modern plastics & polymers - august 2010

Als

o av

aila

ble

in S

ri La

nka,

Mal

aysi

a, S

inga

pore

, Tha

iland

, Tai

wan

, Chi

na &

Hon

g K

ong

Mod

ern

Pla

stics & P

olym

ers

Au

gu

st 2010

ED ITOR IAL

15August 2010 | Modern Plastics & Polymers

No one can discount the fact that the ‘attractive index’ at the point-of-purchase plays an important role in the buyer’s

mind for a product - automobile parts, appliances, furniture, building products, packaging and containers, to name a few. Though it is easy to reckon that plastics comes as an aid in this pursuit of product differentiation, selecting the right way of ‘decorating’ a particular product can be a crucial element in the production process.

Talking about printing, not all methods are suitable for plastics. In fact, some methods require surface preparation, which may adversely affect the economics or desirability aspects. Among the factors to consider before printing on plastics are surface tension, ink adhesion, etc. Special additives can give the ink the desired flow properties in the application phase or an improved flexibility after curing. In fact, some additives can enhance adhesion and appearance.

Moreover, plastics and self-adhesive substrates can provide glow-in-the-dark and prismatic effects as well as textured, metallised & reflective properties before they are even printed. This opens up an array of application avenues. For further details, turn to the ‘Sector Watch’.

As the lifestyle of the Indian populace undergoes transformation of sorts in line with the robust economic growth, higher spending power of the consumer will positively impact many sectors, including the plastic housewares.

As some industry pundits observe, the current trends in plastic design to give products smooth, edgy, metallic looks, colour changes at different angles, and soft-touch thermoplastic elastomers overmoulded onto rigid substrates could be passé. Instead, the next design trend would combine hard and soft looks, such as brushed aluminium with wood, rather than haptic-derived looks. The ‘Market Trends’ throws more light on the plastic housewares segment.

On a different note, though plastics have been used in the healthcare sector for decades, it is only in the recent years that designers have begun to discover the benefits of specialty compounds for medical applications. Take a look at the ‘Industry Update’ section to track some of the latest trends in this arena.

On the makeover mode

Manas R [email protected]

Printed by Mohan Gajria and published by Lakshmi Narasimhan on behalf of Infomedia 18 Limited and printed at Infomedia 18 Ltd, Plot no.3, Sector 7, off Sion-Panvel Road, Nerul, Navi Mumbai 400 706, and published at Infomedia 18 Ltd, ‘A’ Wing, Ruby House, J.K.Sawant Marg, Dadar (W), Mumbai - 400 028. Modern Plastics & Polymers is registered with the Registrar of Newspapers of India under No.

14798/2005. Views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of Infomedia 18 Ltd. Infomedia 18 Ltd reserves the right to use the information published herein in any manner whatsoever. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of the information published in this edition, neither Infomedia 18 Ltd nor any of its employees accept any responsibility for any errors or

omission. Further, Infomedia 18 Ltd does not take any responsibility for loss or damage incurred or suffered by any subscriber of this magazine as a result of his/her accepting any invitation/offer published in this edition. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher. All rights reserved.Editor: Manas R Bastia

EditorManas R BastiaAssistant EditorSarita KuttySenior CorrespondentShivani Mody (Bengaluru)Features WriterKTP Radhika Jinoy (Delhi)CorrespondentGeetha Jayaraman (Delhi)Copy DeskPriyadarshini BasuProducts DeskA MohankumarGroup Photo Editor & Creative HeadShiresh R KarraleDesignSharad BharekarProductionPravin Koyande, Dnyaneshwar Goythale,Vikas Bobhate, Ravikumar Potdar, Ravi Salian, Sanjay Shelar, Lovey Fernandes, Pukha Dhawan, Varsha Nawathe, Abhay Borkar, Akshata RaneMarketing & BrandingJagruti Shah, Ganesh MahaleChief Executive OfficerLakshmi NarasimhanAssociate Vice PresidentSudhanva Jategaonkar

SubscriptionSunder Thiyagarajan, General Manager-Copy Sales,Sheetal Kotawadekar, Senior ManagerTel: 91-22-3003 4631 / 4633, Email: [email protected] & Business OfficeInfomedia 18 Ltd, Special Interest Publications Division, ‘A’ Wing, Ruby House, J. K. Sawant Marg, Dadar (W), Mumbai 400 028Tel: 91-22-3003 4669 / 4673, Fax: 91-22-3003 4499Email: [email protected] Business Offices Ahmedabad (Shashin): Tel: 079-3982 6432 Fax: 079-3982 6464 Email: [email protected] Bangalore (Mahadev B): Tel: 080-3001 0900 Fax: 080-3001 0999 Email: [email protected] Chennai (Hari): Tel: 044-3986 4200 Fax: 044-3986 4250 Email: [email protected] (Robin): Tel: 0484-4054 380/90 Fax: 0484-405 4370 Email: [email protected] (Prakash): Tel: 0422-309 2600 628 Fax: 0422-309 2666 Email: [email protected] Hyderabad (Rahul): Tel: 040-3064 7600 Fax: 040-3064 7676 Email: [email protected] (Ameya): Tel: 0731-307 4876 Fax: 0731-307 4882 Email: [email protected] (Durgesh): Tel: 0141-300 7414; 300 7411 Fax: 0141-221 3728 Email: [email protected] (Deb Ranjan): Tel: 033-2265 8637/38 Fax: 033-2265 2964 Email: [email protected] (Jasmeet): Tel: 0161-302 6198/99, 302 6200 Fax: 0161-302 6198 Email: [email protected]

Mumbai (Rahul): Tel: 022-3003 4640 Fax: 022-3003 4499 Email: [email protected] New Delhi (Jhuma/Mukesh): Tel: 011-6630 3278 Fax: 011-2332 7884 Email: [email protected] (Rohit): Tel: 020-6603 1234 Fax: 020-6601 0486 Email: [email protected] (Sunil): Tel: 0261-263 0181 Fax: 0261-263 0974Email: [email protected] (Samarth): Tel: 0265-392 6500/1 Fax: 0265-235 6013 Email: [email protected]

Overseas Contacts Ringier Trade Media Ltd

China: Tel: +86 21 6289 5533, Ext. 368; Fax: +86 21 6247 4855Email: [email protected] Kong: Tel: +852 2369 8788 Ext. 19, Fax: +852 2369 5919Email: [email protected]: Tel: +886 4 2329 7318, Ext. 16 Fax: +886 4 2310 7167 Email: [email protected]: Tel: +65-6288 5586, Fax: +65-6288 3301 Email: [email protected]

USA: Tel: (513) 527-8800, Fax: (513) 527-8801 Email: [email protected], Austria, SwitzerlandTel: +41-44 734 0472, Fax: +41 44 734 0680 Email: [email protected]

