Plastic Material News

Victrex Announces New Aptiv™ Film Lamination Capability

West Conshohocken, PA, USA - June 26, 2009 - To further enhance its position as the leading manufacturer of PEEK-based films, Victrex has installed a new high temperature vacuum laminating press system at its manufacturing facility in the Lancashire, United Kingdom. With this addition, Victrex now has the capability of bonding its APTIV™ film, produced from VICTREX® PEEK™ polymer, to a wide range of other substrates without the use of adhesives. “The press enables us to take advantage of APTIV film’s unique thermoplastic nature which allows it to be heat-laminated to other substrates,” explained John Getz, Global Commercial Leader - APTIV Film.  “In effect, we are melting the APTIV film in a very controlled manner to allow it to intimately bond to other substrates including metals, fabrics, itself and other polymer films.”

The press system operates at temperatures up to 400°C (752°F), which allows the APTIV film to be joined to other substrates in the melt phase.  “The system is unique in that it has the high temperature capability to work with the film,” said Getz.  “It can also operate under vacuum preventing any entrapment of air bubbles and voids in the laminates.” The system features sophisticated controls including programmable cycles of temperature, press force and vacuum by time or other parameters, as well as highly accurate platen pressure control – allowing a wide range of low to high pressure profiles as demanded by the application. Laminate sizes up to 500mm x 600mm are possible.

This new capability will allow customers to develop applications combining the inherent properties of APTIV film with other materials such as metal foils or non-woven fabrics and meshes to produce laminate materials with exceptional combinations of properties. “The addition of lamination capability will allow us to support the validation and development process more quickly and efficiently as opposed to having the customer find an outside laminator who may not have the capability or capacity to support the development effort,” said Getz. “We can help develop and optimize the laminate structure and lamination process by combining APTIV film with other materials.  After this development work is complete the customer can then pass this information along to his production laminator.  Victrex also expects to directly support production laminators who are looking to develop new APTIV film-based laminate structures. We encourage customers to contact us if they have interest in our lamination resources so we can mutually assess these opportunities.”                                                 

APTIV film is produced from VICTREX PEEK polymer, which is widely regarded as one of the highest performing thermoplastics in the world, and provides all of the polymer’s properties including: high temperature performance, excellent chemical, wear and hydrolysis resistance, superior mechanical properties, excellent barrier (permeation) and electrical properties, exceptional radiation resistance, high purity, low toxicity of combustion gases, etc., in a flexible, thin format.

UV Cure Adhesive Excels in Bond Strength

Hackensack, NJ. June 30, 2009 - Master Bond adds a significant strength advantage to a new UV adhesive compound combining high strength bonds with the well established benefits of UV cure namely; high productivity, improved performance and environmental compliance. Master Bond UV10TK40 is a modified epoxy adhesive offering a unique tensile strength of 8300 psi and a shore D hardness greater than 75, forming high surface hardness. It cures tack free in the presence of air and will gel rapidly upon UV light exposure. This UV adhesive exhibits low shrinkage and superior dimensional stability. High performance properties include heat stability, good chemical resistance and a Tg that exceeds 94°C. 100% reactive and environmentally-friendly, it does not contain any volatiles and hazardous solvents. Master Bond UV cure adhesive UV10TK40 is recommended for clear coating, sealing and bonding and simplifies any process that requires critical alignment or exact positioning.

More about Master Bond’s UV cure adhesives:

One part Light cure adhesive systems offer high performance coatings, adhesives, sealants, potting and encapsulation. They include polyurethanes, epoxies, polyesters and acrylics. They vary in thicknesses, hardness, chemical resistance, strength, clarity, etc. They have excellent bond strength to metals, ceramics, many plastics and most rubbers.

LyondellBasell Achieves Two Million Tonnes of Hostalen ACP HDPE Capacity

Rotterdam, Netherlands - June 25, 2009 – LyondellBasell Industries has achieved another significant milestone in the global market introduction of its Hostalen Advanced Cascade Process (ACP) technology, with two million tonnes of multimodal high density polyethylene (HDPE) capacity installed and under construction to date.

