Davis-Standard’s Regional Focus Continues at Chinaplas

 

Davis-Standard, LLC, Hall 8.1, Booth D19, will promote the company’s recent expansion and equipment innovation during CHINAPLAS 2018 in Shanghai. Among Davis-Standard’s latest developments are the recent acquisition of Maillefer, the company’s strengths in Suzhou, expanded dsX flex-pack™ technology for extrusion coating, and new stretch film capabilities. Davis-Standard will also exhibit a MEDD extruder (Medical Extruder Direct Drive). Asia’s medical and packaging segments continue to be strong for Davis-Standard, and this will be reflected at the show.

Davis-Standard’s acquisition of Maillefer in 2017 expanded the company’s wire and cable, pipe and tube equipment offering, and added facilities in Finland and Switzerland to better serve customers, including those in China. Wire and cable capabilities include automotive, building wire, coaxial cable, LAN, fiber optic MV, HV and EHV among others. For pipe and tube applications, this includes automotive, heating and plumbing, irrigation, medical, micro-duct, off-shore and custom lines. The Maillefer addition complements Davis-Standard’s presence in China with Davis-Standard (Suzhou) Plastics Packaging Machinery, Co., Ltd. The Suzhou facility is Davis-Standard’s manufacturing base in China, offering equipment for FPVC medical tubing and co-extrusion applications as well as assembly of electrical control panels, extruders and gearcases.

In addition to manufacturing, Suzhou is home to an R&D laboratory to support Asia’s growing medical market. The lab is equipped with technology such as the MEDD extruder (being shown) to test a range of rigid and flexible products as well as FPVC tubing for IV & fluid delivery. Applications include microbore tubing, multi-lumen and catheter tubing, endotracheal and tracheotomy tubing, radio opaque tubing, bubble tubing, taper tubing, pipette tubing and multi-layer tubing, among others. The MEDD is specifically engineered for these tight tolerance applications due to its compact design, energy efficiency and materials versatility. Advantages of this extruder model include linear movement, a replacement feedsection liner, interchangeable barrel assemblies and Windows®-based control system.

In terms of dsX™ technology, Davis-Standard will highlight its latest dsX flex-pack model, the 300S. This single station extrusion and laminationg line is designed specifically for the Asian flexible packaging market. It is a collaboration between Davis-Standard’s teams in the U.S. Germany and China, addressing the pricing, machine footprint, speeds and output, and shorter runs demanded by converters. Davis-Standard is also engineering a tandem configuration of this machine called the dsX flex-pack™ 300T. Davis-Standard plans to have its first dsX flex-pack 300S available for demonstration in Suzhou by the end of the third quarter this year.

For stretch film applications, Davis-Standard offers a new stretch film line equipped with a DS S3 winder. Quality control, versatility and efficiency are hallmarks of this technology. The line offers a compact machine arrangement, ease of servicing, excellent profile control, consistent roll quality and an intuitive control package. It is engineered for producing thin films from 31-to 51-gauge (7.8µ to 13µ) at high speeds. The side-by-side DS S3 overlapping winder is essential to this capability, enabling maximum slit widths for hand-wrap, machine-wrap and jumbo rolls. This winder also makes it possible for converters to support multiple market segments on one winder. All features are advantageous for high-grade film operations.

Davis-Standard’s representatives look forward to discussing this and additional developments in Asia with customers during the show. For more information visit www.davis-standard.com, or www.davis-standard.com.cn.

 

 

 

Davis-Standard Readies for Dynamic NPE2018

 

A diverse cross-section of Davis-Standard’s extrusion and converting technology along with company personnel from around the world will be at booth W5947 during NPE2108 in Orlando, Florida. Along with equipment developments, Davis-Standard will highlight its extended product line capabilities due to the addition of Maillefer and Gloucester Engineering Company, now part of the Davis-Standard family.