• Issue Price: Rs 100• Annual Subscription: Rs 799

Editorial Advisory Board A E Ladhabhoy Plastics Technologist

Dr Sushil K VermaFormer Director General, CIPET

Dr Swapan K DharaRegional Technical Head, Basell Polyolefins India Pvt Ltd

Mohan K JainMD, Indoplast & past president, AIPMA

P P KharasChairman, Ecoplast

Raman M Patel Chairman, Industrial Products Mfg Co

Vijay Merchant President, Polycraft

CONTENTS

16 Modern Plastics & Polymers | August 2010

Note: $ stands for US dollar and £ stands for UK pound, unless mentioned otherwise

Sector Watch : Advancements in raw materials Market Trends : Paints & coatingsIndustry Update : Plastics in Automotives

Cover photo courtesy : Oberthur Technologies

Design Innovations 36 Product design and innovations

Leaders Speak 38 Thomas Herrmann, President, Herrmann Ultraschalltechnik GmbH

Facility Visit 40 Alok Masterbatches Ltd: Colouring the world of plastics

Sector Watch 42 Printing on plastics: Picture perfect

Market Trends 48 Plastics in housewares: Shaping the furture

Courtesy: Borealis AG

Industry Update: Plastics in medical applications Industry Voice 56 Josh Blackmore, Global Market Manager – Healthcare, RTP Company

Processing Trends 60 Selection of materials for medical applications: A safety evaluation

Karl M Hoppe, Product Development Engineer, RTP Company

Case Study 64 Coloured latches for instrument delivery systems: Locking in the shades

Courtesy: Solvay Advanced Polymers

Know-How 66 Role of 2D and 3D CAD in mould making: From concept to reality

Manoj Mehta, Country Manager - India and SAARC Operations, Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp

Performance Metrics 70 Minimising warpage characteristics of FRPs: Getting closer to perfection

Courtesy: BASF SE

Management Mantras 74 ERP in SMEs: A propellent for profitablility

Satish Radhakrishnan, Consultant, Savoir Faire Management Consultancy Pvt Ltd

42

REGUL AR SECTIONSTechnology Transfer .........80

Product Update...............82

Product Inquiry............... 91

Advertisement Inquiry.......... 93

Product Index................. 97

Advertisers’ List ............ 100

Editorial......................... 15

National News............... 18

Asia News ..................... 24

World News................... 28

Tech Updates ................ 32

Events Calendar............. 76

55

40

38

Highlights of Next Issue

Build up to

K 2010

N AT I O N A L N E W S


INVESTMENT DESTINATIONS

India invites German investment in chemical and petrochemical sector India has invited German investment in the fast growing chemical and petrochemical sector in India. Srikant Kumar Jena, Minister of State for Chemicals & Fertilizers, who was on a

three-day visit to Germany, extended the invitation during a meeting with Jochen Homann, State Secretary, Federal Ministry of Economics & Technology. Jena spoke about the upcoming opportunities in chemical and petrochemical sector in India and the commitment of government to provide world-class infrastructure for its growth in the PCPIR regions. He mentioned about the already functional PCPIR at Dahej and the new upcoming PCPIRs at Haldia, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh and Paradeep in Orissa. The Minister talked about the attractiveness of East Coast region of India particularly Orissa as an investment destination for German

companies. The proposal for a PCPIR in Paradeep of Orissa is under the process of approval by Government of India. He also mentioned that within the proposed PCPIR, there could be SEZs, Plastic Parks, Growth Centres, etc, which would provide investment opportunities in the entire value chain of petrochemicals.

The delegation also visited BASF’s chemical plant at Schwarheide Chemical Complex in Brandenburg State of Germany. During the meeting, Neel Kamal Darbari, Joint Secretary, spoke about PCPIR policies of Government of India and invited investment from BASF into the PCIPR being set up/under consideration in Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal and Orissa.

RECYCLING NORMS

Strict norms for plastic recycling units in SEZs The Commerce Ministry is soon likely to come up with strict norms for SEZ units engaged in recycling of plastics in wake of the Environment Ministry’s concern on illegal import of the hazardous waste. Businesses interested in setting up new plastics recycling units in Special Economic Zones (SEZs), would have to invest a

minimum of Rs 1 crore in plant & machinery and export 80 per cent of the turnover by the fifth year of their operations.

At present, the government does not consider fresh proposals for such units. The Commerce Ministry is also of the view that the existing plastics waste recycling units should export 50 per cent of their turnover. Currently, units are permitted to supply goods to domestic tariff area (DTA). “The quantum of sale in the DTA can be gradually reduced...and they (units) should

gradually increase physical exports to the level of 50 per cent of their total turnover in the fifth year,” the draft policy for setting up of units for recycling of plastics in SEZs stated.

SUMMIT

Performance plastics to re-mould future business dimensions for the Indian plastics industry: F&S

India is emerging as a global hub for manufacturing; it is therefore imperative to adopt new products, technologies, and better manufacturing practices. According to Frost & Sullivan, performance plastics are high value products that typically outperform the replaced material in terms of exceptional heat resistance, greater chemical & wear resistance, strength & stiffness and offer dimensional stability among other critical properties.

Though the initial price is high, performance plastics can help reduce the lifetime cost, which includes processing cost of the fabricated product. Most of these plastics are offering tremendous value in the automotive, appliances, electrical and electronics, and healthcare segments. The major challenges that come in the way of boosting demand for performance plastics in India are low awareness level of the industry and the lack of processing technology all of which are interdependent and need to be addressed together.

According to Mamta Wadhwa, Senior Director, CMF Practice, Frost & Sullivan, South Asia, Middle East, and North Africa, “The key drivers for the growth of engineering plastics market in India would be the macro economic growth, growth of the end-user industries propelled due to the increase in domestic manufacturing and MNCs setting up shops. In addition, there is a shift in consumer preferences towards functional and performance oriented products. Though these plastics find applications in a host of industries

such as automotive, electrical, white goods and appliances, healthcare, toys, etc, the biggest application is still in the automotive industry.”

The CMF Practice of Frost & Sullivan, the global partnership company, is organising an Executive MindXchange ‘Performance plastics summit 2010 – trends and advances in performance plastics’ on August 6, 2010, at The Westin Mumbai Garden City, Mumbai, to create a platform for end-users to gain an understanding on key issues, latest developments, and processing requirements of the specialty plastics industry.

This MindXchange will provide and overview of the Indian specialty plastics industry, and will cover topics like ‘Innovations in specialty polymers – an R&D perspective’, ‘How high performance plastics can meet auto OEM needs for improved vehicle performance and regulatory compliance’, and ‘Key product innovations and advantages of using performance plastics across automotive segment – a supplier’, among others.



R&D

Indian Government plans policy to boost R&D activities for petrochem sector To improve the image of the country in petrochemical exports, the Indian government has instituted a national policiy to provide impetus to research and development (R&D) activities in this field. Currently, the industry’s R&D expenditure stands at around Rs 220 crore, about 1 per cent of the total industry turnover.

