Articles

• ETP, elastomer based on renewable resources
  DuPont (Wilmington, DE) chose NPE to introduce a new family of high-performance polymers made with renewable resources. Although not biodegradable, Sorona PTT (poly(trimethylene terephthalate)) and Hytrel thermoplastic elastomer made using corn sugar-derived propanediol (PDO) will “reduce dependence on petrochemical sourcing and bring a positive impact on the environmental lifecycle of products,” said Nandan Rao, VP global technology for DuPont Performance Materials. Bio-based Sorona will be available mid-2007 and Hytrel in late 2007. The performance and processing characteristics of both materials are as good as or better than those of current products based on petrochemicals, says DuPont. Sorona exhibits performance and molding characteristics similar to PBT.


• Partnerships, acquisitions the way to grow
  As always, a variety of partnerships and acquisitions were announced during NPE. RJG Inc. (Traverse City, MI) announced two recently formed partnerships and an acquisition. The big announcement was RJG’s acquisition of A. Routsis Associates Inc., a leading training provider to the molding industry. “After an extensive evaluation of all the industry training providers, we at RJG decided that Routsis dovetailed seamlessly with our Decoupled Molding and Master Molder programs,” explained Matt Groleau, president of RJG. “We now offer both in-plant and offsite training to meet all employee skill levels.” As an independent division of RJG, A. Routsis Associates will combine inhouse training utilizing customizable interactive training, advanced process simulation, plant-specific on-the-job exercises, and GSPC (Global Standards for Plastics Certification), with instructor-led Decoupled Molding and Master Molder training at RJG’s training facility.


• Injection molding machines
  It’s a nice idea, but I don’t think I’m running the type of jobs that need a special machine like that.” There was a time when such a comment might have been made about electric machines. But, if the majority of presses on display at NPE 2006 were any indication, such a comment today might be made about all-hydraulic machines.


• Extrusion
  Efficiency was the prevailing motive in extrusion equipment developments: rapid-changeover features, efficient use of materials and floor space, and improved return on investment. Machines now have higher outputs and smaller footprints and handle a greater variety of materials. Barrels combat corrosion and wear longer, while new dies boost output and improve precision.


• Material Handling
  Dry, convey, blend, feed . . . and have control over it all. Given the virtual jungle of new-tech feeders, blenders, dryers, and conveying systems set up in every hall of NPE 2006, a pilgrim easily could have missed the main point of virtually every material handling supplier’s display. And that would be control.


• Blowmolding: Packaging segment strong at NPE 2006
  NPE 2006 was a significant venue for producers of blowmolding equipment dedicated to packaging applications, which is to say mostly bottles. The markets for plastics bottles have exploded over the last decade, going from almost nowhere to almost everywhere, including resistant markets such as beer and other alcoholic beverages. There is a lot to be gained by equipment suppliers that become established in these markets. The volumes are such that few processors run just one machine. As in any other process, blowmolders may try just one, but if it runs well, they’ll be back for more.