Exhibition spotlight news of the polymerindustry - Dr. Gupta Verlag

Hasco: Mould-making productivity for 50 years

At this year's K fair in Düsseldorf, Hasco, a manufacturer of standard mould units and a specialist in hot runner technology, will present new enhancements of standard mould units created half a century ago.

FKuR: New bioplastics for film and injection moulding applications

Coinciding with the opportunity of K 2010, bioplastics manufacturer FKuR Kunststoff GmbH has extended its product range to include more innovative products.

Increased demand for rigid PU foam for building insulation

A large number of countries are tightening up their regulations on energy saving for buildings as a result of climate change and rising energy costs. For example, under the revised EU directive on improving energy efficiency in buildings, from 2021 onwards it will only be possible to construct new buildings as “almost zero-energy buildings”. Bayer MaterialScience (BMS) is therefore currently witnessing a strong rise in demand for rigid polyurethane foam for heat insulation in more and more countries. The background for this is that, even in much thinner layers than are needed for expanded polystyrene and mineral wool – the two other most common insulating materials – this material delivers the required high level of insulation.

Velox to introduce new masterbatch from Polyram

At the K-show 2010, Israel’s biggest manufacturer of engineering thermoplastic compounds Polyram and the Hamburg-based raw materials distribution and sales company Velox will present Bondyram ADD1101BK.

KraussMaffei: PU processing and more

The Munich-based machinery and equipment manufacturer KraussMaffei and Netstal will jointly present a comprehensive portfolio of products for fibrespray, extrusion and polyurethane processing including the innovative Fusion technology for the production of larger components.

Klöckner Desma: Fully automatic production of industrial spring aids

The demand for high performance industrial spring aids is increasing year by year firstly, due to increasing prosperity in emerging markets, like Brazil, India and China which has resulted in a growing demand for mobility, especially for cars. The second reason for the rising demands of PU spring aids is the ongoing substitution for rubber by polyurethane.

Lanxess: A wide range of product innovations

At K 2010 Lanxess will showcase its semi-crystalline products, butyl rubber, performance butadiene rubbers, technical rubber products, rubber chemicals, functional chemicals, flame retardants, and inorganic pigments.

Hennecke: A new concept in dosing equipment

Hennecke GmbH has been developing polyurethane processing machinery and equipment for over 60 years. At this year’s K trade fair in Düsseldorf, the long-established company, headquartered in Sankt Augustin near Bonn, Germany, will present new machinery concepts and further developments in the area of state-of-the-art and established processing technologies. Based on the new Hennecke motto „Fascination PUR“, innovative samples and targeted solution expertise will be the key factors in convincing interested visitors of the benefits of Hennecke machinery.

Bayer MaterialScience: “From Megatrends to Business”

Bayer MaterialScience (BMS) is committed to help meet the global challenges of energy shortages and climate change through innovative and sustainable technologies and processes. This is the company’s central message at K 2010. Under the motto “From Megatrends to Business”, the company will showcase polymer materials solutions and developments in the areas of climate, technology, mobility, living and health.

BASF Polyurethanes: Innovative polyurethane products for automotive OEMs

Based on the principle “We help our customers to be more successful” BASF develops individual tailor-made solutions for its customers and creates its own innovative product applications. In partner-like cooperation with its customers BASF has brought numerous innovations to fruition, both in the shape of new products and through targeted further developments and new applications.

SO.F.TER. introduces natural fiber reinforced compounds

Italian compounding specialist SO.F.TER. launches at K 2010 a new line of polyolefin based compounds reinforced with natural fibers, featuring very good mechanical properties. Developed to fulfill the growing demand for sustainable materials, these composites are fully recyclable and contain fibers coming from renewable sources as a replacement of traditional mineral fillers. These fibers originate from long leaves plants such as flax, sisal, hemp, or come from wood flour and working scraps.

Plasticker: Online marketplace for the plastics industry

The industry portal plasticker.com will present itself for the second time at K, on the joint stand of the German ministry for trade, medium and small-sized enterprises and energy of the state of North Rhine Westphalia.

Norres: Conductive hoses with safety clamp system

The antistatic hoses of the Gelsenkirchen-based hose manufacturer Norres Schlauchtechnik GmbH & Co. KG are finding new markets since the introduction, last year, of TRBA 2153 throughout Germany.

IPL: Hoses and connection systems for demanding conveying applications

At K 2010 the Italian company Industrie Plastiche Lombarde S.p.A. (IPL) from Besozzo will showcase its portfolio of flexible polyurethane, PVC, and TPE hoses and equipment.

FoamPartner, Reisgies: PU flexible foam for industrial applications

The specialist PU flexible foam manufacturer Reisgies Schaumstoffe GmbH, part of the FoamPartner Group and based in Leverkusen, will be presenting its latest products and developments for a wide range of end use markets, such as the general industry, the automotive industry, and the packaging sector.

Sunkist: Foaming and cutting machines

Operating from a recently completed, state-of-the-art factory in Taipei, Sunkist Chemical Machinery Ltd. is a leading manufacturer of equipment for the PU industry. Sunkist offers a wide range of products including foaming equipment for flexible and rigid slabstock as well as flat top high and low pressure foaming machines with vacuum.

