Recent News
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Read OnDavis-Standard is pleased to announce that Rich Kanarski has been elected to serve as a Technical Program Chair for the
Read OnDoing business in the COVID era has required a great deal of creativity and flexibility. With evolving protocols and safety
Read OnPast News
Davis-Standard and Conair Collaborate for Medical Tubing Innovation
Continued growth in the healthcare segment has meant steady collaboration between two industry leaders, Davis-Standard and Conair. The two companies are busy supporting customers across the globe with medical tubing systems equipped with Davis-Standard extruders and controls and Conair downstream equipment. Recent sales include lines sold in China for processing FEP and PLLA with embedded stripes and ongoing sales of high-speed FPVC tubing systems worldwide. The two companies are showcasing equipment during the upcoming MD&M West show in February with a running line for making two-lumen polyurethane “Double D” bump tube.
“We appreciate the quality and reliability Conair adds to our system technology,” said Kevin Dipollino, Davis-Standard Product Manager for Pipe, Profile and Tubing Systems. “We’ve been working together for more than 20 years and they always do an excellent job supporting Davis-Standard and our customers. In addition to partnering on system components, we do a lot of collaborative R&D work in our laboratories.”
Dipollino explained, “Our new ‘clean room’ medical lab system in Pawcatuck has Conair equipment and they have three of our extruders in their lab in Michigan. This has been invaluable in allowing customers to do trials and proof of concept prior to purchasing equipment. A customer from Argentina recently took advantage of this by doing lab trials with our process engineers in Pawcatuck. This ended in the sale of a new medical tubing line.”
Chris Weinrich, Conair’s General Manager of Extrusion added, “The goal for both companies has always been to take care of the customer. We are in an application intensive business. Being commited to the development and pursuit of the highest level of technology for customers has allowed us to be successful project after project.”
The medical tubing lab line at Davis-Standard features two MEDD (Medical Extruder Direct Drive) extruders and Conair vacuum sizing tanks, dual servo belt puller and conveyor. The line’s versatility makes it ideal for running a variety of resins and incorporates Davis-Standard’s alternate polymer technologyÔ. Last fall, Davis-Standard, Conair and other vendors partnered to host a medical tubing symposium at Davis-Standard’s lab. Highlights of the two-day event included demonstrations of FEP tubing with barium sulfite stripes and alternate polymer tubing.
“Conair and Davis-Standard have common objectives in terms of business philosophy and customer satisfaction,” said Ernie Preiato, Conair’s Vice President of Extrusion. “Davis-Standard’s people are knowledgeable and truly understand the extrusion process. We are both dedicated to serving the industry to the best of our ability and this has made for a lasting relationship.”
For more information about Davis-Standard’s medical tubing capabilities, contact Kevin Dipollino at kdipollino@davis-standard.com. For more information about Conair, visit www.conairgroup.com.
February 4, 2016
Davis-Standard’s Clean Room Considerations for Medical Tubing Manufacturers
As a global supplier of medical tubing equipment used in clean room environments, Davis-Standard is vigilant about essential standards required for meticulous processing conditions. The following clean room considerations are recommended by Davis-Standard’s engineering team for medical tubing manufacturer’s extrusion machinery.
Machine Construction
- Use of stainless steel or rust corrosion-proof materials where coatings are not practical
- Ensure wipe-down zones are accessible
- Minimize potential collection areas for dust and debris stagnation
- Design containment options for possible fluid or residual lubricant leaks
- Use compact designs to minimize floor space
- Use water-based or epoxy-based paint in areas not constructed with rust or corrosion-resistant materials
- Polish surfaces and design with smooth, tapered or round edges for effective wipe-down
- Use stainless steel surfaces to avoid contamination in product “contact” areas
- Use direct drive systems where applicable
- Brushless AC motors
- Water-cooled motors (eliminate turbulent air movement from cooling blowers)
- Permanent magent synchronous motors (eliminate the need for gearbox/oils/mechanical drive train; less noise and more energy efficient)
- Use cooling blower designs that minimize dust generation
- Route control cabling and wiring for ease of cleaning
- Consider viewability of control interface monitors from outside cleanroom windows
January 13, 2016
Davis-Standard’s Clean Room Considerations for Medical Tubing Manufacturers
As a global supplier of medical tubing equipment used in clean room environments, Davis-Standard is vigilant about essential standards required for meticulous processing conditions. The following clean room considerations are recommended by Davis-Standard’s engineering team for medical tubing manufacturer’s extrusion machinery.