With last month’s successful start up of the world-scale Hostalen ACP plant by Saudi Ethylene and Polyethylene Company (SEPC) in Al-Jubail, Saudi Arabia, more than one million tonnes of multimodal HDPE capacity is in operation. In addition, more than one million tonnes of multimodal HDPE capacity are under construction in the Middle East and Europe. In January, the company announced that the technology is available for license to third parties.

Critical mass to introduce multimodal HDPE to global markets
LyondellBasell began using the technology on a proprietary basis at its Frankfurt and Wesseling facilities in Germany in 2004 and later began offering the process for license to its joint ventures in Poland and Saudi-Arabia.

“With more than two million tonnes, we have achieved critical mass to introduce multimodal HDPE to the global markets,” said Kaspar Evertz, senior vice president of LyondellBasell’s licensing business. “This milestone represents a true breakthrough in our efforts to expand Hostalen ACP use throughout the world to address growing customer needs for multimodal resins used in film, blow molding and pipe applications. It also affirms the superior product range offered by this process for the highly competitive HDPE market.  We anticipate further growth of the technology primarily in Asia Pacific and South America.”

The multimodal Hostalen ACP technology exceeds the limits of standard bimodal HDPE process technology by producing high performance resins with an industry-leading toughness/stiffness balance, superior impact resistance, higher stress crack resistance and significantly improved processing advantages.

In addition to the Hostalen ACP process, LyondellBasell’s portfolio of licensed polyolefin technologies and associated technical services includes:

• Spherilene – advanced swing-gas-phase process for the production of monomodal and bimodal HDPE, MDPE and LLDPE
• Lupotech – high pressure tubular and autoclave processes for the production of LDPE and EVA copolymers
• Spherizone – latest-generation polypropylene technology, based on a multi-zone reactor for the production of polypropylene and novel polyolefins
• Spheripol – leading polypropylene technology for the production of homopolymer, random and heterophasic copolymers
• Metocene PP - innovative add-on technology for the production of specialty polypropylene products using single-site catalyst systems

DSM Engineering Plastics Leads the Way in Delivering Green Sustainable Products

June 23, 2009 - Evansville, IN - As the European Union marks Green Week 2009, which continues to support the drive for climate change, DSM Engineering Plastics announces that the Company will continue to focus on the development of a “Green Portfolio” of engineering materials to meet customer requirements and in line with DSM’s sustainability policy (People, Planet, Profit).

DSM’s engineering materials are used in a range of applications in Automotive, E&E, and Consumer Products. As OEMs and end-users are looking to reduce their environmental impact, DSM Engineering Plastics continues to develop products that meet each industry’s specific sustainability needs. These include the quests for lower emissions and reduced fuel consumption, further weight reduction, increased recyclability, and the growing use of renewable bio-based plastics.

Roelof Westerbeek, President DSM Engineering Plastics, says: “As a market leader, we need to ensure that we use energy and raw materials efficiently in order to reduce the environmental impact of our activities. However, at the same time we want to improve the eco-efficiency of our products and processes on an ongoing basis.”

Sustainability approaches
By focusing on eco-efficiency and sustainability, DSM drives its innovation cycle to ensure that key new product innovation and/or development meets the evolving needs of customers, while ensuring that products meet one or more of the following sustainability objectives.

• Hazardous substances reduction
• Eco-efficiency
• Recycling
• Bio based, renewable solutions

Hazardous substances reduction is achieved through the ongoing introduction of halogen free flame retardant solutions. DSM Engineering Plastics has already introduced a number of XG grades and HF grades. In addition, DSM is working with its raw materials suppliers to substantially lower impurity levels of potentially hazardous substances.

Greater eco-efficiency is sought through weight reduction and lifetime extension. Weight reduction is targeted by metal-to-plastic or rubber-to-plastic programs or via smart application designs (in high flow & high productivity grades), whereas lifetime extension is sought via new products such as Stanyl Diablo (PA46) and Arnitel C (TPC). DSM EP also supports research in Life Cycle Assessments and Eco- or Carbon Footprints.

Recycling alternatives include post-industrial and post-consumer solutions. DSM EP has a range of post-industrial RC Grades and offers a number of post-consumer recycled-back-to-feedstock solutions. DSM holds a patent on the post consumer carpet recycling of polyamide 6 back to pure caprolactam.