Tec Mac: PU processing and recycling machines

Tec Mac S.r.l. produces machines and plants for plural-component chemicals such as polyurethane (both rigid, flexible and integral), epoxy and phenolic resins, polyurea, elastomers, silicone and similar materials, and exports more than 85 % of its production worldwide.

Secmer: Low pressure dispensing machinery

The French company Secmer, part of the Baulé Group, will introduce its new low pressure dispensing range of machinery designed especially for use in the polyurethane CASE sector.

Purplan: Manufacturing and storage plants for liquid materials

With ongoing projects worldwide, Purplan is able to offer innovation and technical expertise to its clients.

Nantong Healthcare Foam: CNC foam cutting machines

The foam cutting equipment manufacturer from Jiangsu province in China is a leading supplier of computer-controlled cutting equipment to the flexible PU foam industry.

Oerlikon Barmag: Pumps and dosing equipment

Based in Remscheid, Germany, Oerlikon Barmag will be presenting its range of pumps and dosing equipment at this year’s show.

Laader Berg: Slabstock foaming machines

Celebrating 50 years of manufacturing continuous slabstock polyurethane foam machinery (see p. 241 in this issue), the Ålesund-based Norwegian machinery supplier Laader Berg, the inventor of the Maxfoam foaming system, will once again be present at K.

Kral: Pump and flow meter technology

Pumps with magnetic couplings will be the main focus of Kral AG’s stand at K 2010. The Lustenau-based Austrian company is a leader in the area of pump and flow meter technology.

Isotherm: High pressure PU processing equipment

Swiss-based manufacturer, Isotherm AG will showcase its range of high pressure equipment with solvent- and purge-free impingement mixing heads for spraying, casting, injection moulding of filled and unfilled two-component polyurethane foam, elastomers, and polyurea spray coatings.

Impianti OMS: New PU machines and mixing heads

Over the years OMS Group has consolidated its own image, producing evermore innovative polyurethane machines and plants and on this the new EL-series low pressure elastomer machine will be introduced.

Hyma: Complete range of foam machinery

Hyma Foam Machinery A/S staff will be available during K to discuss their complete range of foam machinery and work closely with foamers in planning the supply and design of equipment for their specific foam production requirements.

Frimo: All services from a single source

Frimo Group will be present at K with all its business units covering the different plastics processing technologies from PU processing, flexible trimming, punching, pressing and forming, thermoforming, laminating, edgefolding, and joining. Frimo offers for these processes tailor-made tools, machinery and equipment as single or complete solution from one source.

Fecken-Kirfel: Fully automatic bandknife splitting machines

At this year’s K show the cutting machinery manufacturer Fecken-Kirfel GmbH & Co. KG will be presenting a fully automatic bandknife splitting machine, the H32 Loop.

Beinlich: Gear and radial piston pumps

The German company Beinlich Pumpen GmbH from Gevelsberg will present its full range of metering and high capacity pumps suitable for many aspects of the PU processing industry.

Cannon: PU processing, thermoforming, and composites technologies under one roof

The Cannon Group will be exhibiting several innovative solutions at K 2010. In dedicated “technological islands”, the company will present its various ranges of equipment including the entire series of high pressure dosing units, low pressure, multi-component mixing heads, suitable for gaskets.

Beamech: Foaming machinery

Beamech Group is well-established as a manufacturer of process equipment for the manufacture of specialist flexible polyurethane foams.

Albrecht Bäumer: “Innovation and diversity”

Under this motto, Albrecht Bäumer GmbH & Co. KG, the long-established German manufacturer of cutting equipment, will showcase its latest products at K 2010.

New guideline for testing the adhesion of thermoplastic elastomers on substrates

For adhesion tests of TPEs on substrates a VDI Committee has developed a new guideline. In the past there has been no independent test available to analyse the adhesion of TPE to substrates. The new guideline VDI 2019 closes that gap.

Tecnoelastomeri: PU elastomer systems and casting machines

Established in 1985, the Italian manufacturer Tecnoelastomeri S.r.l offers experience in the field of formulation, moulding and engineering of polyurethane elastomers.

Stahl Europe: Lacquer and coating systems

Stahl Europe B.V. is a global customer-focused company, specialising in providing high quality lacquer and coating systems for flexible and non-flexible substrates, textiles, leather and related products.

PUR-Systems: PU foam systems and casting resins

The German polyurethane systems house PUR-Systems GmbH & Co. KG, founded in 2001, offers customers formulated systems for the production of PU rigid and rigid integral foam, flexible and flexible integral foam, spray foam, semi-rigid foam and PU cold cure elastomers as well as for RIM applications.

Repi: Pigments and liquid colour dispersions

A leading manufacturer of liquid colours, additives, speciality masterbatches as well as dosing equipment for plastics and polyurethanes, Repi S.p.A. is headquartered in Lonate Ceppino, Italy, with corporate subsidiaries in USA and Russia and operates a global commercial network.

Novotex Italiana: Coating materials for fabrics

Part of the Coim Group, Novotex Italiana has been a worldwide presence in the artificial and synthetic leather market for nearly 40 years.

