drives to guarantee the safe transportation of the profiles and to compensate for profile elongation. Another design feature that is said to improve the quality is the special immersion roller diameter with defined compensation for the profile length change (friction). The follow-up treatment of the profiles after the immersion section is handled by knock rollers and hot-air nozzles. They are said to thoroughly pre-clean the profiles and keep the salt discharge to a minimum. (Troester Machinery Ltd., 300 Loornis Ave., Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221)

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Flowpath switching

The Multi-Router is said to provide automatic switching of flowpaths for multiple pneumatic conveying systems used in the handling of bulk solids. This patented system is said to eliminate several problems associated with hose switch stations, the conventional method of switching flowpaths. In using the Multi-Router, workers are no longer at risk when switching hoses, and air pressure is not lost due to leaking connections, according to the company. Present methods of hose switching, or the use of complex arrays of individual valves, are said to have led to high labor costs, frequent breakdowns, loss of product and compromises of health and safety standards. The Multi-Router is said to be simply installed, with minimal space requirements, and requiring little maintenance. The Multi-Router is said to provide remote, automatic control of the switching function, providing plant operators with the means to automate a final element of their process. (Meyer Machine, P. O. Box 5460, San Antonio, TX 78201-0460)

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Multi-component mixers

A series of dynamic mixers has been introduced by the company. The series of no-flush mix heads utilizes dynamic mixing for multi-component systems. This low pressure unit is said to allow high Shear mixing associated with the dynamic mixers, but eliminates solvent flushing which is normally required, according to the company. The unit is available in three flow ranges to handle a wide range of applications. It can be used in open or closed molding applications. The minimum throughput is 3.5 lb./min, and the maximum is 32 lb./min. Automatic selection of up to four color streams is available. (Edge-Sweets, 2887 Three Mile Rd., N.W., Grand Rapids, MI 49544-1386)

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Three-zone belt conveyor oven

The No. 794 is a three-zone, electrically-heated belt conveyor oven, currently in use curing a cast silicone robber layer onto steel rollers. This unit has a maximum operating temperature of 500 [degrees] F and a workspace of 30"w x 96" d x 24" h. The conveyor consists of an 18" long open belt loading zone, 36" long insulated unheated entrance vestibule, three 32" long insulated heat zones with independent recirculated airflow and temperature control, 12" long insulated unheated exit vestibule and 60" long open unloading zone. A 90 kw total heat input is installed in Nichrome wire heating elements, with 30 kw per heating zone. (Grieve, 500 Hart Rd., Round Lake, IL 60073-9989)

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Two-platen injection machine

The Maxima injection molding machine features a two-platen design that builds tonnage in just 0.77 sec. on a 1,760-ton (1,600 mt) machine, and features clamp speed of 30 ips (760 mm/sec.). It uses a short-stroke, direct-acting hydraulic ram that eliminates the double-platen deflection common to machines that build tonnage through the tie rods, according to the company. The Maxima clamp section starts with tie rods fully supported at both ends, which is said to eliminate droop and minimize friction in the busings of the moving platen. The weight of the tie rods is transferred straight down to the I-beam base. (Cincinnati Milacron, 4165 Halfacre Rd., Batavia, OH 45103)

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Retreading equipment

Technological improvements have been made to the Series 2000 range of retreading equipment, designed for larger retreaders manufacturing between 80 and 120 tires a day. The developments include revisions to the ITT 2000 inspection machine, the Rasp 2000 Model 98 computerized buffer and the Ringtreader 2000 Model 98 tread builder. The Rasp 2000 computerized buffing machine's sidewall brushing unit has been redesigned to increase the machine's stability, while the buffing unit has been raised to facilitate dust cleaning. Interactive touch screen operation has been added to the Ringtreader 2000. (Marangoni Tread S.p.A., Via E. Vermi, 11/b, 1-37135, Verona, Italy)

