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jamestwalden · 7 years ago

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Hainan Huasheng New Material Technology Co. Ltd. chooses to outfit what will be one of China’s largest polycarbonate plants with Maag pumps, pelletizing systems, and screen changers.

OBERGLATT, SWITZERLAND — PRNewswire – Maag, part of Dover (NYSE: DOV), and a leading worldwide manufacturer of gear pumps, pelletizing, and filtration systems, is pleased and proud to announce it has finalized a contract with Hainan Huasheng New Material Technology Co. Ltd. to supply pumps, pelletizing systems, and screen changers for its new polycarbonate-production facility.

When completed in 2020, the facility will be capable of producing up to 260 kilotons per annum (573 million pounds per year) of polycarbonate, which is used worldwide as a base compound in the manufacture of electronic, automotive, aircraft, railway and security components, construction materials, and data-storage devices. This new plant will be located in the Hainan Dongfang Industrial Park in Hainan Province in Southern China.

Maag was chosen by Hainan Huasheng to outfit its new production facility because since the 1980s, Maag has built a reputation as a provider of dependable, durable, safe, and efficient equipment and systems that are used in the production of polycarbonate. In fact, today upwards of 90% of the globally produced polycarbonate is done so with the assistance of Maag equipment.

Maag gear pumps are ideal for use in polycarbonate manufacturing because they possess the operational reliability that is required in 24/7 production cycles. Maag pumps are available in an extensive range of materials of construction, which allows them to be configured to meet the user’s unique operational requirements. Product quality is guaranteed through the pump’s stable discharge rates and low tolerance deviations, which result in overall process stability.

Maag has been a world leader in developing and supplying pelletizing systems to the polycarbonate market for many years, and currently has more than 200 production lines in operation, some of which feature a pelletizing system that can produce up to 14 tons (28,000 pounds) of polycarbonate per hour. The performance and reputation of Maag Automatik’s pelletizing systems are also strengthened by their symmetry with the Gala and Scheer pelletizing brands, which have also been market leaders for many decades.

Designed for use in upstream and downstream extrusion and filtration processes, Maag is the only manufacturer to offer archtype screen changers that are available as standard equipment on pressure-adaptive sealing systems. This capability ensures that the screen changeover can be completed without any costly interruption in production schedules.

For more information on Maag’s complete portfolio of pumps, pelletizing systems, and screen changers, or any of its other products, please visit maag.com.

For further information, go to www.maag.com

from an article at RotoWorld® https://rotoworldmag.com/hainan-huasheng-new-material-technology-co-ltd-chooses-to-outfit-what-will-be-one-of-chinas-largest-polycarbonate-plants-with-maag-pumps-pelletizing-systems-and-screen-changers/ from Blogger http://jamestwalden.blogspot.com/2018/11/hainan-huasheng-new-material-technology.html

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jamestwalden · 7 years ago

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Meese Opens 5th US Plant in Florida

MADISON, IN, USA — Meese (formerly MODRoto), opened a new plant in Jacksonville, Florida in June of this year. This 50,000 square foot plant is the fifth US plant for Meese and is located conveniently and strategically between I-95 and I-10. “The addition of the Jacksonville plant means we can reduce shipping costs for our Southeast customers while staying better connected to all of our customers throughout the US,” says Dan Rodriguez, national sales manager. Meese also launched their new website at www.meese-inc.com in July and will soon add e-commerce capabilities.

The company’s name change to Meese, made effective on May 7, 2018 is a “nod to our company’s heritage and is just the beginning in our company’s plan for future growth,” says J.R. Ryan, the President of Meese.

Founded in 1931, Meese was the first rotomolder in North America to invest in fully automated rotational molding systems, adding two “Leonardo” machines in 2008. These rotomolding machines produce parts more efficiently with less waste, combined with the ability to control extremely tight tolerances, thereby producing more consistent parts than traditional rotomolding machines.

Meese’s line of quality Poly-Trux, Bulk-Trux, Shelf-Trux, Utility-Trux, and Tilt-Trux are built to serve specific hauling, transportation and storage needs of customers in a variety of industries such as laundry, recycling, and materials handling. Their newest line of innovative products include the Linen Locker, created for secure and safe indoor/outdoor collection of bulk items, as well as FDA-approved X-Ray metal detectable containers for safer use in the food manufacturing industry along with the “Pool Shot” line of recreational products.

Additionally, Meese has certification for both EPA and CARB fuel tanks and their in-house award winning Engineering and Design team can create custom designed products to accommodate any need.

To learn more about this announcement, please contact Dan Rodriguez, National Sales Manager, Meese, Office: (812) 801-9969 [email protected], www.meese-inc.com

from an article at RotoWorld® https://rotoworldmag.com/meese-opens-5th-us-plant-in-florida/ from Blogger http://jamestwalden.blogspot.com/2018/11/meese-opens-5th-us-plant-in-florida.html

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jamestwalden · 7 years ago

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SPE – Actec

Plastics and SPE Continue Partnership to Provide Free SPE Membership to Students

Offering access to resources and networking through membership options for the next generation of plastics professionals.

WASHINGTON, D.C., USA — As the result of the success of their student program partnership — which has assisted over 2,000 students in their pursuit of a career in plastics since 2015 — the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) and SPE, inspiring Plastics Professionals, recently announced they will continue the partnership for an additional year through September 2019.