Momentive: Silicones for microcellular PU foam applications

Momentive Performance Materials is a global leader in silicones supplied to the polyurethanes and other industries.

Merquinsa: New “wave of TPU specialities”

Merquinsa is a leading speciality TPU producer, providing innovative products for injection moulding, extrusion, calendering, melt coating, compounding, and adhesive applications. In 2008, the company was awarded the Frost & Sullivan “2008 Global Thermoplastic Urethane (TPU) Product Innovation Green Excellence of the Year Award”.

Kuraray: TPUs with optimised property profile

The Japanese company Kuraray produces an extensive range of resins, chemicals, and fibres and is one of the most important PVA/PVB suppliers worldwide.

Jiangsu Yoke: PU catalysts and flame retardants

Established in 1997, Jiangsu Yoke Technology Co., Ltd. focuses on the development and production of phosphate flame retardants, polyurethane catalysts and silicone surfactants.

ICL–IP: Eco-friendly polymeric flame retardants

ICL Industrial Products (ICL–IP), the industrial chemicals sector of Israel Chemicals Limited (ICL), is the world’s largest producer of elemental bromine, and a leader in the production and marketing of bromine and bromine compounds, supplying over 33 % of global demand.

Evonik: Focus on solar technology and lightweight construction

Evonik will showcase an array of new products and applications, in particular for the areas solar technology and lightweight construction.

Dow Chemical: PU bathtub reinforcing system

Hotter, quieter baths will soon be possible with new Durelast technology. At this year’s K show, Dow Formulated Systems will launch the Durelast bathtub reinforcing system.

Coim: Aliphatic and aromatic polyester polyols

The independent, Italian chemical company Coim S.p.A with manufacturing sites in Europe, USA and Asia will be presenting its range of aliphatic and aromatic polyester polyols.

CIL: PU to substrate primers and bonding agents

Chemical Innovations Limited (CIL), part of the Vita Group, will be presenting its complete range of Cilbond bonding agents suitable for use with all types of polymers, including cast elastomers and TPUs.

C. H. Erbslöh: Polyols and additives portfolio

The German distributor C. H. Erbslöh Europe SE from Krefeld will present its portfolio of additives and modifiers from renowned producers at K 2010. Renewably-sourced castor oil forms the basis for the multifunctional polyols from Vertellus.

Byk-Chemie: Additives for PU applications

Byk-Chemie GmbH is one of the world’s leading suppliers in the additives and instruments sector. Byk supplies additives to the polyurethane industry that help to optimise manufacturing processes or impart specific performance properties, such as scratch resistance or surface gloss.

Baulé: PU systems and tailor-made dosing equipment

Headquartered in Romans, France, this 50:50 joint venture between Bayer MaterialScience and Michel Baulé SA is a leading manufacturer of cast PU elastomers and dispensing machinery.

API: TPUs, polyols and prepolymers

An independent Italian compounder of TPEs, API S.p.A. will be presenting its range of polyols, prepolymers and TPUs from the Apinat, Apilon, Tivilon and Apithane ranges including its first soft biodegradedable TPE, Apinat.

Alfa Klebstoffe: Water-based adhesives for upholstery covers and foam

The Swiss company Alfa Klebstoffe AG will be presenting its latest additions to the Simalfa range of water-based adhesives, specially designed for the foam industry.

AGC: Fluorochemicals and fluoropolymers

Wholly-owned by Asahi Glass Company of Japan, AGC is one of the world’s leading producers of fluorochemicals and fluoropolymer materials.

From speech therapy devices to diaphragms and tubing

Medalist TPEs open up new applications in the medical field

Effective TPE processing with SmartFoam

Main uses for the nice material group of TPEs are soft protection, sealings, and parts with hand or skin contact. Warm feeling and soft-touch are properties that people associate with soft plastic. If you look around, you will see that TPEs make your life more comfortable; for example with tooth brushes, where often more than one component is TPE, car interiors, or machines for household and tools. The handles of nearly all hand drilling machines are covered with soft-touch TPE to get a good grip. Also most pens are supplied with a ring of TPE for easy handling and warm feeling at your finger.

Good grip for prosthetic fingers

When Matthew Mikosz, President of Partial Hand Solutions, saw the number of soldiers returning home with hand and finger injuries, he decided to develop prosthetic fingers that would feel and operate as naturally as possible for the recipient. He built the prototype for his “M-Fingers” device with material development assistance from compounder RTP Company.

TPEs challenging silicone in hoses

The Italian company Industrie Plastiche Lombarde S.p.A., since 1975 a successful „Made in Italy“ producer of flexible hose solutions, has launched IPL-Pharmaline. According to its strategy focused on the research of niche and profitable markets, with high potential for the future, IPL has developed a range of products using a TPE with the same and even better features than a standard silicone.

Controlled, consistent and compliant surface engineering for catheters

The medical device market has experienced unprecedented growth over the last 30 years, with devices giving patients access to more accurate and timely treatment in ways previously unimaginable to healthcare professionals. In line with this boom, the quest to make ever-more innovative, safe and reliable medical devices is increasing demand for modification of polymers to achieve surface engineering.

