E-Weekly
Sep 8th, 2008                                Print this article

e-Weekly News Briefs, September 3-8

By Modern Plastics Editorial Staff

MPW’s Product Watch

Shredders use serrated plates to secure scrap

A new line of single-shaft shredders, which is designed for processing plastic waste for reclamation and recycling, can handle large extruder purgings. The CXS1500, CXS2000, and CXS3000 shredders feature rugged construction and numerous configurations. Three different rotor types are available, and each rotor is equipped with square cutters (60 mm) for efficient material cutting. The manufacturer says the system has also reduced heat build-up to limit plastic degradation.

Serrated ram plates hold materials onto the rotor, making processing bulky pieces easier, and a swing-style ram minimizes space and allows product to fall into the rotor, which measures 29.5 inches (750 mm) in diameter for positive ingestion. Outboard mounted bearings reduce contamination, and the manufacturer says bolted-in cutter seats allow for easy removal and maintenance. The low-speed rotor, which runs at 54 rpm, transmits high-cutting torque for tough applications.

Cumberland Engineering, Attleboro, MA, U.S.A.; +1 608-848-9584; www.cumberland-plastics.com

New control lets processors opt for ‘remote’ control on auxiliaries

The newest edition of the ControlWorks central system control allows users to perform remotely almost any of the basic operational functions that would normally take place on the plant floor. From a central location within a manufacturing plant, or anywhere in the world using a virtual private network (VPN), users can monitor the operation of their blenders, loaders, dryers, and heat-transfer equipment, and make changes to primary process set points.

ControlWorks is a real-time production and process monitoring control that combines customizable software with data-collection hardware in a package that integrates with most all equipment from this supplier. Easy-to-read screens allow users to navigate from one type of equipment to another, reviewing or changing equipment settings, responding to alarms or accessing production archived data. Typical equipment access is through workstations connected to a plant-wide local area network. Similar access is also available through a secure VPN web-based interface, and ControlWorks can automatically e-mail system priority alarms to key personnel on a need-to-know basis.

It can be set up to allow two different pathways to monitor auxiliary equipment. The first would be to view all devices of a given type: all loaders, for instance, or all dryers, all blenders and so on. The system is modular, so processors can implement some or all of its capabilities. Some users will want to use ControlWorks to manage just one or two kinds of equipment—blenders and dryers, for instance—while others may choose to integrate all their auxiliaries. There are currently nine modules in all. Conair Group Inc., Cranberry Township, PA, U.S.A.; +1 800-654-6661; info@conairgroup.com; www.conairnet.com

Welders add parameter storage database

As a complement to its DIALOG system, a maker of ultrasonic welding machines now offers an add-on, Windows-based software package called DATARecorder. The program, which is loaded onto a standalone computer and serves as a central location to network up to 16 separate DIALOG systems, is designed for data management and communication. Up to 40 different weld parameters are collected and recorded for each weld cycle, and DATARecorder then calculates mean values, standard deviation, process centeredness (Cp), and process capability index (Cpk). Users can also choose to import this weld data into their own spreadsheets or statistical process control (SPC) software. Herrmann Ultrasonics Inc., Bartlett IL, U.S.A.; +1 630 626-1626; www.herrmannultrasonics.com

CMM fills the size gap

This manufacturer of measurement and testing equipment now offers its new TomoScope HV Compact coordinate measuring machine, filling a gap between its large TomoScope HV 500 and the small TomoScope 200. The TomoScope HV Compact is suitable for measuring high-density components made of glass-fiber reinforced plastics, aluminum, steel, titanium, composite materials, and ceramics. The TomoScope machines have a specification for contact and length measurement deviations, as is typical for CMMs. Atypical is that this supplier claims to be the only one able to guarantee the traceability of measurement results to the length standard of Germany’s National Measurement Institute as applied on the actual workpiece. Raster tomography ensures small features can be measured at high resolution, even on large parts. Measurement of workpieces constructed or assembled from multiple materials is facilitated. Werth Messtechnik, Giessen, Germany (www.werthmestechnik.de) and Werth Inc. Old, Saybrook, CT, U.S.A. (www.werthinc.com)

Bulk material equipment on display at Pack Expo

A comprehensive range of standard and custom-made conveying and bulk-bag handling equipment, as well as two new products, will be on display from Spiroflow Systems Inc. (Charlotte, NC) at Pack Expo International (Nov. 9-13, 2008; Booth #S-3018; McCormick Place, Chicago). Among the new products is what the company describes as an economic range called Spirostore flexible silos that provide flexible storing of bulk solids and ingredients.