Since 2015, the program has provided college-level students free membership in SPE, while also enabling access to the resources and the professional network represented by PLASTICS. Participating students also have the opportunity to join PLASTICS Future Leaders in Plastic (FLiP), a group which provides young professionals in the plastics industry the exposure, education, networking contacts, and resources they need to advance in their careers.

“With the continuation of this program we are excited to provide assistance — from talent recruitment to educational outreach — to even more students from around the world as they pursue a career in plastics,” said President & CEO of PLASTICS, William R. Carteaux. “It’s up to us as seasoned professionals in the industry to nurture future leaders in plastics by providing them the resources and educational opportunities they need to succeed.”

Under PLASTICS and SPE’s agreement, students looking to become an SPE student member will have the option to do so for free. By offsetting the cost of membership, both PLASTICS and SPE hope to make it easier for students to take advantage of each organization’s respective educational and networking opportunities, while expanding opportunities for plastics students and young professionals.

“SPE is pleased to continue this partnership with PLASTICS,” said SPE CEO Patrick Farrey. “We all recognize the importance of building a strong future workforce. Through this program, students will have access to personal and professional resources that they couldn’t get elsewhere. They will be presented opportunities to strengthen their technical skills and learn how to lead. Together we are committed to the development of tomorrow’s plastic professionals.”

For more information, please visit www.4spe.org.

SPE Launches Interactive Exhibitor Directory as the First of Many New Features at ANTEC® 2019

Offering access to resources and networking through membership options for the next generation of plastics professionals.

BETHEL, CT, USA — With only eight months leading up to ANTEC® 2019 in Detroit, SPE-Inspiring Plastics Professionals (Society of Plastics Engineers) debuted a new online exhibitor directory and floor plan that benefits both exhibitors and attendees.

The directory offers extensive eBooth listings, increased visibility, and networking opportunities to optimize exhibitor and attendee’s times during ANTEC®. Attendees are able to view real-time updates of the event map and are able to search for products and services by category. Additionally, attendees can create their own personalized expo plan of booths to visit and schedule appointments with exhibitors well before the conference. This feature is the first user-experience update to be revealed about the upcoming technical conference.

Stephanie Clark, senior director, sales & advertising, stated, “I am excited to offer our exhibitors another platform to advertise their products and services and enable the attendees to create an Expo Plan before ANTEC®.”

SPE is excited to announce that the following companies have already signed up to exhibit, including Bruker Optics, Brabender Technologie, Coperion Corporation, Crafts Technology, ECON Inc., Enercon Industries, Moldex3D, NFM Welding Engineers, Inc., Parkinson Technologies, TA Instruments, Technovel Corporation, and Thermo Fisher Scientific.

Earlier in the year, SPE unpackaged its new brand identity during ANTEC® Orlando at NPE, introducing a new mission and website to reflect the changing environment of the plastics industry and on the diversity of its members. In addition to these internal changes, SPE is offering licensed training courses by the Institute of Packaging Professionals (IOPP) at discounted pricing for members.

The ANTEC® Detroit exhibit hall will also include break areas and receptions to increase networking opportunities among peers. The new ANTEC® Detroit Exhibitor Directory and Floor Plan is now online.

If your company is interested in exhibiting or sponsoring at ANTEC® Detroit, please contact Stephanie Clark at sclark@4spe. org or +1 203.740.5411.

from an article at RotoWorld® https://rotoworldmag.com/spe-actec/ from Blogger http://jamestwalden.blogspot.com/2018/11/spe-actec.html

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jamestwalden · 7 years ago

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Total JV to Build 625,000 tn Polyethylene Plant in Texas

A joint venture between French oil and gas firm Total S.A. and Novealis Holdings LLC, Bayport Polymers LLC, is investing in the construction of a new polyethylene plant at the company’s site in Bayport, TX that will feature an annual capacity of 625,000 tn, Total announced recently.

Novealis is a joint venture launched by Borealis AG and NOVA Chemicals. Slated to start up in 2021, the new facility will double the Bayport location’s current capacity to a total of 1.1 mt/yr, according to Total. Houston, TX-based McDermott was awarded a contract for the engineering, procurement, and construction of the new polyethylene plant.

“This project is in line with our strategy to develop petrochemicals at our major integrated complexes and leverage competitively priced feedstocks,” Bernard Pinatel, president of Refining and Chemicals at Total, said in the release. “It’s another step to strengthen our position in the United States, where we have more than 5000 employees and where we operate one of our six world largest integrated platforms in Port Arthur, TX.”

Bayport Polymers is also in the process of building a 1 million tn steam cracker at its Port Arthur complex, where ethane will be processed to supply the polyethylene production facilities. The new plant will feature Borstar technology, enabling the firm to produce a wider variety of products. “The power of this partnership between Total, Borealis, and NOVA Chemicals will enable us to become one of the largest players in the North America polyethylene market,” Bayport Polymers President Diane Chamberlain said in a statement: “The Borstar technology, which will be used for the first time in North America, will allow us to better serve our customers with an increased range of high-value-added products.”

Upon completion, the new facility in Bayport is expected to have a headcount of 1750 workers during peak periods.

from an article at RotoWorld® https://rotoworldmag.com/total-jv-to-build-625000-tn-polyethylene-plant-in-texas/ from Blogger http://jamestwalden.blogspot.com/2018/11/total-jv-to-build-625000-tn.html

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jamestwalden · 7 years ago

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Go all in!