“NPE is always an exciting event in terms of industry trends, new product demonstrations, machinery and technology developments,” said Jim Murphy, Davis-Standard President and CEO. “Davis-Standard has significantly expanded in terms of global reach and product offering since the last NPE. This year is poised to be strong for capital equipment investment and we look forward to a productive show.”

 

 

Following are highlights of Davis-Standard’s display:

  • Aftermarket capabilities – Davis-Standard will promote global field services along with its extensive offering of feedscrews, spare parts, and rebuilds for controls, gearboxes and extruders. This includes technology drive upgrades for processors looking to boost their existing line with new screw design technology, controls technology and consulting services.
  • A running TPE tubing line – This high-speed line will feature Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) or Industry 4.0 capability to provide real-time data to help operators and managers optimize their line operation and avoid unplanned downtime. Visitors will be able to witness this technology live at the show.
  • HPE extruder rebuilds – Two HPE-A extruders will be on display to show how replacing the extruder barrel, feedsection, feedscrew and/or breaker plate can improve extruder efficiency.
  • Next generation groove feed extruder – This design showcases Helibar® barrel and feedscrew technology for high outputs and excellent melt quality.
  • Control system upgrades – Davis-Standard will exhibit upgrades to its EPIC III® control system, as well as its next generation DS-eTPC II touch-screen controller.
  • New spiral feedscrew design – Engineered for groove feed applications, this design offers advantages such as higher regrind levels, improved pressure stability, a wider range of polymers, lower pressure and better energy efficiency.
  • Blown film die capabilities – Visitors will be able to learn more about Davis-Standard’s recently completed in-house machining center, which is home to innovative designs that deliver high outputs and reliable gauge control.
  • Maillefer technology – Production advantages offered by Maillefer, the latest addition to Davis-Standard’s equipment line, will be exhibited with a DUFD irrigation line driller and ECH extrusion head.

In addition, Davis-Standard will have computerized demonstrations, product samples representing all product lines, and product line videos. For more information prior to the show, visit www.davis-standard.com.

Davis-Standard Extruders to Illustrate Production Advantages at NPE

 

 

Davis-Standard will exhibit its next-generation direct drive groove feed extruder along with its popular Thermatic® and Super Blue® extruders during NPE. These extruders exemplify processing versatility and performance, and will be shown with new feedscrew and control technology.

The 65mm direct drive groove feed extruder features a Davis-Standard Helibar® design with a grooved intake zone and helically grooved barrel, and new barrier-mixing feedscrew technology. This extruder and feedscrew combination offers increased processing flexibility due to higher regrind levels and improved pressure stability. It also enables processing of a wider range of polymers at lower internal pressure and with improved energy efficiency. The Helibar design is advantageous in terms of higher throughput, improved melt pressure build-up, lower melt temperatures, improved melt homogeneity, reduced barrel wear and a shorter residence time. Applications well-suited to this extruder include pipe, profile, sheet and blow molding processes.

Demand for the Thermatic and Super Blue models continues to be high as both models are advantageous in terms of reliablity, efficiency and proven performance. The 2 ½-inch (65mm) Thermatic being shown is an upgraded model with a modern platform and results-driven enhancements in terms of gearbox design, barrel cooling, vent diverter geometry and more. It will be part of a running TPE tubing line demonstrating the smart extrusion features of Industry 4.0 or IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things), essential for preventative and predictive maintenance. This includes monitoring of vibration, oil composition, motor parameters, heater status, screw wear algorithm and energy consumption. The Thermatic is available in L/D ratios of 24, 30 and 34:1 and can be equipped with any Davis-Standard DSB® feedscrew, as well as the TS DSBM, TS Metering, TS DS-Blend, and a variety of metering screws and specialized designs.

The Super Blue is advantageous due to its pricing, reliability and fast delivery. Customers appreciate the interchangeability of Davis-Standard feedscrews, rugged components such as the low-noise, double-reduction gearbox, minimal maintenance and consistent production rates. It is available in sizes ranging from 2 inches (50mm) to 4 ½ inches (114mm), each with the option of a 24:1 L/D ratio or 30:1 L/D ratio. At NPE, the Super Blue will be shown with the DS-eTPC II, the second generation of Davis-Standard’s widely used touch-screen control.

