machinery feature | Thermoforming Colour
concentrates from Teknor
Apex increase the impact strength of
olefin sheet products
HDPE for sheet Total Petrochemicals has introduced a high density polyethylene (HDPE) grade for sheet extrusion thermo- forming. The grade, called 9825E, is well suited for shallow-
draw thermoformed packaging applications in the foodservice and food packaging industries that require high rigidity and toughness, says Total. The material delivers the stiffness needed in these
applications. The increase in stiffness opens up lightweighting opportunities, while maintaining performance – or to make a product of equivalent weight, but with improved performance. Other benefits of 9825E include impact strength, chemical resistance and low water vapour transmission rate. “Not only does 9825E provide improved rigidity and
processability compared to other grades of HDPE used in thermoformed containers, it offers increased gloss for improved aesthetics,” said Ted Harris, marketing manager for Total’s polymers division in the Americas. “Additionally, it satisfies a growing demand for materials that are widely accepted in recycling programs.” Applications well suited for the use of 9825E include drinking cups, bowls, portion cups and yogurt containers.
Strength of colour A new range of colour concentrates from Teknor Apex increases the impact strength of olefin sheet products, which makes the prospect of downgauging possible. TekTuff concentrates boost dart drop impact
Pendaform is best known as a manufacturer of thermofor- med bed liners for pick-up trucks
strength by 33% with no change in colour concentrate let-down ratio, says Teknor – meaning that re-matching is not required. This allows downgauging – and may open new possibilities for metal-replacement, accord- ing to John Wood, technical manager. “Plastic sheet must often be thicker than metal in
order to provide similar impact properties, and this has been a limiting factor in applications where space is a concern,” he said. “The strength enhancement provided
by TekTuff concentrates can help plastics processors achieve the economies and design freedom of metal- replacement while meeting the practical requirements of end use. A metal box, for example, could be replaced by one made with thermoformed PP sheet.” A broad range of polypropylene and high-density
polyethylene sheet products could benefit from such impact-modified colour concentrates, including extruded and thermoformed products such as contain- ers and lids, credit cards, toilet seat covers, truck bed liners, and industrial process tanks.
Business expansions US-based Trienda says it has become the largest heavy gauge thermoformer in North America by acquiring Pendaform. Pendaform is best known as a manufacture of its
Pendaliner bed liners for pick-up trucks. It is based in Ohio, and has manufacturing facilities in both the US and Mexico. Trienda, which specialises in thermoformed plastic
pallets and shipping containers, says that the new combined company will boast 47 heavy-gauge thermo- forming machines and 13 extrusion lines – with a fourteenth line planned for later this year. It says that the combination of Pendaform’s custom- er base and Trienda’s material expertise will lead to new opportunities. John Brown and David Kruger, respectively CEO and chairman of Trienda, will retain the same roles in Pendaform. Trienda is controlled by Kruger Brown Holdings, which bought the company in 2014.
Downstream expansion Materials specialist Solegear of Canada has expanded downstream by acquiring the bioplastics division of US-based thermoformer Lindar. Solegear will acquire the entire division for CAD$845,000 (US$645,000). The purchased assets
28 FILM & SHEET EXTRUSION | March 2017
www.filmandsheet.com
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