Aside from their day-to-day concerns, such as paying the bills or providing for their family’s needs, if you were to poll people today, regardless of the region in the world they reside, the vast majority will tell you that they care about sustainability. They want to do their part and expect businesses to provide goods that are well designed, affordable, and made in a manner that has the least impact on the environment. Unfortunately, many businesses today have been reluctant to fully embrace these priorities. Welcome to this Rotoworld® issue’s sustainability column where I’ll speak to commitment/goalsetting and how it can positively transform your corporate culture.

Sometimes to achieve a goal it’s easier to make bold statements and to aim high than it is to make half-hearted compromises. Saying that you’re 100% committed means you are motivated and provides the opportunity to engage all of your staff and seek their input to achieve that goal. Alternatively, if you establish a lessor value, like 90%, you will discover a lot of people will find a reason to be in the remaining 10% group! When our company began our journey in sustainability in 2007, we committed to shift 100% of our facility’s power to only green/renewable sources. We searched out providers and found one company (Bullfrog Power) that also was very active nationally. As a bonus, this provider also helped spread awareness about our achievements and we would regularly see our company listed in full page ads throughout various nationally distributed publications. Fortunately, in the last decade, more providers like Bullfrog have sprouted up and similar offerings are generally available in most industrial regions. Consider looking into this option and use it as a starting point in your sustainability program.

No doubt, by placing a price on carbon you have increased the input cost in your utilities bill but once you’ve signed on board you can begin to search for ways to reduce your power waste. One area to investigate is the lighting in your facility. Generally speaking, lighting in a plant uses between 12%-15% of your power. You can make significant reductions if you look at how you illuminate your facility and darken areas of inactivity based on your operations. Perhaps you run your operations 24 hours, but only do some types of tasks on a dedicated shift. Do you run lights in these areas when no work is being done? What kind of lights do you run in your plant? If you are still using incandescent lights you need to replace them immediately! These types of lights are so outdated and are operating at about 10% efficient (90% is heat generation). During the weekends do you run more lights than you need? Perhaps you can set up some small CFL or LED lights for security of to provide a safe pathway for persons who need to be in the plant when it’s shut down. Most lights also have reflectors that can become dirty over time. You’d be surprised at how much brighter your shop is if you cleaned them on a quarterly basis. Also, dust can collect on the cooling ballasts, which lowers their efficiency and can even present a fire hazard in some cases.

Another low-cost effort is to look at shutdown procedures when you end your workweek. Do you have a specific checklist for the last designated person to leave the facility? Checklists are more important that you might think. Pilots use them (and with good reason!) as well as medical professionals in surgery (did we leave anything in the patient before we closed them up?). Put a checklist together that itemizes a sequence of procedures for shutting down all the critical systems that could draw power unnecessarily. As an example, leaving an air compressor system on for a whole weekend is an obvious mistake, but I can almost guarantee it has happened to you when operators have other things on their minds on a Friday night! Assigning a designated person is also very important and should require a sign off from that individual to enforce accountability and responsibility for that task. Successful companies like Toyota identified problems with shutdowns when they performed energy audits and gained significant savings from their checklists. Remember, the bigger your facility the higher the energy costs when things are unknowingly left on. So, before you start to consider any large capital investments to drive sustainability, I hope I’ve shown simple solutions to engage your team. Good luck!

from an article at RotoWorld® https://rotoworldmag.com/go-all-in/ from Blogger http://jamestwalden.blogspot.com/2018/11/go-all-in.html

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jamestwalden · 7 years ago

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RotoWorld(R) Buyers Guide

Coming soon – the All New RotoWorld Buyers’ Guide!

from an article at RotoWorld® https://rotoworldmag.com/rotoworldr-buyers-guide/ from Blogger http://jamestwalden.blogspot.com/2018/11/rotoworldr-buyers-guide.html

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jamestwalden · 7 years ago

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Rotational Molding Services

Rotational Molding Advantages

Rotomolding has numerous special qualities and advantages as compared to various other moulding procedures.

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Reduced tooling expenses. As this is a spreading process there is no pressure. This suggests moulds are affordable and also low volume could be less expensive. If you have a terrific idea for a new item but have no idea the number of you'll market or just want a reduced volume manufacturing run, rotomoulding's reduced first investment makes it particularly eye-catching.

It's easy making complex forms. Rotomoulding conveniently fits manufacturing intricacies such as stiffening ribs, moulded inserts and also various surface area structures.<p></p>

This boosts item strength as well as integrity.

Other processes such as impact moulding stretch the molten material at corners or sharp sides creating prospective slim places and weaknesses.

Rotational molding prices are low compared with various other processes and the investment required is little. There is excellent manufacturing adaptability with the procedure. There is practically no limit to the dimension of items and a number of different items can be moulded at the same time.

