EQUIPMENT.

Industrial dust collection

The Dust-Hog Supra-Blast is available in either a single- or double-filter configuration to remove dust, fumes and other industrial pollutants while delivering more cubic feet of air per minute (CFM) than any other dust collector currently available, according to the manufacturer. Said to be the first centralized cartridge dust collector with the company's patent-pending air distribution insert, the Supra-Blast maximizes pulse power along the entire length of each filter for more complete cleaning. While conventional units are said to remove dust along 60-70% of the filter, the Supra-Blast removes dust along the entire filter. (United Air Specialists, 4440 Creek Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45242)

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Gas-fired infrared tube heaters

The company has expanded its line of unitized low-intensity gas-fired infrared tube heaters with the addition of 15 heaters with more than 80 configurations. The heaters are said to enhance the company's capability of custom designing a radiant heating system that meets precise facility requirements for optimum flexibility and economy and maximum energy efficiency. Available in both natural and propane gas, the ETS/ETU Series low-intensity infrared tube heaters range in capacity from 40,000 to 175,000 btu/ hr. Both heaters can be used with five or ten foot body assemblies. (Space-Ray, 305 Doggett St., PO. Box 36485, Charlotte, NC 28236)

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Dry ice blasting unit

The [CO.sub.2] MiniBlast Model SDI-5 is said to be the only [CO.sub.2] blasting unit capable of utilizing any form of dry ice, including blocks, pellets and nuggets. Dry ice cannot etch or profile most surfaces, therefore molds will not be damaged or distorted by the blasting wear associated with most abrasive media. The SDI-5 is said to offer tremendous versatility in cleaning by allowing the user to select the best media for each given application, according to the company. [CO.sub.2] pellets tend to be preferable when eliminating thick, hard to remove contaminants, whereas the granulated particles generated from the block or nuggets are preferable on thinner coatings, according to the company. Dry ice disappears on impact with the targeted surface, meaning the process requires no cool down, no masking and little or no disassembly when cleaning hot molds in the press. (CAE Alpheus, 9119 Milliken Ave., Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730)

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Laboratory mixer

The Model OM laboratory mixer with two-wing, four-wing H swirl or intermeshing rotors is available from the company. As the characteristics for products have become more critical and variable in recent years, the availability of the intermeshing rotors for the OM allows for an even wider range of applicable compounds, according to the company. The laboratory mixer is available with a state-of-the-art automated mixing control system, the NMC98. This control system allows for data acquisition and mixing according to time, temperature and integrated/instantaneous power. (Kobelco Stewart Bolling, 1600 Terex Rd., Hudson, OH 44236-4070)

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Abrasive machining

The abrasive waterjet system features a 30 hp intensifier pump along with a 30" x 30" table. The system has a positioning tolerance of [+ or -] 0.005" and a bi-directional repeatability tolerance of [+ or -] 0.001". Also available from the company is software used to optimize cutting speeds and surface finishes. The software provides many enhanced features. (Jet Edge, 825 Rhode Island Ave., S., Minneapolis, MN 55426)

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Heat cleaning ovens

The company manufactures ovens which are said to easily remove rubber and urethane from metal parts, such as vibration mounts and parts 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 eliminates chemical stripping, which is hazardous to employees and the `environment, according to the company. Typical cleaning cycles are four to six hours, depending on the size of the load. The ovens conform to EPA standards and are available in 29 standard sizes. (Armature Coil Equipment, 4725 Manufacturing Rd., Cleveland, OH 44135)

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Bale granulator

The 525 bale granulator, manufactured by Blackfriars, Ltd., features manual or automatic installation, producing a uniform granule at a consistent rate, in a single pass. Granules in various sizes are obtainable down to a fraction of an inch. It accepts complete 77 pound bales of natural rubber and most synthetic rubber, as well, according to the company. Complete cleaning for material changes is said to be a simple task, and the unit includes complete sound enclosures for quieter operation. Output levels depend on the type of rubber being processed and the granule size, but typically an output of 3,000 pounds per hour is obtainable. (Barwell, 460 Tacoma Ave., Tallmadge, OH 44278-2719)