Machine Construction
- Use of stainless steel or rust corrosion-proof materials where coatings are not practical
- Ensure wipe-down zones are accessible
- Minimize potential collection areas for dust and debris stagnation
- Design containment options for possible fluid or residual lubricant leaks
- Use compact designs to minimize floor space
- Use water-based or epoxy-based paint in areas not constructed with rust or corrosion-resistant materials
- Polish surfaces and design with smooth, tapered or round edges for effective wipe-down
- Use stainless steel surfaces to avoid contamination in product “contact” areas
- Use direct drive systems where applicable
- Brushless AC motors
- Water-cooled motors (eliminate turbulent air movement from cooling blowers)
- Permanent magent synchronous motors (eliminate the need for gearbox/oils/mechanical drive train; less noise and more energy efficient)
- Use cooling blower designs that minimize dust generation
- Route control cabling and wiring for ease of cleaning
- Consider viewability of control interface monitors from outside cleanroom windows
January 13, 2016
Davis-Standard Expands Fulton Operations with New Facility
Davis-Standard is pleased to announce the opening of a new facility in Fulton, N.Y., to house the company’s blow molding business. The new facility, made possible by a lease agreement with Universal Metal Works (UMW), is located next door to Davis-Standard’s existing Fulton plant. A grand opening celebration hosted by Davis-Standard and UMW will be held on Friday, October 2.
“The UMW facility is exactly what we needed in terms of space and location. We are grateful for their helping us make the Fulton expansion a reality,” said Floyd Backes, Davis-Standard’s Director of Operations for New York and New Jersey locations. “This enables us to relocate our blow molding business from Bridgewater, N.J., to Fulton, supporting ongoing efforts to achieve cost effective manufacturing and superior customer service.”
The 20,000 square-foot facility housing Davis-Standard’s blow molding manufacturing is nearing completion and will be fully functional by October. In addition to housing Davis-Standard, UMW will be using another part of this facility to accommodate its growing business.
“This has been a win-win for both of our companies and for Fulton’s economy,” said John Sharkey, Vice President of UMW. “It’s an example of a collaborative effort between two industry leaders that makes sense for our manufacturing operations and our customers. We look forward to giving tours during the grand opening on October 2.”
Davis-Standard supplies versatile accumulator head systems for a variety applications including automotive parts, packaging and consumer products. Davis-Standard blow mold machinery advantages include shot-to-shot consistency, cycle-to-cycle precision, and excellent parison control for both polyolefins and engineered thermoplastics. Davis-Standard’s Extrusion Technical Service Group can upgrade and refurbish all makes and models of single screw continuous blow molding extruders. This includes replacement screws, process improvements, mechanical and electrical upgrades.
For more information about the Fulton facility, contact Floyd Backes via e-mail at fbackes@davis-standard.com.
September 11, 2015
Davis-Standard Acquires Gloucester Engineering
Davis-Standard, LLC announced today the acquisition of blown film leader Gloucester Engineering of Gloucester, Mass. The purchase of Gloucester strengthens Davis-Standard’s blown film offering by adding experienced design and process engineering capabilities, a large installed base and greater aftermarket capabilities worldwide. Like Davis-Standard, Gloucester has been a respected brand name and innovator in film applications for more than 50 years. Customers of Davis-Standard and Gloucester will now have access to the industry’s premier blown film technology and aftermarket service under one roof.
“We’re excited about combining the strengths and market reach of Davis-Standard and Gloucester,” said Jim Murphy, Davis-Standard president and CEO. “Gloucester has always been a strong company, so bringing their technology and engineering expertise to our operation is significant for our combined customer base. It also supports our ongoing goal of continuing to provide equipment and service that improves process efficiency and profitability. We welcome their team to Davis-Standard.”