Made to measure for medical applications

Sensitisation testing is recommended for all medical device categories according to the ISO 10993-1 guideline, since exposure or contact to even minute amounts of potential leachables can result in allergic or sensitisation reactions. The Mediprene TPE compounds of Elasto have now been classified as non-sensitisers. In addition, the company has introduced a long-term supply guarantee for a number of their medical compounds.

TPEs and TPUs for all purposes from robust pallets to luxury automotive interiors

Styroflex as modifier for light weight pallets A new generation of transport pallets is being launched onto the market by Austrian Hirsch Group, Glanegg. The pallets are easy to clean and very sturdy, but first and foremost, they weigh less than the well-known EuroPallets made of wood. Hirsch uses BASF’s styrene butadiene copolymer Styroflex 2G66 as a toughness modifier for the HIPS film that protects the lightweight core of the pallets.

A combination formed for the future

Who doesn’t seek materials and processes that provide technological leadership as well as production with cost and process optimisation? Optimisation of existing systems is a limited option. But in order to remain constantly at the peak, new paths have to be followed and existing processes combined with new methods and materials to form an entirely new entity.

“Green shoe” concept

BMS is committed to help meet the global challenges of energy shortages and climate change through innovative and sustainable technologies and processes. This is the company’s central message at K 2010. Under the motto “From Megatrends to Business”, the company will showcase polymer materials solutions and developments in the areas of climate, technology, mobility, living and health.

Wacker: Silicone solutions

In 2009, the Wacker Group generated sales of some EUR 3.72 billion (2008: EUR 4.30 billion), of which Germany accounted for 21 %, Europe (excluding Germany) 25 %, North and South America just under 17 %, Asia-Pacific 34 % and the rest of the world 3 %. Wacker had roughly 15,600 employees on 31 December 2009.

Plasticker: Online marketplace for the plastics industry

The industry portal plasticker.com will present itself for the second time at K, on the joint stand of the German ministry for trade, medium and small sized enterprises and energy of the state of North Rhine Westphalia. The focus of the online portal is the B2B marketplace for raw materials and the machine trading exchange, as well as the industry job market and an exchange for trade representatives. Furthermore, Plasticker provides daily news on the exchange about the market, companies and products, professional articles, raw material prices, and market data. A calendar of events rounds off the range of information.

Zwick Roell: Equipment and machines for plastics testing

At K show, the Zwick Roell Group will display two new products, the Aflow and roboTest H for pendulum impact tests, alongside its established range of plastics testing equipment, tools, systems, and software solutions.

Brabender: Quality assurance parallel to production

Brabender develops, produces and supplies equipment for the determination of material quality and physical properties in all ranges of research, development and industrial production in the chemical industry. For the testing of elastomers it supplies, among others, the TSSR Meter.

01dB-Metravib: New fatigue testing machine

01dB-Metravib will inform at K about its new fatigue testing machine DMA+300, specifically designed for fatigue tests on elastomers and crack growth tests. The principle of these tests consists in initiating a crack on one side of the elastomer film specimen and following up the growth of the crack using an optical system during a dynamic mechanical fatigue test.

Waldorf Technik: Specialised in equipment for medical applications

Waldorf is a specialised provider of automation for injection moulding productions. The company concentrates on solutions appreciated especially by customers in the medical-technical branch.

Maplan: A “quantum leap” in elastomer moulding efficiency and quality

For the first time Maplan will exhibit at K injection moulding machines for the processing of thermoplastic elastomers. They offer injection pressures up to 2,900 bar. The machines are extremely compact, and therefore only require a minimum floor space. The machine exhibited at the K stand is equipped with an automation solution that does not require control electronics, as this task is taken care of by the novel user-friendly PC5000 touch control unit of the machine. Without programming, up to ten axes are controlled with simple parameterisation.

LWB Steinl: Energy-efficient rubber and TPE processing with the same equipment

LWB Steinl is a specialised machinery supplier for injection moulding machinery for elastomer processing. One of its latest innovations on the field of injection units is the development of the EFE technology. This technology is based on a FIFO injection unit in combination with a second injection unit, an energy-efficient concept, that lead to important savings up to 50 %.

Georg Kaufmann Formenbau: Functional surfaces

Two main themes will serve to highlight the performance of the injection mould systems presented by Georg Kaufmann: Production of moulded parts with functional surfaces (e. g. self-luminous, transparent, heatable, soft-touch) and/or with integrated capacitive sensors. To this end, the Swiss company has further improved its Duo Lamination process for back injection and back injection-compression moulding and also designed and built a demonstration mould for a diversity of applications.

Coperion: Twin screw side degassing

The ZS-EG twin screw degassing unit presented by Coperion (formerly Werner & Pfleiderer), at K 2010 is an example of the company’s degassing solutions for compounding and extrusion processes. These range from the degassing of polymer melts to the manufacture of practically odour free plastic for packaging or vehicle interiors.

Braunform: Rotary table technology

Braunform is a specialist for tool and die equipment for medical and multi-component technology and one of the few suppliers offering upper-class rotary tables with diameters between 900 mm and 1,400 mm.

Zeon: Cost-effective TPVs for automotive applications

Zeon markets a range of TPVs under the brand Zeotherm. In 2009 the company has extended this product line with the addition of two new types: 110-70B and 131-90B. The 110-70B injection moulding type has been designed to achieve a lower cost than other 100-series grades.