Termed as Centres of Excellence (CoEs) in the petrochemicals sector, the policy entails creation of R&D set-ups for modernisation of the petrochemical industry at an estimated cost of Rs 440-660 crore. With the scheme, the government aims at a low-cost high-return intervention in the petrochemical sector through public-private participation to promote the development of new applications of polymers and plastics by setting up CoEs. Under the scheme, existing educational and research institutions working in this field will be encouraged to set up CoEs for updating product applications, innovate new design and technology, recycle process technology, and develop biopolymers and biodegradable

polymers, among others. The thrust will be on new process technologies for high performance polymers through green technology.

The CoEs will emerge as internationally recognised centre for path-breaking R&D efforts, which would be subsequently transferred to the industry for commercial development. The funding of the scheme will be only in the form of a one-time capital expenditure for the government to set up such CoEs. Thus, the total government support for a single project will be either 50 per cent of the total investment or costs of the project, with an upper limit of Rs 6 crore over a period of three years. Each CoE should finish the project within a period of three years. The rest of the amount will be met from resources of the applicant institute and its industrial partners. The policy note is of the view that India has a large and growing domestic market but low per capita polymer and synthetic fibre (plastics) consumption. It states that while the upstream petrochemical products are technology-intensive for which technologies are imported from global investors, the downstream part of the industry needs major technological upgrade. This scheme proposes to come out with technological innovation in both products and processes for both upstream and downstream petrochemical industry.

EVENT

DuPont organises business networking forum for the packaging industry

DuPont Packaging & Industrial Polymers (P&IP) recently organised a customer appreciation banquet in Mumbai to thank customers for their continuous support. It was also a business networking forum attended by brand owners, machine companies and converters. The event was well attended by key people from the converting, end-user (CPGs), equipment companies, packaging institutes, associations and packaging publications.

During the course of the event, Vivek Bhide, Business Director, P&IP India, introduced DuPont, mega trends & opportunities for DuPont and highlighted need for collaboration for success. Roger Kant, AP Marketing Manager for P&IP, highlighted global packaging trends & directions. P Govindanarayana, Marketing Manager, P&IP India talked about DuPont Packaging Awards and shared details of 22 DuPont Packaging Award winners. He also

thanked the Indian packaging industry for active participation in DuPont Packaging Award and encouraged the audience for future participation as well. Kant and Bhide presented ‘Notable Accomplishment’ award to Positive Packaging and Kellogg’s team. Amit Ray, President & CEO, UFlex Industries highlighted converting role in Indian packaging’s growth. In addition, Sanjeev Malhotra, Director, Alia Group discussed about issues & opportunities in packaging from the retail perspective. The event was well attended by senior leaders coming from converting, design, equipment, and consumer products companies, retail shops as well as institutes and association of the packaging industry. The event included a forum at which different speakers shared their perspectives on packaging trends and highlighted challenges and opportunities being faced in the packaging market. Besides, it offered a great platform to foster trade collaboration to address market trends and for developing solutions responding to existing and emerging market needs. By sharing innovative packaging solutions to the participants, DuPont P&IP demonstrated its continued commitment to leadership in packaging.

“This event provided a great opportunity for the packaging fraternity to network and exchange views on the latest trends in flexible packaging. The DuPont Awards for Packaging Innovation was a good recognition for the Positive team and we sincerely appreciate DuPont’s role in encouraging convertors by giving them this platform for global recognition. Our relationship with DuPont is strong & rewarding and such events only make it stronger,” said Ashish Pradhan from Positive Packaging.

PACKAGE DEALOrbitz offers travel packages for K 2010Orbitz Corporate and Leisure Travel has announced several travel packages for the 18th international hosting of K, which will be held at Düsseldorf Fairgrounds, Germany from October 27 to November 3, 2010. K is the world’s biggest platform related to rubber and plastics. This once-in-three-years event is a showcase of what is important today and what will shape the markets of tomorrow and beyond.

Orbitz offers a choice of six all-inclusive visitors’ travel packages and a special one at exhibitors for K 2010. These packages are conceived with a view to providing a hassle free and eventful business visit. There are three options to choose from, viz, Premium, Comfort and Budget. The highlight of the tour will be the Industry Networking Night.

Vivek Bhide presenting DuPont Packaging Award

to Kellog’s team



STRATEGIC MOVE

UFLEX announces global investment plans In a move to strengthen its presence globally and consolidate its position in the domestic market, UFLEX Ltd, a leading Indian flexible packaging company, has announced its aggressive business and investment plans of more than $ 250 million for the next two years.

“We are setting up new units across the globe, primarily to cater to the global market. Our target is to have one billion dollar turnover by the year 2013,” Ashok Chaturvedi, Chairman and Managing Director, UFLEX Ltd, said. He did not rule out the possibility of acquiring units across the globe.

“We have tried that in the past and we are ready to explore the possibilities further across the globe. Meanwhile, we are expanding our existing capacity of production,” he informed. UFLEX has three manufacturing units in India, one each in Mexico and Dubai. It is likely to start production in a state-of-the-art unit in Egypt soon. The second phase of the Egypt unit is expected to be commissioned in the third quarter of financial year 2011-12.

These units produce a wide range of plastic films and packaging products providing end-to-end solutions to clients in more than 100 countries.

“The Rs 15,000 crore ($ 325 million) domestic industry (of flexible

packaging) is growing annually at the rate of 15-18 per cent due to increase in demand for flexible packaging products, especially by the FMCG and food sector. We want to become a preferred supplier of the packaging materials not only in India but across the globe. We are expecting the share of global market to increase from 43-60 per cent in our total sales in the next few years,” Chaturvedi informed.

“In a bid to cater to the growing demand in the US, Canada and Mexico, we have decided to further expand the capacity of our Mexico plant. This expansion will be complete by June 2011,” he added.

LAUNCH FUNCTION

AIPMA organises launch functions for Plastivision India 2011

The Indian plastics industry has a strong urge to leverage on the global opportunities for a glorious future. This was the common sentiment that prevailed during the launch functions of the 8th Plastivision India 2011held in cities across India. The launch functions showcased some of the distinct advantages that will be presented to the Indian plastics industry through the forthcoming Plastivision India 2011. The committee members also announced that there would be dedicated theme pavilions - one featuring dies & moulds providers in the form of ‘INDIA MOLD’, a pavilion for innovative plastic products called PLASTICA, and an environment theme pavilion featuring appropriate recycling technologies.

At the recently held launch function in Hyderabad, the Chief Guest was D K Aruna Garu, Minister for Small Scale Industries, Government of Andhra Pradesh. Besides emphasising on the importance of plastics in all spheres of life, she made announcements about allocation of 350 acre of industrial land for Special Plastic Zone in the outskirts of Hyderabad.

Dr Mahendra B Parmar, President, AIPMA & Chairman of Plastivision India 2011, promised smaller stalls to interested exhibitors from the MSME sector who may come forward in groups to form the Andhra Pradesh pavilion.