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High-speed machining BostoMatic 18 machining centers are said to be ideal for the high-speed machining of small to medium size precision parts. With axis travels of X = 18" (450 mm), Y = 12" (300 mm) and Z = 18" (450 mm), the BostoMatic 18 is said to boast an ISO Positioning accuracy of [+ or -] 0.0001" and an ISO repeatability of [+ or -] 0.00008" with standard encoder feedback. With optional glass scales, improved positioning accuracy of [+ or -] 0.000075" and repeatability of [+ or -] 0.00006" are achieved, according to the manufacturer. Machines can be configured with a wide range of main and auxiliary spindles, fourth axes and productivity enhancing options to meet specific customer machining needs. The BostoMatic Therm-a-trol spindle growth compensation system is said to dramatically reduce the adverse effects of thermal growth on part accuracy. The BostoMatic CNC's advanced motion control technology is said to combine unmatched processing speed, an acceleration algorithm, friction compensation, multipole filtering, a high-gain servo system and dynamic servo parameter modifications to provide unmatched path accuracy and hold tighter tolerances at higher contouring feedrates than other machines, according to the company. (Boston Digital, Granite Park, Milford, MA 01757)

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Vertical injection molding 

A series of frame style vertical injection machines featuring 100 to 800 ton clamp forces are said to be the most rigid machines on the market, according to the manufacturer. This frame style machine, accompanied with a full hydraulic clamp cylinder, assuring the maximum support of the clamping platen, and the patented injection systems, which are said to be the most accurate shot to shot consistency available, are the reasons that the company's products are said to be chosen as the most precise rigid machines for rubber/metal bonding. Controls by Allen-Bradley or Siemens are available. (LWB Steinl, 730 Plum Industrial Court, Pittsburgh, PA 15239)

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Spark detection system

Production machines, grinders, buffers and mills are all said to be sources of sparks which can cause fires and explosions in dust collection systems, according to the company. The spark detection and extinguishment system is said to protect against such dangers by automatically detecting and extinguishing sparks in pneumatic conveying systems before they reach the filter medium. The system's sensors contain photo elements which detect a spark's infrared radiation. The smallest spark is said to trigger the sensing element and the system immediately releases a fine mist of water, extinguishing the spark. (GreCon, 7747 S. W. Cirrus Dr., Beaverton, OR 97008-5968)

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Size reduction system

This manufacturer of size reduction systems combines granulators and shredders with other processing equipment into a complete system package. The company sizes and interfaces the appropriate components based on application specifics, then furnishes turnkey systems to its customers. For one automotive customer, the company combined a Shurfeed SF2042 granulator with a PSK 1030 shredder, 16' x 36" conveyor and a material classifier. In operation, the shredder is fed, via fork lift truck, bin loads of in-process scrap material. It performs an initial size reduction and the material is further processed. (Polymer Systems, 63 Fuller Way, Berlin, CT 06037-1540)

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High-performance extruders

GE extruders are designed to meet a growing demand for high-performance extruder users for lower investment cost, combined with high output and efficient homogenization and plastifying. This generation of slimmed down high-performance robber extruders is said to offer greater operator convenience, without sacrificing throughput capacity. The GE 90 KS pinbarrel extruder is available with an L/D ratio of 14:1 and throughputs of up to 600 kg/h, depending on the compound and process. Every extruder in this series is delivered ready for connection, which is said to enable quick installation and start-up. (Berstorff 7095 Industrial Rd., PO. Box 6270, Florence, KY41022-6270)

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Dual-layer tubing head

The company has developed a dual layer co-extrusion tubing head. The main objectives of this head design are to eliminate the need for multiple stage processes, as well as meeting the evolving product specifications. 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 rubber 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 formed together under pressure is said to result in adhesion between the two layers, which is significantly better than using the multiple-stage process, according to the company. (Davis-Standard, 1 Extrusion Dr., Pawcatuck, CT 06379)

