EQUIPMENT.

Ergonomic dry vacuum

The Hand-E-Vac industrial cleaning gun has an ergonomic trigger lever for easy, continuous use, according to the company. The Hand-E-Vac picks up dust, lint, powders, rubber or plastic trim and plastic chips. This powerful gun vacuum requires only a small amount of compressed air and has no motor to burn out, according to the manufacturer. Different options are available for years of use as a vacuum with collection bag or drum collection. (ITW Vortec, 10125 Carver Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45242-9976)

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Rubber bale film wrapper

The Model 3000 advanced rubber bale film wrapper utilizes a 24" diameter, 40-42" width film. This is said to reduce the purchase cost of film. Bales are wrapped in the transverse direction, with no tails on the long dimension of the bale and little or no tails on the short dimension. This is said to reduce the amount of film used to wrap a bale by 20%. Tighter control of film placement and seal creation is also featured (Sage Automation, 4925 Fannett Rd., Beaumont, TX 77705)

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Dipping unit

The second generation of the company's dipping unit is used for formulation development, dip profile testing and new product evaluation. The system can also be used for production dipping of smaller components requiring dip molding or dip coating. The base unit contains such features as fully programmable velolcities, positions and dwell; two axis in motion with a third axis available; 110 volt operation; Visual Basic software operates via personal computer; vertical stroke of 24" at speeds of 0.025" to 5" per second; pallet rotate of [+ or -] 720 [degrees] up to 60 [degrees] per second; and more. (ACC Automation, P.O. Box 569, 475 Wolf Ledges Pkwy., Akron, OH 44309-0569)

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Silicone stuffers

The company's silicone stuffers range in size from 3,200 cc to 50 liters (8-135 lbs.) and feature a sliding breech block to simplify loading of compound. The stuffers are designed to be mounted directly to the frame of the injection unit. This not only provides increased rigidity, but also allows for removal of the connection tube while leaving the stuffer mounted, according to the company. This allows the machine to be available for strip feeding of rubber compounds. Available options include separate self-contained hydraulics and controls which allow the stuffers to be easily switched between different injection molding machines, as the production needs change. (Klockner Desma/KDE Sales and Service, 2835 Crescent Springs Rd., Erlanger, KY 41018)

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Granulators

This company represents the Blackfriars, Ltd. line of granulators, including bale, multi-knife, low level, medium duty and heavy duty granulators suitable for many industries, including rubber, film, adhesives, solvents, glues, plastics and foam. All models feature high output levels, rugged construction, sound attenuating devices and easy cleaning, according to the company. The Model 525 bale granulator, highly suited for rubber and adhesives production, produces uniform granules at a consistent rate, outputs up to 3,000 lbs. per hour and accepts up to 77 lb. bales of natural or synthetic materials. (Barwell, 460 Tacoma Ave., Tallmadge, OH 44278-2719)

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Encapsulation 

Equipment is available for microencapsulation of different products in the same machine without the use of high temperature and excessive energy consumption. The material to be coated is called the core or fill. The coating material is called the shell or wall material. This deposition can be single or more layers of different thickness. The company's coating technology coats the dry core material (while it is mechanically fluidized) with atomized layers of product dissolved in a solvent or water mixed with binders such as cellulose derivatives, dextrins, emulsifiers, protein derivatives, starch derivatives, clay, lime, or other chemicals. The product is tumbled to allow even distribution of coating. Other dry powders can be deposited continuously as the coating layers are added. A drying step can follow. (Process-all, 10596 Springfield Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45215-1138)

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Walk-in oven

The No. 825 is a 500 [degrees] F electric walk-in oven currently in use for curing latex at a customer's facility. Workspace dimensions inside this unit measure 54" wide x 72" deep x 72" high. The 30 kW power is installed in Incoloy sheathed tubular heating elements, while a 6,000 cfm, 5 hp recirculating blower provides horizontal airflow across the workload. (Grieve, 500 Hart Rd., Round Lake, IL 60073-2898)

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Giant tire cutting bandsaw 

The company's vertical bandsaw, said to be the world's largest, has a thickness cutting capacity of 72" and a width cutting capacity inside the throat of 92". This saw was designed to cut giant earth moving tires. Blade speeds can be changed to cut virtually any material. Overall height of the saw is 16 feet. The total width of the saw is 12 feet. The saw is driven by a Reeves 40 hp gear box with variable blade speeds. (Tannewitz, 0-794 Chicago Dr., Jenison, MI 49428)

