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Process Control introduces volumetric additive feeder
Additives for Polymers
August 2005
EQUIPMENT
MARKETS
Process Control introduces volumetric additive feeder
New studies forecast US market growth for reinforced plastics, reinforcements and fillers
Process Control Corp of Atlanta has developed a new volumetric additive feeder, the AFV Series, for injecting colour concentrates or other additive-type materials directly into a material stream at the feed throat of an extruder or moulding machine. A central mounting adapter can accommodate up to four feeders for introducing various colours and/or additives into a single processing machine. According to the company, the AFV Series is a simple, easy-tooperate feeder, offering accuracy and cost savings to plastic processors.
Demand for reinforced plastics in the USA is expected to grow nearly 3.0% annually, from about 1.7 million tonnes (3.7 billion lbs) in 2004 to 1.9 million tonnes, valued at US$7.2 billion, in 2009. This will create a market for 1.3 million tonnes of resin and 590 000 tonnes of reinforcements, according to new market report Reinforced Plastics (Study #1929) from Freedonia.
Standard features include a horizontal solidflight auger with a ¼ HP variable speed AC gear motor for precise metering of colorants or other additives into the virgin or virgin/regrind flow as it enters the machine throat. The digital controller can be configured for local manual speed control or can be synchronized to either follow an extruder rate or run in a remote run/stop mode for injection moulding processes, according to Process Control. Other standard features include a sample port for feeder calibration, a clear view window on both sides and a material drain port for easy clean-out and quick material changes. The hopper lid can be configured either for hand loading or with mounting provisions for a vacuum-type loader.
Continued material and technology improvements will enhance performance characteristics and make reinforced plastics more competitive with metal and wood, Freedonia says. Thermoset resins will remain dominant, accounting for 62% of total reinforced plastics demand in 2009, because of their strength, low cost, corrosion resistance and other properties. Growth in reinforced thermoset demand will be spurred by cost and performance advantages. Product innovations and the availability of improved sheet moulding compounds and environmentally friendly low-styrene-content formulations will also spur growth, the report finds. Niche opportunities are expected in areas such as bridge decking and wind turbine blades.
The feeders are available in two different hopper sizes and various auger and gear motor ratios for rates of 0.5–3500 pph, the company says. Optional features include a ½ HP gear motor for difficult-to-flow materials such as regrinds, stainless steel construction and a high-temperature variant for materials that require drying prior to processing.
However, more-rapid growth is expected for reinforced thermoplastics based on their easier processing, greater design flexibilities and better aesthetics, according to Freedonia. Polypropylene (PP) will remain the leading thermoplastic resin, because of its combination of good mechanical and thermal properties, but the best growth is expected for reinforced thermoplastic polyester and polycarbonate. The report considers demand for glass, carbon and aramid fibres, nanomaterials and other reinforcements. Glass fibres, due to their low cost and good performance, will remain the leading overall reinforcement material.
Founded in 1967, Process Control Corp, headquartered in Atlanta, GA, manufactures a full line of auxiliary equipment for plastics processing requirements. Contact: Process Control Corp, 6875 Mimms Drive, Atlanta, GA 30340, USA; tel: +1-770449-8810; fax: +1-770-449-5445; e-mail: [email protected]; URL: www.process control.com
10
The automotive and construction sectors will remain the two largest markets for reinforced plastics, together accounting for 63% of total use
August 2005
EQUIPMENT
MARKETS
Process Control introduces volumetric additive feeder
New studies forecast US market growth for reinforced plastics, reinforcements and fillers
Process Control Corp of Atlanta has developed a new volumetric additive feeder, the AFV Series, for injecting colour concentrates or other additive-type materials directly into a material stream at the feed throat of an extruder or moulding machine. A central mounting adapter can accommodate up to four feeders for introducing various colours and/or additives into a single processing machine. According to the company, the AFV Series is a simple, easy-tooperate feeder, offering accuracy and cost savings to plastic processors.
Demand for reinforced plastics in the USA is expected to grow nearly 3.0% annually, from about 1.7 million tonnes (3.7 billion lbs) in 2004 to 1.9 million tonnes, valued at US$7.2 billion, in 2009. This will create a market for 1.3 million tonnes of resin and 590 000 tonnes of reinforcements, according to new market report Reinforced Plastics (Study #1929) from Freedonia.
Standard features include a horizontal solidflight auger with a ¼ HP variable speed AC gear motor for precise metering of colorants or other additives into the virgin or virgin/regrind flow as it enters the machine throat. The digital controller can be configured for local manual speed control or can be synchronized to either follow an extruder rate or run in a remote run/stop mode for injection moulding processes, according to Process Control. Other standard features include a sample port for feeder calibration, a clear view window on both sides and a material drain port for easy clean-out and quick material changes. The hopper lid can be configured either for hand loading or with mounting provisions for a vacuum-type loader.
Continued material and technology improvements will enhance performance characteristics and make reinforced plastics more competitive with metal and wood, Freedonia says. Thermoset resins will remain dominant, accounting for 62% of total reinforced plastics demand in 2009, because of their strength, low cost, corrosion resistance and other properties. Growth in reinforced thermoset demand will be spurred by cost and performance advantages. Product innovations and the availability of improved sheet moulding compounds and environmentally friendly low-styrene-content formulations will also spur growth, the report finds. Niche opportunities are expected in areas such as bridge decking and wind turbine blades.
The feeders are available in two different hopper sizes and various auger and gear motor ratios for rates of 0.5–3500 pph, the company says. Optional features include a ½ HP gear motor for difficult-to-flow materials such as regrinds, stainless steel construction and a high-temperature variant for materials that require drying prior to processing.
However, more-rapid growth is expected for reinforced thermoplastics based on their easier processing, greater design flexibilities and better aesthetics, according to Freedonia. Polypropylene (PP) will remain the leading thermoplastic resin, because of its combination of good mechanical and thermal properties, but the best growth is expected for reinforced thermoplastic polyester and polycarbonate. The report considers demand for glass, carbon and aramid fibres, nanomaterials and other reinforcements. Glass fibres, due to their low cost and good performance, will remain the leading overall reinforcement material.
Founded in 1967, Process Control Corp, headquartered in Atlanta, GA, manufactures a full line of auxiliary equipment for plastics processing requirements. Contact: Process Control Corp, 6875 Mimms Drive, Atlanta, GA 30340, USA; tel: +1-770449-8810; fax: +1-770-449-5445; e-mail: [email protected]; URL: www.process control.com
10
The automotive and construction sectors will remain the two largest markets for reinforced plastics, together accounting for 63% of total use