Page 58 - Plastics Nuews October 2017

PRoDuCT NEWS

BASF develops Ultramid Coperion’s new MIX-A-LOT

Vision bulk material mixer

ASF has developed a new, semi-transparent operion has developed a new mechanical bulk
Bnylon Ultramid Vision that could compete against Cmaterial mixer MIX-A-LOT an optional addition to
polycarbonate in aggressive conditions Ultramid Vision the compounding plants made by this manufacturer,
is a semi-crystalline nylon featuring very high light the unit ensures particularly efficient, high-speed and
transmission and low light scattering properties. It retains gentle homogenization of the fed material. The readily
nylon’s chemical resistance and resists high temperatures accessible and easy to clean MIX-A-LOT is available
in three sizes for throughput rates up to 5 t/h, there
is also an ATEX version. The surface of the mixing
chamber can be electro polished.The combination
of an outstanding mixing effect and extremely short
mixing time is due to the optimized design of the
mixing rotor. Its low circumferential velocities and
the optimumdesign of the gap to the housing, permit
gentle handling without particle destruction or heating
of the product. The large inspection door on the
front of the MIX-A-LOT provides easy access to the

and UV degradation, BASF announced on Oct. 10. The entire process chamber. An additional opening at the
company claims it is the first semi-crystalline nylon discharge flap also facilitates inspection and cleaning
for transparent and semi-transparent components in of this section. Up to now it has generally been
chemically challenging environments. standard practice to feed each individual component
to the extruder through a separate differential loss-
The new material is suited for use in visual check in-weight feeder with a buffer hopper. However, using
components such as fluid level indicators as well as this technique, the new MIX-A-LOT first produces the
applications in illumination and light fixtures. It combines specific pellet mixture, for which one single loss-in-
the good mechanical properties and processability of
nylon 6 at an attractive price, BASF claims. It can be
an alternative to PC, amorphous aliphatic polyamides
and styrene-acrylonitrile copolymers. BASF says it can
be used with other nylons in multi-component injection
molding for multi-functional products with transparent or
illuminated sections.
Conventional nylons are nearly opaque at wall thicknesses
of about 1 millimeter but parts molded from Ultramid
Vision allow see-through applications at wall thicknesses
of up to several millimeters, according to BASF. Optical
properties are maintained at elevated temperatures and
moisture. The new nylon also resists scratching and is
suited to flame-retardant uses.The nylon’s outstanding
UV resistance allows it to withstand direct exposure to
sunlight as well as indoor uses involving UV light. It resists weight feeder is then sufficient. The weighing function
stress cracking due to sunscreen, cleaning agents, solvents of the mixer ensures accurate recording of the weight
and fats and oils. of each component fed in, to guarantee correct dosing
according to therecipe. As the MIX-A-LOT is of vacuum
Shock- and chemical resistant covers for lighting sources, and pressure-resistant design, direct pneumatic
back-lit switches and buttons are potential applications. feeding is possible without the need for a separate
Its ease of coloring with low-migration and lightfast reception bin for pneumatic conveying.
colorants improves design flexibility.

Plastics News | Octob er 2017 58