Page 9 - Plastics News July 2017

FROM THE EDITOR'S PEN

Gearing up with Automations

The GST is implemented effective July 1 and though the monsoon has just set in, this has not at all dampened
the mood of the industry, apart with some teething problems as expected. The industry in general has
welcomed the move and adhered to the norms. This issue we have two developments in automation with
Wittmann introducing G-Max 23 granulator and KraussMaffei Group unveiling its first complete system for
continuous pultrusion, iPul.
The Wittmann G-Max 23

Wittman has added one of the latest models G-Max 23 to its G-Max granulator series. The latest
model in a series of flexible, custom-made and belt-driven compact granulators, the G-Max 23
is specifically designed for the closed-loop recycling of sprues/runners from injection moulding
machines with up to 240 tons of clamping force. It is a portable piece of equipment which
allows for great versatility and can be moved easily from one moulding machine to another. This
granulator operates with low energy consumption and is equipped with sound insulation for the
cutting chamber, greatly reducing the overall noise level. It is powered by an IE2 motor for high
energy efficiency. With the G-Max 23, a granulating throughput of 80 kg/h is made possible. In
common with other models of the G-Max series, the G-Max 23 allows a new way of working: A
remote control replaces the fixed electrical control panel usually used on granulators.
This new functionality allows for standard functions that are not available with traditional
granulator design. For example, the control device has an hour counter with a digital display, AJAY DESAI
helping to fix the appropriate maintenance date. An interface enables full communication with
the injection moulding machine. As an option, a special shutdown-function is available - when the
injection moulding machine is ‘off’, the granulator stops automatically, helping save energy. There are two
different positions of the control on the granulator to choose from, making it much easier for the operator
to supervise the grinding process. The control’s connecting cable to the granulator has a length of three
meters, and this feature allows the control of the granulator from outside a protective housing. In contrast
to the competitor products, Wittmann offers this feature as a standard part of the granulator package.
Moreover, Wittmann has added a screen with conical holes that make it easier for soft tacky regrind to pass
through the screen. This also helps to minimise screen hole plugging; also an automatic tensioning system
for the belt means no maintenance is needed in order to keep the right belt tension; a rotor direction and
missing phase detection and easy cleaning of the cutting chamber.
Wittman has added latest models G-Max 12, G-Max 23, and G-Max 33 model that completes the G-Max
granulator series.
KraussMaffei‘s continuous pultrusion system

KraussMaffei Group has unveiled its first complete system for continuous pultrusion, iPul. The system has
a production speed of up to 3 meters per minute. The iPul system, encompasses this entire sequence of
pultrusion and revolutionizes the technology in two ways.
Unlike previous methods, in which the infiltration of the fibers occurs in open vessels, the iPul system
encapsulates this process in an injection box. Enclosing the infiltration process in the injection box not only
means that fast-reacting systems, such as epoxy, polyurethane, a nylon 6, can now be used, it also increases
production speed from the usual 0.5 to 1.5 metres per minute, to approximately 3 meters per minute.

With this efficiency approaches the extrusion of PVC is likely to open entirely new markets to this technology.
Hon. Editor
Ajay Desai

9 July 2017 | Plastics News