Carl Johnson, Vice President of Sales, Gloucester Engineering commented: “The alignment of our companies leverages our sizeable base of installed equipment with the the industry’s best resources for sales, engineering and service,” he said. “Both companies have a reputation for strong people and strong brands. This is going to be a game changer in the global blown film market. We look forward to delivering the very best the industry has to offer.”
Ernie Plasse, Davis-Standard’s Executive Vice President, will lead Gloucester’s integration into Davis-Standard to ensure a seamless transition of first class service and support for customers.
For more information about the acquistion, contact Ernie Plasse at 860-599-1010 or via e-mail at eplasse@davis-standard.com
September 4, 2015
New dsX flex-film™ Delivers Value-Added, High Level Blown Film Performance
Davis-Standard is pleased to announce the introduction of its new dsX flex-film™ line for blown film applications. Offered with multiple extruder packages to support the blown film industry’s core market, this line exemplifies Davis-Standard’s trademark quality and performance at an affordable price. Using Davis-Standard engineering and components, the dsX flex-film™ supports equipment flexibility, options for greater processing efficiency, a fast delivery and responsive localized service. Target applications include films for laminating and converting, bag making shrink film, hood shrink film, collation film, multi-unit packaging films, roll stock and surface print films.
“With the dsX flex-film™, Davis-Standard addresses the price, output, gauge uniformity and delivery requirements of a demanding blown film marketplace,” said Tom Kennedy, Vice President of Davis-Standard Blown Film. “We believe this value-added system strengthens the marketplace by offering a high-level option to processors who seek a cost-competitive U.S. manufactured system.”
Available in 1900mm, 2200mm, and 2500mm sizes, the dsX flex-film™ is equipped with Davis-Standard extruders, feedscrews, gearboxes, air rings and dies. Dies are manufactured at the company’s Pawcatuck facility for applications from one to nine layers. Most dsX flex-film™ lines feature Davis-Standard’s compact Vertex die. This die supports high IBC cooling air exchange rates and output rates, while supporting streamlined polymer flow, low residence time, fast flushing and excellent thickness control.
Options for modifying equipment are based on application, film thickness and other processing factors. The UpJet air ring is an option for increased output capacity. Surface winders can be upgraded to include center assist, gap winding, and reversible winding direction on a single winder with integrated nip, or back-to-back, or face-to-face winders with a secondary nip. Screw designs can be upgraded from X100 liner and Colmonoy 56 screw facings to more wear resistant X800 barrel liners and Colmonoy 83 screw flight facings.
The line supports speeds up to 180 meters per minute and film thicknesses ranging from 20 to 180 microns (0.8 to 7.0 mils). Advantages include die designs with among the the fastest formulation changes in the industry, options for multiple end-use applications, proven control systems and screw designs, flatter films with nip flattening enhancements, and U.S.-centered support and service for a faster response and shorter lead times. This line can be delivered and installed in as little as six months from order to acceptance.
For more information about the dsX flex-film™, contact Tom Kennedy at tkennedy@davis-standard.com
July 24, 2015
Davis-Standard Appoints Edgar Wang Sales Director, Extrusion Systems – China Region
Davis-Standard is pleased to announce that Edgar Wang has joined the company as Sales Director, Davis-Standard Extrusion Systems for the China Region. In his new role, Wang will direct sales efforts for all extrusion platforms including pipe and profile, sheet, wire and cable, and elastomer systems. He will be based in Shanghai and report to Sekaran Murugaiah, Davis-Standard’s Vice President of Business Development, Asia.
Wang will play an integral role in building Davis-Standard’s extrusion systems sales organization and establishing processes that further advance technical support within the China market. This includes developing relationships within the extrusion industry and identifying key areas of growth and profitability. He will also play an essential role in supporting sales of products and solutions manufactured at Davis-Standard’s facility in Suzhou. Prior to joining Davis-Standard, Wang served as General Manager of China Sales for iNoex (Germany).
July 22, 2015
Davis-Standard Installs Elastomer R&D Tech Cell
Looking for a place to do elastomer extrusion trials? Look no further than Davis-Standard’s new technical cell for elastomer applications. Located in Pawcatuck, the cell features Davis-Standard’s signature DSREV multipurpose elastomer extruder and an Uth gear pump to support processes ranging from hose, automotive seals, and architectural gaskets to in-line straining and pressure stabilization applications. Davis-Standard has already conducted several trials since completing the install earlier this year.
