EQUIPMENT | FEEDING AND DOSING
also used for premixing different polymers. Vacuum conveying systems are employed to feed Azodos loss-in-weight feeders, with the goal being that there would be no interfer- ence with the dosing processes while the dosing units were being filled. The Azo controls used for the
materials handling system and continuous gravimetric feeding operate in continuous communication with the Leistritz compounding extruder control system. Meanwhile, Maguire refers to its 4088 control- ler as “the world’s most intuitive blender control- ler.” The unit has an option of a removable touchscreen interface with embedded conveying software to control loading of multiple materials into a blender. The com- pany says performance is up by 650% over the
Above: Maguire’s MaxiBatch blender has been
developed for maximum flexibility
4088’s predecessor, the 1212. The new controller uses 32-bit data rather than 16-bit and can run at 120 MHz, compared with 16 MHz on the previous version. In addition, it provides eight times as much memory, more storage for data logs, and the ability to handle larger communication buffers. A keypad/digital thumbwheel interface comes as standard, or operators can choose a new touchscreen interface that is removable for remote operation. This touchscreen interface features graphical display, is available in multiple languages and comes with readily recognisable icons for every blender module and those of a loading system. Compared with previous controllers, the 4088 operates at 45 times the resolution of the load cells used to weigh batch ingredients, for faster and more accurate readings.
Right: Maguire’s 4088 controller is designed for integration into Industry 4.0 settings
Conveying options Maguire’s FlexBus Lite conveying software is designed to handle loading of multiple materials into a blender and metering of the combined materials into a processing machine. FlexBus Lite can control one vacuum pump and up to nine receivers for materials to a blender and then feeding local machines. “We’ve connected all parts of the production
process with our 4088 controller through an Industry 4.0 setting,” the company says. “This brings connectivity, including data analysis, to the whole production process bringing intelligent factory automation for improved efficiency and reduced costs.” Maguire says the 4088 controller can easily be retrofitted to most legacy blenders. The company’s MaxiBatch blenders have been
around for some time now in various guises but they continue to meet the demands of the market.
56 COMPOUNDING WORLD | July 2019
www.compoundingworld.com
The units can blend virtually any combination of powder, wood flour, flake, regrind, pellet and additive, providing advantages at a fraction of the cost and space required by previous methods. Depending on the model, maximum throughput capacity can be as high as 5,500 kg/hr. Any one blender utilises a variety of proprietary dispense methods to enable accurate blending of up to 12 ingredients as either a major or minor component. Hoppers and dispensing devices are all interchangeable and each hopper incorporates its own dispensing device designed for precise metering in large quantities. A variety of proprietary, interchangeable dispense devices and bin sizes allows the MaxiBatch to be customised to specific applications. For example, a “high flow corner valve” will dispense pellet or regrind materials at up to 11,000 g/s, while a “low flow pivot valve” for pellets, regrind and some long glass fibre reinforced materials is rated at 2,000 g/s. A wood flour/powder feeder with an internal bridge breaker is suitable for very low bulk density powders, especially wood flour, handling 85 litres/ min. Small capacity powder feeders for minor ingredients handle up to either 57 or 85 litres/min, depending on size. As with all Maguire weigh blenders, ingredients
are dispensed sequentially into a weigh chamber; the batch then falls into a mixing chamber. An optional advanced touch-screen control includes wireless capability to eliminate the cost of installing cable throughout the production area and enables links to other wireless equipped machines.
CLICK ON THE LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION: �
www.wittmann-group.com �
www.piovan.com �
www.coperion.com �
www.leistritz.com �
www.azo.com �
www.maguire.com
PHOTO: MAGUIRE
PHOTO: MAGUIRE
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