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Modular conveyor belts

Modular plastic conveyor belts for the rubber industry are said to be proven in various mill room applications. The belts are positively driven and manufactured from cut resistant, non-porous, non-stick plastic materials. The Series 400 raised rib belt features Slidelox rod retention, along with abrasion resistant rods and sprockets. The Series 400 flat top belt is said to be ideal for batch-off infeed applications and extruder feeder applications. (Intralox, 201 Laitram Lane, Harahan, LA 70123)

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Textile body ply cutter/splicer

The TPCS textile body ply cutter/splicer system automatically prepares body ply for the assembly of car tires. The TPCS system automatically unwinds the calender rolls, cuts and splices the material to yield new rolls of high quality, tire ply stock ready for final tire assembly. To splice the stock and re-orient the textile cords, the company uses a splicing device that is said to insure precise and reliable splice quality, meeting requirements for splice overlap. (VMI Americas, 4485 Allen Rd., Stow, OH 44224)

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Rubber curing system

This rebuilder and supplier of rubber processing machinery offers the 60" Pirelli Rotocure. Technical features of the Rotocure include: curing drum diameter of 1,200 mm (60"); upper and lower drum diameter of 1,000 mm (40"); band width of 1,500 mm (60"); welded band length of 14,300 mm; stainless steel band thickness of 1 mm; maximum drum temperature of 360[degrees] F; maximum curing field length of 2,800 mm (110"); and much more. (Gomaplast Machinery, 500 E. Henry St., Wooster, OH 44691)

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Dust collector

The Dust-Hog Porta-Hog is said to incorporate the latest technological advances in dust collection to specifically eliminate smoke, dust, powder and other dry process pollutants to provide a healthier work environment. The self-contained, portable cartridge dust collection system is said to be ideal for capturing pollutants where large goods are impractical, smoke producing machinery is used intermittently or where an employee goes from one work station to another. Contaminants enter the Porta-Hog through the unit-mounted Para-Vent hood and are conveyed through the swing arm into the cartridge filler section. Clean air is recirculated back into the work area. Positioning the source capture swing arm and Para-Vent hood directly over the smoke source removes particles that can cause respiratory problems. (United Air Specialists, 4440 Creek Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45242)

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Injection presses

This company represents the Italian company Terenzio, a manufacturer of rubber injection and compression presses. These compact injection presses feature hydro-mechanical closure, using a piston with an ultra-short stroke to ensure maximum rigidity even in extreme injection conditions. The injector rotates 180 [degrees] to allow the feed to a pair of presses to be concentrated in a single point for multiple feeding. A motorized device controlled by Microtech is used for automatic positioning of the upper beam according to the mold height. Extractable heaters for easy maintenance and refilling of diathermic oil are standard. Many options are available on these presses and many sizes are available. (Barwell, 460 Tacoma Ave., Tallmadge, OH 44278-2719)

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Lab attritor

The 1-S attritor features a variable frequency drive which includes a digital readout for rpm, amperage and the percent of torque. The frame on the 1-S has been raised to allow for easier access under the tank for material discharge. This grinding and dispersing mill is said to meet CE certification and includes many special safety features. The 1-S accommodates the same tanks, shafts and arms that have been used on past models for the 1-S, according to the manufacturer. (Union Process, 1925 Akron-Peninsula Rd., Akron, OH 44313)

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Granulator

The Air-Swept granulator is said to reduce natural and synthetic rubber or elastomer bales to pieces as small as 1/4" in a single step with no pre-cutting required. Benefits of the smaller sized particles are said to include faster processing and improved mixing and dissolving characteristics. The granulator will process up to 5,000 lbs. per hour. A liquid or powdered partitioning agent can be added simultaneously to prevent agglomeration. The knife-style cutting design is said to be extremely efficient, which helps minimize power consumption and prevents excessive heat generation. Material is sliced by knives until it is small enough to be drawn through the sizing screen by a pneumatic air steam and conveyed to a collection point. The conveying air cools material during the entire process. The upper housing is hinged to allow easy access to the cutting chamber. (Jacobson, LLC, 2765 Niagara Lane, Minneapolis, MN 55447

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Polyurethane dispensing

The AlphaRim state-of-the-art high pressure polyurethane dispensing machine is said to use an innovative approach in hydraulic design, combining the mixhead and pump hydraulic systems on the same platform, eliminating the separate hydraulic power pack. A single hydraulic tank is partitioned to prevent any chemical contamination. The AlphaRim can dispense both filled and unfilled materials. Outputs range from 8 to 40 lbs. per minute. (Gusmer-Admiral, 305 W. North St., Akron, OH 44303)

