Operators Train on 'Virtual' Extruders.

It's believed to be the first interactive training simulation designed for extrusion. Developed by the British Polymer Training Association in Telford, U.K., PICAT software, lets operators practice and learn from their mistakes on a "virtual" blown-film, pipe, or profile extruder instead of a real one. The CD-ROM programs (offered in the U.S. by A. Routsis Associates, Dracut, Mass.) have been used for several years, but were shown for the first time in the U.S. at NPE. They recreate the extrusion process, including inspection of "virtual" products, and log everything an operator does. The log enables an instructor to analyze both mistakes and the operators' responses until good "product" is made again. PICAT programs cost $1360 each. A trial copy, good for 30 days or 10 simulations, is available for free via [e-mail]. [Circle 16]

A second interactive simulation is under development at Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport, Pa. The Blown Film Extrusion Simulator is said to show realistic interaction among screw speed, nip speed, and cooling air on bubble dimensions, thickness, and frostline. Introduced at ANTEC 2000 in Orlando, it should be commercial early next year. Blown film processors interested in beta testing it should contact [e-mail].