Bio based, renewable solutions are currently being investigated and include new bio based building blocks for existing polymers, and new high temperature resistant, bio-engineering plastics based on renewable resources not competing with the foodchain.

Environmentally aware portfolio keeps expanding
For DSM Engineering Plastics and its customers, the most promising current application development projects are found in Automotive, E&E and General Industry. They include:

Automotive
Metal-to-plastic conversion for oil sumps (Akulon PA6), turbo parts (Stanyl Diablo PA46) and pump parts (Arnite PET and Stanyl PA46). All these lead to significant weight and thus CO2 emission reductions. In addition, DSM EP has introduced Halogen Free flame retardant coatings in wire & cable applications (Arnitel C).

E&E
Halogen Free flame retardant connectors (Stanyl PA46) and cables (Arnitel XG); metal replacement on LED Lamp covers using Stanyl Thermally Conductive (PA46).

General Industry
Metal-to-plastic conversion for furniture, appliances, sport equipment, lawn & garden and chain saw applications.

DSM Engineering Plastics complies with a wide range of generic environmental regulations and standards including ISO14001, IMDS, RoHS, REACH. Material Safety Datasheets are readily available for all materials. In addition, the company is progresing activities already such as Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) and cradle-to-cradle projects.

As DSM Engineering Plastics underlines its commitment to fthe development of eco-responsible solutions, Rein Borggreve (R&T Director) and Fredric Petit (Chairman DSM EP Sustainability Council) jointly comment: “At DSM Engineering Plastics, we fully endorse the drive for a more sustainable future and we fully support our customers’ search for alternative material solutions. It is for these reasons that we will continue to allocate significant resources to initiate and advance green and sustainable developments.”

Demag Plastics Group Greets NPE Visitors at Show Entrance with Ultra-high Speed and Precision

June 22, 2009 - Visitors to NPE 2009 year will be greeted at the entrance of the South Hall with a demonstration of ultra-high speed and precision — a Demag Plastics Group EL-EXIS 550 hybrid machine (615 US tons) that will be producing over 115,000 lightweight, tamper-evident water caps per hour.

NPE 2009 marks the first combined NPE exhibit for Demag Plastics Group Corp (DPG) and Sumitomo (SHI) Plastics Machinery (America) LLC (SHI-PM), affiliated companies of Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd. (SHI), Plastics Machinery Division. “This is a particularly exciting event for us because it gives us the opportunity to display the unmatched breadth of capabilities, technologies, service and support available to the North American market now through our two companies,” said Jim Mitchell, Executive Vice President for both DPG and SHI-PM. “We are in a unique position to help molders here with a wide range of energy-efficient, high-productivity, high-precision machinery, backed up by an exceptional and extensive aftersales, service and support organization.”

“The EL-EXIS machine demonstration presents the ultra-high-speed thin-wall and packaging capabilities we bring to this market in the 110 to 780 US ton range,” Mitchell said.

The demonstration features a 96-cavity hot runner mold running on a three-second cycle. The part is a one-gram HDPE lightweight water bottle cap. To show the exceptional precision capabilities of the ELEXIS, the demonstration includes an IMDVista vision inspection system checking the parts’ inner and outer diameters, seal area, tamper evident band, etc.

The EL-EXIS is an energy-efficient hybrid machine series for applications requiring high injection speeds, ultra-fast cycling and exceptional precision. Highlights of the machine include:

• Electric and hydraulic drives and independent control loops that operate in parallel for clamping, injection and secondary movements
• An AC-servomotor that transmits power virtually loss-free to the screw, minimizing maintenance and ensuring quiet, energy-efficient operation. Plasticizing is possible over almost the entire machine cycle, shortening cycle and improving melt and color dispersion
• High-speed injection is achieved by a hydraulic accumulator and a servo-valve. Exceptional linear movement response allows the machine to achieve maximum injection speed of 1,200 mm/s and a screw acceleration of up to 12 m/s².

