SMALL BATCH COMPOUNDING | PROCESSING


cally in an ERP system. In addition, most OEM’s have a ‘recipe storage’ option in their PLC that allows compounders to save critical run data for each compound. Using these stored setpoints can minimise the start-up duration. For example, setpoints can include the compound formulation (ingredient ratios), barrel heat profile, throughput rate, screw profile, plus more. Lechner: You can do an automatic start-up but for small batches I would not recommend this because the recipes are always changing and the program- ming effort would be too much. It is more impor- tant to have well trained people…trained operators will reduce off-spec and downtime.


CW: Do you have specific recommendations in terms of line configuration to ensure short set-up times and the fastest route to stable production? Lechner: If you use an extruder with an L/D larger than 40 you can compound almost any type of recipe, so my recommendation is to use an extruder with L/D of more than 40. For feeder selection, you need the quick-change


features and you need high accuracy because that will get to the set point faster. Features like Coperi-


on K-Tron’s EPC pressure control make the feeder more independent and stable. And the smart bulk solid activator ActiFlow means you don’t have a stirrer inside that might be covered with additives from the previous batch. I would always recommend for small batch compounding to go with a strand pelletiser because with an underwater pelletiser changing the die plate takes a lot of time. With a strand


Above: Venting capacities


should be sized for the most demanding tasks to avoid non-optimised production


IMAGE: AIMPLAS


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66