Continuous and batch mixers for PVC | processing
Visitors to halls 9 and 10 at the recent K2016 exhibition would have seen the latest developments in batch mixers for PVC. Peter Mapleston rounds up the innovation highlights from the show
Automation takes mixing to the max
Robots were everywhere at K2016, and perhaps one of the most unusual and imposing robotic demonstrations was to be found on the stand of mixing technology firm MTI Mischtechnik, where the company was demonstrating its new fully automatic C tec PRO container mixer system. Built around a Kuka six-axis robot - which in its black paint livery conjured up images from the Alien movie series - the C tec PRO relies on what MTI describes as a rigorous separation of the mixing vessel from the machine base to eliminate idle times and improve operating efficiencies. This separation strategy makes it possible to use
containers with different heights and diameters (volumes ranging between 100 and 600 litres) in a single system and eliminates costly downtimes associated with cleaning the container every time there is a change of recipe. Instead, the robot simply sets down one container, complete with its lid and integrated mixing tool, and moves on to the next. The original container can then be taken away, emptied, cleaned if necessary, refilled and placed in a central pick-up station while the C tec PRO is processing the second batch. The robot incorporates a camera-based vision system to find mixing containers and identify their configuration, as well as a laser-based levelling system to compensate for any inconsistencies in positioning. Along with the new robotic design comes a new
business plan. MTI says it does not plan to sell the C tec PRO but to lease it instead, rather like car makers do. So the customer pays a monthly fee for three years, after which point they will have the opportunity of changing the
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robotic system for a new (and likely improved) one. The contract includes the main robot and two other smaller units for lid handling and for cleaning, at least three containers, training, wear-and-tear part replace- ment, annual inspection, and an on-line remote service desk operated by MTI and Kuka. The C tec PRO is MTI’s first entry
into container mixers. “This is the first fully automated container mixer in the world and the first real innovation in this sector for a decade,” claims Managing Director Christian Honemeyer. “It makes it possible to
produce even single batches in the most economical way.” He calculates that companies using the system will be able to improve productivity “by a factor or three or even four” and reduce their costs by between 15 and 18%, based on machine costs and direct labour. The unit shown at K2016 will be delivered in early
2017 to Clariant—which has been collaborating with MTI over the past three years in the development of the C tec PRO—where it will be used for production of masterbatches. Honemeyer says sales to other companies will begin in late Q2 2017. Deliveries next year are likely to be very modest as the company wants to gain additional experience in real-life conditions, but the aim is to eventually supply around 50 units per year (for customers in various industries). MTI also showed a more conventional heating/
cooling system configured for mixing wood fibre-rein- forced compounds (WPCs). The company points out that, in contrast to PVC compounds processed on such
January/February 2017 | PIPE & PROFILE EXTRUSION 31
Main image: MTI Mischtech- nik’s robotised C tec PRO, which was
demonstrated at K2016, presents a
radical new twist on
container mixing
technology
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