Earlier during the launch function held in Jaipur, Dr Parmar invited the plastics fraternity from North India, particularly from Rajasthan to come forward and participate in Plastivision India 2011. At the launch function held in Pune, Dr Parmar stated that Pune being an important auto hub, the corporates and SMEs located in and around Pune should not miss this opportunity to display the processing capabilities of processors making intricate automobile components from engineering plastics.

Arvind Mehta, Chairman, NAB, Plastindia Foundation shared his experience of Plastindia and emphasised on the benefits of participating in such exhibitions.

NET GAINS

Supreme Industries PAT up by 48.73 per cent Supreme Industries Ltd (SIL), a leading processor of plastics, reported a 48.73 per cent increase in its Profit After Tax (PAT) for the year ended June 30, 2010. SIL’s total income and operating profit for the year amounted to Rs 2014.88 crore and Rs 298.48 crore, as compared to Rs 1655.98 crore and Rs 242.00 crore, for the previous year, recording an increase of 21.67 per cent and 23.34 per cent, respectively.

The Profit Before Tax (PBT) and Profit After Tax (PAT), for the year amounted to Rs 219.62 crore and Rs 144.83 crore, as compared to Rs 139.89 crore and Rs 97.38 crore, for the previous year, recording an increase of 56.99 per cent and 48.73 per cent, respectively.

The Earnings Per Share (EPS) is Rs 57.01 (year ending June 30, 2010) as compared to Rs 38.33 last year.

M P Taparia, Managing Director, SIL, said, “In the previous year, the company achieved a volume growth of 12 per cent, and expects to achieve a volume growth of 20 per cent plus in the current year. The company, apart from making investments in existing segments, is seriously moving ahead to add two new segments in plastics products in the current year.”

D K Aruna Garu addressing the press at the launch function in Hyderabad. Also seen on her right is Dr Mahendra B Parmar; Raja Shah, Co-Chairman, PVI-2011 and Anil Reddy, Managing Committee

Member, AIPMA - Hyderabad

A S I A N E W S


PET PLANT

South Asian Petrochem to build PET resin plant in Egypt

Plans are underway to build a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plant in Egypt by South Asian Petrochem Ltd (SAPL). To be built at an outlay of $ 170 million, at the approved site at Port Said, start-up is planned for March 2012.

SAPL had earlier suspended the project due to lease deed problems at its initially proposed site at Port Said. But the project has been resumed after fresh approval from the Egyptian

Government for the restructured project. Output from the plant will cater to demand in Egypt – a net importer of PET bottle chips and due to its strategic location will also be exported to North Africa, Europe, USA and the Middle East. SAPL was established in 1996, and is now in the process of setting up a PET resins plant at Haldia in West Bengal, India. The proposed plant of SAPL will have an installed capacity of 140,000 tonne per annum.

BLACK MASTERBATCH

Cabot Corporation opens masterbatch facility in Dubai

Cabot Corporation has officially opened its black masterbatch manufacturing facility in the Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai. The plant has an initial production capacity of 25,000 metric tonne per year with provision to expand to 75,000 metric tonne in the future. Production is scheduled to commence in August 2010. The state-of-the-art manufacturing facility includes the latest environmental and manufacturing

technologies to ensure production of high-quality black masterbatches.

The building houses laboratories, administration offices, production and packaging units. The Dubai plant allows the company to better meet increasing masterbatch demand in the Middle East, Europe and Asia Pacific regions.

Sean Keohane, Vice President and General Manager - Performance Segment, Cabot, said, “Within the Middle East there is already a strong demand for polyethylene and polypropylene compounds for use in building infrastructure for water supply, electricity, and telecommunications projects. These are key applications for black masterbatch. This new site offers significant quality and service advantages to Middle East producers, who are global exporters of compounds.”

MOU

Sabic signs supply deals in China, plans R&D centre Sabic Innovative Plastics recently signed memorandums of understanding to supply 6,00,000 metric tonne (1.3 billion pounds) of polymers to eight Chinese firms. The deal was finalised at a ceremony in the Saudi Arabia pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo.

The deals total Yuan 6 billion ($ 885 million) and are considered a major cooperation with the Chinese industry, according to company officials.

The company plans to build a research and development centre in Pudong, Shanghai, where it already operates a China technology center. Sabic also will establish its Greater China headquarters in Shanghai by 2012, according to Ahmed Al Umar, Vice President - Asia Pacific, SABIC.

The company commenced commercial production at its 3 million metric tonne-per-year petrochemical joint venture with Sinopec in Tianjin in May.

More cooperation projects between the two giants are in the works, according to company officials.

ACQUISITION

Korea’s Honam buys Malaysia’s Titan Chemical South Korea’s Honam Petrochemical Corp recently made an unconditional takeover offer to Malaysia’s Titan Chemical Corp, having reached an agreement to buy 72 per cent of the polymer producer from its major shareholders. Honam’s offer follows a RM 2.94 billion ($ 917 million) deal, which priced Titan at RM 2.35 ($ 0.73) per share.

Honam has reached an agreement to buy 37.3 percent of Titan shares from Taiwan’s Chao Group and 35.3 per cent from Malaysian state fund investor Permodalan National Bhd and AmanahRaya Trustees Bhd.Chong Bum Shick, President and

CEO , Honam, said that Titan would be delisted from Bursa Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur once the group gets full control of the company.Honam is expanding its international polymer business through the Titan acquisition.Honam’s products include polyethylene, polypropylene, PET, polycarbonate and ethylene oxide/ethylene glycol (EO/EG).Titan produces benzene, toluene, PE, PP, and butadiene in Pasir Gudang, in the southern peninsular Malaysian industrial region. It also produces PE from PT Titan in Indonesia.Goldman Sachs (Singapore) Pte has been appointed international financial adviser, and Kadir, Andri & Partners as legal adviser, said Titan.

A S I A N E W S


EXTENDING REACH

South Korean automotive trim moulder opens plant in GeorgiaSouth Korean automotive supplier Hanil E-Hwa Co Ltd recently invested $ 8.45 million to start a factory in Georgia to injection mould door trim, painted

interior door parts and wheel caps for the new Kia Motors Corp plant, Georgia officials said.

Sonny Perdue, Governor of Georgia announced that Hanil E-Hwa would create 173 jobs over the next three years. The company will locate in a 173,354-sq-ft building in LaGrange, in Western Georgia, near the Kia assembly plant.

The governor’s office said that the injection moulding facility should begin production in October. The plant will start with three injection presses - one with clamping force of 2,000 tonne, and two 850-tonne presses, according to an

official of the Korean supplier’s other US operation, Hanil E-Hwa Interior Systems Alabama LLC in Selma, Ala.

The company also plans to expand the Georgia plant to seven presses. Hanil’s plant in LaGrange will supply to Kia only, while the Selma plant supplies to Hyundai, according to the official.

Kia had held grand opening ceremonies at its assembly plant in West Point, Ga., in February. Both Kia and Hyundai Motor Co’s five-year-old factory in Montgomery, have attracted many suppliers — establishing a US centre of car production for South Korean automakers.

