NEWS | NPE REVIEW Entek focuses on speed/volume
The main feature of the Entek display at NPE was the fast screw change capability on its smaller QC3
machines – the
company was demon- strating a five-minute change on a 33m model – but the company also took the opportunity to remind customers it was a player in high volume compounding by showing a 73mm model from its latest HR3 The QC3
Series. machine, which
is available in 27, 33 and 43mm versions, has been well received since its launch in 2015. “This is the sweet spot in the colour compounding business in the US now; people don’t want to tie up cash in
Entek’s high volume HR3 machine features improved feeding
inventory,” said Entek Extruders President Kirk Hanawalt. “But we don’t want to be pigeonholed as a small machine company.” The updated HR3 machines share some features with the QC3 models but are designed specifically for high output applications such as
masterbatch and sheet (Hanawalt said the 55mm model has become a masterbatch workhorse). Recent developments to the line have focused on improving feeding. The machine on the stand was destined for US customer BPC Toll Com- pounding & Blending,
based in Meredosia, Illinois. It is part of an investment that will lift its compound- ing capacity from 10,000 to more than 27,000 tonnes/y. The fast screw change capability of the QC3 machines results from a combination of mechanical and smart design features. Mechanicals include the company’s patented screw guide system – a key element in the fast change – plus a simplified three- piece die. Smart aspects include the use of quarter-turn guard fixings and building all necessary tooling on the machine (including an air ratchet). �
www.entek.com
Americhem takes unified approach
Americhem’s key message for NPE was to underline the full integration of the Infinity LTL engineered compounds and Vi-Chem polymer composite acquisitions with its
long-established colour and additive masterbatch activities. “We have unified our premium brands and now we can tap into a wider range of technical exper- tise,” said CEO Matthew Hellstern.
Hellstern does not rule
out more acquisitions in the future, but for the near term the focus is on capitalising on the new technologies it can now offer customers. At the show, for example, he said the company was in the process of commissioning a new line at its plant at Suzhou in China. The second expansion at the plant since it
30 COMPOUNDING WORLD | June 2018
was established 10 years ago, the new line will be used for production of TPEs and TPUs.
He said the company, which aside
from the Suzhou plant has eight production sites in the US and one in the UK, is also “open-minded” about following customers into new geogra-
phies. “We are going to continue to build up our overseas markets,” Hellstern said.
Americhem introduced new compounds for aircraft interior applications
Americhem unveiled a number of new introduc- tions at NPE. These included a new line of PA, PC, PPSU and PEI compounds for aerospace parts that exceed Federal Aviation Regulations sections 25.853a & 25.853d for flame, smoke and toxicity, as well as OSU heat release test requirements. They are targeted at injection
moulded and extruded cabin trim, lighting, galley and overheard storage unit applications. It also extended the range of application of its nShield antimicrobial products beyond textiles into durable components for the hygiene and childcare sectors. �
www.americhem.com
www.compoundingworld.com
PHOTO: ENTEK
PHOTO: AMERICHEM
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