MACHINERY | PELLETISING IMAGE: BAY PLASTICS MACHINERY
section at the optimal cutting angle. This is said to ensure that a high cut quality is achieved even with soft polymers. Flanges are designed to enable optimal use of the entire width of the cutting rotor while the compact cutting cham- ber design leaves very little dead space, which reduces cleaning time. The updated pelletiser design also significantly reduces setup times. Coperion says the cutting gap can now be adjusted quickly with no tools. The company adds that the complete cutting area is now accessible without tools and the cutting unit can be exchanged quickly and easily in one piece, which further minimises machine downtime. Other standard SP features that ease operation include a pellet outlet chute with soundproof cladding, frequency-controlled rotor drive and upper feed roll, and pneumatic control of feed roll pressure that can be directed from the control panel using an air pressure display.
Expanded strand options Two new strand pelletisers were introduced by Bay Plastics Machinery (BPM) at the end of last year. The AXP (HD) system is a heavy duty version of the company’s A-Series X-Class pelletiser. Available in 12” and 16” cutting widths, the new version incorporates larger motors to handle compounds such as heavily glass-filled materials. Larger diameter rolls and bearings reduce deflection across the cutting width, and a push-pull bed knife holder enables users to easily adjust the bed knife gap so that the cutter is consistent from end to end. AXP (HD) series pelletisers can be equipped with an optional gearbox that allows users to engage both upper and lower feed rolls. Positive drive of the upper feedroll assists in pulling heavy filled materials, which may be difficult to feed, especially on start-up, says James Forgash, Vice-President of Sales at BPM. He says having both feed rolls engaged reduces the chance of strands slipping or possibly dropping and makes start-up much easier. Feed roll air cylinders are larger on the HD machines than on the standard design, so users can apply more clamping force as needed. An optional rotor coupling drive allows the rotor to remain free of belt load with higher horsepower options.
US-based BPM has been stepping up its focus on
www.compoundingworld.com
global markets, including Asia, according to Forgash. As a result, its equipment is being designed with AC motors that are more
reliable and more accepted globally compared to DC motors, he says. An updated version of its
BT25X benchtop pelletiser, which previously used a 110V DC motor, now uses an AC motor that drives in a range of voltages. The new design offers a wider speed range than the previous model, and
also provides the option to run in batch or continu- ous mode. Drives are housed in the control cabinet, which gives the new system a higher environmental rating. A new safety feature on the BT25X is a streamlined version of the Safe Torque Off (STO) function found in the company’s full production models. A lockable rotary disconnect has also been added as a safeguard for mainte- nance procedures.
Safer operation New feature additions to Nordson’s BKG pelletis- ing systems focus on safety and ease of use, both of which are especially important in compounding applications that frequent product changes, according to the company. One example is a new locking system that improves coupling of the pelletiser to the water box. In the past, the pelletiser was coupled to the
water box with a special clamping flange and security was ensured with a key system. In the new system, the safety lock is activated upon closing and this action releases the signal for the start. After start-up, the safety lock remains active until the pelletiser motor is stopped completely. “This is more comfort- able for the operator. Start-up and shut down are also done much quicker,” says Reinhild Bolwerk, Global Product Category Manager at Nordson. Another new feature is an updated bearing design used in some of the dryer models in the Nordson BKG pelletiser. “The lower bearing of a dryer is susceptible to seizing since polymer material tends to build up in that area. As a result, particularly when processing wear-intensive materials, the mechanical seals are highly stressed
Left: BPM’s AXP (HD) is a heavy duty version of its current X-Class pelletiser
Below: The BT25X laboratory pelletiser from BPM offers AC drive and improved safety features
IMAGE: BAY PLASTICS MACHINERY
January 2023 | COMPOUNDING WORLD 33
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