The machine being used in the demonstration has a 10500 injection unit and 80 mm screw with a L/D of 24. Other specifications include:

Tie bar clearance	40.15 x 40.15 in (1020 x 1020 mm)
Maximum shot wt. (PS)	76.5 oz (2170 g)
Maximum injection pressure	34,679 psi (2391 bar)
Injection rate	214.7 in3/s (3519 cm3/s)
Maximum injection capacity	145.7 in3 (2388 cm3)
Dry cycle	1.9s - 28.1in (1.9s - 714mm)

“Demag and Sumitomo, working side-by-side, also represent a significantly expanded service and support organization in North America,” said John F. Martich III, Vice President Aftersales. “There’s a lot of expertise in these two organizations, and we are focused on building on these strengths to support all of our mutual customers — Sumitomo, Demag and our Van Dorn legacy customers. A significant portion of our booth is dedicated to the aftersales, service and support capabilities we provide including retrofit, parts, service, processing assistance and training.”

“Attendees come to NPE to see what’s new, what can help their businesses,” Martich said. “Our aftersales, service and support team can help molders in a variety of ways that don’t involve new machines. For example, working with existing machines, we can increase energy efficiency, expand processing capabilities and provide upgrades that improve control, clamp, and injection unit productivity — all things that can improve the bottom line of a molding operation with minimal investment. We are also very excited to help our customers in the application of energy rebates, state-level energy programs, and government grants that can provide substantial financial assistance.”

Highlighting a few retrofit solutions, the company’s booth includes:

• The new Van Dorn Universal (VDU) control, the OEM-designed, PC-based control that optimizes the uptime of Van Dorn HT, HP and Classic series machines
• The ErgoHeat mobile hot runner system, an easy and costefficient way to extend the hot runner capabilities of Van Dorn and Demag machines
• A selection of high-performance screws

DPG and SHI-PM are also offering an NPE 2009 Technical Service Special Package. Included is a complete machine evaluation and detailed calibration that restores machine performance. The special offering, which runs through July 30, 2009, is priced at $295 per machine plus travel and includes a 15% discount on parts.

“It should be clear to visitors to our booth, we’re trying to help North American molders on every level possible, whether they’re in the market for new machinery or looking to improve the productivity of their existing equipment,” said Mitchell. “We have the technology, expertise, dedicated support staff, special programs and readily available financing to make it happen.”

Additional information on Demag Plastics Group products and services can be found at
www.demag-usa.com.

Demag Plastics Group Corp., headquartered in Strongsville, OH, and Sumitomo (SHI) Plastics Machinery (America), LLC, headquartered in Norcross, GA, are affiliated companies of Sumitomo Heavy Industries Ltd., Plastics Machinery Division. The company has the world’s largest platform of advanced all-electric machines which spans from 8 to 606 US tons including micro to mid-sized, high- speed, high-duty, vertical, insert, multi-shot and disc molding machine series. Ultrahigh- speed hybrid machines are offered for packaging and other thinwall applications, plus  high-performance configurable hydraulic-toggle machines are offered up to 2200 US tons.

MRI Assembly Utilizes AvaSpire® Modified PEEK For Rigidity and Chemical Resistance

Alpharetta, Ga. - June 22, 2009 – Invivo Corp.’s new Luminescence Breast System (LBS), an MRI system for diagnostic imaging and biopsy, features an immobilization system that includes several integral parts made of AvaSpire® AV-651 modified PEEK (polyetheretherketone) from Solvay Advanced Polymers, LLC. The manufacturer, custom molder Nicolet Plastics Inc., Mountain, Wis., says these unreinforced modified PEEK parts – ratchet springs, fiducial body markers, and lock levers – boast high rigidity, chemical resistance, and superior hydrolytic stability.

The immobilization system is a two-plate unit which holds the anatomy in place during imaging and biopsy, according to Michael Grobe, Nicolet Plastics project manager. The 3/16-inch-thick lock levers lock the plates onto the LBS unit, the ratchet springs lock the frame onto the plate, and the fiducial body markers serve as tissue reference point locators.

