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.

Erin Tiedemann Joins Davis-Standard as Process Engineer

Davis-Standard is pleased to announce that Erin Tiedemann has joined the company as a process engineer. Tiedemann will be part of the process team at Davis-Standard’s headquarters in Pawcatuck, Connecticut. She will be responsible for supporting sales initiatives, equipment sizing, lab trials, and providing field-troubleshooting service to customers. Tiedemann comes to Davis-Standard as a recent graduate of the University of New Hampshire where she earned a degree in chemical engineering.

“Erin brings a strong course of study and practical experience to her position,” said Alex McGregor, Davis-Standard Manager of Process Engineering. “She also grew up in the Pawcatuck area and has an excellent understanding of Davis-Standard’s culture and commitment to customer service. She will be an asset to our process team.”

Tiedemann can be reached at etiedemann@davis-standard.com.

Davis-Standard to Host Medical Tubing Symposium in California

 

For the first time ever, Davis-Standard will host a medical tubing symposium on the West Coast. Scheduled for November 15 at the Hilton Torrey Pines in La Jolla, California, the symposium will highlight a range of medical tubing subjects that promote product quality, process efficiency and profitability. Topics include advancements in medical tubing measurement and quality control; optimization of profile dies for multi-lumen extrusion; die design technology; benefits of direct drive motors; the science of cutting medical tubing with minimal particulates; and aftermarket upgrades and opportunites. Industry experts from Davis-Standard, Zumbach, Guill Tool, Conair, Baumuller and Allen Bradley will be among the speakers.

“We’ve held similar symposiums at our facility in Pawcatuck, Connecticut, and they have been well received,” said Kevin Dipollino, Davis-Standard’s Product Manager of Pipe, Profile & Tubing Systems. “We have a large customer base and several vendor partners in California and northern Mexico, so we anticipate a good turnout. It will be a great opportunity to share timely information while offering valuable process education to advance medical tubing processes for customers.”

The fee to attend is $175 and includes tuition, presentation binders, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Space is limited. Those interested should contact Christine Maxam at (315) 593-0359 or at cmaxam@davis-standard.com. For more information about Davis-Standard’s medical tubing capabilities, visit www.davis-standard.com/pipe-profile-and-tubing.

Korea Institute of Industrial Technology Spearheads Medical Device R&D with Davis-Standard System

 

In response to South Korea’s emerging medical device manufacturing marketplace, the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH) recently installed a Davis-Standard medical tubing system at its Biomedical Technology Center (BMT). The new system is groundbreaking in terms of South Korea’s medical tubing R&D capabilities, future innovation and economic development. According to Dr. Woojin Kim, Senior Researcher, Technology Convergence R&BD Group at KITECH, the Davis-Standard system is significant in terms of both government and private industry initiatives.

“The government of South Korea is interested in developing the disposable medical device field and several domestic companies are looking at the possibility of medical tubing extrusion,” said Kim. “This system showcases multiple medical tubing possibilities, offers opportunities for R&D, and creates an atmosphere to enlarge the industrial ecosystem of the consumable medical device field in Korea.”

KITECH is a government-funded institute committed to growing Korea’s manufacturing industry through development, application and commercialization of technologies, as well as support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Kim and his team are currently using the new Davis-Standard system to develop catheters used in cardiovascular, endoscopic and epidural applications. They are also collaborating with several Korean companies on proprietary R&D projects. KITECH has been impressed with the feedscrew efficiency, die design and overall operation of the Davis-Standard system, which allows for resin versatility and processing of medical tubing with up to four lumens.

Kim explained, “When we started researching equipment for purchase, there were few extruders capable of extruding multi-lumen tubes in South Korea. We heard about Davis-Standard’s reputation through medical exhibitions such as MD&M West and through online research. From the beginning, Davis-Standard put forth a great deal of effort to make sure both the purchase contract and equipment technology met our needs. We were especially impressed with Davis-Standard’s systematic first acceptance test (FAT) and site acceptance test (SAT) process. This made the entire process much easier.”