EXPANSION

Teijin sets up composites production in Germany

Japanese materials firm Teijin Ltd is setting up a production line in Germany to supply carbon-fibre reinforced plastic laminate sheet to European aircraft maker Airbus, part of what Teijin said is a plan to heavily target composites applications in the aerospace market.

Tokyo-based Teijin said it had signed a long-term supply agreement with Airbus for its Tenax thermoplastic sheet for its new A350 XWB (extra-wide body) passenger aircraft, as well as reaching an agreement worth Euro 130 million ($ 160.4 million) to supply carbon fibre materials for Bombardier Aerospace’s new C series regional jets.

The company also said it was doubling its sales force in aerospace and seeking to expand direct contacts with aerospace manufacturers, in a move seen as challenging some of the existing aerospace materials suppliers like Toray Industries Inc.

Officials from Teijin also added that the new German manufacturing line, at the existing Oberbruch facility of its Toho Tenax Europe GmbH subsidiary, would start production in March with a unidirectional prepreg line. The first

contract calls for supplying carbon-fibre reinforced thermoplastic resin laminate sheet for the new A350 model.

The A350, which is scheduled to start service in 2013, is Airbus’s answer to airline demands for lighter aircraft, with carbon fibre reinforced thermoplastics making up a significant portion of its weight.

Teijin is pressing ahead with new material development aimed at aerospace, and said it had recently developed a carbon fibre composite using polyetheretherketone (PEEK) resin for the A350 XWB, and another carbon fibre composite using benzoxazine thermoset resin for the Airbus A380. It said both are being qualified and moving to practical applications.

Teijin had entered into an agreement with Airbus in 2008 to jointly develop advanced materials for aircraft. It was in talks with Airbus to supply other materials, including its benzoxazine prepreg in the A380’s auxiliary power unit housing

Teijin also said its agreement with Canadian aircraft maker Bombardier would supply carbon fibre material for major primary and secondary composites structures on the new C series regional jet. That 10-year agreement was also with Teijin’s European division, Toho Tenax Europe GmbH.

As aircraft makers look for lighter materials to build planes, Teijin said it expects the aerospace carbon fibre composites market to grow from 5,000 metric tonne a year now, to 10,000 metric tonne by 2015 and 20,000 metric tons by 2025. Toho Tenax said it hopes to capture 30 percent of that market by 2025, for aerospace sales of an estimated 100 billion yen ($1.1 billion).

EXTRUSION

Dalian Shide building $ 149 million profile extrusion plantChinese PVC window and door giant Dalian Shide Plastics Industry Co Ltd is spending up to Yuan 1 billion ($149 million) on a factory complex in the Northern city of Changchun, Jilin province, capable of producing 1,60,000 metric tonne of profiles a year. The company, based in Dalian, Liaoning province, said the initial phase would see an investment of Yuan 750 million ($ 112 million) with production of 1,20,000 metric tonne. The whole project is scheduled for completion in March.

The factory would be the firm’s eighth and add production capacity of more than 9,00,000 metric tonne in China.The Changchun expansion comes on the heels of completing a new production base in Nanchang, Jiangxi province in February. The company said that it had invested Yuan 500 million ($ 73.5 million) with 42 production lines from Austria.

W O R L D N E W S


STRATEGIC MOVE

Michigan Roll Form buys Tru-Tech assets

Michigan Roll Form Inc, maker of cut-off equipment and pre-notch dies for vinyl siding, based at Fraser, Michigan, has purchased the intellectual property and inventory of Tru-Tech Tool and Machine Co. The purchase includes designs and records pertaining to all machinery & tooling, inventory of spare parts, engineering drawings and sales records.

Apart from this, the company has also obtained the exclusive rights to use the brand name, copyrights and

trademarks, of which the terms were not disclosed. The automotive, appliance and office equipment industries use Tru-Tech equipment to make strong profiles with a metal substrate coated with plastics or rubber, according to Steve Arens, President, Michigan Roll Form. The Tru-Tech equipment forms the metal shape and cuts the finished product. Michigan Roll Form has moved the items to Fraser from Tru-Tech’s former plant in Muskegon, Michigan.

ANNIVERSARY

St Petersburg Research Centre for polymer films celebrates anniversary The Research Centre for Polymer Films at St Petersburg, Russia, recently celebrated its third anniversary. Founded in May 2007 by the Klöckner Pentaplast Group, St Petersburg State Institute of Technology (Technical University), and nine West European raw material suppliers/machine manufacturers, the centre focusses on research and development of packaging films. The centre is housed within the Klöckner Pentaplast facility.

Since its inception, centre sponsorships have grown to 26 Western European raw material suppliers and machine manufacturers. Its activities are concentrated on development of innovative film solutions based on the calendering process, as well as the advanced development of nanosol coatings, intelligent packaging and quality

control systems. The research centre continues to be the first of its kind in Russia and serves as a valuable resource for the development of the Russian packaging industry. Offering a platform between the Western European raw material suppliers and machine manufacturers and the Russian packaging industry and scientists, Klöckner Pentaplast and these companies support and award research grants that are studied by staff, 20 students and professors from the St Petersburg University.

In addition, financial and mechanical engineering support has been provided to enable the students and scientists to gain practical experience through the use of state-of-the-art equipment and measurement systems. Within the last two years, projects have included

nanotechnology and film properties, additive optimisation, metrological evaluation of surfaces, software based colour measurement, material flow analysis, 3D projection of production processes & environmental analysis, and comparisons of properties for different packaging variants. Currently, the centre is researching anti-counterfeiting for film packaging and automated production planning for the extrusion lines of Klöckner Pentaplast - Europe.

“Both Klöckner Pentaplast and National Institute St Petersburg benefit from this partnership,” said Dr Hans-Joachim Kogelnik, President and COO, Klöckner Pentaplast - Europe. “Klöckner Pentaplast has access to outstanding research and education resources, while the National Institute St Petersburg is able to provide a hands-on R&D centre for its students, professors and staff. Together we are able to support the growth of the Russian packaging industry,” he added.

INNOVATION

LUVOCOM adds a touch of colour to CFRPs

Engineers at Lehmann & Voss & Co, Hamburg, have now succeeded in bringing colour to carbon fibre reinforced plastics through its high-performance thermoplastics, LUVOCOM. Already in production for more than 25 years, LUVOCOM materials are mainly formulated as per individual customer requirements. They

have precisely defined properties and are based on five product families: electrically conductive, lubricant-modified, carbon fibre reinforced, high-temperature resistant and thermally conductive materials. The use of these coloured materials makes it possible, eg, to distinguish components that are very similar, but made of different base polymers or to distinguish between left and right parts in a production process. LUVOCOM is used in a wide range of industries to produce finished goods that function reliably even under very difficult conditions. The service provided by the LUVOCOM team includes support in parts design and material specification; suitable samples of semi-finished goods can be supplied for small initial series or first models.