Made of a durable, flexible, polyester fabric that’s supported on a steel frame, Spiroflow says the Spirostore is an alternative to steel or aluminum silos. The silos can store 7000 cu ft of dry bulk material and support weights up to 90,000 lb. Each Spirostore can be customized to suit specific customer requirements in terms of space available, product specifications, and how the product should be discharged. In addition, the silos can be mobile or stationary.

Also new is the Aero-Mechanical Conveyor (AMC) AutoTensioner. The AMC AutoTensioner reportedly opens up a variety of additional applications, with added benefits of reduced downtime and maintenance, as well as increased service life. Spiroflow Systems, Charlotte, NC, U.S.A.; +1 704-291-9595, www.spiroflowsystems.com.

Secondary processing: Vertical dual-head trimmer / deflasher

New is the Model 242 vertical dual-head trimmer / deflasher designed for use with elastomeric, thermoplastic, or bonded metal insert parts. The new unit is said to offer the speed and accuracy needed to reduce problems with breakage or compromise on critical part dimensions for cryogenic deflashing. The trimmer/deflasher is equipped with two digitally-controlled oscillating knife blade units on top of a multi-task head plate. The blade angles are set by micrometer level in .1° increments at ±45° from the vertical with fast and easy adjustments. The trimmer/deflasher can cut parts from 1 to 9 inches in diameter with .002-inch repeatable accuracy. The head plate can be fixtured with robotic loaders and unloading devices to dramatically reduce cycle times. It comes with digital touch-screen controls and digital operating components, helpful for quiet operation, close tolerances, easy set-up, and low operating costs. Other options are available. Mitchell Inc., Elkhart, IN, U.S.A.; +1 574-295-3509; www.mitchell-inc.com.

Shaft seals prevent VOC leaks

A line of custom shaft seals have been proven effective at containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from rotating reactor, blender, dryer, extractor, and conveyor driveshafts. The manufacturer says the end result is local solvent concentrations of 100 parts per million (PPM) and less. The patented seal designs are custom-engineered to accommodate diametric shaft run-out of 6 mm and more while maintaining vacuum, and some models can reportedly operate at high temperature without a purge or flush line. Fully split models can be installed on existing machinery with minimal downtime. The seals are used on rotating equipment in the dry-powder and bulk-processing industries. FDA-approved materials are also available. The seals will be on display at Powtex in Tokyo this October at Stand A-100. Woodex Bearing Company Inc., Georgetown, ME, U.S.A.; +1-207-371-2210; www.woodex-meco.com

MPW’s Material Thoughts

Bayer captures PC/ABS production scrap for recyclate resin line

Based off post-production waste material, a resin recyclate blend of polycarbonate (PC) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) copolymer offered by Bayer MaterialScience utilizes scrap from its Uerdingen and Antwerp plants. Called Levblend, the material will reportedly be supplied continuously with “assured availability”, avoiding the sporadic supplies that plague some recyclate streams.

The first recyclate product will be Levblend 80, which will have heat resistance to Vicat VST/B120 (between 124 and 134°C), meeting ISO 306. The melt volume flow rate (MVR, 260°C/5 kg) of Levblend 80 ranges from 5 to 16 cu cm/10 min, in accordance with ISO standard 1133. Notched impact strength AiN (at room temperature) according to ISO 180/A is at least 25 kJ/sq m. Levblend 80 will initially only be available in black, although Bayer says it has a broader color tolerance range than familiar prime-grade qualities, with no future plans for color customization.