Davis-Standard collaborated with KITECH at the company’s headquarters in Pawcatuck, Connecticut, during the FAT process to address various resin properties and develop favorable process conditions for desired tube specifications. Kim said the added support was essential due to the learning curve involved with addressing new medical extrusion processes. When the system was installed, the SAT process reinforced what was learned earlier, enabling KITECH to successfully develop prototypes and begin R&D initiatives. Davis-Standard supplied all line components including direct-drive MEDD extruders with tooling and downstream equipment.

“Working with KITECH to grow medical device manufacturing opportunities in Korea has been exciting,” said Sekaran Murugaiah, Davis-Standard Vice President of Business Development, Asia. “We equipped the system to take on additional extruders and equipment, which will allow KITECH to run other products in the future. We look forward to building on the relationship and being a trusted supplier in this endeavor.”

For more information about KITECH, visit www.eng.kitech.re.kr. For more information about Davis-Standard’s medical tubing capabilities, visit www.davis-standard.com/pipe-profile-and-tubing.

Davis-Standard Completes Maillefer Acquisition

 

Davis-Standard, LLC announced today that it has closed its acquisition of Maillefer International Oy of Vantaa, Finland and Ecublens, Switzerland. Maillefer (www.maillefer.net) is the global leader in wire, cable, pipe and tube production technologies.

“We are proud to welcome the entire Maillefer team to the Davis-Standard family, together we become the market leading global extrusion systems and services provider to a world-class customer base,” said Jim Murphy, Davis-Standard President and CEO. “It is an exceptional opportunity to team up with an organization that shares our values and commitment to providing superior customer solutions.”

“This is a historic day for all Maillefer customers and employees as we join Davis-Standard, an organization built on technology and service” stated Lars Fagerholm, preceding CEO of Maillefer and newly appointed as Davis-Standard’s Executive Vice-President, Maillefer. “Maillefer is proud to join an organization with as strong a brand and industry reputation as its own. Together, the dedication to our products, service and customer support will continue as it has in the past.”

Murphy closed with, “This transaction is a major milestone for the growth of Davis-Standard and all our stakeholders. Together with our majority owners, ONCAP, we are enthusiastic to include Maillefer in our vision for the future.”

For more information on the acquisition, contact Debbie Crowley at (860) 599-6237.

Bernal Industrial to Represent Davis-Standard in Mexico

 

Davis-Standard, LLC is pleased to announce that Bernal Industrial Inc. will represent Davis-Standard’s pipe, profile and tubing and elastomer product lines in Mexico. Bernal will also work with Davis-Standard’s Aftermarket Group to provide customer support and service. Bernal is recognized for aligning with industry leaders in the plastics and rubber processing markets to supply innovative and cost-competitive technology to all major industries including automotive, aerospace, medical and appliance. The firm’s primary office is in El Paso, Texas, with Mexico-based offices in Baja California, Chihuahua, Guadalajara, Tamaulipas, Nuevo Leon, Mexico City and Queretaro.

“Daniel Bernal and his team are among the very best agents in Mexico and we are pleased to have them as our partner,” said Joe Wnuk, Vice President of Davis-Standard Elastomer and Profile Systems. “There is much opportunity in the automotive and medical markets in Mexico, and we know their team will be instrumental in helping us capitalize on new and existing customer relationships.”

For more information about Davis-Standard’s pipe, profile and tubing or elastomer systems, visit www.Davis-Standard.com/pipe-profile-and-tubing or www.davis-standard.com/elastomer. For more information about Bernal Industrial, visit bernalindustrialinc.com.