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Rubber parts cooling

The Vibracool machine assists in the cooling, separation and drying of hot rubber parts produced by a preformer. The Vibracool has a vertical design that is equal to 138 feet of conveyor, and a diameter of less than four feet. This plan is said to save a considerable amount of floor space. The control panel is said to be easy to operate. As the robber parts travel up the spiral column, cool air or water reduces the temperature of the parts and prevents them from sticking together. The Bowl Vibracool has an initial water reservoir, or bowl, that helps cool and separate large robber parts. It also has an adjustable chute that allows the parts to be recycled back into the Vibracool for additional cooling. The Flat Vibracool is best suited for running small parts and is specifically designed to reduce the amount of fusion between small pellets or blanks. The Curved Vibracool is said to be ideal for both large and small parts, and features a variable speed controller to elevate the rubber parts at different speeds. (Barwell, 460 Tacoma Ave., Tallmadge, OH 442 78-2 719)

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Heavy duty machining

With a heavy duty, 13 hp 4,000 or 8,000 rpm spindle, a working cube of 40" x 22" x 22", and up to 18" of throat, the BostoMatic Model 605 five-axis machining center is said to be ideally suited to the production of large turbomachinery components, as well as other large five-axis parts. Equipped with a 15-station ATC, the machine's tilting spindle/B-axis rotates about the tool tip, which is said to dramatically reduce axis movements and linear distances required to cut a part. Since fewer data are required to define a tool path, the BostoMatic 605 runs with shorter part programs, higher feed rates, faster cycle times and improved accuracy, according to the manufacturer. Because the tool tip is located only a small distance from the center of B-axis rotation, deflection, angular displacement errors and wear-and-tear on the machine are said to be minimized. Stiffness and accuracy are said to be further enhanced through the use of HSK 63A tooling. The BostoMatic tilting B-axis spindle rotates [+ or -] 100% from vertical, 10 [degrees] below horizontal on either side. This spindle range is said to provide improved access to the part and allows machining strategies which reduce cycle times and improve part quality, according to the manufacturer. Typical applications include roughing and finishing turbine blades, impellers, mold cavities and tire molds. (Boston Digital, Granite Park, Milford, MA 01757)

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Bulk bag unloader

The MTU-4000 bulk bag unloader features a two-ton shelf-contained hoist and precision screwfeeder for powder processing. Bags up to 4,000 lbs. are said to be easily handled and unloaded at precise rates. Many features and options are available. (Bulk Equipment Systems Technology, 1071 Industrial Pkwy., N., Brunswick, OH 44212)

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Cooled vibrating conveyor

A vibrating conveyor features multi-zone water cooling for conveying products up to 2,000 [degrees] F. Sectionalized and replaceable water-cooled conveying surfaces, either abrasion resistant or stainless steel, are said to efficiently transfer hot materials without deformation. Removable watercooled covers and high-temperature flexible connector system maintains dust and/or atmosphere control. The water distribution system includes controls to eliminate overheating of independent cooling zones. A positive arm drive is said to assure long life, low maintenance and smooth, uniform movement of the product. (Carman Industries, R O. Box 579, 1005 W. Riverside Dr., Jeffersonville, IN 47130)

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Four-wing rotor design

Modular internal mixers with tangential or intermeshing rotor systems are said to be central elements of rubber mixing rooms which the company supplies worldwide. The tangential full four-wing rotor for 270-liter mixers is said to be a workhorse in the tire industry and in the production of technical robber goods. The HESC rotor (high efficiency supper cooling) is also available. This rotor has the same dimensions as, and is interchangeable with, previous rotors and is said to offer considerably improved cooling performance. Other advantages include lower compound mixing temperatures, etc. (Krupp Werner & Pfleiderer, 663 E. Crescent Ave., Ramsey, NJ 07446)

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Pneumatic conveying system

An air operated, pneumatic conveying system has been designed for dust-free conveying of over 2,000 lbs. of dry material throughout a plant. The Model 105018 is a 6" x 16' concentric cone material receiver powered by an exclusive twin jet venturi, which operates on plant compressed air. The system is available in carbon steel or stainless steel for applications where cross contamination is a problem. The unit operates on 70 cfm of plant compressed air at 60 psig. This is said to be well below competitive models, which use nearly 100 cfm of air, according to the company. The Model 105018 includes pulse-jet filter cleaning. (Vac-U-Max, 37 Rutgers St., Belleville, NJ 07109)