Velox

The Hamburg-based raw materials distribution and sales specialist will inform, among others, about the Elastoprene TPV compounds of Spanish company Elastorsa. The PP/EPDM compounds have good UV and ozone resistance with an operating temperature from –?60 to 135 °C. They are suitable for extrusion, injection moulding, and blow-moulding processes.

Marubeni

Marubeni, one of Japan’s largest Sogo Shoshas (Japanese: General Trading Houses), showcases at K 2010 Nofalloy TZ TPEs supplied by NOF Corporation.

Repi: Pigments and liquid colour dispersions

A leading manufacturer of liquid colours, additives, speciality masterbatches as well as dosing equipment for plastics and polyurethanes, Repi S.p.A., is headquartered in Lonate Ceppino, Italy, with corporate subsidiaries in USA and Russia and operates a global commercial network.

PolyOne: Halogen and phthalate-free TPEs

PolyOne offers a broad range of different TPE series for all kinds of applications. Recent developments include OnFlex HFFR TPEs for wires and cables. They are halogen and phthalate-free. Other TPE series include Versaflex, Dynaflex, Dynalloy OBC compounds, Versalloy TPVs and Versollan TPUs. PolyOne also supplies TPEs based on renewable resources.

Multibase: Silicone-based solutions

SiE and TPSiV are silicone-based thermoplastic elastomers that provide a balance between the benefits of silicone (soft-touch, fluidity, resistances) with those of elastomers and polyolefins. TPSiV is a patented technology containing no plasticisers and making the material particularly advantageous for medical, personal care or sanitary applications.

Bayer MaterialScience: From megatrends to business

Bayer MaterialScience is committed to help meet the global challenges of energy shortages and climate change through innovative and sustainable technologies and processes. This is the company’s central message at K 2010. Under the motto ’From Megatrends to Business‘, the company will showcase polymer materials solutions and developments in the areas of climate, technology, mobility, living and health.

Müller Kunststoffe: New halogen-free TPEs

Müller Kunststoffe will exhibit together with other Rowa Group companies. The company announced that one focus will be on a newly-developed standard range of improved, flame-resistant halogen-free TPE formulations. Since years Müller Kunststoffe produces halogen-free flame retardant Lifoflex compounds. According to UL 94 they achieve class VO with a minimal test piece dimension of 3 mm.

Merquinsa: New “wave of TPU specialities”

Spanish TPU supplier Merquinsa provides compounds for injection moulding, extrusion, calendering, melt coating, compounding and adhesive applications.

Kuraray: Massive expansion of TPE portfolio

The Japanese company comes to K 2010 with a multitude of innovative material developments in its TPE portfolio. Among these is a new acrylic TPE marketed under the brand name Kurarity. It is a block copolymer of methyl methacrylate and butyl acrylate that combines excellent transparency and weather resistance with elasticity and good adhesive qualities. The company is currently installing a 5,000 t/a capacity for this product at its Niigata plant in Japan. The expansion is expected to be completed in August 2011.

Kraton: SBC-based alternative to PVC and TPUs for slush moulding

Kraton together with SO.F.TER will inform visitors at K 2010 about a new joint development, an SBC-based alternative product for slush moulded interior soft skins. The companies formed a strategic alliance, and this resulted in the development of this environmentally friendly alternative to PVC and TPUs.

Kraiburg TPE: TPEs for all senses

The Bavarian TPE compounder will present tailored TPE product solutions that are designed to offer added value for processors and end-users. One main focus at the Kraiburg TPE stand will be on Hipex, the compound that is said to set new standards in terms of high temperature resistance, flow characteristics, surface properties and tensile strength.

Elastron: New HFFR and bondable TPEs

Highlights at the stand of the Turkish TPE compounder will be new UL-listed halogen-free flame retardant TPE grades and TPEs with special bonding characteristics. The new HFFR grades are RoHS compliant and have UL 94 V0 approvals for a wide hardness range. They are available as TPE-S and TPV (EPDM/PP).

DuPont: Hytrel based on renewable resources

One of the particular highlights of the DuPont exhibit will be the presentation of an extensive portfolio of renewably-sourced polymers. Among others, DuPont has a “green” Hytrel grade in its portfolio, Hytrel RS, which contains 35?–?65 % renewably-sourced material and is said to provide the same performance characteristics of original Hytrel.

DSM Engineering Plastics: Arnitel Eco launched

DSM Engineering Plastics has announced that it will introduce Arnitel Eco at K 2010. This is a thermoplastic copolyester with a 20?–?50 % content derived from renewable resources, depending on the hardness.

CTS: New lightweight “green” TPEs

At K 2010 CTS will introduce a new Téfabloc TPE product line containing up to 50 % of “green” material. The concerned ingredients are mostly plasticisers and fillers. Téfabloc TPEs with high “green” content can be used for example in vehicle sealing systems.

Austin Novel Materials: TPU portfolio from China

Established in 2003, Austin Novel Materials (Zhangjiagang) Co., Ltd. is a Chinese manufacturer of specialist TPU and cast elastomers. American-funded Austin specialises in the manufacturing of eco-friendly products. At K 2010, the company will present its full range of polyester, polyether and polycaprolactone-based Texalan branded TPUs.