ACQUISITION

Techmer buys BASF’s business Colour and additive concentrates maker Techmer PM LLC has purchased a specialty additives business from Germany-based BASF SE for an undisclosed price. The deal includes intellectual property and technical information for Irgasurf HL brand hydrophilic melt additives, but no property or manufacturing equipment. BASF acquired the Irgasurf line when it bought Swiss Plastics and chemicals maker Ciba Holding AF in 2008. Techmer also plans to open a plant near São Paulo by the end of the year.

W O R L D N E W S


TWIN-SCREW EXTRUDER

S&E Specialty Polymers expands R&D capabilities S&E Specialty Polymers has expanded its R&D capabilities and added production flexibility with the recent purchase and installation of a 28 mm twin-screw extruder from STEER America Inc. Since its installation in January, S&E has used the twin-screw extruder to develop and introduce numerous new products, including high concentration flame-retardant masterbatches, new generation styrenic-based compounds as PVC replacements and high-end thermoplastic olefins (TPO) with excellent rigidity and impact resistance, ideal for automotive applications

Duane Shooltz, Chief Operating Officer at S&E, said that the company evaluated several twin-screw extruder brands before deciding on STEER. He cited STEER’s excellent responsiveness and fast delivery as factors in the purchase decision. The 28 mm lab-sized machine features high torque and has outputs ranging from 50-200 lb/hr.

INJECTION MOULDING

New line of Bi-Power machines from Negri Bossi Negri Bossi – Europe’s leading designer, producer, marketer and after-sales assistance provider for thermoplastic injection moulding machines is now presenting its new line of all-digital Bi-Power machines where cutting-edge design has been blended with improved manufacturing processes and conscientious attention to detail.

These completely new models are the result of the synergy created between

Negri Bossi and Sacmi, the company’s principal shareholder and a world-known name as supplier of presses for the ceramic market. In 2006, Negri Bossi delivered 6000 tonne machines to an Italian customer, thus breaking a world record for being the largest twin injection machine, capable of about 100-kg shot. Recently, it delivered 7,000 tonne machines to a company in Japan. This machine represents a double challenge for Negri Bossi, both in terms of its size as well as the extremely demanding market towards which it is headed. This 28-m-long, 5.5-m-high, gigantic piece of hardware weighs more than 500 tonne, and the machine’s impressive platens are 4x4-m large.

Further, the CAN-bus (Controlled Area Network) system, developed through a close collaboration between Negri Bossi and Bosch Rexroth, was first introduced in 1995, since then providing the machines with unprecedented flexibility and integrated diagnostics thanks to the digital network connecting controller, sensors and actuators.

A simple industrial PC is used for managing every machine function, relying on ‘intelligent’ components which carry out autonomous closed loop regulations, relieving the workload of main CPU. The VH7000 will sport the largest CAN servovalve ever produced to control the moving platen movement. This NG50 size device will be capable of controlling the motion of more than 120 tonne of mass accelerating form 0 to 0.6 m/s in 1.5 second.

MILESTONE

Arburg’s subsidiary in France celebrates 25th anniversary

Arburg recently marked the 25s anniversary of the founding of its first foreign subsidiary in Aulnay-sous-Bois, France, with official celebrations in the presence of Partners Eugen and Juliane Hehl and an open-house event with technology seminars. Around 110 invited guests and customers, members of the Management Team and Managing Partners agreed that Arburg France had played an exemplary role in establishing and developing the company’s worldwide activities.

A branch with demonstration and training rooms as well as spare parts and customer service was thus established in Aulnay-sous-Bois, close to Paris. Even the building’s façade made it evident that it was a ‘small offshoot’ of the headquarters in Lossburg.

On an area of 1,360 sq m, everything is available to provide exemplary customer services. In addition to demonstration and training rooms, there is also an extensive spare parts store. The location has an online link both to Lossburg and to all other subsidiaries, guaranteeing the customer optimal and rapid spare parts availability.

In her speech, Juliane Hehl emphasised on the importance of the French subsidiary for the company as a whole, while also touching on the excellent personal relationships that had been established between France and Germany over the years.

NEW FACILITY

DSM inaugurates new production facility for Stanyl ForTii Royal DSM N V has inaugurated its new Stanyl ForTii production unit. As announced in May 2009, the new facility has quadrupled production capacity in order to meet market demand for this new polymer, which is used in electronics and other applications. Stanyl ForTii was developed by DSM Engineering Plastics and is the first new polymer introduced in the last decade.

A halogen-free, flame-retardant, high-temperature polyamide, it extends the application range of current Stanyl products and helps customers to achieve a higher performance in their applications. It supports lead-free soldering and is suitable for even the most demanding surface mount technology applications in electronics.

Gart Kostermans, Project Director-Stanyl ForTii, DSM Engineering Plastics, said, “Stanyl ForTii supports market trends that call for miniaturisation and the convergence of electronic devices. Based on solid customer programmes in hand, we expect to utilise this expansion fully in the very near future. This sustained growth pattern will drive DSM Engineering Plastics quickly to a further expansion of our Stanyl ForTii capacity.”

The new production facility in the Netherlands will enable DSM to meet further growth in customer demand for the product, which can be found in mobile phones and other electronic applications such as circuit boards used in personal computers.

T E C H U P DAT E S


New HDPE grades for industrial container applicationsSABIC’s two new High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) grades for industrial container applications - SABIC® HDPE ICP4907S and SABIC® HDPE ICP5602 - are commercially available for the global market from now on. According to company officials, both grades meet the latest market challenges, besides offering an optimal balance of properties, improved processing behaviour and the potential to reduce system costs. The structure of these two grades opens up new opportunities for noticeable energy and material savings and cycle time reductions - which support converters to improve their cost-efficiency as well as their sustainability performance, officials added.

While HDPE ICP4907S is designed to meet the typical property requirements for Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBC) and tanks up to 1000 ltr or more, and is ultraviolet (UV) stabilised, HDPE ICP5602 is developed for applications in tight head drums varying from 25 up to 220 ltr and more.

LANXESS develops halogen-free red dye The specialty chemicals company LANXESS has developed Macrolex Red A – a particularly high-tinting-strength and brilliant alternative to common, halogen-bearing products with a colour index of solvent red 135 (SR 135). Macrolex Red A is a soluble, organic dye suitable for use in many amorphous and semi-crystalline engineering plastics. Like the other members of the Macrolex family, it is characterised by high thermal and light stability and good weatherability.

The members of the Macrolex product family from LANXESS, which are available in a wide range of colours, satisfy numerous legal requirements for dyes used in food packaging and children’s toys, and are suitable for the colouration of polystyrene (PS), polycarbonate (PC), ABS, PMMA and PET, among others.