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Direct drive drum mixers

Clamp-mount direct drive drum mixers are said to be ideal for small volume processing of chemicals, paint ink, adhesives and more. The universal adjustable clamp mount is said to permit very easy mounting on open drums. Motor options include air, single-speed electric in totally enclosed fan-cooled and explosion-proof, and variable speed electric in totally enclosed fan-cooled. Variable speed models feature push button controls. (U.S. Best, P.O. Box 346, New Albany, IN 47151-0346)

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Compression presses

This company represents the Italian company Terenzio, a manufacturer of compression and injection presses for rubber. Terenzio compression presses are custom built to meet the needs of each individual customer. They are built on four columns or on welded sheet steel, each in versions with rising or descending pistons. All models can be equipped with a vacuum chamber and other options such as lower sliding platen, tilting upper platen, intermediate frame and various types of ejectors. Presses with a vacuum chamber can be prepared for cold transfer molding for the production of burrless articles. The vacuum molding feature is said to eliminate air from die cavities, degassing under vacuum, drastic reduction in rejects and shorter cycle times. Terenzio presses feature custom closure forces best suited for individual specific molding needs. (Barwell, 460 Tacoma Ave., Tallmadge, OH 44278-2719)

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Rubber extrusion processing

The GE-SC pin convert extruder is available in screw diameters from 90 to 250 mm (3.5 to 10.5 inches). The high performance pin convert extruder is capable of throughput rates of up to 15,000 lbs./hr. and has a wide range of applications, including highly viscous natural rubber processing. By dividing the extruder into four zones (feed, pin barrel, converting and pressure build-up), the pin convert extruder is capable of shorter start-ups, faster material changeovers, increased throughput and higher energy savings, according to the manufacturer. The company also offers the ZP gear pump, capable of outputs from 50-600 kg/hr. This gear pump is equipped with roller bearings that eliminate wear the rotor shaft bearings. The C.C. (compact compounding) Skid integrates a ZE twin screw extruder and auxiliary equipment mounted on structural steel frames and is designed to deliver compounding and extrusion capabilities to nearly any location. (Berstorff, 7095 Industrial Rd., P.O. Box 6270, Florence, KY 41022-6270)

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Automated high-volume press

The Auto 700LS press series is said to provide the ultimate in performance and service for the most demanding requirements of automated, high-volume production processes. Standard design features of the Auto 700LS include a special, oversized vacuum bin with a nominal surge capacity of more than one cubic foot and dual-level sensors for precision system control; and ergonomic-designed base for operator and service technician comfort, access and effectiveness; a newly designed cutting chamber with multi-knife helical rotor, providing maximum performance using minimum horsepower; the infeed is designed for continuous hand, robotic or convey or feeding of scrap parts and runner systems; and optional three-blade-open scooped rotor for use across the full application spectrum. The Auto 700LS series' machined and bolted construction includes machined bearing housings for precision rotor alignment and double-sealed, lubricated-for-life bearings for maintenance-free operation, according to the company. (Cumberland Engineering LLC, 100 Roddy Ave., South Attleboro, MA 02703-7951)

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Rubber injection presses

The G8 machine for molders permits operators to use a simplified function display and plain text parameter condition display for easy interaction and quicker access to relevant press condition status. It is said to be an industrial PC on a press. The G8 provides an improved plasticizing and injection unit, said to be unrivaled in the rubber business for its ability to deliver precise shot volumes of homogenous material through the injection nozzle, according to the company. Significant improvements here include a redesigned check valve for perfect shot size control and absolute seal, plus injection units which can accommodate the unique flow characteristics and shear sensitivity of LS and TPEs. A variable displacement pump is standard on G8 close/clamp units. (REP, 8N470 Tameling Ct., Bartlett, IL 60103-8146)

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Internal mixers

KTMs (kinetic thermal mixers) feature all steel construction, roller bearing, drilled sides, sliding and drop door style, with pneumatic and hydraulic hopper availability. The mixers are available in 20, 50, 80, 200 and 270 liter models. (KTM Machinery, P.O. Box 378, Wadsworth, OH 44282)

