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Davis-Standard’s Rich Kanarski Nominated to SPE Board
Davis-Standard’s Rich Kanarski has been nominated to the SPE (Society of Plastics Engineers) Board, Extrusion Division. Kanarski will serve as one of two young professionals on the 20-member board to support efforts in member services, including recruitment and outreach activities for others who are new to the extrusion industry. He will also serve on the technical paper review committee, contribute technical articles on a regular basis, and fulfill other leadership responsibilities. Kanarski, a five-year member of SPE, is a process engineer at Davis-Standard supporting the company’s full range of extrusion product lines.
“I am honored to be one of the young professionals on the board,” said Kanarski. “I enjoy communicating and interacting with this outstanding community of plastics engineers and professionals. SPE presents an excellent opportunity to gain knowledge and advice from experts in various fields, and share ideas. I appreciate the strong foundation that SPE provides in supporting and progressing polymer science and technology.”
SPE is the largest, most well-known plastics professional society in the world with nearly 16,000 plastics professionals worldwide. The organization offers technical information, training, networking, and knowledge-sharing for plastics professionals who seek to advance their knowledge and careers. For more information about SPE, visit www.4spe.org.
April 13, 2015
Rick Keller Promoted to Davis-Standard’s V.P. of Extrusion Coating and Solution Coating
Rick Keller has been promoted to Davis-Standard Vice President Extrusion Coating and Solution Coating. Keller previously held the position of Vice President for the company’s blown film business, and established Davis-Standard as a market leader in barrier agricultural films, membranes and agri-stretch films.
Keller joined Davis-Standard (Egan) in 1981, working in various roles within the blown film, cast film and extrusion coating product groups. He has extensive experience with Davis-Standard, Egan, and Black Clawson Converting Machinery brands, and is a well-known presenter at technical conferences worldwide.
“Davis-Standard is well positioned for further growth and development of product lines for both extrusion and solution coating,” said Keller. “We have an outstanding team to support our global efforts and serve our customers with high-speed web handling technology. Our developments in extrusion energy efficiency, high speed bond strength control, and redesigned machine platforms will be what customers need for the future.” Keller added, “Our goal is to reverse integrate these developments to the existing base of exceptionally robust lines still in operation after 40 to 50 years.”
Reporting to Keller will be Frank Orsini, Vice President of Extrusion Coating as well as team of sales professionals and product specialists.
March 20, 2015
Running Take-Up at Davis-Standard’s Interwire Exhibit
Davis-Standard will demonstrate a running wire and cable take-up along with capstan and extruder technology at booth #1524 during Interwire, April 27-30 in Atlanta, Georgia. The 2200mm take-up being shown is part of Davis-Standard’s new line of traversing and collapsible take-ups and pay-offs. These designs offer a smaller overall footprint and enhanced operator ergonomics. Davis-Standard will also feature a caterpillar capstan and HPE extruder.
The new take-ups and pay-offs integrate simplified engineering and cost efficiency. This has been well received by the industry with over 25 of these machines being sold over the past few months. Machine sizes range from 1,250mm to 5,000mm (48 to 195 inches) with the greatest concentration within the 1,800mm to 2,500mm (70 to 98 inches) size range. Each is available with a North American standard controls platform, which includes a Yaskawa A-1000 AC drive and Allen-Bradley/Rockwell components encompassing servo drive, PLC (programmable logic controller) and HMI (human machine interface). For international projects, machines are equipped with a Siemens AC drive, PLC and HMI with a Mitsubishi servo drive. Technology is available as “stand-alone” (running in torque control) with a dancer or with an accumulator.
Also being shown is a caterpillar capstan and an HPE extruder. The capstan being shown features multiple independently loaded pressure tracks. Davis-Standard supplies multi-pass, linear and belt wrap capstans for the full range of wire and cable applications. The HPE offers a compact design and is one of the industry’s most widely used extruders. It is known for a fast delivery and rugged design that is energy efficient and easy to maintain. Advantages for wire and cable application include increased torque capacity for high viscosity resins and custom options.
The ability to address market demand in terms of performance and cost efficiency is just one aspect of Davis-Standard’s Global Advantage™ in wire and cable. Another is Davis-Standard’s unmatched experience in supplying extruders and associated wire and cable equipment for more than 70 years. Applications include aerial cable, building wire, coaxial and composite cable, video pair cable, tray cable, CATV, THHM and THWN wire among others. For more information, visit www.davis-standard.com.