Initially, the PC+ABS-R is being marketed exclusively to automobile manufacturers and their suppliers in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, with distribution throughout Europe to follow. Bayer believes Levblend is a fit for automotive components like add-on body parts, component assemblies, and front and rear headlamps. Bayer will offer further information at the Fakuma trade fair, (Oct. 14-18; Friedrichshafen, Germany) at Stand 4502 in Hall B4. Bayer MaterialScience, Leverkusen, Germany; www.bayermaterialscience.com

New Stanyl grade for LED applications

This supplier of engineering thermoplastics has announced the launch of Stanyl LED 1551, its newest polyamide 4.6 grade that’s designed for use in plastic lead chip carriers (PLCC) for high brightness light emitting diodes (LEDs). LEDs see increasing use as back lighting for LCD display panels in mobile phones, PDAs, notebook PCs, and hand-held devices.

Specifically, says Sanjay Jain, product manager for Stanyl in the firm’s Asia Pacific business unit, “According to our benchmark testing of competitive grades, this is the best grade available for SMT PLCC packages for side view and top view high brightness LEDs targeted at LCD panels up to 16 inches in size.” Stanyl LED 1551 has sufficient heat resistance to withstand the industry-standard three cycles of reflow soldering at a peak temperature of 260°C, and adheres to either silicon or epoxy resins used for encapsulating. DSM Engineering Plastics, Sittard, The Netherlands; www.dsm.com

Acrylic deflects heat, opens up application opportunities

A heat-reflecting acrylic polymer reflects the sun’s infrared radiation (IR) and reduces heat build up by as much as 15-20% on dark-colored plastic parts. Reportedly providing environmental, performance, and design advantages over alternative materials, the CoolTouch polymer can be used within automotive, building/construction, marine, and outdoor recreational applications. The material’s manufacturer says CoolTouch can also be designed as a protective layer to improve heat reflectivity, with a CoolTouch cap layer made from opaque molding compound keeping co-extruded plastic part temperatures below the 150° to 165°F heat-deflection temperature (HDT) of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). In addition to providing heat reflectivity, this can prevent warping.

The material can also reduce linear expansion by as much as 22%, and the weathering resistance and colorfastness can extend a part’s service life. When used as a protective layer over commercial building roofs, siding, and window frames, the manufacturer says the material reduces heat build up, keeping interiors cooler.

Finally, by offering heat-reflective capabilities, the material allows designers to include dark colors, such as black, brown, gray, and green, into products like lawn furniture. Evonik CYRO LLC, Parsippany, NJ, U.S.A.; +1 800-631-5384; www.cyro.com

Pelletizing: Machine maker Rieter bears a new name

Following its sale earlier this year to Swiss equity investor CSC Management AG (Pfäffikon) from Switzerland’s Rieter Group, Rieter Automatik GmbH, a leading manufacturer of palletizing machinery, has changed its name to Automatik Plastics Machinery. The company is based in Grossostheim, Germany.

The name change is the only significant change to the firm since its ownership transition, reports the company, although it does have a new website: www.automatikgroup.com. The company says more than 8000 of its pelletizing systems are in operation currently; it claims to be the only provider to offer all pelletizing technologies for all pellet shapes.

Injection molding: Negri Bossi USA moves into new digs

The U.S. subsidiary of Italian injection molding manufacturer Negri Bossi (www.negribossiusa.com) in August completed its move to a new 25,000-sq-ft facility in New Castle, DE. According to the firm, the new facility offers room for growth, and includes training and conference space along with a warehouse for storage of stock machinery and a technical center for customer mold trials and machinery demonstrations. For more information contact Bill Duff, the company’s national sales manager, at bill.duff@negribossiusa.com.

Automotive: Mack Molding earns recognition from Daimler

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (Portland, OR) has named Mack Molding’s Inman, S.C., plant as a recipient of its Masters of Quality award. Presented annually, the 2007 Masters of Quality award was given to 43 manufacturing locations out of more than 1000 suppliers who provide components for Freightliner, Sterling, and Western Star truck brands.

The program recognizes suppliers who meet or exceed Daimler Trucks North America’s quality standards and demonstrate an ongoing commitment to improving the quality of their products. “In light of the many challenges we face in our industry today, this is no easy accomplishment,” said Daimler Chief Operating Officer Roger Nielsen. “The Masters of Quality winners are the role models for our entire supplier base.”