Rotomolding Plastic Examples

This exceptionally flexible modern technology can generate an impressive series of mouldings. There are hundreds of products that are rotomoulded made use of in a multitude of fields. Key areas consist of: Tanks for storing water and also chemicals-- up to 50,000 litres Material handling products such as containers, cages, pallets as well as shielded fish and also cooler boxes. Ecological items that include litter containers, roadway cones, bollards, traffic dividers and roadway signs. Floats, buoys and pontoons. Automotive items such as vehicle mudguards, ducting, gasoline storage tanks, large boxes as well as tractor dashboards. Kayaks, canoes as well as boats Products for the outdoors such as garden planters and also furniture. Toys and also play ground equipment. R & R Technologies LLC Located at 7560 East County Line Road, Edinburgh, IN 46124, Ph: (812) 526-265 For more info on plastic rotational molding options go to ... http://www.rrtech.com/rotational-molding-vs-blow-molding/ from Manufacturer of Custom Engineered Molded Components http://rrtechnologiesllc.blogspot.com/2018/09/rotational-molding-services.html from Blogger http://jamestwalden.blogspot.com/2018/09/rotational-molding-services.html

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jamestwalden · 8 years ago

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Sæplast Containers Go A’round’ the World

DALVIK, ICELAND — RPC Sæplast is introducing a range of round storage containers into the European and American markets that combine easy handling with optimum product quality during processing.

Initially developed in cooperation with the company’s customers in Asia, the new round tubs, available in 600 and 660 litre sizes, represent a departure from the more traditional insulated container design, while still offering effective protection and ease of use for a wide range of food products, in particular shrimp, tilapia, and squid production.

The rotomoulded double-layered container, made from food-grade polypropylene, offers excellent hygiene and outstanding product protection. The tough exterior and robust construction ensure long-term durability and easy washdown.

At the same time, the rounded contours are particularly suitable to enable even stirring of products, while the double insulation allows stable temperatures to be maintained during soaking. In addition, the round design reduces ice consumption.

The tubs are manufactured in FDA/USDA and EU approved material, are inter-stackable up to three high, and easy to handle with a pallet jack or forklift. As with all Sæplast containers, they can be personalised with customer logos and specified with a variety of tracking options including barcode, QR code, and RFID technology.

For more information, contact RPC Sæplast Europe, Dalvik ehf., Gunnarsbraut 12, 620 Dalvik, ICELAND, Tel: +354 460 5000, E-Mail: [email protected], www.rpc-promens.com, www.saeplast.com

from an article at RotoWorld® https://rotoworldmag.com/saeplast-containers-go-around-the-world/ from Blogger http://jamestwalden.blogspot.com/2017/09/splast-containers-go-around-world.html

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jamestwalden · 8 years ago

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Jerico Plastic Industries, Inc. Announces the promotion of Brandi K. Frey to Corporate Operations Officer

WADSWORTH, OH, USA — Jerico Plastic Industries, Inc. is pleased to announce the promotion of Brandi K. Frey to the position of Corporate Operations Officer. Most recently the Customer Support Manager, Frey has been an active member of the Jerico Plastic Industries management team for over 15 years. During her employment, she also held the positions of Office Manager and Logistics Manager. Frey is a stockholder and a member of Jerico Plastic’s corporate Board of Directors.

In this new position, Frey will be active in developing, improving, and implementing internal operations procedures and policies. She is also charged with improving company information flow, ongoing customer fulfillment improvement programs, and customer service management.

Frey graduated Magna Cum Laude from Walsh University in the Business Management Baccalaureate program. She is married to Christopher Frey, and they have two sons, Caleb and Logan. Her interests outside the office include traveling, reading, and watching her children play sports.

With manufacturing facilities in Minerva, Ohio and Greensboro, Georgia, Jerico Plastic Industries, Inc. is committed to excellence in rotational molding and custom compounding. As a custom compounder of color, recycled, and specialty resins, the company currently offers rotational molding PP, cross-linkable PE, flame retardant PE, and special effects PE compounds.

For more information, contact Steve Copeland, President at 330-334-5244 or [email protected].

from an article at RotoWorld® https://rotoworldmag.com/jerico-plastic-industries-inc-announces-the-promotion-of-brandi-k-frey-to-corporate-operations-officer/ from Blogger http://jamestwalden.blogspot.com/2017/09/jerico-plastic-industries-inc-announces.html

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jamestwalden · 8 years ago

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Foam Supplies, Inc. Celebrates 45 Years of “Success Through Innovation”

EARTH CITY, MO, USA — Foam Supplies, Inc. (FSI), the industry leader in environmentally responsible polyurethane products, has reached its 45th Anniversary.

Founded in 1972 by David G. Keske, an industry veteran and innovator, Foam Supplies has grown into a global enterprise and one of the world’s premier polyurethane “systems houses.” FSI currently operates 2 US manufacturing facilities, 6 international companies, and has technology partners and distributors around the world.

“My late father founded Foam Supplies because he wanted to fill the gaps and serve customers that larger companies deemed insignificant to their business strategy,” said Todd Keske, President of FSI. “The philosophy was simple: provide the best and most consistent polyurethane systems, as well as uncompromising customer service and technical support, to every customer. This and other value-based principles remain the backbone of FSI and are responsible for our success.”

As the company’s slogan, “Success through Innovation,” implies, FSI’s history has been rich with innovation, being the first company to patent HCFC technology to reduce the harmful effects of ozone-depleting CFC products. This was followed by the commercialization of HFC-based products to further mitigate damage to the environment. Then, in 2002, FSI patented and introduced ecomate® technology – a monumental breakthrough that continues to be the most environmentally benign foam blowing agent available today.