AvaSpire AV-651 provides better ductility and impact resistance than comparable PEEK grades, while retaining most of PEEK’s other key performance attributes. It is specifically formulated for applications requiring a good balance of chemical resistance, mechanical strength, and environmental stress crack resistance (ESCR). The material provides good aesthetics and offers improved part economics versus comparable standard PEEK grades.

AvaSpire AV-651 also exhibits low shrinkage, high dimensional stability, and withstands a broad range of standard cleaning agents and disinfectants. It is easily processed on standard injection molding machinery.

Nicolet is working on new designs for the immobilization system and is considering AvaSpire modified PEEK grades for similar parts, according to Grobe.

CNano Technology Commissions World's Largest Carbon Nanotube Manufacturing Plant with a Capacity of 500 Tons Per Year

Santa Clara, CA, - June 22nd, 2009 - CNano Technology (CNano) announced today at NT09: Tenth International Conference on the Science and Application of Nanotubes, that it has successfully scaled up its manufacturing technology to reach the world’s largest production capacity of 500 tons per year for multiple wall carbon nanotubes. The carbon nanotube products are already in evaluation with selected customers in several markets that include electronics, automotive and energy storage.

“This manufacturing capability is an important milestone in the drive to meet current and future customer supply demands. The production line validates our technology at a much larger scale while providing a reliable large volume supply source for customers utilizing the unique properties of carbon nanotubes in their products”, said Xindi Wu, President and CEO of CNano.

CNano proprietary manufacturing technology enables large scale production at a lower cost structure than other commercial nanotube manufacturing processes. The growing list of commercial applications for carbon nanotubes includes conductive plastics for electronics and automotive, structural composites for sporting goods and aerospace, conductive coatings for displays and aerospace and electrodes for batteries and super capacitors among others.

“CNano has achieved a truly significant milestone. The company has broken through a barrier that has existed in this market up until now. CNano can now bring mass produced nano materials to market at the right price. They have successfully scaled the manufacturing process for making carbon nanotubes. This now makes their unique combination of elevated mechanical properties and low electrical resistivity available at the low cost necessary for adoption in large consumer markets,” said Tom Baruch, founder and managing director of CMEA Capital, who serves as chairman of CNano.

“CNano’s management has brought high quality US-style manufacturing into China, tapping the best from both sides of the Pacific Ocean. Through its large scale production of carbon nanotubes, we expect to see more applications that will be feasible that leverage the highly unique properties of this material,” said Peter Liu, Chairman of WI Harper.

“This major capacity expansion not only validates CNano’s differentiated low cost production capabilities but also now resolves market concerns on price and high volume supply,” added Purnesh Seegopaul, Partner at Pangaea Ventures.

CNano platform production technology also facilitates the production of other types of carbon nanotubes. The Company plans to further leverage the 500 ton plant for additional products to be rolled out in the near future.

New Z Control Helps Significantly Reduce Costs While Improving Quality and Productivity

June 22, 2009 - At NPE 2009 in Chicago, IL, Sumitomo (SHI) Plastics Machinery (America) LLC (SHI-PM) introduced to the North American market today the new Z Control for its SE-DUZ direct-drive, SE-HDZ highduty and SE-HSZ high-speed all-electric machine series.

The Z Control is an easy-to-use PC-based control that provides a new level of molding precision with low-pressure filling and reduced clamp force. It combines the advantages of Sumitomo’s popular N-Series controls with new systems and capabilities to help molders achieve zero-defect molding and optimum machine performance.

“The shift in focus to low-pressure filling and reduced clamp force is significant, as are the combined benefits in precision, part cost and overall productivity,” said Jim Mitchell, Executive Vice President. “In addition to the two machines equipped with the Z Control in our booth, we are also providing instructional sessions on this important new control capability.”

At the heart of the Z Control are three new systems:

• The patent-pending Flow Front Control (FFC) System
• The Minimum Clamping Molding (MCM) System
• The Simple Process Setting (SPS) System

Patent Pending Flow Front Control System
The Flow Front Control (FFC) System optimizes the flow front, further allowing control of low internal pressures inside the cavities. This system:

• Takes advantage of the viscoelastic properties of the resin — visco (creep) and elasticity (recovery or pull back) — and allows complete filling without flash
• Provides precision control of screw position to ensure consistent filling, shot-to-shot
• Avoids overfilling, allowing gases to be released and preventing short shots

  
Minimum Clamping Molding (MCM) System
Precision clamp force detection (tie-bar-mounted strain gauge sensor) and the feedback control capabilities of the Minimum Clamping Molding (MCM) System determine the minimum force required at mold touch. Using this system can avoid excessive clamp force which can result in mold deformation and poor release of gases.