Mack Molding supplies Freightliner with more than 80 components for fender, bumper, and other related heavy truck assemblies. “As a first-time recipient of this award, we are especially proud,” said Ray Burns, president of Mack’s southern division, “and look forward to continuing and growing our relationship with Freightliner. I congratulate all who work at the Inman facility for this team effort, and challenge them to a repeat performance in the year ahead.”

Freightliner management officials will present the Masters of Quality Award to Mack Molding employees located at its Inman manufacturing facility in October. Mack operates 10 facilities throughout the U.S. and Mexico.

U.S. biodegradable plastic demand tops 700 million lb in 2012

Demand for biodegradable plastic in the U.S. is projected to rise more than 15% annually to 720 million lb in 2012, valued at $845 million, according to the latest study released by the Freedonia Group, a Cleveland-based industry research firm.

Although representing less than one-half of one percent of all thermoplastic resin demand in 2007, biodegradable plastic will have substantial growth opportunities. Escalating crude oil prices have made biodegradable plastics, which are sourced from renewable resources such as corn, more cost competitive with petroleum-based conventional resin. However, continued price declines are necessary for anticipated biodegradables growth, and among the threats to further declines in biodegradable prices are rapidly rising prices for corn.

Demand for starch-based plastic will increase 16.8% per year to 293 million lb in 2012 as a result of improved resin blends and opportunities in such areas as compostable yard and kitchen bags, as well as foodservice items such as plates, bowls and cutlery. PLA demand will expand nearly 20% per annum due to capacity additions and broadened applications brought about by resin improvements, as well as greater processor familiarity. Good opportunities are expected for PLA in areas such as thermoformed food packaging and bedding and apparel fibers.

Demand for polyester-based biodegradables will exhibit rapid annual growth of nearly 25% through 2012. Gains will reflect significant capacity advances, a more competitive pricing structure and opportunities in film and fiber products, such as compostable yard bags and pallet wrap, as well as for apparel and non-woven fabrics.

Packaging, which accounted for nearly three-quarters of all biodegradable plastic use in 2007, will present the largest gains through 2012 due to good growth in areas such as foodservice products and film goods. Fiber markets will exhibit rapid growth, mainly in bedding, apparel, and non-woven areas. Further fiber advances will be constrained by the entrenched position of traditional materials such as cotton. Other biodegradable plastic uses include carpet, coatings, and injection and blowmolded products. The complete study can be found at www.freedoniagroup.com.

Employee training: Fluoropolymers seminars lead to CEUs

Plastics supplier Arkema Inc. (Philadelphia, PA; www.arkema-inc.com) reports its Fluoropolymers Group has been approved by the International Assn. for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) to grant continuing education units (CEUs) to those attending its fluoropolymer applications seminars. Arkema currently offers free lunchtime seminars around the U.S. to educate engineers, managers, and maintenance personnel about the appropriate use of fluoropolymers (including its own Kynar brand) in specific applications. Processors interested in hosting a seminar on fluoropolymers can contact Jaclyn Sekula at T: +1 215-419-7643

Injection molding: Windsor helps JSW expand its European presence

Windsor Kunststofftechnologie (Hanau, Germany), the official distribution partner on injection molding machinery in Europe’s German-speaking countries for Japan Steel Works since June 1, 2007, has established a European-wide distribution and service network, with local sales/service agencies in France, Portugal, Poland, and Turkey, with others in Eastern Europe being sought. JSW offers European molders machines sized from 350 and 25,000 kN of clamping force, with presses in medium to high clamping force ranges available from stock in Germany.

D-M-E celebrates 50th anniversary of MUD

D-M-E Company announces the 50th anniversary of the Multi-Unit Die, known as the MUD Quick-Change System. “The 50-year-old innovation continues to be a valuable tool for moldmakers worldwide by reducing tooling downtime and costs, all aspects even more important in light of today’s more challenging economy,” said Mike Krietner, D-M-E’s business manager for quick-change mold systems & emergent technologies. In many applications, MUD provides faster initial mold setup, quicker changeovers and lower material and fabrication costs. Featuring companion insert molds that can be switched easily in less than five minutes by one person, MUD cuts tooling downtime by up to 75%, and total tooling costs by up to 66%.