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Mass flow meter 

The Multicor mass flow meter is said to be the solution for high capacity and accurate weighing. This is an alternative to screw feeding, offering continuous weighing, batching and gravimetric feeding of dry, free to moderate flowing materials. Material falls on the rotor within the mass flow meter, accelerating it outward and producing a coriolis force. The coriolis force generates a torque measuring proportional to the mass flow, which is transmitted to a strain gage load cell. The Multicor is said to be ideal for applications requiring feed rates up to 150 metric tons per hour. The Multicor mass flow meter is very compact in size and is said to be ideal for applications where head room is limited. By design, the Multicor is not affected by changes in material friction, drop heights and impact characteristics. (AccuRate, 746 E. Milwaukee St., P.O. Box 208, Whitewater, WI 53190)

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Rotary mold cleaning

A rotary table media-blast mold cleaning system is said to combine repeatable automatic processing with increased flexibility. The Model RSSA-8 is offered as a direct pressure blast system or with vacuum induced media delivery. Loaded and unloaded by hand through a full-depth side door or an optional front sliding door, the standard rotary table of the RSSA-8 is 42" in diameter. A track extension and easy-rolling transfer cart are available to ease loading of heavy molds. The footprint of the blast cabinet is 64" wide by 48" deep. A complete installation includes a cyclone media reclaimer and an efficient cartridge-type dust collector. The machine's programmed automatic blast cycle starts when the operator holds two switches and the pneumatically actuated door is closed. As the work slowly rotates at preset speed, it is exposed to blast from up to six pressure-blast nozzles rigidly held in position. (Guyson, W.J. Grande Industrial Park, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866-9044)

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Mixer emulsifiers

Series 500 mixer emulsifiers are built for service in critical manufacturing environments that require vacuum and/or internal pressure operation. The mixers are built with either single or double mechanical seals carefully selected to match specific process requirements. Double seals are supplied for either conventional lubricated operation or for dry running operation for particularly sensitive applications. The Series 500 model is available in gizes from 1.5 through 100 hp. All wetted surfaces, except the shaft support bushing, are of type 316 stainless steel construction. For high solids applications special bushing lubrication systems supply a continuous lubrication to the bushing location. All stator heads are available for use with this model. (Charles Ross and Son, P.O. Box 12308, Hauppauge, NY 11788)

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Solids reduction

The 1075-L Delumper crusher handles homogenous or heterogenous materials, and waxy, resinous, hard or soft agglomerates without degrading the product or causing a rise in temperature. Output sizes are adjustable by changing the speed or the comb. The size of the material handled could be as large as the throat opening. The unit has a fully enclosed, dust tight body. Optional features include an extended outboard bearing, removable door for easy access and a hopper for feeding. A packing seal isolates the bearing to help heat dissipation. The ultra compact Delumper crusher is designed to be used in open or closed systems such as ducts, chutes or pipes. (Franklin Miller, 60 Okner Pkwy., Livingston, NJ 07039)

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Coatings dryer

Macrowave dryers have been developed for water-based inks, coatings and glues on webs up to 110" (2,800 mm) wide. Dryers in the 960 Series are said to offer the advantages of 75% less dryer floor space than occupied by traditional dryers and the highest possible drying speed for water-based coatings, according to the company. Macrowave dryers are said to be unique in that they selectively seek the water and evaporate it without overheating the web. This is said to eliminate embrittlement, scorching and curling problems. (Radio Frequency, 150 Dover Rd., P.O. Box 158, Millis, MA 02054-0158)

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Hopper loader

The C100 pneumatic hopper loader is said to be a compact and highly reliable air loader that efficiently loads granular and regrind materials up to 660 lbs./hr, with no moving parts. The Venturi pickup wand is said to ensure efficient and economical use of compressed air and can be easily dismantled for cleaning if required. Loading is automatically controlled. (Louis P Batson, P. O. Box 3978, Greenville, SC 29608)

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Closed system batch attritor

This developer and manufacturer of attritor technology has introduced a model of its batch attritor. The attritor features a completely closed system which is required for grinding under inert gas. Applications for this closed system attritor include the grinding of chemical dispersions and other materials. The attritor is said to be simple to operate, energy efficient and ten times faster than ball mills. No premixing is required. Explosion-proof electricals and an air diaphragm pump are included with this model. In addition, there is a portable, sealed vessel for discharging the material from the grinding chamber. (Union Process, 1925 Akron-Peninsula Rd., Akron, OH 44313)