“With more than 15 years of commercialization, PU products powered by ecomate outperform competing technologies today,” says Keske. “As the world transitions away from damaging HCFCs and HFCs, we have the products to meet both regulatory requirements and consumer demands. Whether it’s rigid, flexible, spray, or other polyurethanes, Foam Supplies is prepared to help our customers meet their sustainability and business goals.”

For more information, visit foamsupplies.com or ecomatesystems.com.

from an article at RotoWorld® https://rotoworldmag.com/foam-supplies-inc-celebrates-45-years-of-success-through-innovation/ from Blogger http://jamestwalden.blogspot.com/2017/09/foam-supplies-inc-celebrates-45-years.html

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jamestwalden · 8 years ago

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A New Roto Material

from an article at RotoWorld® https://rotoworldmag.com/a-new-roto-material/ from Blogger http://jamestwalden.blogspot.com/2017/09/a-new-roto-material.html

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jamestwalden · 8 years ago

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Miracradle Neonate Cooler

from an article at RotoWorld® https://rotoworldmag.com/miracradle-neonate-cooler/ from Blogger http://jamestwalden.blogspot.com/2017/09/miracradle-neonate-cooler.html

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jamestwalden · 8 years ago

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Rotational Molding Process Control Past, Present & Future

by Alvin Spence, Centro Incorporated, USA

The effects of various processing conditions are investigated to demonstrate how this method can provide a more precise means by which to control the process. Advancements in this area will provide the molder with a higher quality product, as the cure of the molded part is critical in governing the end product’s mechanical properties.

Traditional Process Control Indicators For polyethylene (PE) materials, molders have historically relied on basic tests and indicators to gauge the quality of the molded part[1]. These indicators have typically been one of the following:

Low temperature impact strength

Bubble content in the wall cross section

Internal surface appearance/color/odor

External surface appearance

While other mechanical tests do exist, low temperature dart impact is by far the most widely used and least expensive test to perform. A correctly processed part will typically yield ductile impact behavior (or acceptable impact strength without failing) depending on the material type, density and melt index. Bubble content is also a common process control indicator, and can greatly influence the mechanical strength of the molded material. High bubble content across the wall thickness of the parts suggests low cure, while little or no bubble content suggests high cure. However, the propensity of bubbles in any material is influenced by other factors such as the material’s melt index and molecular structure[2]. Very high melt flow materials (typically 6 g/10min or greater) will allow bubbles to dissolve relatively quickly, making it more difficult to know if the material is cured properly or over cured. For the most commonly used melt index materials (typically 2 – 6 g/10min) molders like to see some bubbles in the wall of the cross section to know that over cure has not taken place. For natural parts and most colors, the inner surface of the part can provide more process control information. A lumpy or rough surface texture suggests low cure (or a poor quality grind), while a discoloration suggests over cure due to oxidation. When this takes place, the inner surface of the part will exhibit a burnt odor. The external surface of the part may experience poor fill or surface porosity, which could be an indicator of low cure. This could also be due to incorrect resin selection, poor quality grind, or excessive moisture content. The relationships between these traditional process control indicators are summarized in Figure 1.

While in their own way the process control indicators outlined can provide an effective means to gauge the quality of the molded part, they all have the shortcoming of being post-molded control methods.

Current Scientific Process Control Indicators

In the early 1990’s it was discovered that monitoring the internal air temperature of the mold during processing provided a more scientifically precise way to determine the amount of cure experienced by the part during the molding cycle[3]. The first commercial system that was capable of doing this was called the “Rotolog”. It consisted of an insulated electronic system, (used to take temperature measurements) and a radio frequency transmitter. The Rotolog mounts to the arm of the machine and travels with the mold through the oven and cooling chambers, taking temperature measurements (via thermocouples) from inside the mold, transmitting them in real time to a receiver, linked to a PC. Since then, other commercial units such as K-PaqTM, TempLogger, DATAPAC and slip-rings (K-KONTROL) have all been successfully used to gather this data. A typical output for the mold’s internal air temperature can be seen in Figure 2.

From the trace, the following critical points have been identified:

Point A – The beginning of the phase change from solid to liquid, as fine plastic particles begin to melt and adhere to the wall of the mold.

Point B – All of the plastic particles have melted and the polymer is now a high viscosity liquid.

Point C – The mold’s peak internal air temperature (PIAT) experienced during the cycle.

Point D – Phase change from liquid back to solid, as the plastic solidifies.

When considering process control, typically point “C” on the internal air temperature trace has the greatest importance, as this point reflects the highest temperature experienced by the internal surface of the part. In general, the peak internal air temperature (PIAT) has often been directly correlated to the amount of “cure” experienced by the part[4 & 5]. This claim has been substantiated by impact testing parts that have been molded to a range of peak internal air temperatures – see Figure 3. Typically, an optimum range of cure or “cure window” can be identified for each material with upper and lower cure boundary limits. Knowing what the cure window is for a particular resin, allows the molder some flexibility to adjust the cycle when the need arises, knowing that a good part will still be produced. This is particularly critical when running multiple molds on one arm that may have slight variations in wall thickness, polymer being used or mold size configuration.

In recent years, infrared thermometry (IRT) has been successfully used as a method to provide process control for rotational molding[6]. This system gathers real-time temperature measurements from the external surface of the molds rotating inside the oven and cooling chambers. This data can then be used to control the indexing of the arms to and from the oven and cooler, as well as controlling some of the cooling process parameters. One of the benefits of the IRT system is that it provides a repeatable process when cycle parameters have been established. However, IRT is not capable of providing temperature measurements from inside the mold, which are critical in knowing the thermal cycle experienced by the polymer.