Names in the News

Wolfgang Niedermark has been appointed new head of BASF’s (Ludwigshafen, Germany) Berlin Liaison Office effective Sept. 1. Niedermark succeeds Annette Zimmermann, and will be responsible for maintaining dialogue with the government. Niedermark joined BASF in Ludwigshafen as Director Asia-Pacific Affairs. Prior to that he was managing director of the Asia-Pacific Committee of German Business (APA).

Bryan Campbell is now the program manager at custom molder Mack Molding’s (Arlington, VT) headquarters facility, where he will be primary contact on several new medical-product manufacturing programs. Kevin Bradley, director, Medical Business Unit, announced the move for Campbell, who was most recently operations manager for Guardian Automotive Corp. (Warren, MI).

Plastics supplier Borealis has promoted Herbert Willerth to the newly created role of deputy chief executive, effective Sept. 1. Willerth currently is executive vice president of operations and procurement and will continue to hold this function.

Only a few months after taking the position, Phillip Ashkettle has resigned as a director on the board of custom polymer powders and plastic-film concentrates producer ICO Inc. (Houston). Ashkettle, formerly CEO of M.A. Hanna (now part of PolyOne), cited conflicts with other business and personal commitments as the reasons for his resignation.

Catherine T. Hunt has been named the corporate sustainability director for Rohm and Haas Company (Philadelphia). In addition to her current role as leader, technology partnerships, Hunt will oversee the company’s approach to incorporating sustainability as an integral component of its operations. Hunt is immediate past president of the American Chemical Society (ACS), and she joined Rohm and Haas in 1984 as a senior scientist in analytical research after completing a National Institutes of Health Postdoctoral Fellowship at Yale University.

James C. Healy III has joined Cumberland Engineering (South Attleboro, MA) as its new director of human resources. Healy has more than 15 years of experience, including HR stints with Stanley Bostitch and Tyco Electronics.

Blowmolding machine and beverage line supplier Sidel (Le Havre, France) has named Roger Arbour as the international key account manager for PepsiCo. Arbour is based in Sidel’s North American Zone headquarters in Norcross, GA, where he coordinates the work of Sidel account managers, project managers, and customer service managers in Asia, Asia Pacific, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Arbour joined Sidel in 1997 as a director of engineering; became vice president, engineering and market development for the Americas; and subsequently held various sales assignments.

Fred Pfaff will fill the new position of distribution sales manager at plastic tubing manufacturer NewAge Industries (Southampton, PA). Pfaff previously shared inside sales team management duties, with Annabelle Black, now assuming responsibility for the entire inside sales team.

Global Plastics Bulletin Board

PSG Plastic Service Group Inc., North Coast Industrial Imaging, Viking Tool & Engineering, Trexel, and Industeel have formed an educational alliance instructing on what they call technology-based solutions to reduce overall injection molding costs. The alliance is hosting a series of no-cost seminars, with the first sessions of these seminars to be held at Automation Alley in Troy, MI on Sept. 8, and in Grand Rapids, MI on Sept. 10. The seminar length is 2 1/2 hours, with additional events planned for later this year. Topics include hot runners, mold heating/cooling, microcellular foam injection molding, quality audits, and more. For further information or to register, contact Sue Busse of PSG Plastic Service Group by phone at +1 269) 556-7051, or via email at sueb@psg-online.us.

Injection molding simulation software provider Moldflow is once again planning a Better Plastics Engineering Roadshow. The company says the free seminars will benefit Moldflow users, part designers, mold designers, moldmakers, CAE analysts, and engineering managers, among others. Dates and locations include Cromwell, CT (Nov. 10); Charlotte, NC (Nov. 11); Itasca, IL (Nov. 12); and Eagan, MN, and Mexico City on Nov. 13. Register here.