This controller is well-suited for pipe, profile and tubing, elastomer, wire and cable, sheet and reclaim applications. Notable enhancements include a larger 15-inch (380mm) viewing screen with multi-touch capabilities for zoom-in and out, extruder control for up to three extruders, and real-time and historical data trending.

For more information about Davis-Standard’s exruder capabilities prior to NPE, visit www.davis-standard.com/extruders.

Davis-Standard’s Aftermarket Services Deliver Convenience and Improved Performance

 

During NPE2018, Davis-Standard will promote its full menu of global aftermarket and technical services, aimed at providing convenience and improved performance for customers. This includes options for increasing productivity, reducing waste and strengthening product quality. Equipment upgrades, replacement parts, global field services, custom engineering, research and technical services, and a 24/7 customer service hotline have enabled Davis-Standard to support customer needs in a cost-effective and timely manner. At NPE, Davis-Standard will show examples of readily stocked spare parts, extruder rebuilds and support for heritage brands around the world. This includes technology upgrades to improve existing line performance with new feedscrew designs, controls and consulting services.

Feedscrew Services – Davis-Standard’s replacement or rebuilt feedscrews range from 3/4-inch (20mm) to 12 inches (305mm) in diameter. For feedscrew rebuilds, the screw is engineered back to its original performance characteristics and surface treatments. At NPE, Davis-Standard will be introducing a new spiral feedscrew design for groove feed applications.

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 rebuilt HPE-A 125 and HPE-A 150 extruders. 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, feedsection, screw and breaker plate, new controls, L/D conversions and more.

Safety Audits and Safety Upgrades – Davis standard offers line safety audits and upgrades to bring equipment in line with current standards. This service includes an on-site inspection of your existing extrusion lines and a detailed report. After review, a quotation is provided for parts and/or safety equipment requiring attention. Davis-Standard can provide installation and testing for all safety upgrades.

Process Control Upgrades – An upgraded EPIC III® system will be shown along with the next generation DS-eTPC II. Davis-Standard will also continue supporting the Extrol system on Gloucester Machinery Company equipment with spare parts and upgrade options. Davis-Standard 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, bag machines, winders, 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 our Aftermarket website.

Running TPE Line with “Smart” Technology to Headline Davis-Standard’s NPE Display

 

A running TPE tubing line will be the star of the show at Davis-Standard’s NPE booth in Orlando. Live demonstrations of IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things), also known as Industry 4.0 technology, will show the benefits of preventative and predictive maintenance as part of an international trend toward the “smart factory.” Davis-Standard will provide real-time examples of the advantages of this technology including direct e-mail notifications to customer PC’s, tablets or smartphones during the show. The line will be processing TPE tubing for industrial applications and will feature Davis-Standard’s newest Thermatic® extruder design along with the DS eVUE II controller.

“The digital transformation occurring in the plastics industry will accelerate over the next several years and significantly influence innovation in machine design and productivity on the production floor,” explained John Christiano, Davis-Standard’s Vice President of Extrusion Technology. “With Davis-Standard predictive maintenance technology, machine operators will be alerted to issues before they happen, preventing unnecessary downtime while also collecting valuable data. Being able to monitor extrusion line variables that include equipment, mechanical and electrical system conditions and energy efficiency will provide valuable tools to improve overall performance. Processors will also be able to improve equipment performance and bring products to market faster with a measurable cost benefit. It’s an exciting trend and we’re looking forward to sharing this with customers at NPE.”

Examples of preventative maintenance monitoring include vibration, oil composition, motor parameters, heater status, screw wear algorithm and energy consumption. As part of this package, the line will feature Davis-Standard’s latest drive technology to provide notification of potential drive issues. Christiano also noted that this type of technology is ideal for the latest generation of the Thermatic extruder. The extruder’s modern platform represents a collaborative effort among Davis-Standard’s mechanical, electrical, process and control engineering departments to create optimal processing for applications ranging from blown film to wire and cable.

