Product Innovations

The latest new products and technologies.

Zerma machine combines a single-shaft shredder with a granulator

ZCS1000: Designed for in-house use by plastics processors and convertors, this new size-reduction machine is the first in a series from Zerma, which says it plans to make additional introductions in the equipment line soon. The ZCS series combines a single-shaft shredder with a belt-driven granulator. Equipped with a hydraulically operated ram, the new shredder uses load-related control to feed material automatically into the cutting chamber of the rotor. The ZCS1000 has an infeed opening of about 59 inches by about 24 inches, a five-knife granulator and 39-inch-wide shredder.

What’s new? The ZCS line, which debuted in May, with the introduction of the ZCS1000 at Chinaplas in Guangzhou, May 16-19.

Benefits: Convenience and space savings. The compact, energy-efficient ZCS1000 takes up about 6.5 feet by 10 feet of floor space.

Zerma North America, Crystal Lake, Illinois, 815-477-2800, https://zerma.com

Nexam’s new masterbatch additives use PET as a carrier

Nexamite M021200, M992000: Designed for compounding and extrusion processes, Nexam Chemical’s new additives are sold as masterbatches with PET as a carrier. To boost the properties of recycled PET, Nexamite M021200, a melt strengthener, and Nexamite M992000, a linear chain extender, can be added either by recyclers or processors to their materials. In addition to PET, M992000 is effective in polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and alloys such as PET-polyamide, PBT-polyamide and PBT-PC. It is used for monofilaments, strapping bands and film, as well as in applications that require hydrolysis resistance. A section of a recycled PET foam sheet enhanced by M992000 is shown at left.

What’s new? The additives, which have been available since early this year.

Benefits: Improved material properties. M021200 can boost the intrinsic viscosity of material without gel formation, while M992000 extends the polymer chains, increasing the melt strength of the material. With the characteristics imparted by M021200, materials can be used at higher speeds in a variety of processes, including foam extrusion, blow molding and film blowing. In some cases, converters working with the materials can reduce part thickness, saving material costs.

Nexam Chemical, Lund, Sweden, 46 70-897-4439, www.nexamchemical.com

MultiFeeder offers a variety of uses

MultiFeeder: This conveying system from Westeria Fördertechnik GmbH, Ostbevern, Germany, can be used at the end of a sorting line to feed downstream baling equipment or after the bale-breaking equipment in bottle recycling plants to feed downstream sorting equipment. The MultiFeeder is available with either an electric or hydraulic drive and has four conveying options: chain conveyor, slat conveyor, belt conveyor or pusher plates. The size of the modular feed bin ranges from 353 cubic feet to 1,660 cubic feet. An optional rotary drum feeder is designed to ensure consistent material output even when the bin is full.

What’s new? Availability in the United States. Distributor eFactor3 recently began marketing the MultiFeeder in the U.S.; it has been available in Europe since late last year.

Benefits: Flexibility and consistent feeding. With its modular construction, compact footprint and three available widths, the system can be integrated into existing recycling operations. It is suitable for a variety of bulk solids, including films, and can be quickly disassembled, making it easy to ship in a standard shipping container.

eFactor3 LLC, Pineville, North Carolina, 704-944-3232, www.efactor3.com

Bunting’s new ECSS sorting conveyor offers stronger magnetic fields

Eddy Current Separation Conveyor (ECSC): Bunting’s new sorting conveyor can separate nonferrous, conductive metals, such as aluminum and copper, from dry recyclables, such as PET and plastic flake. Available in four sizes with widths from 2 feet to 5 feet, it can be used in a variety of facilities, including plastics recycling plants, material recovery facilities and municipal solid waste centers.

What’s new? A redesigned large-diameter rotor that delivers stronger eddy current magnetic fields with higher gauss compared with an earlier version of the ECSC. The conveyor has magnetic rotor speeds of up to 3,600 revolutions per minute.

Benefits: Higher speeds for efficient separation even in finer particle flows. It boasts tough PU belts, belt guide rails for improved tracking and a cantilever frame for easy belt replacement. It is easy to install and maintain.

Bunting Magnetics Co., Newton, Kansas, 316-284-2020, https://buntingmagnetics.com

Melt filter from BritAS increases surface area for greater output

ABMF-1600: BritAS Recycling-Anlagen GmbH, Hanau, Germany, has expanded its line of Automated Belt Melt Filters (ABMF) with this version, boasting 1,600 square centimeters, or about 248 square inches, of surface area. The company’s filters are used for recycling postconsumer and postindustrial plastic, as well as for agricultural film.

What’s new? The filter size. The ABMF-1600 has 50 percent more surface area than the ABMF-1050, which has a surface area of 1050 square centimeters, making it the next biggest filter in BritAS’ portfolio. To accommodate the size increase and to improve melt flow, BritAS also has optimized the inner workings of the screen compared with its other ABMFs.

Benefits: Increased output. With its larger size, the filter can process more material and greater contamination; it is ideal for separating paper contaminants from postconsumer materials.