Chemical Market Associates Inc. (CMAI; Houston) is anticipating record attendance for its 5th Annual Plastics Processors Conference & Polyolefins Industry Workshop (Sept. 29-30; Chicago) at the Chicago Marriott Downtown. Early registration closed Friday, August 29, but day-of, and walk-up registrations are accepted as well. Topics include an overview of the PE, PP, PS, EPS, ABS, PET, PVC, PC, and nylon markets; insights into the dynamics of resin prices, economic drivers, and the energy markets; and updates on the Middle East and China, environmental issues, and more. The Polyolefins Industry Workshop directly preceding the conference is designed to initiate market newcomers to the language, concepts, and key issues in the polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) supply chain. Interested parties can register on-line at https://www.cmaiglobal.com/EvConferences.aspx or contact CMAI by email: conferences@cmaiglobal.com.

The Canadian Assn. of Moldmakers is organizing the The Future is Here tradeshow and seminars at Caesars Casino in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Persons interested in attending or companies keen to exhibit or speak at the seminars should contact Diane Deslippe at T: +1 519-255-7863 or diane@camm.ca, or go to the group’s website, www.camm.ca.

Testing/measurement instrument supplier Thermo Fisher Scientific is inviting interested processors to attend a free workshop on ‘trends and optimization of PVC tests in laboratories’ at the company’s headquarters in Karlsruhe, Germany. The seminar is scheduled for October 8. More information is to be found at www.thermo.com/mc.

The Detroit Section of the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE; Brookfield, CT; www.4spe.org) is finalizing the schedule for its 10th annual SPE Automotive TPO Global Conference, to be held October 5-8, 2008 in Sterling Heights, MI. SPE says the event will explore the “unique set of conditions that are causing a rapid and radical change in the way automakers are designing and building passenger vehicles and the materials specified for them.” The three-day conference features sessions TPO materials, processes, and finishing, as well as plenary speeches. Among the speakers lined up: Marty Levin of ExxonMobil and the Automotive Group of the American Chemistry Council’s Plastics; Eric Short of LyondellBasell Advanced Polyolefins USA; Jim Moore of Polycon Industries (a division of Decoma); and Rose Ryntz of International Automotive Components, among others. For more information go to: http://auto-tpo.com/.

Kiefel Thermoforming (Freilassing, Germany; www.kiefel.de) will hold an open house on September 24-25 to show processors its current machine range and developments. Interested processors can contact the firm directly at Kiefel@kiefel.de.

Those interested in processing of polylactic acid, the plant starch-based bioplastics, may want to attend the PLA World Congress in Munich, Germany on September 9-10, organized by bioplastics magazine. For more information on the event, contact the organizers at mt@bioplasticsmagazine.com or via the website, www.bioplasticsmagazine.com.

UTECH Europe 2009 has released its program, including more than 80 papers spread among eight separate sessions over three days, from March 31-April 2, 2009. The Plenary Session opening the event, focuses on sustainability and will be followed by three presentations covering developments in three key fast-growing markets. To be held at the Maastricht Exhibition and Congress Centre (Maastricht, the Netherlands), Patrick Thomas, Bayer MaterialScience CEO will deliver the keynote address. Crain Communications Ltd. organizes the conference and publishes Urethanes Technology International.

The American Chemistry Council’s (ACC; Arlington, VA) Center for the Polyurethanes Industry (CPI) is sponsoring a Professional Development Program (PDP) during the Polyurethanes 2008 Technical Conference (Sept. 29-Oct. 1; Marriott Rivercenter, San Antonio, TX). Students, teachers, industry newcomers, longtime experts, and polyurethane end-users will have eight PDP seminars to choose from, ranging from introductory to advanced on polyurethane-related topics such as basic chemistry and technology, markets, applications, safety issues, building and energy codes.

The Packaging Machinery Manufacturer Institute (PMMI, Arlington, VA) has issued a call for nominations to the Packaging Hall of Fame. Presented annually since 1971, the honor recognizes individual packaging professionals’ significant, long-term contributions to the packaging industry. Nominees must meet the following criteria: personally advanced the science, technology, and/or practice of packaging; expanded packaging knowledge and the understanding of packaging; and/or demonstrated remarkable volunteer leadership within the packaging community. The 2008 inductees will be recognized at a fund-raising awards reception during Pack Expo International (McCormick Place, Chicago; Nov. 9–13). Nominations will be accepted on or before Sept. 5, 2008 and can be e-mailed to Ben Miyares (bmiyares@pmmi.org), describing your nominee’s qualifications in 1500 words or less.