Generally speaking, internal air temperature measurement provides the molder with critical information by which the molding cycle can be controlled. However, the PIAT control parameter has some limitations when considering products made from the same PE material, but molded to different wall thicknesses. For example, would a 1/8” thick part require the same PIAT as a 3/8” part to yield acceptable cure? The answer is probably not, as the 3/8” walled part remains in its molten state for approximately 3 times longer than the 1/8” walled part – see Figure 4. For the thinner walled part to achieve good mechanical properties (i.e. good cure), the material needs a sufficient amount of time to allow bubbles to diffuse from the melt. Bubble removal is a time-temperature relationship. Therefore, the same result can be achieved if the polymer goes to a higher temperature for a shorter period of time or a lower temperature for a longer period of time. For the thicker walled part, the risk of oxidation is much greater due to the extended cycle time. Therefore, it is probably better to process the thicker walled part to a lower PIAT, provided there is enough time available to allow sufficient bubble diffusion to take place to yield acceptable mechanical properties. So, is there a more accurate way to control the process?

The Future for Process Control?

The future of process control could be to utilize some of the methods previously mentioned, but analyze the data they provide in a different way. This process control concept uses the area under the internal air temperature curve, above the melting temperature of the plastic (250°F for polyethylene), as a process control indicator. Figure 5 defines the area under the curve, referred to as the “degree of cure” (DoC), with units of degree-minutes. It is suggested that this measurement provides a more accurate means to gauge cure than any of the previous methods mentioned, as it can compensate for variations in molding cycle conditions. This method takes into account the time-temperature aspect of processing, potentially a more accurate process control parameter.

The Influence of the Heating Cycle on the DoC

Changes to the oven cycle demonstrate the benefits of measuring DoC. For example, Figure 6 illustrates internal air temperature measurements of the same part molded at three different oven temperatures, using a cast aluminum mold. For these parts, the peak internal air temperature was approximately 420°F for the 700°F oven, 410°F for the 600°F oven and 400°F for the 500°F oven setting. The DoC measurements for these moldings can be seen in Table 1.

From Table 1, the Degree of Cure measurement would suggest that the part molded in a 700°F oven experienced a much lower level of cure than the other two parts, as the material remained in its liquid state for a much shorter period of time.

Correlating DoC to Properties and Appearance

A series of molding trials carried out at Queen’s University Belfast[7] confirmed the relationship between DoC, bubble content and impact properties. During these trials a 3.4 g/10min melt index material was molded with a range of peak internal air temperatures and the ARM impact resistance was measured for each molding. Samples were also cross sectioned and the presence of bubbles was estimated as a percentage of the overall wall thickness. Figures 7, 8 & 9 illustrate DoC, bubble content and impact strength, plotted against PIAT, for a 1/8” wall thickness part.

The results illustrated in Figure 7 indicate that the correlation is similar to what we would expect when using PIAT as a process control indicator, in that a higher degree of cure results in more bubbles being removed from the wall of the part. Similarly, Figures 8 & 9 show as the cure level increases, and the bubbles decrease, the impact strength rises until it reaches a point where the inner wall of the part has oxidized, resulting in brittle failure at a PIAT of 445°F. The data suggests for this particular material, molded with a 1/8” wall thickness, that the maximum allowable DoC lies somewhere between the last two data points on the DoC curve (i.e. between 1,500 and 2,127°F. min).

These experiments were repeated with thicker walled parts (see Figure 10) and found that similar relationships existed. However, the degree of cure value increased for different wall thickness of parts (see Figure 11), therefore making it difficult to have a generic DoC number when trying to use this method as a process control indicator for parts of increasing wall thickness.

While DoC appears to have great potential as a process control tool, more work is needed to prove out the ideas presented in this article with a broad range of materials, process conditions and wall thicknesses.

Conclusions

From this work, the following conclusions are suggested:

Monitoring the peak internal air temperature during the rotational molding cycle can provide a reasonably accurate means by which to judge the cure of the part – provided there are no significant changes in the processing parameters.

Monitoring the Degree of Cure has the potential to provide a higher level process control. This technique has been shown to correlate to traditional methods to gauge cure, such as bubble content in the wall of the part and impact strength.

The DoC value will increase with increasing part wall thickness. While this is not necessarily a limitation, it needs to be taken into consideration when identifying the DoC cure range.

References

Andrzejewski, S. Simple Rules to Follow for Obtaining the Proper Cure for Rotomolded Polyethylene Parts, Rotation, Vol. VI, Issue 3, 1997.

Spence, AG. Analysis of Bubble Formation and Removal in Rotationally Moulded Products, Queen’s University Belfast, Ph.D. Thesis, May 1994.

Crawford, RJ and Nugent, PJ. A New Process Control System for Rotational Moulding, Plastics, Rubber and Composites Processing and Applications, Vol. 17, Issue 1, 1992.

Spence, AG and Crawford, RJ. The Effect of Processing Variables on the Formation and Removal of Bubbles in Rotationally Molded Products, Polymer Engineering and Science, Vol. 36 Issue 7, 1996.

Crawford, RJ and Nugent, PJ. Impact Strength of Rotationally Moulded Polyethylene Articles, Plastics Rubber and Composites Processing and Applications, Vol. 17, Issue 1, 1992.