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Zero pressure extrusion

Today's rubber products, especially tires, must meet exacting dimensional and quality standards to satisfy the demands of the marketplace, according to the company. The single roll roller die with its zero pressure final shaping feature is said to offer improved dimensional accuracy of profiles; improved productivity, especially in a short run length environment; reduction or elimination of uncontrollable variables such as die swell, screw throw effect and internal stress in extrudate; reduced hard tooling costs; and either a simplex or multiplex environment, according to the manufacturer. (RMS, PO. Box 9001, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada N2G 4J4)

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Twin screw extruder

The ZE 75 A Ultra Torque extruder, representative of the company's third generation of ZE twin-screw extruders, offers a screw diameter of 81 mm and a length of 40 D. It is said to be suitable for outputs in the range of 1,400 to 2,000 kg/h. The drive power is 430 kw, and the maximum screw speed is 700 rpm. Due to their power characteristics, Ultra Torque machines are said to be particularly suited to high-performance compounding applications. The high performance is achieved by a significant increase in transmitted torque, giving high material throughputs, optimized D/d ratio with a deeper-cut screw for larger free volume, according to the manufacturer. In addition, the design is totally modular with 4 D and 6 D barrel sections. The Ultra Torque product line can be used to process the entire spectrum of polymers currently available on the market, including standard polymers (PP, PS and LDPE), technical polymers (SAN, PA, ABS and PET), and high-performance plastics (PPO or POM). Ultra Torque extruders are available with a side feeder unit for introduction of fillers or reinforcing materials such as talc, calcium carbonate or glass fiber strands. Very high rates of wear are said to occur. (Berstorff, 7095 Industrial Rd., P O. Box 6270, Florence, KY41022-6270)

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Microwave booster

The System 2000 microwave booster is said to be a relatively short (10 feet) continuous microwave oven that can be inserted into existing continuous vulcanization lines to help the manufacturer increase productivity. Increases of about 25% in line speed are typically seen when the Model 2000 is added to an existing hot air extrusion line, according to the company. The System 2000 is said to be easily maneuvered and does not require connection to water cooling lines. The System 2000 adds a penetrating microwave boost to conventional salt bath, fluid bath and hot air lines. Modular design and touch screen are said to provide easy operation. The top-opening design and robust construction are said to make maintenance a matter of plugging in modules, rather than complex troubleshooting, according to the manufacturer. The result is said to be less downtime. The System 2000 is furnished with six magnetrons and 12 kw power supply. (Cober Electronics, 151 Woodward Ave., South Norwalk, CT 06854)

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Rubber machinery

A variety of rubber processing machinery is available from the company, including a gear pump with pelletizer head and a centrally located motor-driven knife for rubber compound preparation. The Triplex piggy-back unit for tread and sidewall production is equipped with a newly developed multi-component extrusion head (patented hammer head) with the ability to open the upper and lower parts separately. A tread cutter with feed conveyor and driven friction roller `conveyor is available to take away the cut sections. The knife is driven via a universal joint shaft. The knife requires little lubrication so that hardly any additional drying is needed, according to the company. For robber profiles, a vacuum extruder with newly developed, separately driven feed roll (variable speed) is available. A hydraulic automatic screen changer is offered for robber compounds, featuring a particularly compact and space-saving design, with connection for a vacuum pump. Also, a 2 x 6 kw microwave unit is available with hot-air channel and integrated cooling for profile production. For thermoplastic elastomer profiles, a two-component TPE profile line for hard and soft TPEs consists of two EP 60 + 75 extruders with two-component profile head and calibrating device. (Troester Machinery Ltd., 300 Loomis Ave., Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221)