Christiano added, “The Thermatic is the ideal machine for this type of demonstration because it’s built for the most complex processes. It’s engineered with a high wear-resistant barrel and state-of-the-art feedscrew technology. When you take that and plug in the potential of IIoT, you’re looking at the future of extrusion efficiency.”

For more information about Davis-Standard’s capabilities prior to NPE, visit www.davis-standard.com.

Davis-Standard’s Robert Ackley Named to Plastics Hall of Fame

 

Davis-Standard is pleased to announce that Robert W. Ackley will be inducted into the Plastics Hall of Fame on May 6, 2018 during NPE in Orlando, Florida. Ackley, a 46-year veteran of Davis-Standard, was instrumental to the company’s global expansion and success. He began his career in 1959 as a draftsman, moving through the company ranks to eventually serve as president until his retirement in 2005. He was involved with the industry’s most prestigious associations in senior management roles, including as chairman of PLASTICS (formerly known as SPI) in 2000-2001 and as a board member of the National Plastics Center and Museum. He was also an active member of the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE), the International Wire Association and the Plastic Pioneers Association.

“Being nominated to the Plastics Hall of Fame by those I worked with for many years and then selected by leaders within the industry is a great honor,” said Ackley. “Plastics have done so much good for society. Witnessing the advancement of extrusion and converting technology and the progression of plastics into every facet of life has been incredible. When I first joined Davis-Standard, we were insulating wire and cable. By the time I left, we were in nearly every market. I am grateful to have had such a fulfilling career in such an innovative and life-changing industry.”

Ackley’s success story is one defined by hard work, company loyalty and steadfast leadership. When he started at Davis-Standard, he was right out of high school and attended college at night. He earned his degree in mechanical engineering from Mitchell College in New London, Conn., and an Executive MBA from the University of New Haven in New Haven, Conn. He had a thorough understanding of nearly every position working as a design engineer, group leader, technical engineering manager, field services manager, sales product manager and spare parts manager. He advanced to leadership positions in operations, engineering, research and development, and sales and marketing until he was named company president in 1983. A role he enthusiastically embraced for 22 years, making Ackley synonymous with the Davis-Standard brand.

“Bob Ackley was a terrific mentor and instrumental in making Davis-Standard an industry leader,” said Jim Murphy, Davis-Standard President and CEO. “I am forever grateful to his team approach, the way he empowered employees, and his intuitive and smart business sense. He was exceptional at putting customers first and his door was always open. The impact he had on me personally, Davis-Standard’s customers and employees, and the industry in general is far-reaching and much appreciated. Bob is a legend in plastics, which is why it is fitting for him to be a hall of famer! We extend our congratulations to him and his family, and look forward to celebrating this honor in Orlando.”

For more information about Davis-Standard, visit www.davis-standard.com.

Davis-Standard to Promote Latest Technology and Regional Service at PLASTINDIA

 

Davis-Standard, LLC will promote new technology and regional capabilities in Hall 8 at booth D71 during PLASTINDIA 2018 in Gujarat, India, February 7-12. Among Davis-Standard’s latest developments are the recent acquisition of Maillefer, the company’s growing regional presence, expanded dsX flex-pack™ technology for extrusion coating, and new stretch film capabilities.

Davis-Standard’s acquisition of Maillefer in 2017 expanded the company’s wire and cable, pipe and tube equipment offering, and added facilities in Finland and Switzerland to better serve customers, including those in India. Wire and cable capabilities include automotive, building wire, coaxial cable, LAN, fiber optic MV, HV and EHV among others. For pipe and tube applications, this includes automotive, heating and plumbing, irrigation, medical, micro-duct, off-shore and custom lines.