February 17, 2015
Versatility of XP Express™ Supports Hundreds of Applications
Davis-Standard’s XP Express™ PS (packaging sheet) roll stand system, which will be shown at NPE, booth W6144, has proven its worth in both applications and efficiency. As the specification “PS” indicates, this model is primarily used for packaging processes involving PP, APET and PS for products used in the growing beverage and prepared food distribution markets. It is also equipped for sheet extrusion incorporating EVA, TPA and vinyl acetate copolymers for solar energy applications and for processing barrier structures with more than 100 layers. These capabilities have been advantageous to customers who supply extruded sheet to an increasingly diverse end-use marketplace.
The XP Express is engineered for direct extrusion, in-line thermoforming, or production of roll stock for subsequent off-line thermoforming. It is capable of processes up to 8,000 pounds per hour and features hands-free dynamic roll gap control through the full product range to support operator control from a single point. This roll stand can accommodate multi-layer sheet, single and multi-barrier sheet, EVOH, PVDC, nylon barrier, PP, PE APET, PLA, CPET and ABS sheet. End-use applications encompass food packaging and containers, personal care products, liquid containment, appliance liners, agricultural and horticultural products, and point of purchase displays.
Ancillary equipment is integrated and designed based on individual application. Davis-Standard takes great care to ensure that all production systems match up with the end product. Options include: lamination equipment; rolls, baths and troughs for expanded cooling; post embossing and conditioning for heavy gauge sheet; dip tanks, roll coaters, and electrostatic for sheet treating; web accumulators; slitting stations; thickness control; shear and stack; and single and multiple web winding.
In addition to the XP Express, Davis-Standard has advanced its direct drive motor technology, low energy heaters and high-speed extruders to optimize sheet extrusion efficiency and outputs. This has enabled the company to support significant growth in processes that require larger equipment, in-line thermoforming, and capabilities for running multiple resins without excessive changeovers.
For more information about the XP Express or Davis-Standard’s sheet extrusion capabilities, contact Steve DeAngelis at sdeangelis@davis-standard.com.
January 21, 2015
Davis-Standard to Showcase Advantages of Direct Drive Technology at NPE
To demonstrate the superior performance of direct drive extrusion, Davis-Standard will feature a 3 1/2 (90mm) direct drive extruder at NPE. Based on a recent series of tests conducted at Davis-Standard’s Technical Center in Pawcatuck, Conn., direct drive technology has shown significant advantages in energy consumption, sound level, and output consistency over AC and DC extruder models. Davis-Standard’s engineers will have the information available to NPE visitors at booth W6144.
“We continue to discover ways to manufacture equipment that is environmentally sustainable and supports the profitability of our customers. Our experiment with the direct drive technology is an example of that innovation,” said John Christiano, Davis-Standard’s Vice President of Technology. “Our side-by-side comparison of direct drive versus AC and DC drive technology revealed consistently quieter operation that reduced noise by as much as 70 percent. Screw design optimization in combination with these extruder design enhancements can lead to up to a 15 percent further improvement in energy efficiency.”
Christiano believes there are several factors that contribute to the improved performance of the direct drive extruder model. The direct drive operates on a permanent magnet synchronous motor, which does not require a mechanical gear reducer to multiply torque to rotate the screw. This coupled with an energy efficient screw design enables the extruder to process a greater variety of resins with consistent quality and outputs. An innovative heating/cooling system, narrow footprint, and low-maintenance design further result in operating cost reductions and energy efficiency. Davis-Standard’s direct drive technology is available for processes in several application areas in sizes up to 4 ½ inches (114 mm). It can be customized as needed.
For more information prior to NPE, visit www.davis-standard.com.
January 20, 2015
Davis-Standard’s Global Advantage™ in Customer Service at NPE
Supporting customers after the sale is a priority for Davis-Standard, LLC and this will be evident at the company’s NPE booth. Davis-Standard’s aftermarket department will exhibit multiple feedscrew designs, fast delivery spare parts, a rebuilt Thermatic® extruder and a variety of extrusion control systems and upgrades.
Feedscrew Services – Davis-Standard replacement or rebuilt feedscrews range from 3/4-inch (20mm) to 12 inches (305mm) in diameter. Our ability to design and manufacture some of the industry’s top-performing feedscrews is one reason we have been an extrusion leader for more than 50 years. With our R&D facilities and team of experienced polymer process engineers, we offer world-class screw designs and technical capabilities. For feedscrew rebuilds, the screw is engineered back to its original performance characteristics and surface treatments.
Spare Parts – A large selection of mechanical and spare parts inventories enable Davis-Standard to ship in-stock parts within one business day. This includes feedscrews, barrels, thermocouples, heaters, motors and more. This is part of Davis-Standard’s 24/7 commitment to customer service where customers can access a service technician to handle emergency parts inquiries and service needs.