The MCM also works together with the machine’s Clamp Force Correcting System to compensate for the thermal expansion of the mold. This feedback system uses a uses a sensor mounted on the tie bar (strain gauge that measures actual clamp tonnage) and a high precision rotary encoder to keep clamping force constantly stable, even at low clamp force settings.

The ability to mold at lower clamp force provides numerous advantages:

• Improved release of gases helps avoid burn spots and short shots
• Less trapped gases also reduces the frequency for mold maintenance
• Lower clamp force can also reduce power consumption, improve cycle time and in some cases allow molds to be run on lower tonnage machines

Simple Process Setting (SPS) System

The Z Control’s Simple Process Setting (SPS) System allows easy setup and operation while helping the operator avoid oversights and mistakes. Key advantages of the SPS System include:

• Settings are arranged by process from the operator’s point of view
• One Process = One Screen
• SPS reduces screen switching for mold setup and purging by 68%
• Avoiding operator error reduces part quality problems, mold damage and scrap

More Good Parts at Less Cost

The following chart summarizes the ways that the Z Control can help molders realize more good parts at less cost (click to enlarge).

In addition to the new systems, the Z Control features a 12.1-inch, full-color, TFT flat display with touch-screen capability, plus a USB port, serial port and parallel port and five independent machine status signals (selectable from 24 possible signals) that are available for output. The USB port can be used for print screen function and to download molding process, logging, analysis, and history data. SPC/QC capabilities include: storage of data on 100,000 shots for downloading; display of the last 500 shots; and the addition of various charting capabilities including histograms and dispersion diagrams. For visual trending over time, the capability to store and view molding profiles for the last 1000 shots is provided. Plus, with 4 added data channels, 8 selectable parameters can be graphically displayed on a single screen.

Machine optimization capabilities, such as easy ramping programs, assist molders in decreasing cycle times and increasing productivity.

Additional information on Sumitomo Plastics Machinery’s products and services can be found at www.sumitomopm.com.

Sumitomo (SHI) Plastics Machinery (America), LLC, headquartered in Norcross, GA, and Demag Plastics Group Corp., headquartered in Strongsville, OH, are affiliated companies of Sumitomo Heavy Industries Ltd., Plastics Machinery Division. The company has the world’s largest platform of advanced all-electric machines which spans from 8 to 606 US tons including micro to mid-sized, highspeed, high-duty, vertical, insert, multi-shot and disc molding machine series. Ultra-high-speed hybrid machines are offered for packaging and other thin-wall applications, plus  high-performance configurable hydraulic-toggle machines are offered up to 2200 US tons.

Sumitomo Plastics Machinery and Demag Plastics Group Present “Injection Molding Machinery in a Whole New Light”

June 22, 2009 - At NPE 2009 in Chicago, IL - Sumitomo (SHI) Plastics Machinery (America) LLC (SHI-PM) and Demag Plastics Group Corp (DPG), affiliated companies of Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd. (SHI), Plastics Machinery Division, kicked off NPE today with the theme of “Injection molding machinery in a whole new light.”

“Sumitomo Plastics Machinery and Demag Plastics Group, working together in North America, are in a unique position to help molders, and our NPE booth exemplifies this,” said Jim Mitchell, Executive Vice President for SHI-PM and DPG. “The machine demos, molded parts exhibits, videos, aftermarket service and support displays, special programs and instructional sessions on everything from the new Z controller to equipment financing, attest to the unmatched breadth of our capabilities — but more important, they are all focused on helping molders on every level possible.”

