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.