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High temperature ovens

Electric and gas heated high temperature walk-in ovens are available in sizes from 96 to 360 cubic feet. Each oven has a full year warranty, aluminized or stainless steel interior, adjustable horizontal/vertical air flow with top return duct, rugged panel construction, heavy duty blower and insulated floor, according to the company. A digital indicating temperature controller is mounted in a NEMA 12 panel. These ovens are available with either a back or top mounted heat chamber. Each is factory tested, balanced and shipped assembled. Maximum temperatures from 850 [degrees] F to 1,250 [degrees] F are possible. (Precision Quincy, 1625 W. Lake Shore Dr., Woodstock, IL 60098)

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Meter/mix/dispense system

The See-Flo 690 system is said to be an ideal system for metering, mixing and dispensing beads and volumetric shots of abrasive or viscous thermosetting (two-component) materials. The See-Flo 690 system is said to assure precise volumetric shots time after time for potting, encapsulation or casting applications. Dispense flow rate is precisely controlled with the AirDraulic drive circuit, according to the company. Shot size is adjusted by a cylinder stroke control bolt with a hard stop. The See-Flo 690 may be configured to dispense in either of two modes, beads or shots. (Sealant Equipment & Engineering, 45677 Helm St., Plymouth, MI 48170)

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Mold inspection units

Mold inspection units are said to provide added convenience to the task of mold inspection and maintenance in injection operations. Their use is said to replace a variety of slow and sometimes hazardous methods involving jacks, levers and overhead cranes. Each mold inspection unit is equipped with fixed and movable platens to facilitate rotation and the precise positioning of mold halves or coupled units for inspection and maintenance. Five standard models are available to accommodate molds from 0.5 tons to 20 tons. Platen sizes vary from 27.6" x 23.2" on the smallest unit to 98.4" x 110.2" on the largest. (Enerpac, 13000 W. Silver Spring Dr., Butler, WI 53007)

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Extrusion crosshead 

The Swiftsleeve Model 0507 fixed center nylon extrusion crosshead is a high speed, high output crosshead designed to increase nylon sleeving productivity and reduce operating costs, according to the company. Line speeds are said to exceed 4,000 feet per minute, with greater than 97% wall concentricity. Hardened LLS steel tips and dies are said to extend tool life up to six months or more. The system is said to offer reduced setup and cleanup, and increased flexibility. Material savings up to $40,000 annually per line are said to have been documented. (Genca, 13805 58th St., N., Clearwater, FL 33760)

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Traverse winding

A system has been developed for slitting and spooling tacky composites (and other materials) to widths as narrow as .125", while simultaneously combining a protective film liner to each rewinding strand. The system includes a cantilevered unwind with programmable constant tension and auto edge guide, and a slitter section with "S" wrap pull rolls. The company's interchangeable slitting assembly, traversing dual edge trim scrap take-up and a rewind to take up the liner material from the supply roll are included. The traverse winding section incorporates 18 individually controlled positions in two nine-position units. Each position has a liner unwind with brake and combining station, pneumatic lay-on roll, independent adjustments to vary spool width, stroke rate and end dwell, and can produce maximum 15" diameter x 10" wide spools on 3" cores secured on air shafts with inflate/deflate toggle. (Independent Machine, 2 Stewart Place, Fairfield, NJ 07004)

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Benchtop extruder

The LME laboratory mixing extruder is offered to evaluate the processability of a wide variety of robber and plastics prior to production with as little as one gram of material. The LME is said to be the only complete processing instrument that allows for mixing, compounding and extrusion in one system. It allows R&D laboratories to compound and extrude small quantities of a material. This allows researchers to conduct initial investigation of new expensive or environmentally sensitive materials without waste. Sample material can be in the form of pellets, powders, flakes, etc. (Atlas Electric Devices, 4114 N. Ravenswood Ave., Chicago, IL 60613)

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