From a machinery perspective, SHI-PM and DPG provide:

• The world’s widest platform of energy-efficient all-electric machines which spans from 8 to 606 US tons including micro to mid-sized, high-speed, high-duty, vertical, insert, multi-shot and disc molding machine series
• Ultra-high-speed hybrid machines, 110 to 780 US tons, for packaging and other thin-wall applications
• Hydraulic-toggle machines, 28 to 2200 US tons, that offer highend performance at a competitive price

Two of the company’s molding demonstrations focus on new allelectric molding machine models, the SE-DUZ direct-drive and SEHDZ high-duty, and the Z Control.

“We brought our second generation all-electric machine to NPE 1994. In the fifteen years since then, we have developed an extensive platform of all-electrics, with each new generation pushing the envelope on precision, speed, energy efficiency and applications flexibility,” Mitchell said.

“In addition to the advanced technology of the Sumitomo-built motors, you can walk from one end of the machine to the other noting every step of the way Sumitomo-specific advancements that make quantifiable improvements in precision and overall productivity. NPE 2009 is no different,” Mitchell commented. “Sumitomo is once again moving molding technology forward, particularly with our new Z Control that changes the focus on how to control the molding process.”

The New SE-DUZ Direct-Drive All-Electric Series

Sumitomo introduced its new SE-DUZ direct-drive all-electric in the booth with a demonstration on an SE130DUZ (143 US tons) running a 64-cavity medical pipette mold on a 10-second cycle. The PP thin-wall part weighs 0.013 oz.

Like the predecessor SE-DU Series, the SE-DUZ features four direct-drive, Sumitomo AC servo motors with full closed-loop control and digital sensors for plasticizing, injection, clamping and ejection. All four motors are beltless, providing superior mechanical efficiency, repeatability and durability, and avoiding the problems associated with belt adjustment and dust. Unique to Sumitomo's advanced motor technology is a lighter, compact, low inertia design that:

• Provides the speeds, pressures and torque for the most demanding applications
• Draws power only as it is needed and is easier and faster to stop and start
• Provides exceptional precision and repeatability

Highlights of the demonstration include:

• Patent-pending Flow Front Control (FFC) System of the new Z Control optimizes the flow front further allowing control of low internal pressures inside the cavities. This provides exceptional precision to control/eliminate flash and short shots by effectively controlling gases under filling.
• Center Press Platen design and precision settings ensure superior mold protection in this high-speed, high-cavitation application
• Unique clamp force correcting system that uses a sensor on the tie bar to measure clamp tonnage. Working together with a control device and rotary encoder, this system compensates for thermal expansion of the mold, keeping clamping force stable.
• A standard-equipment machine with high-speeds and pressures and fast mold/open close

The New SE-HDZ High-Duty All-Electric Series

Sumitomo also introduced its new SE-HDZ high-duty all-electric in the booth with a demonstration of a SE220HDZ (242 US tons) running a two-cavity automotive armrest insert mold. The part, weighing 6.01 oz, was run on a 17-second cycle.

The SE-HDZ Series is designed for parts with 15+ second cycles and thick walls. This machine series features high hold pressures, up to 31,718 psi, that match injection pressures. Equipped to deliver full power for up to 40% of the cycle, this series ensures exceptional stability, durability and the ability to handle tough, high-duty applications. Highlights of the exhibit include:

• Z control’s Minimum Clamping Molding (MCM) system uses a built in detection capability to sense minimum force required at mold touch. The MCM system helps avoid flash, burn spots and short shots, and can reduce mold wear, cycle times and power consumption.
• Double Center Press Platen design that provides high rigidity and uniform distribution of clamping force, reducing the force required by up to 20%. This feature, plus wider platens and higher injection capacities, allows larger molds to run on smaller machines.
• Four Sumitomo-built AC servo motors provide significant energy savings. Combined with the exceptional precision and cycle-time optimization, the result is less cost and higher yield for improved overall productivity.

The company also announced today that it is idling its U.S. manufacturing plant in Pendergrass, GA. Operating as a separate company, Sumitomo (SHI) Plastics Machinery Mfg., LLC, is a standalone facility located approximately 60 miles north of Atlanta. The facility, which is owned by SHI, was built in 1998. The company is considering different options for the facility.