Extruder Rebuilds – Davis-Standard will exhibit a rebuilt 2 ½-inch (60mm) Thermatic extruder. Davis-Standard is able to transform aging equipment with improved efficiency and output with a fast turnaround. Extruder retrofit services include replacement of the extruder barrel, feed section, screw and breaker plate, new controls, L/D conversions and more.
Process Control Upgrades – One of the controls upgrades shown at NPE will be the CMR to Integrator PRO rebuild. The CMR system is one of Davis-Standard’s older converting systems controls, which was replaced by more efficient Integrator technology. Davis-Standard also offers upgrade technical services such as DC to AC drive conversion packages. This particular option has the potential to improve energy savings as much as 20 percent. Davis-Standard also provides complete control systems and upgrades for non-extrusion lines such as liquid coating applications and non-woven applications.
Rebuilds and upgrades of process controls, gearcases, dies and heads, and other extrusion equipment is a viable option for processors who want the latest technology at a fraction of the cost of replacement. For more information on Davis-Standard’s Aftermarket services prior to NPE, visit www.davis-standard.com.
January 20, 2015
3D Printer Rod Production at Davis-Standard’s NPE Booth
The advantages of using 3D printing for making parts and equipment prototypes will be part of Davis-Standard’s NPE exhibit. Davis-Standard will operate a running profile line during the show to process ABS 3D printer rod. The rod will then be used to demonstrate 3D parts production at Davis-Standard’s booth #W6144. NPE is placing a strong emphasis on the advantages of 3D printing as a quick and inexpensive way to make prototypes out of plastic versus steel and other more expensive materials.
Highlights of the line include a 2-inch (50mm) Davis-Standard Super Blue® extruder and DS-eTPC controller. The Super Blue is a market leader in the extruder category due to its competitive pricing, rugged design, energy efficiency and fast delivery. The DS-eTPC is a low cost touchscreen HMI controller for coordinated line drive control. Advantages include temperature control for up to eight barrel heating and cooling zones (per extruder), a built-in pressure control loop, pressure monitor and alarm of extruder and die, recipe creation and storage, and multi-language capabilities. The line being shown is capable of speeds from 400 to 600 feet per minute (122 to 183 meters per minute), but it will not be running at those speeds during the show.
Within the profile category, Davis-Standard will also display its popular MEDD extruder (Medical Extruder Direct Drive). The medical tubing market continues to be an area of growth for Davis-Standard for applications in microbore catheter tubing, multi-lumen tubing and bump tubing. As a result, this extruder has made its way around the world since being introduced at the last NPE show. In addition to the direct drive motor for energy efficiency, the MEDD is affordable, compact in design, and has interchangeable barrel assemblies for material versatility.
The printer rod line and MEDD are just two examples of how Davis-Standard’s strength in customer service and broad equipment offering is meeting the needs of customers worldwide through The Global Advantage™. For more information about Davis-Standard’s complete offering in pipe, profile and tubing, visit www.davis-standard.com.
January 20, 2015
Davis-Standard’s Global Advantage™ at NPE 2015
Davis-Standard, LLC will promote a variety of industry-leading extrusion and converting technology at booth W6144 during NPE 2015 in Orlando, Florida. Extrusion solutions geared toward energy and cost efficiency, product versatility and maximum productivity will be on display. Davis-Standard’s exhibit includes a running profile line for producing 3D printing rod, direct drive extruder technology, an XP Express® roll stand, aftermarket services and control systems. Davis-Standard personnel will also be promoting the company’s new line of dsX™ high-value equipment for converting and medical applications. Following are highlights:
- Aftermarket capabilities – Davis-Standard has one of the industry’s most extensive menus of feedscrews, spare parts, and rebuilds for controls, gearboxes and extruders. Several feedscrew designs along with a CMR controls upgrade and a rebuilt Thermatic® extruder will show the advantages of these capabilities.
- A running profile rod line for 3D printing – In sync with NPE’s focus on 3D technology, Davis-Standard’s line will produce ABS 3D printer rod. The rod will then be used to show how 3D printing is gaining traction as a quick and inexpensive way to make prototypes.
- Direct drive extruder with energy efficient technology – Direct drive technology uses a permanent magnet synchronous motor and an energy efficient heater and screw design. Davis-Standard will demonstrate how this results in operational efficiency.
- MEDD extruder with DS-eVue controls – This compact extruder for medical tubing features a direct drive motor, linear movement, replaceable feed section liner, and interchangeable barrel assemblies. It will be shown with the DS-eVue Windows-based® mid-range controller.