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Chiller/control unit

A combination chiller/temperature control unit (TCU) for retread extrusion incorporates a one-ton air-cooled chiller and a 9 kw temperature control unit into one integrated system. With only one water and one electrical connection, the integrated system is said to greatly simplify installation and startup. The chiller feeds cold water to those parts of the process that require it and the temperature control unit feeds tempered water to those parts of the process that require it. The TCU has been positioned to fit in the same space currently occupied by separate temperature control units. (Budzar Industries, 38241 Willoughby Pkwy., Willoughby, OH 44094-7582)

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Extrusion system

The CFVE 90-60-30 mm polymer compound profile extrusion system, a cold feed vented extruder plant, is offered as a complete system for triple extrusion of automotive seals. The company's die technology is said to be the core of the system, producing porosity-free extrusions with very fine cell structure. Uncontrollable volatiles in the process compound are removed to assure uniformity during end product formation. Developed for profile extrusions in connection with non-pressurized vulcanizing systems, the cold feed vented rubber extruder is an extension of the standard cold feed machines available from the company. A vent-ported barrel is connected to a vacuum pump to extract both volatiles and moisture from the process compound. (Farrel, 25 Main St., Ansonia, CT 06401)

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Laboratory press

Self-contained presses are available in 15" x 15", 18" x 18" and 24" x 24" platen sizes with adjustable clamping forces up to 200 tons. The production/laboratory self-contained presses are controlled using a PLC controller with a user-friendly touch screen allowing the operator maximum flexibility to control cure times, cycles and clamping forces over the widest range of polymers, according to the manufacturer. The PLC controls allow the laboratory technician the ultimate in process control, while the six-inch-thick solid steel head, bolster and sole plate make the press rugged enough for continuous production use, according to the company. The bolster is fully bronze guided 360 [degrees] to insure maximum alignment. The company uses shaded watt density heater technology for their electric platens and has recently introduced a compact steam manifold for PLC control of steam platen temperatures within [+ or -] 1 [degree] F. (Rubber City Machinery, P.O. Box 2043, Akron, OH 44309-2043)

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Rotary union

The Series E-75, 2-1/2" rotary union is designed to include carbon graphite to hardened stainless steel mechanical seals for higher reliability and longer life, according to the manufacturer. It features a clean, unobstructed flow path and a replacement seal assembly for easy maintenance. Typically, the 2-1/2" E-75 rotary union is used in the rubber, plastics, steel, textile and converting industries. It is designed for a maximum pressure of 150 psi (10.3 bar), maximum speed of 500 rpm (500 min.) and maximum temperature of 250 [degrees] F (120 [degrees] C). (Barco, 1100 Alexander Ct., Cary, IL 60013-1892)

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Rubber presses

Large window frame presses are available for the rubber industry. These presses are designed for the production of floor coverings, automotive mats, athletic products, large o-rings and a variety of consumer, industrial, aerospace and defense products. The presses use highly efficient hydraulics and are available with platens up to 120" x 120" and with single or multiple daylights. They are also available in all sizes up to 5,000 tons. Controls are fully computerized. (Technical Machine Products, 5500 Walworth Ave., Cleveland, OH 44102)

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Twin-screw extruder line

The ZSK 50 Mega co-rotating twin-screw extruder fills a size niche between the ZSK 40 and the ZSK 58 and has a simple, user-friendly design with tie rods instead of individually bolted, flanged barrels, according to the company. It is heated with cartridge heaters rather than external heater shells. This cost-effective design is also said to be the basis for the ZSK 25 World Lab Extruder and the newly-redesigned ZSK 40 Megacompounder. They match the geometric design parameters, the speed range (up to 1,200 rpm) and the high torque capabilities of the larger size extruders in the Megacompounder series. The ZSK 40 Mega and the ZSK 50 Mega, used in the continuous processing of polymers and elastomeric materials, are said to be ideal for small to medium lot production of 100 to 2,000 plus pounds per hour, basic research and to the development of new products and formulations. (Krupp Werner & Pfleiderer, 663 E. Crescent Ave., Ramsey, NJ 07446)

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Shredder/chopper system

The company's shredder/grinder system is employed to reduce rubber transfer pads used in the manufacture of spark plugs. It consists of basically two processes. First, the pads are conveyor fed to a MS-2817 shredder. The strips of shredded material are then conveyor fed to a C-22 x 60 chopper that further reduces the material to a 1/8" particle. The particles are air discharged through a cyclone system at a rate of 3,000 pounds per hour. The combinations of the conveyors, shredder, chopper and cyclone are all computerized logic controlled. This is said to maintain a consistent throughput by allowing each component to work at optimum speed. The customer plans to sell some of the reduced material to rubber processors and use some for the re-manufacture of the transfer pads used in its own operation. The MS-2817 shredder manufacturer offers a variety of waste handling equipment. (Marathon Equipment, P.O. Box 1798, Vernon, AL 35592-1798)