Prior to the opening of the Pendergrass facility, all of the company’s machines came in from overseas, and even in recent years, there were many model sizes not manufactured in Pendergrass that were imported. “We have always stocked machines and brought machines in to meet customers needs. That will not change,” Mitchell said. “Further, this announcement needs to be viewed in conjunction with the recent announcement that SHI will invest $50 mil Euro in Sumitomo (SHI) Demag GmbH in Germany and designate the Wiehe plant as a second, major manufacturing center for the company’s platform of all-electric machines. Going forward, we will have the option of utilizing the all-electric IMM manufacturing centers in Chiba, Japan, and Wiehe, Germany, as best meets the needs of our North American customers.”

Additional information on Sumitomo Plastics Machinery’s products and services can be found at www.sumitomopm.com.

Sumitomo (SHI) Plastics Machinery (America), LLC, headquartered in Norcross, GA, and Demag Plastics Group Corp., headquartered in Strongsville, OH, are affiliated companies of Sumitomo Heavy Industries Ltd., Plastics Machinery Division. The company has the world’s largest platform of advanced all-electric machines which spans from 8 to 606 US tons including micro to mid-sized, highspeed, high-duty, vertical, insert, multi-shot and disc molding machine series. Ultra-high-speed hybrid machines are offered for packaging and other thin-wall applications, plus  high-performance configurable hydraulic-toggle machines are offered up to 2200 US tons.

Canon Highlights Their Global Mold Making Capabilities at this Year's NPE2009 Show

Canon Virginia Will Have a Sweepstakes for a Thermoplastic Injection Mold

Chicago, June 22, 2009 – Canon Virginia Inc. (CVI) and Canon Mold Co., Ltd, (CMO) will showcase a wide array of their precision mold-making capabilities for  innovative plastic products at this year’s NPE2009 International Plastics Showcase, (Booth  # S32061 ).  Also during the show, Canon will introduce a sweepstakes for a thermoplastic injection mold, valued at up to $50,000*.

For decades, Canon has been manufacturing molds for outside industries such as the medical and automotive fields, expanding their range of expertise. Working together globally, CVI and CMO collaborate and share technologies and capabilities to offer customers and clients from all industries a precise, state-of-the-art solution to their mold and plastic making needs. 

“We are extremely excited to be showcasing our global mold making capabilities in conjunction with Canon Mold at this year’s show,” said Takayoshi Hanagata, President and CEO of Canon Virginia. “By constructing molds for outside customers and working with CMO, we are able to provide a global solution to nearly any business that is seeking a high-quality, precision mold.”

“At Canon we aim to create molds that earn the trust and confidence of our customers,” said Tsuyoshi Yasuoka, Chairman and Representative Director for Canon Mold. “The sharing of techniques and innovation enables Canon Virginia and Canon Mold to offer a global solution for precision mold making.”

To underscore their commitment of providing precision molds and plastics to nearly any outside industry, CVI will conduct a sweepstakes, open to all attendees of the show, for an injection mold, valued at up-to $50,000.  In addition to the mold contest, CVI and Canon Mold will exhibit a robust array of plastic products and devices that exemplify their innovative technology in manufacturing ultra-precise, reliable and high-quality injection molds including complex mechanism, thin wall molds, and diffusion welding technology.

* To enter, visit the Canon Virginia, Inc. (“CVI”) booth in the South Hall June 22- 26, 2009 during published NPE show hours.  Register at the booth and submit an RFQ (Request For Quote) to Canon Virginia, Inc. by 11:59pm ET on September 30, 2009 to enter, or if you are not at NPE, then you may enter by completing in a registration form on the CVI website (www.canonmolds.com) and submitting an RFQ by 11:59pm ET on September 30, 2009.  Must be an authorized representative of your company and at least 21 years or older as of June 22, 2009 and a legal resident of the 50 United States to enter.  Entrants are not required to make a purchase once they submit an RFQ. One entry per RFQ.  Each company may submit multiple RFQs.  Prize is one plastic injection mold, worth up to a maximum of $50,000 (excluding shipping). Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received.  Income and other taxes, if any, are the sole responsibility of the winner. Void where prohibited by law.  For complete set of rules, please stop by the CVI booth or go to www.canonmolds.com.