The Maillefer addition complements Davis-Standard’s presence in China with Davis-Standard (Suzhou) Plastics Packaging Machinery, Co., Ltd. The Suzhou facility is Davis-Standard’s manufacturing base in China and houses an R&D laboratory for process development and trials. The laboratory is equipped to test a range of rigid and flexible products as well as FPVC tubing for IV & fluid delivery. Applications include Alternate Polymer®, microbore tubing, multi-lumen and catheter tubing, endotracheal and tracheotomy tubing, radio opaque tubing, bubble tube, taper tube, pipette tubing and multi-layer tubing, among others. Machinery being manufactured in Suzhou includes medical tubing FPVC and co-extrusion equipment as well as assembly of electrical control panels, extruders and gear cases.

The latest dsX flex-pack model is the 300S, which is a single station line with benefits specifically engineered for the Asian flexible packaging market. Design of the dsX flex-pack™ 300S was a collaboration between Davis-Standard’s teams in the U.S., Germany and China to ensure that pricing, machine footprint, speeds and output, and the ability to make shorter runs would accommodate demands of converters. In addition, Davis-Standard will offer a tandem configuration of this machine called the dsX flex-pack™ 300T for the Indian flexible packaging market. Davis-Standard plans to have its first flex-pack 300S available for demonstration in Suzhou by the fall of 2018.

“India is a market of significant potential for us, especially in flexible packaging,” said Sekaran Murugaiah, Davis-Standard Vice President of Business Development, Asia. “Our extensive knowledge of the global packaging market in addition to competitive lead times, quality equipment, technical service and price offering, should enable us to better accommodate customers throughout the region.”

Davis-Standard also anticipates its new stretch film line technology with the DS S3 winder to be beneficial to Indian converters. Quality control, versatility and efficiency are hallmarks of this technology. The line offers a compact machine arrangement, ease of servicing, excellent profile control, consistent roll quality and an intuitive control package. It is engineered for producing thin films from 31-to 51-gauge (7.8µ to 13µ) at high speeds. Davis-Standard’s side-by-side DS S3 overlapping winder is essential to this capability. The S3 winder enables maximum slit widths for hand-wrap, machine-wrap and jumbo rolls, supporting multiple market segments on one winder. Films discharge out the front of the line to a common side to simplify roll packing and future automation. Cores are also same-side loaded from the back to prevent disruption of packing activities. There is an auxiliary lay-on roll to eliminate top-wind waste during transfer, optimizing roll quality and eliminating outer wrap transfer waste. All features are advantageous for high-grade film operations.

For more information about Davis-Standard prior to PLASTINDIA, visit www.davis-standard.com.

Davis-Standard Stretch Film Line Redefines Modular Efficiency

 

Davis-Standard has engineered a stretch film line that redefines modular efficiency for high-grade film operations. Installed in early 2017 for a large-scale North American film producer, this technology is the new standard for stretch film line configurations due to multiple operator and production advantages. These include a compact machine arrangement, ease of operation and servicing, excellent profile control, consistent roll quality and an intuitive control package.

The system is engineered for producing thin films from 31-to 51-gauge (7.8µ to 13µ) at high speeds. Davis-Standard’s side-by-side DS S3 overlapping winder is essential to this capability. The S3 winder enables maximum slit widths for hand-wrap, machine-wrap and jumbo rolls, supporting multiple market segments on one winder. Films discharge out the front of the line to a common side to simplify roll packing and future automation. Cores are also same-side loaded from the back to prevent disruption of packing activities. There is an auxiliary lay-on roll to eliminate top-wind waste during transfer, optimizing roll quality and eliminating outer wrap transfer waste.

High-volume core bins minimize refilling frequency and feature a simultaneous core set discharge of multiple core lengths while also decreasing cycle time, improving slit-width flexibility and net film utilization. Core widths can be changed on the fly to maximize uptime. There is a 30-second cycle time regardless of the number of slit widths, which is ideal for hand-wrap products. A pull-through trim system eradicates trim jams into the granulator regardless of line speed or film thickness. Motor-driven web support rollers with an air-venting finish improve film transport at high line speeds, providing quality winding and wound roll formation. The air-venting idler roll finish locks film on the rolls at low tension for excellent tracking and roll edge straightness.