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Gas-fired, walk-in oven

The No. 618 is a gas-fired, two-zone, walk-in oven for use in curing rubber products. Workspace measures 6' wide x 55' deep x 6' high, which consists of two 27 ft. long independent ovens with double doors on each end. Heated air is circulated horizontally through the oven's workspace by two 25,000 cfm recirculating blowers, each driven by a 20 hp electric motor. Two 1,200,000 btu heat input capacity modulating natural gas burners provide operating temperatures up to 400 [degrees] F. Temperature is controlled by two microprocessor based, digital indicating temperature controllers. Exhaust hoods are installed over the oven doorways. (Grieve, 500 Hart Rd., Round Lake, IL 60073-9989)

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Polyurethane manufacturing

The company's technology uses liquid carbon dioxide as a blowing agent in the manufacturing of flexible polyurethane foam products. The process introduces a stream of liquid [CO.sub.2] directly into the mixing head, rather than pre-blending it with a polyol before it is injected into the mixing chamber. This allows the molder to start and stop injections of short duration, without altering the [CO.sub.2] concentration in the reacting mixture and without re-circulating [CO.sub.2] back to the machine day tank. The process utilizes a double-acting piston pumping system, providing precise control of the liquid [CO.sub.2] volume. The system allows re-circulation at pressures up to 3,000 psig. The control system provides for very tight temperature control of the re-circulating liquid and has the built-in capability to account for [CO.sub.2] density changes with respect to temperature. Additionally, the mixing head allows the selection of either of two polyols to be reacted with isocyanate. Plus, the molder has a choice of pouring with or without [CO.sub.2], on an intermittent basis. This allows the manufacturer to control dispersion, solubility and pre-expansion. This technology is said to be environmentally friendly, according to the company. (Gusmer-Admiral, 305 W. North St., Akron, OH 44303)

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Twin screw extruders

The patented Compex multi-process compounder (MPC) twin screw extruder is specially designed for low torque compounding applications. Available in screw diameters from 25 to 85 mm, the Compex extruders feature non-intermeshing elements and special back-flow elements that work in combination to mix polymers thoroughly. This allows additives and temperature-sensitive materials to be incorporated gently and uniformly. (Berstorff, 7095 Industrial Rd., P.O. Box 6270, Florence, KY 41022-6270)

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Transfer spooling machine

The Model S165 semi-automatic transfer spooling machine is said to be particularly suited to winding flexible and profile materials that require rapid changeover while maintaining product orientation to the spool. The S165 produces packages to a maximum of 24" O.D. by 20" wide. Rapid spool changeover is accomplished by a 180 [degrees] center positioning pivoting guide system. (Progressive Machine, 21 Van Natta Dr., Ringwood Industrial Park, Ringwood, NJ 07456)

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Extruder series

The compact width satellite extruder series has been introduced for production retrofit co-extrusion applications. The series of extruders is said to benefit processors by enabling co-extrusion in limited floor space situations which are common when monolayer lines are converted to multi-layer ones. The extruders are said to be ideal for co-extrusion of wire, cable, tubing, profile and all other co-extrusion applications. (Wayne Machine & Die, 100 Furler St., Totowa, NJ 07512-1896)

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Lab presses

Monarch laboratory presses feature an integral hydraulic system and high technology options which are based on standard production press models adapted to precision laboratory requirements. Monarch presses are available in 30, 50, 75 and 100 ton capacities with platen sizes from 12" x 12" to 24" x 18". The presses are recommended for testing or research, compacting, molding rubber or plastic, laminating and assembly where stripping pressure is required. Standard features include double-acting J.I.C. style cylinder for power open and power close. An integral hydraulic reservoir is easily accessible for cleaning and includes a strainer or cartridge filter, air filter/breather, oil level indicator and oil cooler. A programmable controller with access module is standard. Optional equipment includes electrically heated platens to 600 [degrees], 800 [degrees] or 1,200 [degrees] F, with digital temperature controllers, low pressure system, pressing speed control, etc. (Carver, P.O. Box 544, Wabash, IN 46992-0544)

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