- Super Blue® Extruder – As Davis-Standard’s most popular extruder model, the Super Blue illustrates benefits of a fast delivery, affordability, a rugged design and energy efficiency.
- XP Express® PS Series roll stand – This roll stand model is built for the packaging industry. It incorporates proven technical features for direct extrusion, in-line thermoforming, or the production of roll stock for subsequent off-line thermoforming.
- Ram stuffer feed section assembly – The ram stuffer feed section will be shown at the ADG Solutions booth, # W6754. This assembly is ideal for processing irregular shaped feedstock to be processed at high output rates.
- dsX™ technology – This new product line for blown film, cast film, extrusion coating and medical tubing applications offers cost-effective, highly engineered packages supported by regional engineering and service teams.
- EPIC III™, Integrator PRO and DS-tablet – Davis-Standard offers user-friendly control systems for every extrusion and converting process and budget.
January 20, 2015
Davis-Standard’s Global Converting Expertise at ICE USA & Europe
The Global Advantage™ offered by Davis-Standard’s converting technology and support services will be promoted at both ICE USA, booth #411 and ICE Europe, booth #912. Davis-Standard is a respected market leader in processing equipment and services for extrusion coating, liquid coating, blown film and cast film, serving customers on every continent. At ICE, Davis-Standard will highlight new liquid coating technology and its latest line of cost-effective, high productivity processing systems for converting applications – the dsX™ series.
Davis-Standard’s most recent liquid coating advances include offering a curtain slide coater and developing a five-roll silicone coater. The curtain slide coater applies single layer coatings at rates up to 2800 fpm (853 mpm) with expansion capabilities up to two additional layers. The five-roll silicone coater is capable of applying 100 percent silicone at rates up to 2400 fpm (732 mpm). This coater is constructed of stainless steel for ease of cleanup and includes a mist removal system. Davis-Standard supports liquid coating for slow or high-speed applications, clean room environments, film or paper substrates, ultra thin and ultra thick coatings, and precision coating and drying.
In extrusion coating, Davis-Standard recently introduced the dsX flex-pack™ to supports cost-sensitive flexible packaging applications. This system is pre-configured to merge customer demand with the best components in the industry for better end-product quality, greater uptime and productivity, reduced production costs and application versatility. It is also engineered with proven components and an adaptable machine configuration, making it ideal for converters, printing companies, multinational companies and start-ups.
The dsX™ technology supports cast and blown film applications with the dsX s-tretch™ and dsX flex-film™ systems. The dsX s-tretch™ is the first cast film line of its kind featuring integrated pre-stretch capabilities as an alternative to traditional pre-stretching methods. Processors can take advantage of thinner films, higher line speeds, reduced waste and improved film strength. In blown film, the dsX flex-film ™ is designed for applications in printing and laminating, flexible packaging, collation shrink and bag making, hood shrink and surface printing. Options for Davis-Standard’s industry-leading air ring and feedscrew designs are available as well as different widths and die sizes to accommodate multiple products.
Regional service teams support converting equipment before, during and after the sale with timely delivery and installation, readily available spare parts and prompt customer service. This includes service and support for Davis-Standard’s line of control systems. Davis-Standard is the home to Circonix Technologies, which supports the ability to upgrade PLC, drive and mechanical systems on thousands of existing installations, including non Davis-Standard brands. For more information, visit www.davis-standard.com.
January 19, 2015
Davis-Standard, LLC – The Global Advantage™ in Extrusion & Converting
In a demanding and ever-changing extrusion and converting marketplace, there is one name that consistently stands out worldwide – Davis-Standard (www.davis-standard.com). With more than 60 years of industry leadership, Davis-Standard is recognized for high-performance equipment solutions that address nearly every extrusion and converting application. Excellence in processing technology is fortified by a talented team of professional design engineers, R&D personnel, training experts, hands-on field support, aftermarket parts and service, and an extensive commercial network. Options for standard and customized technology ensure customers receive the best value for their specific product application and investment. All products and services are supported regionally with facilities in the United States, China, Germany and the United Kingdom. These combined advantages define Davis-Standard’s Global Advantage™.
India has been an emerging and successful market for Davis-Standard over the past 10 years. The company is pleased to have a reputable and growing client base in the region, specifically in the converting and medical extrusion sectors. Davis-Standard has addressed the need for high-value equipment by developing a new line of pre-engineered systems for converting and medical applications. Named the dsX™ series, these systems have been well received in India, offering cost-effective, high productivity packages supported by regional engineering and service teams. Three popular dsX™ systems include the dsX flex-pack™ for extrusion coating, the dsX s-tretch™ for cast film, and the dsX med-tube™ for medical tubing. Following is a summary of each.