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Tire building machine

The Unistage P1 + 2 tire building machine is said to feature a cost efficiency increase of 10% to achieve the following production performance figures: cycle time per tire [is less than] 50 seconds, depending on the quantity and quality of the green tire components; resetting at the same inch size [is less than] 20 minutes (previously 27 minutes); daily output in three-shift production of 1,300 to 1,400 green tires (previously 1,200), according to the company. The rotary cutter is mounted for axial movement to allow the cutting edge to be positioned between two wires and guided during the cutting process. The applicator transports the sidewalls with inner liners and the plies out of the ply server and positions them on the carcass drum. An automatic disc roller presses the material onto the drum to ensure adhesion during winding and splices the ends of the material following one complete turn. The modular automatic tread server is said to be ideal for reel treads. Tread splicing is the only remaining manual job. Key components include the motorized unwinder, the cutting device, the incremental length measuring system and the applicator. The tread can be positioned on the drum either by V-shaped grooves in the tread or by lateral guiding. Two versions are available to allow placement of the tread on the drum from above or below. Higher precision tread lengths and guiding are said to provide greater uniformity. Automatic tread application reduces the burden on the operator. (Krupp Werner & Pfleiderer, 663 E. Crescent Ave., Ramsey, NJ 07446)

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Rubber solids reduction

The Delumper Triple-LP is engineered to crush 2,000 lb. blocks of pressured rubber pellets. The material is fed through a top chute mounted directly on the Delumper. The Delumper Crusher features a heavy constructed body with 304 stainless steel interior. The low friction cutter design has three parallel shafts. The individual replaceable cutters are mounted in a staggered pattern around the shaft diameter. The teeth rotate through heavy bar grating. The leading edges perform a pick-like action. The teeth are interchangeable and reversible for increased life. Each shaft has a packing seal arrangement with heavy outboard pillow block bearings to maintain the flow in the cutting chamber. A control panel is designed to operate the system in prior programmed sequence, respond to overload conditions, and shut down the system if any of the access doors are opened. The unit handles sticky wet, moist substances, as well as dry caked solids. (Franklin Miller, 60 Okner Pkwy., Livingston, NJ 07039)

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Industrial dust collector

The MRM dust collector has a filtration system that is said to only allow clean air to pass through its exhauster, protecting and extending its life, according to the company. This low-maintenance dust collector also offers primary and secondary separation sections. It is said to be easy to install, and offers a number of flexible options to accommodate individual site requirements. The MRM dust collector offers two filter sections. The primary separation section takes the heavy particles and drops them into a storage area. Only minute particles rise into the secondary filter area. There the dust is removed and only clean air passes up through the exhauster and out of the unit. Particles and heavier materials do not pass through the exhauster, eliminating the risk of fire caused by sparks generated by materials hitting the exhauster's blades, according to the manufacturer. This collector is also enclosed in steel for additional fire protection. Easy to install and low on maintenance, all sections of the MRM are readily accessible, according to the company. This dust collector can be installed outside or inside. (Murphy-Rodgers, 2301 Belgrave Ave., Huntington Park, CA 90255)

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Transverse-roller shoe sorter

The transverse-roller slat shoe sorter was designed especially for tire handling, but is suited to high-speed sortation of similar large conveyable items having a fragile or sticky bottom surface where sliding friction may cause sortation errors or product damage. In conventional shoe sorters, the sortation shoes slide between non-rotating conveyor slats in a side-by-side motion, which displaces the product into a designated target lane by sliding the product across the slats, according to the company. With this new design, slats not associated with shoe motion are removed and replaced with narrow transverse-oriented conveyor tread. This allows the product to be rolled to the side of the conveyor, rather than being forced to slide across slats, according to the manufacturer. Many parts from the company's previous units will interchange with the new sorter. Existing units can be retrofitted. The company designs and manufactures complete materials handling systems that integrate conveying equipment for heavy industry, carton handling applications, system controls and the Answer System with a wide range of installation services. (Mathews Conveyor, P.O. Box 928, Danville, KY 40423)