Medical instrument uses Udel® polysulfone from Solvay Advanced Polymers The medical industry’s first reusable trocar with a thermoplastic handle has been introduced by GMD Inc, a leading supplier of high-quality, cost-effective medical devices for standard of care procedures. The medical instrument, which is used to implant GMD’s Universal SlingTM for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence, is made of 20 per cent glass-filled Udel® GF-120 polysulfone (PSU) resin from Solvay Advanced Polymers, LLC for strong chemical resistance, low shrinkage, and good autoclave resistance (a minimum of 50 cycles). The plastic-handled trocar also reduces cost by 75 per cent over the previous all-metal version.

The PSU-handled instrument replaces the all-metal trocar which was prohibitively more expensive and more complicated to manufacture and assemble. “Solvay delivered the enabling material technology that made this a game-changer for us. We were able to meet strict industry standards and deliver a high-performance, cost-effective equivalent,” said Shawn Lunney, Vice President - Sales and Marketing, GMD. For certain procedures including the implanting of GMD’s Female Universal Urinary Incontinence Sling, providers can now opt for GMD’s reusable trocar to lower overall cost per procedure, explained Lunney.

The reusable trocar consists of a stainless steel needle and inner handle that is overmoulded with Udel PSU. The overmoulded instrument offers the weight and feel of metal, along with the reusability and cost effectiveness of plastics. Initial testing of other polymers including glass-filled polycarbonate showed cracking due to residual stress or poor autoclave resistance and poor surface finish. Glass-filled Udel GF-120 provided lower shrinkage to reduce stress over the metal insert, according to officials.

PA high-heat resins extend ‘under the hood’ functionalities Following the successful introduction in 2007 of Stanyl Diablo OCD2100, a high performance grade of Stanyl for under-the-hood (UTH) applications, DSM will showcase two new Diablo high heat resins at K 2010: Stanyl Diablo OCD2300 and Akulon Diablo. Both new products are a direct response to some of the main trends in the automotive industry, including weight reduction. The new materials also facilitate system cost optimisations and productivity gains, long term sustainability and reduced environmental impact, according to company officials.

Stanyl Diablo OCD2300 is a unique high heat PA46 material, developed specifically to meet the need for long term temperature resistance at elevated temperatures. This resin joins the family of Stanyl PA46 grades that offer a revolutionary improvement in long term thermal stability. This technology, developed and patented by DSM, extends the functional life of components

well beyond the limits of other high temperature polyamides. By limiting thermal oxidative breakdown, Stanyl Diablo withstands more than 3,000 hours at aging temperatures of 230°C before its tensile strength comes down to less than half of its initial value.

T E C H U P DAT E S


High-end injection moulding series from HaitianChinese group Haitian will be displaying its wide range of machinery at ‘K 2010’ in Düsseldorf, Germany. The new Mars Eco introduces an economic version of the successful Mars series, which has sold over 25,000 machines worldwide. According to Haitian, machines cost around 50 per cent less than European standard machines and will be shown at K 2010 with clamping forces ranging from 600 to 10,000 kN.

Building on the success of its energy saving Mars series, the company’s new Pallas series offers clamping forces from 600 to 4,500 kN and a revised five-point toggle system. A newly

developed space saving two platen variant covers clamping forces from 5,300 to 10,000 kN.

The Venus series is now available from Haitian subsidiary Zhafir Plastics Machinery in a packaging version – VE/p. The company claims that the all-electric technology is available at the price of a European hydraulic machine. VE/p was introduced at Chinaplas 2009 with new features such as increased injection speed, and is now available in the European market. High acceleration was key in the machine’s development, achieving a response time of around 25 ms, with precise part weights even with thin walled components. A

specially developed high performance screw is claimed to improve melt homogeneity and a more steady flow of material.

The company claims that the VE/p delivers comparable or even better results in acceleration, precision and energy consumption than competing all-electric products while prices generally remain 30-40 per cent below the level of the all-electric premium products from Europe and Japan.

Tunnel pipe optimises flow properties of plastic drainage pipes

Germany-based pipe corrugating equipment maker Unicor has developed a new system for manufacture of flat-bottom ‘tunnel’ plastics drainage pipes at up to twice current production rates. The tooling technology, which can be used

with the company’s UC250 and UC315 corrugators, uses a newly-developed perforating process which enables tunnel pipes with an outside diameter of DN100 to be produced at a rate of up to 11 m/min. The company announced that its current systems operate at around half this rate. Apart from the higher production speeds, the new production system also allows sockets to be produced inline, eliminating the time and cost penalties of post-formed connections.

Optimum width control system for stretch film industryTSM Control Systems has developed the first width control system which combines both the layflat and ultrasonic control into an optimum system for the stretch film industry. It computes the width correct to the nearest 0.1 mm. A control action proportional to any error is initiated via the TSM Air Correction Unit, via a fixed air supply or radio control link. This system in particular is ideal for stretch film lines, where layflat is smaller than bubble measurement value. These width measurement systems not only maintain set film widths & chosen tolerance ranges at minimum levels, but also offer the customer a complete package that reduces waste during start-up, prevents width fluctuations caused by temperature changes and is readily expandable & upgradeable.

Compact and flexible WPC extruder Battenfeld-Cincinnati has introduced the ‘fiberexK72’ extruder for wood plastic composites (WPC). The company said that the conical counter-rotating machine is suitable for newcomers to WPC extrusion and offers a wide range of outputs from 90 to 275 kg/hr, making it possible to extrude a wide variety of profiles. The compact machine is suitable for processing pre-blended compounds as well as agglomerates based on PVC, PE or PP and has closed-loop screw core tempering, a fully insulated processing unit, AC drive and an easy-to-operate vacuum unit with a twin filter as standard.

Speaking at the 2010 Wood Plastic Composites Conference, organised by Applied Market Information (AMI) where the machine was launched, Jon Nash, Head - Strategic Research, AMI, said that the average annual growth rate in WPCs was 27 per cent in Europe between 2005 and 2009. The researcher forecasts average annual growth rates of 17 per cent up to 2013 with the greatest growth potential in the construction and building exteriors sectors.

D E S I G N I N N O VAT I O N S


Sony Ericsson unveils ‘green’ Cedar Sony Ericsson recently unveiled its new affordable, greener cell phone – Cedar – manufactured for the cost conscious and eco-friendly customer. Made of recycled plastics, it features a low power consumption charger. The phone has a battery life of 12 hours and 30 minutes in GSM mode with a standby time of 420 hours, while UMTS or ‘3G’ talk time comes in with a time frame of around 5 hours and 475 hours standby. Sony announced that it would release the phone in the market around the third quarter of 2010.

Plastic materials are strong yet lightweight, versatile and flexible, allowing technological innovation and design freedom. Besides, design is increasingly viewed as an important strategic resource. This column focusses on the role of technologies adopted by leading design-driven companies in the development of radical as well as breakthrough innovations in products.