Davis-Standard at PLASTIMAGEN MÉXICO® 2017, Booth #40

 

Davis-Standard, LLC will promote the company’s full line of extrusion and converting technology during PLASTIMAGEN MÉXICO® in Mexico City, November 7-10. Davis-Standard’s team will be available at booth #40 to discuss aftermarket capabilities and new developments in extruder, control and feedscrew technology. Examples include:

Aftermarket Capabilities – Davis-Standard’s ability to service equipment for nearly every extrusion and converting application, including non Davis-Standard brands, is one of the company’s greatest advantages. This includes an extensive spare parts inventory, timely 24/7 customer service, global technical capabilities, rebuild and retrofit services, as well as AC drive, controls and safety upgrades.

Super Blue® Extruder – This high-efficiency extruder offers advantages in price, performance and fast delivery. The Super Blue is equipped with preferred features including a low noise, high-torque double reduction gearbox; cast aluminum finned heaters bolted to the barrel; an AC drive and motor; and a high capacity air-cooling system. It has been an effective option for pipe and profile, sheet, fiber and specialty system processes, among others.

dsX™ Technology – This popular line of extrusion coating, cast film and blown film equipment offers processors advantages in price, performance and delivery. Each system is engineered for greater up-time, increased productivity and reduced waste, and backed by Davis-Standard’s 24/7 global support network.

MEDD Extruder – This compact extruder is optimized for clean room environments with a replaceable feed section liner and direct drive technology for greater efficiency and materials flexibility. Davis-Standard offers a high-tech melt pump system to maximize stability when processing sensitive materials.

Model 2000 Crosshead – The hydraulic actuation of the flow diverter/core tube on this crosshead enables quick tooling changes and simplified cleaning for elastomer applications. A tapered mandrel and highly engineered flow paths ensure consistent flow through all line speed ranges, and a thrust bearing on pin adjustment allows wall thickness modifications without stopping the line. All interior flow surfaces are coated with engineered formulations for better resistance and material flow.

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

New Development Extruder Installed at Davis-Standard’s Pawcatuck Lab

 

To further advance mechanical, controls and process development initiatives, a next-generation Thermatic® Series 4.5-inch (114mm) extruder is available for trials at Davis-Standard’s Extrusion Technology Development Center in Pawcatuck, Connecticut. The extruder, installed in July, is being used for internal R&D and product development for customers. The extruder’s modern platform represents a collaborative effort among Davis-Standard’s mechanical, electrical, process and controls engineering departments to create optimal processing for Davis-Standard’s full portfolio of extruder applications from blown film to wire and cable. It features enhancements across the board and provides multiple possibilities with L/D ratios of 24, 30 and 34:1. According to John Christiano, Davis-Standard’s Vice President of Technology, this extruder epitomizes processing functionality and the future of extrusion efficiency.

“This new extruder platform is a reflection of experience and collaboration. Because of its relevance across all extrusion applications, it will serve as an excellent platform to support our customer’s extrusion needs now and for many years to come,” said Christiano.

Features of the new Thermatic include 400 HP water-cooled motor technology, a screw speed range up to 375 rpm, advanced and conventional vent diverter geometry, an improved barrel cooling system and next-generation gearbox technology. The extruder is equipped with an EPIC III® control system that features a streamlined console, high-data transmission rate and improved graphics. It is also engineered with smart extruder technology for preventative maintenance monitoring of vibration, oil composition, motor parameters, heater status, screw wear algorithm and energy consumption. Other advantages include a high wear-resistant barrel and feedscrew, an integrated melt pump with controls, static mixer and an optimized mezzanine design.

The extruder can be fit with the complete line of Davis-Standard DSB® feedscrews including the DSB I, DSB II, DSB III and DSB III-Plus designs as well as the TS DSBM, TS Metering and TS DS-Blend, in addition to a variety of metering screws and other specialized designs.

For more information about the extruder or to schedule a trial, contact Bill Lee at blee@davis-standard.com. For more information about Davis-Standard’s R&D capabilities, visit www.davis-standard.com/technology-center-developments.