BritAS Recycling-Anlagen GmbH, Hanau, Germany, 49-(0)6181-91870, www.britas.de

Presona baler press comes with two motor options

LP 50 EH: The newest baler press from Presona AB, Tomelilla, Sweden, is designed to handle a variety of materials, including plastic film and PET bottles. Available with two motor options—22 or 37 kilowatts—the machine has an eccentric tying unit that ties the wire vertically rather than horizontally to better hold the layers of the bale together. It also is equipped with a wire puller that ensures the knots are positioned at the front and rear side of the bale, where expansion forces are the lowest. Presona is represented in the U.S. by Stadler America LLC.

What’s new? The press, which Presona introduced in December.

Benefits: Better bales, increased productivity, programmability and cost savings. Because it ties vertically, the LP 50 EH produces bales with better density and less spillage, and its hydraulic main press requires minimal downtime. In addition, each unit is equipped with the 50 programmable logic controller (PLC), which includes a 7-inch color touch screen and the ability to create up to 15 baling programs. The PLC allows users to set the ideal number of twists in the wire for a particular material, creating the most durable band bale possible while using the minimum amount of wire.

Stadler America LLC, Colfax, North Carolina, 336-497-4572, http://presona.se/en

SatrindTech drive system increases torque, reduces speed SatrindTech drive system increases torque, reduces speed

M/AWG drive system: SatrindTech Srl, Arluno, Italy, has introduced a new drive system for its K-series 50-horsepower shredders. When shredders encounter tough materials, they often need to stop and reverse the conveyor to prevent mechanical damage, backing the material out and changing its position for another attempt. When shredders that are equipped with the M/AWG drive encounter tough materials, however, they pause long enough to reduce speed and increase torque to continue shredding without reversing the conveyor. SatrindTech is represented in the United States by Alan Ross Machinery.

What’s new? The drive system, which was launched in November.

Benefits: Space savings and higher production. The drive system makes the shredder all electric, eliminating the need for hydraulic power packs and reducing the machine’s maintenance costs and space requirements. In addition, production increases by about 30 percent because the unit rarely needs to reverse when it gets stuck.

Alan Ross Machinery Corp., Northbrook, Illinois, 847-480-8900, www.satrindtech.com

EnStyro upgrades shredder designed for chopping mattresses

Model 517: Designed for tearing through flexible urethane foams, as well as through expanded PS and PE foams, EnStyro’s shredders can produce particles small enough to pass through 0.125-inch screens. Unlike other shredders, the machine does not compact the material. This method of ripping rather than shearing achieves particles with shape and surface variations and the lowest possible density. The newest version, the Model 517, features a three-phase, 5-horsepower motor for handling tough materials, including 6-inch-thick chunks of foam mattresses. It stands 55 inches high, with a width of 31.5 inches and a depth of 50 inches. The shredder’s chute measures 10 inches wide by 8 inches high. It features a removable screen with sizes that range from 0.125 inch to 2 inches.

What’s new? The power upgrade. EnStyro previously offered only 3-horsepower shredders.

Benefits: Robust handling of tough materials.

EnStyro Inc., Cascade, Iowa, 563-542-7255, www.enstyro.com

Split-A-Part shredder features smaller rotor size

30-inch Eagle shredder: Republic Machine has expanded its portfolio of shredders that feature the Split-A-Part option. Each of the Eagle shredders has a single-piece, solid, forged rotor and reversible counterknives that can be resharpened. An open-architecture Allen-Bradley programmable logic controller (PLC) and an over-torque-limiting clutch, which protects the drivetrain, also are included. Options include replaceable cutting tool holders and customizable control systems for infeed conveyors and outfeed devices. A bigger version of the Eagle shredder, with a 54-inch rotor, is shown at right.

What’s new? The rotor size. At 30 inches wide, the rotor is the smallest of the Eagle offerings, which previously were offered in sizes ranging from 42 inches to 78 inches. The model represents an upgrade over Republic’s comparably sized Falcon shredders, which do not come in Split-A-Part versions. Designed specifically for a hose manufacturer, the first of the 30-inch Eagle shredders shipped several months ago. It featured a 50-horsepower motor; depending on the application, units of the same size also can run on 30-horsepower motors.

Benefits: Easier access for cleaning and maintenance. The Split-A-Part option allows users easier access to the shredder. Operators of a Split-A-Part Eagle can enter the machine without climbing inside of it, a procedure that requires a confined-space permit in some areas.

Republic Machine, Louisville, Kentucky, 502-637-6778, www.republicmachine.com

© 79mtk | Dreamstime.com

BASF additives for polyesters OK’d for use in resins for food packaging

Joncryl ADR 4400, Joncryl ADR 4468: Launched last year, these BASF chain extenders are part of a portfolio of products that are designed to rebuild molecular weight in recycled polyesters, such as PET and polylactic acid. They chemically bond acid end groups together, resulting in greater intrinsic viscosity.

What’s new? Approval for use in the creation of materials that could be turned into food-grade packaging. The chain extenders replaced older products, which had lower thermal stability.

Benefits: Improved processability in extrusion, thermoforming and blown film applications. For recyclers, chain extenders contribute to greater material consistency, leading to reduced scrap rates and greater efficiency.

BASF Corp., Wyandotte, Michigan, 734-324-6697, www.basf.com

June 2017 Plastics Recycling
Explore the June 2017 Plastics Recycling Issue

Check out more from this issue and find your next story to read.