In addition to system components, an over-the-line mezzanine accommodates a smaller footprint, while also enabling safe servicing of the extruders, screen changers, melt pipes and associated control systems. With the unique “through-the-mezzanine feedblock riser,” there is safe and convenient access to the selector plug for layer-sequencing changes. Selector plugs can be changed with minimal downtime allowing product flexibility in layer-sequencing to easily accommodate production schedules.

The customer has been pleased with overall performance and reports very few medium gels and no large gels in films, which is paramount to thin film production. The combined IR web measurement system, profile control, melt delivery and gravimetric rate control has resulted in a deviation of less than one percent, regardless of film thickness, resulting in superior roll quality.

For more information about Davis-Standard’s stretch film capabilities, visit www.davis-standard.com/cast-film.

Rich Kanarski Appointed to SPE Board of Directors, Extrusion Division

 

Davis-Standard is pleased to announce that Rich Kanarski has been appointed to the SPE (Society of Plastics EngineersSociety of Plastics Engineers) Board of Directors, Extrusion Division. Kanarski is a process engineer at Davis-Standard and has been an active member of SPE for six years. As part of SPE board leadership, he will support efforts in member services including recruitment and outreach activities, serve on the technical paper review committee, the finance committee and young professionals committee.

“I am honored to join the SPE Extrusion Division Board and look forward to working with this exceptional leadership team,” said Kanarski. “SPE has been the leading technical society for the global plastics industry for decades. I am highly motivated to be serving the society and its members, contributing to the future direction and continued growth of this global organization.”

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.

New Ironing Roll Winder Modernizes High-Speed Winding of Large Diameter Master Rolls

 

Davis-Standard is pleased to introduce a new ironing roll winder that supports markets for larger diameter master rolls up to 1.2 meters (4 feet) in diameter on cast film lines up to 6 meters (20 feet) wide. This technology can be used for many film types, but Davis-Standard has found it to be most beneficial for CPP and barrier films where post wrap shrinkage occurs as a result of the types of polymers used in the film structures, or where blocking can occur due to a soft sealant layer with a high coefficient of friction (COF).

The winder incorporates programmable tension control, pre-spreading onto the winding roll, and servo-controlled web entry of the film to influence leveling or lay-flat of the film prior to the lay-on roll. Roll hardness is improved with a more precise loading force of the lay-on roll against the winding roll, controlling the in-wound air at higher production speeds than previously possible. When optimized these features can reduce defects such as tin-canning, caused by blocking and entrapped air, and resulting in annular raised bands on the roll face. Other defects such as buckling, telescoping, and starring can also be reduced with the control features and dynamics of the new winding system.

“The ironing roll winder offers a solution to a common problem while also improving product quality and profitability,” said Danis Roy, Davis-Standard’s Vice President of Sales, Cast Film and Coating Systems. “Current markets dictate processing of these films at slower production speeds and to limited diameters in order to produce defect-free wound rolls. We have experienced excellent results with this new winder in the field.”

Larger diameter master rolls significantly improve subsequent processing efficiency. A relatively small increase in diameter can significantly increase the film length on a roll. This reduces downtime in slitter re-winding as well as batch process like vacuum metallization. The downside of winding larger roll diameters is the increased risk of in-wound defects. The variable geometry of the ironing roll enables processors to pre-wrap the film onto the winding roll prior to the lay-on roll, allowing entrapped air to reduce the COF between each wrap. This promotes film flatness prior to engaging roll hardness with the lay-on roll. This results in improved control, preventing in-wound imperfections. The winder is available with a tapeless static knife or patented stationary knife automatic transfer systems, and shafted or shaftless operation to further support efficiency. Although the winder is primarily designed for large master roll winding, in-line slitting is also possible in some shafted applications.

For more information about Davis-Standard’s new ironing roll winder, contact Danis Roy at droy@davis-standard.com. For more information about Davis-Standard’s winding capabilities, visit www.davis-standard.com/windingunwinding.