Customers and prospects are invited to attend the grand opening of the new technology center in Tempe, AZ of Methods Machine Tools Inc., a supplier of precision machine tools used in moldmaking, among other applications. The opening will be part of an Open House scheduled for Oct. 14-16, 2008. The event coincides with Methods’ 25th year anniversary of operating in Arizona.

Methods will have the following machines on display: Matsuura 5-axis machining center, Citizen Swiss turning centers, Nakamura multitasking turning center, KIWA expandable horizontal machining center, Fanuc wire EDM, Hwacheon lathe, Fanuc RoboDrill Eco and a fanuc RoboDrill JobShop cell. Company representatives from the following vendors also will be present: Koma, Reinshaw, Tecnara, Lyndex, Big Kaiser, ATS/SMW, Kennametal, Iscar, Sandvik, Esprit, Delcam, and more. For more information or to register to attend, call (602) 437-2220 or visit methodsmachine.com. Methods Machine Tools Inc. is headquartered in Sudbury, MA.

If the Grand Seasons Hotel in Kuala Lumpur sounds like an inviting place to visit, then combine business with pleasure by attending a training course on hot runner technology, scheduled to be held there on Sept. 25-26, 2008. The course is to cover principles of hot runner technology; the importance of manifold and nozzle design; how to scale-up from low-cavity to high-cavity tools; auxiliary equipment available; and more. The instructor, John Gaff, is the principle of consultancy G&A Molding Technology Ltd. and has more than 35 years experience in the injection molding industry. Prior to establishing G&A, he was process engineering manager at injection molding machine manufacturer Demag. For more on the conference contact Gaff at: info@gandamoulding.co.uk

Coming in November is AMI’s international conference on Multilayer Packaging Films 2008 (Nov. 24-26; Maritim Hotel; Cologne, Germany). Among presentations will be one from Klockner Pentaplast on its new multilayer PET-based films for active packaging, as well as one from law firm Keller & Heckman on responsibilities for food-contact safety throughout the supply chain. Machine and tooling manufacturers, including Davis-Standard, Reifenhäuser, Extrusion Dies Industries, and Windmöller & Hölscher will also make presentations on their newest developments. For more information contact via email: sh@amiplastics.com or go to the website: http://www.amiconferences.com/.

On Sept. 23-24, 2008 the 9th Euro-uRapid2008 conference for rapid product development, tooling and manufacturing takes place in Berlin, Germany. Rapid manufacturing of medical applications will be a focus at this year’s event. Registration for the event is possible at http://www.uRapid.com.

Agr International Inc., Container Science Inc., Phoenix Technologies International LLC, SBA-CCI, and Plastic Technologies Inc. are sponsoring The Packaging Conference—Latin America 2008. Additional information on the event, to be held Oct. 9-10 at the Miami Beach Loews Hotel, can be found at www.thepackagingconference.com.

Briefs

Britain’s polyvinyl chloride (PVC) recycling consortium, Recovinyl, is forecasting another record-breaking year with more than 50,000 tonnes of vinyl to be recycled by the end of 2008, topping the 42,162 tonnes reclaimed in 2007. Among other factors, Recovinyl representatives cite growth in the volume of post-consumer windows being recycled, and investments in new plants and equipment by many of the consortium’s 30 recyclers throughout the U.K. In addition to landfill diversion and resource reduction, Recovinyl reports that manufacturing a new building product from recycled PVC reduces CO2 emissions 94% compared to production using virgin PVC.

The RKW Group (www.rkw-group.com), one of Europe’s largest processors of PE and PP flexible plastics packaging, has moved its headquarters from Worms to Frankenthal, Germany. The company says the move takes account of its rapid recent growth; the Group’s annual sales have increased fivefold over the last ten years, reaching euro 665 million in 2007. In the same period the number of employees has grown from 800 to over 2700, and the number of processing facilities has increased from 5 to 18.

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