Mixing extrusion system. (Equipment).

In partnership with Colmec, SpA, the company has developed a patented in situ mixing extrusion system that allows users to mix then extrude uncolored Silastic brand high consistency silicone robber compounds with color masterbatches, or various additives, fillers and processing aids in a single step on one piece of equipment. Versus conventional practices, the system is said to allow fabricators to increase processing flexibility by reducing raw material inventories, since precolored masterbatches no longer need to be purchased, as color can be added on-the-fly. The system can also shorten production times and lower costs by up to 15% annually, while at the same time yielding excellent mixing and a very consistent product, according to the company. The in situ mixing extrusion system can be used either with conventional peroxide-cure silicone chemistry, or with increasingly popular platinum-catalyzed systems. Benefits of switching to addition-cure platinum catalysts are said to include elimination of 2,4 DCIBP cure by-products for environmental and health benefits; elimination of post-cure treatment for non-food applications, since cure is more complete with this chemistry; easy, on-the-fly changes of cure speed to meet varying processing requirements; and no compromise to stability and shelf life for the silicone compounds, according to the company. (Dow Corning, P.O. Box 0994, Midland, MI 48686-0994)

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