“Feedback from customers has been extremely positive,” said Joe Wnuk, Vice President of Davis-Standard Elastomer and Profile Systems. “We offer various options for customer trials to address existing processing challenges, as well as future projects. This includes improving output rates, reducing extrudate temperatures, isolation of pressure for effective vacuum venting, and fine mesh straining of various materials.”
The DSREV extruder in the lab is Davis-Standard’s flagship design. It is a preconfigured machine with feedscrew and head zone direct injection temperature control units, a compact base, and simplified cooling and wiring systems. Other advantages include touch-screen controls, process data acquisition, and easily accessible machine components. When coupled with the Uth gear pump, processors are able to isolate high pressure and achieve pressure stabilization. The gear pump is equipped with an Uth two-roll feeder (TRF) for cold feeding or to be used as a stand-alone device for fine mesh straining. Other gear pump advantages include improved filtration, reduced material retention time and a small footprint to easily integrate into existing lines.
To schedule a trial, customers can contact Davis-Standard’s technical center at 860-599-6722 or via e-mail at blee@davis-standard.com.
June 23, 2015
SPE Plastivan™ Introduces Local High School Students to World of Plastics
More than 270 students at Stonington and Westerly High Schools learned all about plastics last week during a visit by the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) Plastivan™ Outreach Education Program. Sponsored by Davis-Standard, the program introduced students to plastics chemistry, history, manufacturing, sustainability and applications. Students participated in hands-on scientific activities as they learned about the advantages of plastics versus other materials, environmental benefits, and careers in engineering. The program was presented to sophomores, juniors and seniors as well as students in AP freshman chemistry on June 2-4.
“Students in this program leave with a better understanding of how plastic products impact their lives on a daily basis and the many opportunities in engineering and plastics technology,” said Marjorie Weiner, Academic Outreach for the PlastiVan Program. “Students realize that every product has an engineer behind it and most of these products start in an extruder. Since both of these schools are so close to one of the largest extruder manufacturers in the world, Davis-Standard, it ties in nicely with future careers available to them close to home.”
The Plastivan, in its 19th year, educates students of all ages throughout North America by “Driving Opportunities in Plastics Engineering and Technology.” The goal of the program is to increase student knowledge of the contributions of plastics in modern life and promote careers in engineering. Specific material covered with the high school students included how plastics are processed and manufactured; information on designer polymers; applications using super absorbing polymers; cross linking of polymers; how history has impacted engineering and more. Students took part is several activities including learning how to manipulate polymers by putting a kabob skewer through a balloon.
According to Jim Murphy, Davis-Stadard President and CEO, “The Plastivan does an amazing job of showcasing the verstatilty and value of plastics, and potential careers in the industry. The majority of our workforce in Pawcatuck is from the local area, so we want to make sure students realize the many opportunities available to them.” Murphy added, “Whether it’s building the machines that process the materials or being involved on the engineering end, students have a much better understanding of how plastic products are made and future job opportunities.”
For more information about the Plastivan Outreach Education Program, contact Marjorie Weiner at mweiner@4spe.org or visit www.4spe.org.
June 9, 2015
Davis-Standard to Host Seminar on Basics of Plastics Extrusion
Davis-Standard, LLC will host its popular workshop on “The Basics of Plastics Extrusion,” October 6 & 7, 2015 at its headquarters in Pawcatuck, Conn. The comprehensive two-day class will cover the fundamentals of plastics extrusion, as well as the composition and properties of various polymers and the mechanics of essential downstream processes. Seminar topics include extruder components, temperature control, maintenance and screw design.
In addition to instruction, course participants will tour Davis-Standard’s Technology Center and manufacturing facilities, and will have access to polymer process engineers and technical specialists. The fee is $750 per person with a 10 percent discount given for groups of three or more. Course books and materials are included and class size is limited to promote student/teacher interaction.
For enrollment or more information about Davis-Standard’s seminar, contact Debbie Crowley at dcrowley@davis-standard.com.