Arkema: Focus on bio-based products

Bio-sourced plastics already account for 30 % of Arkema’s technical polymer business, and call upon around two thirds of its R&D activities. The company says that its bio-based polymers offer the same properties as their oil-sourced counterparts, sometimes even outperforming them.

AkzoNobel Expancel: Microspheres ready for food

Expancel now brings the beneficial properties of Expancel microspheres to a vast variety of products in the food industry and will inform visitors at K 2010 about a new grade suitable for direct food contact.

Engel: New machinery and processes

Among the 11 injection moulding machines on display on the Engel stand at the K 2010 fair in Düsseldorf, Germany, aside from another nine machines running on other stands, there will be the first model on the Engel stand of a completely new range of e-cap machines, dedicated to and optimised for moulding of caps and closures, a worldwide market sector said by Engel to amount to 3 billion closures per year.

Premiere for Benchmark S3 vertical machine

At K 2010 Desma will present a completely new designed vertical machine. On display will be an impressive package of new technical features such as “ServoGear”, “ActiveFeed”, ”PlastControl“ and “QuickLock” as well as the further advanced injection technology “FIFO Advanced”. In addition, the new operating panel DRC 2020 HT and a new easy to maintain covering are showcased for the first time. The emphases of the new machine concept are thus on clearly reduced energy costs and on substantial improvements of the complete injection process and of ease of operation.

Lanxess: A wide range of product innovations

At K 2010 Lanxess will present itself with its Semi-Crystalline Products, Butyl Rubber, Performance Butadiene Rubbers, Technical Rubber Products, Rubber Chemicals, Functional Chemicals and Inorganic Pigments business units. A special feature will be the Rubber Street.

Arburg: World premiere for new Selogica features and large hybrid machine

One of the highlights in Düsseldorf at the Arburg stand in hall 13 is the world premiere of the Selogica control system with completely new operator guidance features. The second debut is a hybrid technology in the form of the new, large Allrounder 920 H, which has a newly-designed servo-electric toggle clamping unit with a clamping force of 5,000 kN. Arburg’s presence at the K 2010 is rounded off by project systems for cost-effective part production and real treats in mould and application technology.

Plasticker: Online marketplace for the plastics industry

The industry portal plasticker.com will present itself for the second time at K, on the joint stand of the German ministry for trade, medium and small sized enterprises and energy of the state of North Rhine Westphalia.

Zwick Roell: Equipment and machines for plastics testing

At K show, the Zwick Roell Group will display two new products, the Aflow and roboTest H for pendulum impact tests, alongside its established range of plastics testing equipment, tools, systems, and software solutions.

Uth: Fine-mesh straining and extrusion systems

Equipped with a further expanded product range within the roll-ex fine-mesh straining system and the extrusion system, Uth GmbH says to provide solutions that contribute to increase the product quality and the economic efficiency in the manufacture of rubber-, silicone goods and tyres.

TSM: Hot air vulcanisation of rubber profiles

TSM will present a plant for hot air vulcanisation of rubber profiles. Thanks to gas burners and the combined heating of the profiles by hot air and for the first time additionally by infrared radiation, the HLK 101 eco model exploits the heating energy more effectively than the previous generation.

Troester: Machinery highlights for efficient rubber processing

Troester is a leading manufacturer of machinery and equipment for the production of tyre components, profiles and hoses, as well as cables. The company based in Hanover, Germany, says it will present at its stand innovations that improve quality and efficiency of the production without neglecting the ever increasing need for environmental sustainability.

KraussMaffei Berstorff: Extrusion lines for rubber hose production

KraussMaffei Berstorff is a system supplier for all the main plastics and rubber extrusion processes. The company supplies machinery and systems for compounding, for pipe, profile and sheet extrusion, physical foaming, and the production of technical rubbers and intermediates for tyre production.

Hilma-Römheld: Magnetic clamping technology for rapid die changing

For the processing of plastics at low temperatures, Hilma-Römheld GmbH will exhibit at K show four new magnetic clamping plates designed for working temperatures of up to 80 °C, 120 °C, 180 °C or 230 °C. This way users can select the technology appropriate to their application and adapted to the requirements of the materials to be processed.

HF Mixing Group: Mixing technology and control systems

At the beginning of 2010, the Harburg-Freudenberger Maschinenbau GmbH, Farrel Corporation, and Pomini Rubber & Plastics Srl have come together as HF Mixing Group.

Haitian: Economic and energy saving injection moulding

Haitian International will exhibit its broad injection moulding machines portfolio, including the Mars series, the new Mars Eco, the two-platen series Jupiter, the new and energy saving Pallas, the all-electric Zhafir Venus series, and starting with the K show the Zhafir Mercury series for the high-end sector.

Gneuß: Innovations from three business areas

Gneuß Kunststofftechnik GmbH from Bad Oeynhausen, Germany, will present an expanded product range at this year’s K show in Düsseldorf. For the second time after its debut at the K 2007, the company will highlight the MRS extruder for the processing of PET post consumer flakes without pre-drying.

