Literature.

BOOKS

Rheology in Plastics Quality Control. By John M. Dealy and Peter C. Saucier. 140 pages. Price, $78. Hanser Gardner Publications, Cincinnati, OH (2000).

This book merges introductory rheology and measurement methods with standard statistical data treatment methods for quality control. While separate chapters deal with the rheological characterization and with statistics, the two are said to be well integrated to illustrate the application of methods of statistical analysis to using rheological measurements as control tools. Numerous examples show how these methods are used.

REPORTS/STUDIES

Rubber-modified thermoplastics. This review report is said to be essential reading for anyone interested in improving the properties of thermoplastics, or using rubber-modified materials. The history of rubber-modified thermoplastics is presented, with particular reference to the development of high impact polystyrene. Methods of preparation are discussed, including in situ polymerization, emulsion polymerization, melt blending and reactive compatibilization. Different thermoplastics are discussed in separate sections. Several mechanisms and models that have been proposed to explain rubber toughening of thermoplastics are discussed. Data comparing the toughness of a range of materials and the use of different test methods are examined in the report. (Rapra Technology Ltd.)

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BROCHURES

Twin-screw rubber sheeter. A four-page, four-color brochure describes the company's twin-screw sheeter for high-volume conversion of batch feed to quality rubber sheet. The TSS line is engineered for integration with the company's Banbury and Farrel Shaw Intermix batch mixers in both new and existing process lines. No mechanical pushers are required, and the TSS integrates a tapered twin-screw extruder with a matching two-roll calender. Product temperature is controlled by water-cooled screws and a jacketed housing. Controls are integrated for automatic synchronization of batch mixer feed rate, extruder, roller head and cooling line speeds. (Farrel)

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Circular vibratory screeners. A six-page brochure highlights the company's line of circular vibratory screeners for efficient separation, scalping and material sizing of a variety of materials. The brochure includes technical information on the Syncro-Sizer gyratory screen separator designed specifically for high capacity separation. (Eriez Magnetics)

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Digital durometer. The Shore Model S1 digital durometer is featured in a two-page bulletin. The variability of loading error is said to be eliminated by using an audible sound to indicate that the exact amount of pressure is being applied by the operator to the test sample, which is said to result in improved accuracy and repeatability. The Shore portable digital durometer is said to meet or exceed ASTM D 2240, DIN 53505, JIS K6301 and other applicable national and international standards for Shore hardness testing, according to the literature. Specifications of the instrument are presented. (Instron)

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Release agents. This four-page, color brochure outlines the selection and applications for the company's release agents for the rubber, tire, polyurethane and rotomolding industries. The brochure describes how the company's releases enable rubber and tire molders to achieve maximum productivity through reduced downtime for mold maintenance and improved quality. Tire molders can also achieve improved cosmetics, according to the literature. Polyurethane manufacturers can select from a complete line of semi-permanent or internal release agents to improve their productivity. The company is said to offer rotational molders the benefit of decreased mold fouling. (Dexter)

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O-ring inspection. The company's four-page newsletter highlights the Micro inspection system for micro-o-rings and micro-seals. This system foresees the surface inspection of both sides of the parts (between the two surface inspections the parts will be turned) and the precise measurement of the dimensions of the examinees. All sensors are based on the company's matrix camera A113. The topview sensors detect surface defects like foreign material, non-fills, mold deposit indentations and flowmarks on both sides of the seals. In binning mode, a pixel resolution of 26 [micro]m is provided This allows the Micro to detect defects in the size-range of 80 tam and less, according to the company. (Basler Vision Technologies)

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Materials testing. The ELF 3200 Series test systems are said to provide unique dynamic testing solutions, according to the company's two-page, four-color bulletin. The ELF (ElectroForce) 3200 Series tabletop testing systems are designed for researchers who require superior performance, fidelity and flexibility in a desktop package, according to the literature. This system is said to perform a variety of basic as well as advanced material tests, including tension and compression, axial fatigue, axial and torsion fatigue, fretting fatigue, planar biaxial fatigue, viscoelastic property measurement and product endurance. Photographs and specifications are presented in the bulletin. (EnduraTec Systems)

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Cryogenic deflashing. A six-page, fold-out pamphlet provides information and samples of the company's cryogenic deflashing and mold cleaning media. This specially developed variety of media, including the patented cryogenic grade cylindrical polycarbonate, is engineered for the unique requirements of cryogenic shot blast deflashing, according to the literature. Its tremendous impact strength combined with the fact that the company's media will not damage wheelblast machinery, is said to allow higher wheel speeds and, as a result, the speedy deflashing of molded rubber parts. The company's media for mold cleaning is a non-abrasive plastic. (Maxi-Blast)

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Automatic batching system. An eight ingredient high precision automatic batching system for specially engineered rubber products is featured in a one-page bulletin. The system consists of eight two-module vibratory feeder systems with upper mass flow and lower trim or dribble feeder. The feeders are designed to feed directly into two individual net weigh hoppers with a designed weigh scale accuracy of [+ or -] .002 lbs. Final batch accuracy attained was [+ or -] .005 lbs. Feeder supply hoppers feature three to five cubic foot capacity, according to the literature. (Bulk Equipment Systems Technology)

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Ultrasonic testing. An eight-page, color pamphlet describes the company's instrumentation for ultrasonic testing, including flaw detectors, corrosion gauges, precision thickness gauges, transducers and automated systems. Ultrasonic flaw detection is a widely used method to nondestructively detect and characterize hidden internal defects in engineering materials, according to the literature. Several models are featured. The company's ultrasonic precision thickness gauges and the Magna-Mike Hall Effect gauge are said to made accurate, reliable and repeatable thickness measurements with no need to damage parts. The company offers over 4,000 high quality ultrasonic transducer types, ranging in frequency from 50 KHz to 150 MHz, according to the literature. The company's line of ultrasonic instrumentation is said to be used in both production and research environments. (Panametrics)

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