Page 44 - Plastics News May 2017

FEATURES

Thermal Cleaning Technology for Liquid Crystal Polymer

The new model now removes not only all polymers and halogenated materials, such as PVC or
PTFE, but also high-temperature polymers such as liquid crystal polymers (LCP).

n early 2017, the systems manufacturer SCHWING development team headed by engineer Axel Sokol has
ITechnologies GmbH, based in the Lower Rhine region of been working on optimizing the thermal cleaning systems
Germany, extended its model series of thermal fluidized so that contaminated metal tools and parts can undergo
bed cleaning systems for tools and machine parts. heating up to 620 degrees Celsius.

The company has introduced “InnovaClean INB-HT”. This As Axel Sokol, Schwing's technical director, explains, “The
new model called “InnovaClean INB-HT” is a compact, temperature increase is achieved by using a new heating
environmentally friendly and easy-to-operate system. system which has already been successfully tested in
This new model now removes not only all polymers and fluidized bed heat treatment, and guarantees precision
halogenated materials, such as PVC or PTFE, but also temperature regulation.” Heating regulation has also been
high-temperature polymers such as liquid crystal polymers improved using a PLC with self-optimization functions. A
(LCP). It is equipped 10-inch, new touch panel is larger and easier to operate
with a new heating than its predecessor. Its operation is intuitive and self-
system, a redesigned explanatory and it incorporates easy to use communications
heating regulation, right through to email messaging. A simple OPC interface
and a new, intuitively also ensures reliable data connections.
operated touch panel.
The system cleans at high speed in a single process, is
The system is now residue-free and requires no chemical supplements.
optimized to permit Even tool assemblies can be cleaned flexibly and safely.
temperatures of up to Furthermore, Schwing guarantees an effective and
620 degrees Celsius. environmentally friendly removal of all plastics, extends
Previously, maximum tool life and helps reduce machine downtimes. “We keep
cleaning temperatures a steady eye on the market,” explains Udo Heffungs,
of only 520 degrees sales manager at Schwing. “We are in continual dialogue
Celsius were achievable. with customers and aim to anticipate their wishes. LPC
With this enhanced parts production is gaining in importance and machines
fluidized bed system, and tools are being adapted to meet the demand. With
Schwing now provides a perfect solution for producers of our new system, we’re responding to emerging cleaning
high-temperature and high-performance polymers such as needs, especially in injection molding.”The fluidized bed
LCP, PEI, PPS, PBI, various flouropolymers or PI. system's precision-controlled cleaning process utilizes the
material and heat transfer of fluidized aluminum oxide.
Thomas Schwing, managing director of SCHWING
Technologies GmbH stated, “We guarantee that our In simple terms, InnovaClean INB-HT consists of a cleaning
InnovaClean systems are also capable of reliably removing chamber, waste air purification and the heating system. By
temperature-resistant liquid crystal polymers of up means of compressed air, the oxide content of the chamber
to around 580 degrees Celsius from metal parts.” The is raised slightly and then fully blown through so that it
company has installed the InnovaClean 2448-INB-HT model acts as a fluid. The heating process provides regulated
at its site in Neukirschen-Vluyn for customer trials. temperature control in the chamber which, depending
upon the material, can reach 620 degrees Celsius.
InnovaClean models combine a new heating system, a
newly redesigned heating regulator and a new, intuitively The contaminated tool is immersed in the fluidized bed
operating touch panel. Over recent months, the Schwing using a special loading basket. The fluidized oxide ensures

Plastics News | May 2017 44