Ferromatik Milacron: Premiere of the modular F-Series

Under the motto “Innovation à la carte”, Ferromatik Milacron will present its new ‘house speciality’ the F-Series. Starting in 2011, the F-Series will gradually replace the existing Ferromatik Milacron series, including the all-electric machines Elektra, hydraulic machines K-Tec, and hybrid machines Vitesse.

Elmet: Technologies for LSR processing

Elmet will present itself as a system supplier in the field of liquid injection moulding of two-component liquid silicone rubber. The company’s range of products extends from fully automatic injection moulds, through multi-component metering systems and electronically adjustable valve gate cold decks to peripheral products.

Ticona: Innovative plastics and lightweight applications

Ticona will present new products and applications at K 2010 in Düsseldorf under the banner “Count on us”. One of the highlights is the concept car from Rinspeed known as “UC?”. In this electric car designed for use in the city, Celstran tapes are used to reinforce the battery carrier and the trunk, providing stability and light weight that the drive system and the vehicle require.

Comerio Ercole: Developments in rubber calendering and mixing

The Italian company Comerio Ercole will present technical innovations in the rubber calendering process. Two new developments will be introduced: the first is a new and patented FH-1 system that allows complete hydraulic positioning of the movable rolls of a calender, and the second one is an automatic winding system of the rubberised product.

Rio Tinto Minerals: Reinforcing materials for automotive components

At this year’s K show, Rio Tinto Minerals will highlight the advantages of its microcrystalline and high aspect ratio talcs for polymers. The company’s new HAR talcs are reinforcing agents for PP automotive parts, providing stiffness and resistance to distortion at higher temperatures. This way PP parts can be made thinner contributing to lighter and more energy-efficient cars. HAR talcs also reduce shrinkage and expansion. They are ideal for bumpers, dashboards, door pillars, and interior and exterior trim.

Kuraray: Elastomer portfolio expansion

The Japanese company Kuraray produces an extensive range of resins, chemicals, and fibres and is one of the most important PVA/PVB suppliers worldwide. Of special interest for the elastomer industry are the functionalised liquid rubbers (see p. 238), acting as plasticisers or adhesion promotors.

Kraiburg TPE: TPEs for high temperature applications and more

The German TPE compounder Kraiburg TPE is one of the exhibitors at Rubber Street: One highlight at the stand will be the high-temperature TPE compound Hipex. It shows especially high heat and oil resistance.

Interep - Socatex: Closed cell expanded rubber

As an exhibitor at Rubber Street, the French company Interep – Socatex will showcase its portfolio of closed cell expanded rubber, which the company offers in blocks, sheets, rolls, and profiles.

Hoffmann Mineral: New fillers on basis of calcined siliceous earth

At the K show, Hoffmann Mineral GmbH will present its product portfolio expanded by newly developed calcined products. Motivated by the high market demand for alternative fillers against calcined clay or wollastonite, the company now offers three different types of calcined Neuburg siliceous earth: Silfit Z 91, Aktifit AM and Aktifit VM.

DuPont: „Responsible Innovation Now“

Under this motto DuPont Performance Polymers will present recent advances in plastics and elastomers for a variety of industries. One focus at the booth will be the new generation of Zytel Plus nylon for the substitution of metals in automotive applications, based on the Shield Technology of the company.

New Melitek medical compounds showcased at Kuhne Medical Tubing Extrusion Open House 2010

At the Kuhne facility in St. Augustin, Germany, the Extrusion specialist will open its doors for an exclusive open house just before and on th efirst day of the K show on 26 and 27 October 2010.

Kraiburg TPE compounds lend Emsa products widely varied advantages

The Emsa GmbH, a manufacturer of kitchen accessories and cooking aids, puts its faith in compounds made by Kraiburg TPE when manufacturing its three-piece “Mix & Bake” bowl set and the collapsible salad spinner in the “Smart Kitchen” product series. The plastics from the Thermolast K product group offer the necessary bonding to the ABS and SAN substrates.

Kraton and SO.F.TER develop SBC-based alternative to PVC and TPUs for slush moulded interior soft skins

Kraton and SO.F.TER have announced the development of a new SBC-based alternative for slush moulded interior soft skins.

Erbslöh: Additives and modifying agents

The German distributor C. H. Erbslöh Europe SE from Krefeld will present its portfolio of additives and modifiers from renowned producers at K 2010. Highlights include modifiers from DuPont, bio-based polyols, processing aids and plasticisers from Vertellus, antistatic agents from Rhodia and functional fillers from R. T. Vanderbilt.

Evonik: Focus on solar technology and lightweight construction

Evonik will showcase an array of new products and applications, in particular for the areas solar technology and lightweight construction. The booth will feature the Lotus Exige racing car, which embodies a lightweight construction that is geared to resource efficiency. The focus here is on reducing weight, improving engine and transmission efficiency, and lowering rolling resistance.

Chemtura, Galata: Additive innovations and growth plans

At this year’s K show in Düsseldorf, Chemtura and Galata Chemicals, formerly Chemtura Vinyl Additives, will exhibit at a joint booth. Chemtura will present innovations within its line of flame retardants, antioxidants, UV stabilisers, polymerisation inhibitors and organometallic specialities for plastics. In addition, the company will inform about some of the investments it is making in R&D, manufacturing expansions, and in emerging markets.