Nugent, PJ, Little, E and Peev, G. The Use of Non-Contact Temperature Sensing in Extending Process Control for Rotational Molding, Society of Plastics Engineers ANTEC 1997.

Treacy, R. US Rotational Moulding Material Property Differences, MSc. Thesis, Queen’s University Belfast, September 1998.

from an article at RotoWorld® https://rotoworldmag.com/rotational-molding-process-control-past-present-future/ from Blogger http://jamestwalden.blogspot.com/2017/05/rotational-molding-process-control-past.html

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jamestwalden · 8 years ago

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D. Erich Boersch (1940 – 2017)

by Susan Gibson, JSJ Productions, Inc.

Erich Boersch was active in the plastics industry for nearly a half century. His experience spanned injection molding, vacuum forming, polyurethane casting, EPS foaming, and rotational molding. Erich became active in the rotational molding industry in 1972. He held positions with leading European rotomolding companies Low and Bonar and Rhein Bonar before forming his own company, Rota Consult GmbH, in 1994. Through his consultancy, Erich applied his years’ of rotomolding experience and vast industry knowledge toward global developments, strategic and technical issues, and assisting with new company startups. Erich was well-known for his keen insights in the areas of market research and future industry trends. He will be long remembered for his multitude of contributions to the rotational molding industry. Erich Boersch passed away on February 21, 2017, after a period of illness.

Erich was a member of the Association Rotational Molders (ARM) and was inducted into the ARM Hall of Fame in 1999. The ARM Hall of Fame is dedicated to the recognition of rotational molders, suppliers, and professional members. The award is the highest honor the Association of Rotational Molders (ARM) bestows on an individual for outstanding service, accomplishments, and contributions to further the growth of the rotational molding industry. He was a member of the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE). He was founder and President of the Association Rotational Moulding – Central Europe e.V. (ARM-CE), and was a representative on behalf of the German Plastics Industry to the Federal Association of German Industry (BDI), the voice of Germany industry. Erich was one of the first initiators of The Affiliation of Rotational Moulding Organizations (ARMO) which brought world-wide rotational molding organizations under one umbrella. Erich gave numerous presentations over the years through ARM and ARMO. He served on the ARM International and Membership Committees. He was Contributing Editor to Rotation and RotoWorld® magazines until his retirement.

(Detlef) Erich Boersch was born on February 28, 1940 in Fischbeck, Sachsen Anhalt Germany. His father went missing during the 2nd world war, therefore he was raised by his widowed mother. After achieving his secondary school degrees, Erich moved to Paris to study English, French, and German language and literature at the famous Sorbonne University. It was there that he decided to drop his first name “Detlef” as many of his foreign friends had found the name a real jawbreaker and had started calling him by his second first name “Erich”, which was how he was known in the rotational molding industry.

Upon completion of his studies and earning a diploma in simultaneous translation, Erich started to work for Philippine in Konstanz, Germany, a plastic moulder for automotive products. This position started him in the direction of his business career in plastics. It was also during this time that Erich met his wife Ingrid and the two were married in 1966 in Lahnstein. In 1968, they were blessed with the birth of their daughter Birgit.

After working for different plastic processing companies, Erich finally landed in Hockenheim where he became General Manager of Rhein-Chemie. In the early 60’s, Rhein-Chemie was one of the first industrial rotomoulders in Germany, which today is part of the RPC Promens Group. With his great enthusiasm for the rotational molding industry, Erich became a driving force for continuously widening the field of applications – making the facility in Hockenheim one of the pioneers for making technical plastics parts.

In the following years, besides developing the company, Erich’s great passion was to strive to increase the awareness of rotomoulding and enlarge his own global network by traveling the world giving presentations on rotomoulding topics.

After retiring from Rhein-Bonar, Erich decided to use his wide knowledge and global contacts as an independent contractor, to serve the industry as Rota Consult. While staying connected with the industry, he had realized that for many companies it was essential to establish a better networking within the global industry – where language was a big issue.

Remembering Erich Boersch

“Erich began pushing his clients and ex-colleagues to consider the formation of a German speaking rotomoulding organization. It was with his initiative and efforts that ARM-CE e.V. was formed and registered in June 1998. Erich served as Chairman of the ARM-CE until November 2007, when he handed the chair over to me. Not only did he establish the German speaking association, he was also one of the initiators of ARMO, having the vision to achieve a truly globally connected industry. When I first entered the global rotomoulding family at an ARM meeting in Vienna in 1996, Erich became my mentor. I am grateful for the introduction he gave me to the industry and for all that I learned from him over the time we worked together. I believe Erich has left long-lasting footprints in our industry, and he will be sorely missed by all of his colleagues and friends.” — Oliver Wandres, MAUS and Chairman ARM-CE

“My first recollection of Erich Boersch was as a regular attendee at ARM Spring and Fall Conferences where he seemed to know everyone. I did not get to know Erich until ARM’s first truly International October 1989 Conference at the Cumberlin Hotel in London, England.

Erich sought me out during that meeting. That started a business friendship that deepened over the years. I never knew what attracted Erich’s attention. At that time, he was Managing Director of Rhein Bonar, a major innovative German rotational molding company. I was a product designer and plastics technology seminar instructor. The link may have been that Erich felt strongly about the importance of designing for the molding process being used and the industry’s responsibility to educate the next generation of practioners.