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Mixing, blending equipment

The two-gallon PowerMix Model PD-2 is available for the development of viscous mixtures requiting a combination of slow and high speed agitation. The PowerMix is said to combine a slow speed planetary stirrer with a conventional high speed disperser. Both agitators revolve on their own axis, while at the same time on a common axis. The high speed blade is said to provide an internal sheating action, while the planetary stirrer continually moves material into the high speed blade. The action of the planetary blade also removes material from the tank wall to insure good heat transfer during the mixing process, according to the manufacturer. The PowerMix is available in many sizes from 1/2 gallon to 400 gallons working capacity. Vacuum construction in a wide range of materials, complete control systems, wall scrapers, sanitary designs, etc., are available to suit the needs of each customer, according to the company. (Charles Ross and Son, PO. Box 12308, Hauppauge, NY 11784)

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Graphite machining system

The BostoMatic Model 32GS graphite machining system is said to allow high speed contouring of intricate EDM electrodes with exceptional precision, according to the company. The Model 32GS can be configured to cut both metal and graphite. The machine's control, the BDC 3200X, has a processing speed of up to 1,100 blocks per second for hesitation-free contouring at feed rates to 400 ipm (787 ipm rapid traverse) on even the most data intensive part programs, according to the manufacturer. Available contour optimization software operates in real time and is said to outperform look-ahead systems which preprocess data. (Boston Digital, Granite Park, Milford, MA 01757)

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Label printer, applicator

The Apollo 1 is a label printer featuring an optional label applicator designed for small, delicate, high-precision print and apply applications like electronic components and printed circuit boards. Like others in the Apollo Series, the Apollo 1 will also offer the stand-alone feature that allows label printing with or without a computer attached. The Apollo 1 applicator is a tamp-style unit that is said to provide delicate, high precision application of small labels. This unit is said to consistently apply small labels with an accuracy of [+ or -] 0.02". The applicator attaches to the front of the Apollo 1. (Tharo Systems, 2866 Nationwide Pkwy., P.O. Box 798, Brunswick, OH 44212-0798)

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Offset rotary valves

The company's offset rotary valves are said to provide solids feeding and metering with less product degradation and less slippage, compared to standard drop-through rotary valves, which is said to be important when feeding crumb rubber, fillers, flow and release agents, dry resins and all other dry components. These valves are available in sizes from 4" to 30", and can be used on gravity feed or pressurized pneumatic systems. These valves are available in a wide range of materials, including aluminum, cast iron, stainless steel and Hastelloy. Customized valves are available from the company's foundry and machine shop. (Bush & Wilton, 9311-1 Monroe Rd., Charlotte, NC 28270)

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Polymer compounding

The CP-1000 compact processor is a two-stage compounder with integrated mixer and extruder design. Even in the most difficult applications, the CP-1000 is said to offer high-capacity performance and energy efficiency, according to the company. It is said to be especially designed for optimum dispersion of highly filled, highly pigmented materials. Even highly abrasive materials are said to be readily handled, and the processor can also readily mix robber with plastics, according to the manufacturer. Three-piece rotors with doublehelix geometry are of counter-rotating, non-intermeshing type. These permit a high fill factor, extensive shear for effective dispersive mixing, and self-cleaning action. As a result, production rates are said to be increased, blending and mixing are said to be improved over competitive units, and downtime for process changeovers is said to be decreased. The mixing chamber of the CP-1000 is of segmented construction for processing flexibility, permitting variable placement of mixing pins, dams, feed and venting ports. L/D ratio of the two-stage hot-feed pumping extruder of the machine is only 17/1, allowing for vacuum venting, according to the manufacturer. (Farrel, 25 Main St., Ansonia, CT 06401)

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Rubber roll grinders

Series 24 CNC robber roll grinders are in full production with grinding capabilities from 600 up to 900 mm diameter rolls and from 3,000 up to 4,800 mm rolls in length. The grinding unit is powered by a 12 kva motor with speeds of around 7,400 rpm. The company offers 18 different models according to customer requirements. All heavy duty machines are said to be state-of-the-art. (South Bend Lathe, 400 W. Sample St., South Bend, IN 46601)

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