- The dsX flex-pack™ is a pre-engineered solution for extrusion coating applications. It is designed for cost-sensitive flexible packaging requiring fast and reliable production. It features an adaptable machine configuration to support converters, printing companies, multinational companies and start-ups. Key advantages include consistently high product quality, greater uptime and productivity, reduced waste and production costs, and application versatility for new business development.
- As the first cast film line of its kind, the dsX s-tretch™ is an efficient and reliable alternative to pre-stretching techniques traditionally done off-line or on blown film lines. Integrated technology eliminates the need for traditional pre-stretching methods, resulting in thinner films, higher line speeds and improved film strength. This system is competitively priced for a fast return on investment, and offers advantages such as coreless winding, a two-meter design for a smaller footprint, and availability within six months of order to acceptance.
- Based on Davis-Standard’s widely used medical tubing systems, the dsX med-tube™ is an ultra-compact system optimized for value and versatility. It has a smaller footprint for clean rooms, a language-specific control system, and a fast delivery. A unique co-extruder arrangement allows for processing materials that range from polypropylene (PP) to fluorinated ethylene polypropylene (FEP) through a simple feedscrew change. Options are available for single lumen, multi-lumen, IV catheter, corrugated drainage, integrated bump tubing and multi-layer tubing.
January 19, 2015
Davis-Standard’s MEDD Extruder at MD&M West
The tight tolerance tubing capabilities of Davis-Standard’s MEDD extruder will be on display at MD&M West in Anaheim, February 10, booth 1375. The MEDD (Medical Extruder Direct Drive) is Davis-Standard’s signature extruder for medical tubing with direct drive technology for more energy efficient operation. In addition to the direct drive advantages, the MEDD provides processors greater materials flexibility with a replaceable feed section liner, interchangeable barrel assembly, and a Windows® PLC control system.
Medical tubing continues to be an area of significant growth for Davis-Standard. To support customer profitability, Davis-Standard installed a medical lab line in a cleanroom environment at its Technical Center in Pawcatuck, Conn., last year. This line is engineered for tight tolerance tubing used in medical applications. Customers are able to test new resins, make parts for proof-of-concept, and conduct downstream R&D prior to making large capital equipment investments. The line is situated in a dedicated, climate-controlled area.
For more information about Davis-Standard’s Global Advantage™ in medical tubing applications, visit www.davis-standard.com.
January 12, 2015
Upjet™ Air Ring Boosts Cooling and Performance
Davis-Standard has introduced a new high performance air ring system for blown film processes - the Upjet™ Air Ring. This next generation air ring system is the latest in Davis-Standard’s line-up of performance-improving extrusion technology for blown film processes. With a stalk configuration, improved IBC and Venturi ring design, the Upjet enhances the cooling efficiency of new blown film lines to increase output while improving thickness tolerance. The result is an output increase of as much as 25 to 40 percent over similar designs.
“The Upjet is ideal for blown film processes requiring increased rate and improved quality, especially in commodity markets such as stretch film, can liners and industrial films. We’ve already seen impressive results for processing stretch films and can liners for a variety of applications including technical agri-stretch products and general purpose sheeting,” said Rick Keller, Davis-Standard’s Vice President of Blown Film. “We’ve engineered this air ring for use on existing and new lines in a manual or auto-profile mode. When used with Davis-Standard’s WesJet TPC automatic profile control and our Centrex or Vertex dies, we’ve seen output increases of up to 40 percent.”
The Upjet™ Air Ring is available in sizes ranging from 7 to 40 inches (180 to 1016mm). It is available in manual or motorized elevation control and passive or automatic thickness profile control configurations. Advantages include an easier method for stringing the bubble, minimal operator adjustment, more stable bubbles and fast response to auto profile control.
Davis-Standard offers a process analysis to determine potential rate improvement on existing equipment. Factors related to line speed, blower volume, internal bubble cooling (IBC), extrusion and blending capacity are evaluated based on existing equipment specifications. This is a highly economical way to increase existing film line capacity while offering customers the opportunity to reduce their variable manufacturing cost per unit. The benefits of the UpJet can be maximized when new Davis-Standard lines are specified with this technology. This is part of Davis-Standard’s commitment to offering customers The Global Advantage™ in blown film equipment.
For more information about the Upjet, contact Rick Keller at rkeller@davis-standard.com.
October 3, 2014