Over the years, various proponents of a single international association of rotational molders came and went. However, Erich was the one constant voice suggesting that ARM take a leadership role in promoting mutually beneficial cooperation between the small rotational molding groups evolving in Europe, Scandinavia, South Africa, India, Australia, etc. Erich was a long-time Chairman of the German group ARM-CE. From that base, he organized at least two well attended international technical conferences.

The rapid growth of the industry in the 1990’s attracted the attention of the Society of Plastics Engineers. I will always remember Erich’s stabilizing influence during the contentious period while SPE was forming their Rotational Molding Division. Erich was in favor of any activity that promoted the Rotational Molding Industry. He also saw the advantage of cooperating with a purely Technical Society that provided cutting edge conferences with peer reviewed technical papers. Erich was an exofficio member of SPE’s Rotational Molding Division’s first Board of Directors. He presented technical papers and faithfully attended the Division’s Conferences until declining health made international travel difficult.

Like many Europeans, Erich started his day with a big breakfast. He could normally be found in the hotel restaurant shortly after it opened. We developed an unofficial agreement to meet for breakfast. He would ask and I would tell him what little bit I knew about the people and the Industry in North America. Erich would then tell me what was or should be happening in the rest of the world. That included more gossip about North America than I knew.

A fond memory of Erich was that breakfast was always corn beef hash with two poached eggs. The waiter would insist that hash came with fried or scrambled eggs. This only got the waiter a detailed lecture on how to prepare poached eggs.

That was Erich Boersch, and I will miss him.” — Glenn L. Beall, Glenn Beall Engineering

“I first met Erich in 1998, not too long after I started with ARMA. By that time he was one of the most well-known names in the industry, particularly in Europe and the US. Immediately upon meeting him he became a very generous mentor to me and remained so until he retired. Like so many leaders, he was a controversial person who could be difficult and challenging but his passion for rotomoulding was unquestionable. Erich had a vision of the global industry working together that he realized and which continues today. I consider him the founder of ARMO and I know without his drive the global industry conversation that we all benefit from wouldn’t have happened. We will miss him but continue to feel his influence for a long time.” — Leisa Donlan, ARMA CEO

“I had the privilege of calling Erich my friend for over 25 years. I first encountered him as a firebrand German on stage encouraging a large multi-national audience to be prepared for upcoming European market changes at the epic ARMO conference in Barcelona in 1990. Firebrand because he was never afraid to give his opinion when he believed in something and epic because he helped organize the conference dinner in a vineyard with 3 million bottles in their cellars! Before long we would meet regularly at conferences and on occasion when he came to The Queen’s University to support our work in Belfast. His success in business was a combination of entrepreneurial drive and vision of the industry. It was this vision that I sought regularly as he helped guide me at critical moments in my own path. Always willing to listen and encourage, I remember sitting with him in Bali in the late 90s and charting a possible future path as a travelling consultant and then 20 years later in Germany reflecting on the next steps beyond consulting. He always gave me a clear picture of where I stood and encouraged me to create my own niche in the rotomolding world. That was Erich Boersch. A mentor.

Erich was a strong supporter of rotomolding worldwide and it was again his drive and vision that pushed the development of many of the European associations in supporting their local molders during the 1990s. He saw this development as a benefit to the industry overall moving as it did to the umbrella group ARMO connecting all groups worldwide. And despite the rumblings this process caused between molder groups, he was always immensely proud of his place in the ARM Hall of Fame and had many friends on both sides of the Atlantic; even those he bumped heads with on association matters had tremendous respect for him on a personal level. I had the privilege of presenting him an Honorary Service award from ARMO at their conference in Berlin in 2006. It wasn’t quite a roast and German’s are not famous for their sense of humor (sorry Germany!) but he took some rib-poking and the embarrassment of some old polaroids in good stead. That was Erich Boersch. Industry icon.

He also had a soft side and I remember the gleam in his eye when he scrambled to find the winning plate at our conference table in Florida for a Disney toy for his grand-daughter. And while his health in recent years was not good, Orla and I visited him and his wife Ingrid at their home in Bad Schönborn in Rheinland on several occasions. Despite his physical challenges, he was always in good spirits and our memories are of beef stews, strong beers (courtesy of Ingrid), and good company right up until very recently. Stubborn to the end, he never could quite let go of his one vice of an occasional cigarette insisting that if he gave them up then he wouldn’t enjoy living. That was Erich Boersch. My Friend.” — Paul Nugent, industry consultant

“In the early days of ARM, Eric Boersch was one of the first European rotomolders to express interest in the association. Eric visited Formed Plastics’ facility in New York and I toured his factory in Germany. He was very active in ARM’s International Committee creating a framework for non North American members of ARM.” — Pat Long, Formed Plastics

Erich was a consummate entrepreneur and a gentleman. He had a big personality that filled the room. He had great passion for life and career and rarely hesitated to speak his mind. He was a stalwart for the rotational molding industry and most who knew him would agree that through his passion and energy, the industry today is more connected on a global level. He will be fondly remembered and appreciated by the industry he loved.

from an article at RotoWorld® https://rotoworldmag.com/d-erich-boersch-1940-2017/ from Blogger http://jamestwalden.blogspot.com/2017/05/d-erich-boersch-1940-2017.html

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