Behn Meyer: Speciality chemicals for WPC and plastic

At K 2010, the Behn Meyer Europe GmbH will present its portfolio of speciality chemicals for the plastics and rubber industry. Being part of the Behn Meyer Group, the distributor serves 17 European countries through its offices in Germany and the Netherlands. During the last years the company has expanded its activities offering today additives for the WPC and plastic compounding industry.

New online material database from Ems-Grivory

Right on schedule for K2010, Ems-Grivory has launched a new database called "EMS Material Database", which encompasses the most important products from the product families Grivory, Grilamid, Grilon and Grilflex.

Energy efficiency and resource conservation are the central themes of the special review at K 2010

Plastics and rubber stand for endless new applications with the power to inspire and fascinate. Most recently, the fact that plastics are exceptionally energy-efficient has been assuming an ever-more prominent role. Plastics are the key to resource-conserving technologies characterised by low materials consumption. The use of plastics brings major benefits in, for example, heat insulation of buildings, as well as mobility through lightweight design in cars, buses, trains and aircraft. Plastics are indispensable for the expansion of renewable energies. The range of applications for plastics in modern energy technology is vast, stretching from wind turbine rotor blades, which can only be produced using fibre-composites, to membranes in fuel cells, and to photovoltaic cells, which will be printed on a grand scale on membranes with the help of plastics technology. Numerous examples of energy-saving applications and resource-conserving production processes will be on show at K 2010, the world’s largest trade fair for plastics and rubber, in Düsseldorf from 27 October to 3 November 2010.

Maris: Extruders and complete compounding lines

At the trade show, the Italian company F.lli Maris S.p.a. will inform about its co-rotating twin-screw extruders and complete lines for the compounding of plastic materials and rubber.

Colorful, resilient and environmentally friendly: Floor coverings made from Lanxess Perbunan and Krynac rubbers

Many people have long since stopped seeing environmental protection solely in terms of nature conservation. For some years now, consumers and experts alike have also been interested in the emissions to which they may be exposed in building interiors. The European Commission has therefore called on governments to ensure that by 2010 half of their construction projects comply with a range of progressive environmental criteria.

About 3,100 exhibitors to participate in K 2010

At K 2010, the 18th international trade fair for plastics and rubber, some 3,100 exhibitors from 57 countries will again present their latest developments for all sectors of the plastics and rubber industry on 1.7 million square feet of net exhibit space. About 60 % of the space will be occupied by exhibitors from countries other than Germany. K 2010 will be held from 27 October – 3 November 2010 at the fairgrounds in Düsseldorf, Germany.

Injection moulding: Innovation driver in medical technology

There seems to be no limit to what injection moulding is capable of. With the varied injection moulding processes available, seemingly any plastic article can be conjured up, however complex the geometry. Such specialised innovative methods as co-injection, in-mould decoration, insert moulding, foam injection moulding, gas- and water-assisted injection moulding, combined processes, thin-wall technology and, increasingly, micro- and nanotechnology help to satisfy the wide-ranging needs of the various user industries.

Plastics innovations for the upturn in the construction sector

Few customer industries have been hit as heavily by the 2009 economic crisis as the construction sector. Sales of pipes, profiles and boards have fallen dramatically. Since the end of 2008, manufacturers of semi-finished products, plastics processors and machine manufacturers have experienced a significant drop in business, introduced short-time working and in some cases even throttled back their capacity. By the time of K 2010, manufacturers of pipes, profiles, boards and insulating materials are hoping for a revival of business.

Multitalented elastic materials for undercover assignments

When most people think about rubber, the first thing that comes to mind is probably car tyres. After all, we see them everywhere on our streets and roads, and many of us have to ensure that they are regularly inspected and replaced.

Innovation Compass shows route to the highlights of K 2010

No other trade fair in the plastics and rubber industry presents an array of products and novelties as large and varied as K 2010, says organiser Messe Düsseldorf. The high international representation among the 3,000 exhibitors who will be in Düsseldorf from 27 October to 3 November 2010 guarantees that all segments will be reflected at world market level. And because each participant naturally wishes to showcase attractive innovations, preparations for K 2010 are in full swing at all of the exhibiting companies.

Energy saving infrared-heaters

For more than 35 years, Krelus AG has specialised in the supply of tailor-made infrared heater systems for applications such as:

Thinner films and more functional packages

Packages may not be able to speak yet. But if they were, they would tell the consumer when their contents have reached their sell-by date, where and at what temperature the packaged product has to be stored and the applications it is intended for. All the same, modern packages already come with all this information. Intelligent packages that satisfy many criteria in addition to supplying the necessary consumer information are on the advance – and not only where foods are concerned. The plastic film industry has therefore been hit much less hard by the 2009 economic crisis than other branches of the plastics industry.

Global plastics and rubber industry to meet at K 2010 in Düsseldorf

The triennial international trade fair for plastics and rubber, K 2010, will open its doors from 27 October – 3 November 2010 in Düsseldorf, Germany. Despite the difficult economic times for the industry, some 3,000 exhibitors have registered and all 19 of the available halls will be occupied.