June 8, 2015
Davis-Standard Control Options Simplify Upgrades
Multi-level control upgrades from Davis-Standard make keeping up with system technology convenient and affordable. Upgrades for Davis-Standard’s three most widely used control systems – the DS-eTPC, DS-eVUE and and EPIC III® – are continually available to address a wide range of process requirements and budgets. These controls are built to support both Davis-Standard and non Davis-Standard equipment, making them a viable solution when upgrading or replacing obsolete systems.
“Controls are one of the first things to become obsolete, yet one of the easiest to upgrade,” said John Clemens, Davis-Standard’s Director of Extrusion Controls. “We are one of the few extrusion machinery manufacturers to engineer, procure, assemble and test system controls in-house. This single-source accountability provides a signficant advantage when it comes to reliability and customer service. Certain upgrades also come equipped with our ReACT support system, making it possible to do remote troubleshooting via a secure Internet connection. We want to make the controls process as expedient and budget-friendly as possible.”
Davis-Standard’s DS-eTPC is a discrete touch-panel solution that replaces discrete temperature controllers, pressure indicators and controllers, driver operators and indicators. It includes a 12.1-inch color touch-screen with built-in PLC line controls designed for easy replacement of older controls. It is capable of controlling three extruders at once, making it idea for laboratory lines as well as basic blown film, elastomer, profile and sheet applications.
The DS-eVUE, designed for mid-range processes, replaces obsolete PLC controls and older computer supervisory systems. Upgrades include software and hardware updates, graphic overview, custom reports, historical trending, event log, data collection, electronic signature and more. On this system, Davis-Standard can replace the PLC and drives to reflect the latest industry standards. This option includes the ReACT upgrade. Typically these systems are used for medical tubing, pipe and profile and elastomer applications.
For larger custom processes, Davis-Standard recommends the EPIC III. As with the DS-eVUE, this system is equipped with ReACT and can be upgraded or used to replace older or obsolete controls. This is the most full-featured control system offered by Davis-Standard with Windows®-based touchscreen control and advanced supervisory features. It is available with a 23-inch wide-screen monitor, panel-mounted fanless PC, solid-state drive, detailed graphic overview and custom report feature, historical trending, event log and data collection, multi-level secruity and network capability. This system is typically used for wire and cable, sheet and select tubing applications.
For more information about Davis-Standard’s control systems upgrades and capabilities, contact John Clemens at jclemens@davis-standard.com.
June 4, 2015
James Murphy Appointed President and CEO of Davis-Standard, LLC
Davis-Standard, LLC is pleased to announce the appointment of James Murphy as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Murphy has been an integral part of Davis-Standard for more than 25 years, progressing through various leadership roles in sales and engineering management. He is also one of the most respected and active leaders in the plastics industry, most recently serving as chairman of NPE 2015.
Prior to this promotion, Murphy was a member of Davis-Standard’s Office of the President and responsible for leading Davis-Standard’s Sales and Marketing efforts. In his new role, he will be supported by a strong leadership team in the United States, Europe and Asia.
“I am honored by the opportunity to lead Davis-Standard and excited about our future,” said Murphy. “The Davis-Standard family is almost 900 strong and working around the clock to serve customers worldwide. We are a market leader with outstanding employees and industry partners. We will continue to work together to build stronger customer relationships, cutting edge technology, and superior service and support.”
Robert Geckle, a current member of Davis-Standard’s Board of Directors will support the leadership team as Chairman of the Board. Geckle has been part of the Board of Directors for over a year and has significant executive experience with industrial companies and private equiity. His most recent corporate position was as president of the Textron Fluid and Power Systems Group. Prior to that, he was president of Branson Ultrasonics, the market leader in plastic joining technology.
“Jim Murphy’s customer focus, strategic understanding of the markets, and overall experience with this business make him the ideal choice to lead Davis-Standard,” said Geckle. “He has an excellent rapport with customers, partners and suppliers, and has continually proven himself with value-driven results. We have the utmost confidence that Jim will strengthen our foundation as we continue to build a best-in-class company in a highly competitive marketplace.”
May 18, 2015