Solar Impulse makes light of dark skies Solar Impulse, the solar powered aircraft sponsored by Solvay and built using carbon nanotube technology developed by Bayer MaterialScience has completed a 26-hour test flight through the night. The revolutionary aeroplane, piloted by André Borschberg, Project Founder of Solar Impulse ascended to an altitude of 28,000 ft before descending from the night sky. The flight was powered by the 12,000 solar panels built into its 63.4-m wing and its 400 kg batteries, which were fully charged during its daylight ascent. “During the whole of the flight, I just sat there and watched the battery charge level rise and rise. Sitting in a plane producing more energy than it consumes is a fantastic feeling,” said Borschberg.

D E S I G N I N N O VAT I O N S


Petainer to produce recyclable PET vodka bottles Petainer is producing a PET bottle for Galatea’s Sailor organic vodka. Former Rexam subsidiary, Petainer, has announced plans to manufacture recyclable PET vodka bottles for Galatea, one of the largest suppliers to Systembolaget. Petainer’s plant based in Lidköping, Sweden, will manufacture 70 centilitre bottles for Sailor. Petainer will also provide branded sleeves for the bottles. According to officials at Petainer, benefits offered by PET outweigh glass in terms of weight and material use and and can have a significantly lower ‘carbon footprint’ than glass packaging in equivalent proportions. It added that PET generates up to 77 per cent less greenhouse gases and uses up to 58 per cent less energy.

Peter Edin, Product Manager at Galatea, said, “It is important that the bottles should reflect the quality of the Sailor brand and Petainer is able to deliver this quality reliably and consistently.”

PET project puts fizz into furniture designEmeco has designed a version of its Navy chair made from recycled Coca-Cola bottles, which is being sold in the market. The 111 Navy Chair, named so because it is made out of 111 recycled Coca-Cola bottles, was launched at the 2010 Salone Internazionale del Mobile at Milan in April.

Each chair is made of 60 per cent rPET, sourced from Coca-Cola’s bottle-to-bottle recycling plant in South Carolina in the US and mixed with other materials such as pigments and glass fibre.

Gregg Buchbinder, Chairman, Emeco, said, “Although re-engineering a core product is a significant investment for us, I was excited about the impact arising from reusing the PET gathered from about three million plastic bottles a year. That’s a lot of bottles and a lot of chairs.”

The 111 Navy chair is available in six colours – Coca-Cola red, snow, flint, grass, persimmon and charcoal.

Star performance for kids’ bath time range The Star bottle from M&H Plastics is one of the latest offerings to its range of standard products. M&H Plastics has worked in collaboration with Inline Health & Beauty to create an exciting range of children’s products called Anovia Kids comprising shampoo with conditioner and bubble bath. These are packaged in M&H’s new 250 ml Star bottle with 23 mm snap-on cap, manufactured in bright green and red for high impact shelf appeal. “M&H has more than 1,000 standard products, which means packaging costs can be kept to a minimum. The Star bottle is one of our latest products offered in a new shape and has particular appeal for children. M&H is continuously adding products to the standard range – we introduce approximately 100 new products a year,” said Paul Myhill of M&H Plastics.

Current trends in the commodity/engineering plastics industry globally… Rising energy prices and the search for renewable energy sources demand the plastics industry to look for ways to reduce overall costs, besides new options like bio-based polymers, etc. The long-needed awareness of sustainability and ‘green thinking’

is well under way, yet Europe is advanced in these areas. The other parts of the world still have to catch up with this trend, and this needs to be done wisely and sensibly. Besides, peripheral machine manufacturers like us will have to stay close to resin producers and injection moulding machine manufacturers to work together on ‘green’ efforts. I

L E A D E R S S P E A K

“Ultrasonic welding technology is emerging as a quality market in India”

… says Thomas Herrmann, President of Herrmann Ultraschalltechnik GmbH - a company that has set industry milestones in advancing ultrasonic welding of plastics. The Group is also active with many Fortune 500 customers in three business divisions: plastics, nonwovens, and packaging. Herrmann founded the North American Headquarters located outside of Chicago in 1990. He has also been involved in all aspects of managing ultrasonic welding projects, besides working on his master thesis in new joint designs. In this exclusive e-interview with Sarita Kutty, Herrmann outlines the fundamentals behind ultrasonic sealing/welding for the plastis sector.


MPP

(Xal

oy A

ug

201

0) 1

Tab

-29

MPP A

ug

2010) 1Tab-30

L E A D E R S S P E A K


personally think that we will see more and more partnerships in the industry to tackle future challenges. The financial crisis in itself has sparked a natural process of consolidation and it will be interesting to see further developments. End-user segments that could provide optimum thrust to this industry… The electronic and medical device industry will provide optimum thrust to the industry. Demand is up and both segments have a good growth potential, be it through excellent marketing strategies for media products or simply the fact that people grow older nowadays and need medical care, let alone the challenge due to ‘diseases of civilisation’. I also see room for growth in the automotive sector with the challenge to save weight by replacing metal through plastics. Product portfolio pertaining to the commodity/engineering polymer business of Herrmann Ultraschall… We provide joining technology for injection moulded parts such as the interior of a car or small appliances, printer cartridges as well as medical parts like valves or blood dialysers, etc. Typically, we offer support from the blueprint of the part to the final weld process optimisation. Our customers include Fortune 500 companies in the automotive, electronics, household goods, medical technology, food, packaging and hygiene industries. Ultrasonic sealing/welding for the plastics sector… Ultrasonic welding technology is one of the fastest methods to assemble two plastic parts without adding a consummable (like glue or fastener). In the process, electrical energy is converted into mechanical vibration,

which melts and fuses the parts in the joint area. Benefits include short cycle times, reproducible quality and low energy consumption.

The technology is very sophisticated and our five decades of experience cannot be easily replicated. We have invested high level of resources to further optimise the process. Also, we have set R&D milestones for the industry (like the visualisation of the weld process) and offer field-proven reliable equipment with quality control features that no other manufacturer can provide. By 2013, India is predicted to be one of the world’s largest consumers of plastics. Herrmann Ultraschall’s plans to tap this opportunity… We see a growing market potential in India, especially for our quality joining process. Besides, a quality market is emerging in India, and that is where we step in. We are more than just a machine manufacturer and this fact wins us a lot of customer loyalty. We provide complete guidance on joint design, material selections and tool & machine concept.

Further, we develop the actual weld process together with our customers, including finite weld process optimisation and Design of Experiments (DoE). We are also involved in ‘training the customer’ for our mutual benefit. Moreover, we believe that there is a wealth of quality applications waiting for us in India.

Traditionally, we offer a great deal of experience in the automotive, electronic and medical sector in Europe and North America. All major manufacturers as well as their suppliers are our customers and we see more and more of them starting a joint venture or a subsidiary in India. We follow them and support them in India, in addition to reaching out to new customers in India at the same time.

Significant breakthroughs that Hermann Ultraschall has made in R&D recently… We are in the process of developing a brand new drive technology, which cuts the total process time by 20–40 per cent. This will increase the output in automation and Overall Equipment Efficiency (OEE). We are convinced that this will soon become a bigger buying factor, also in countries like India.

Planned capital expenditure of Herrmann Ultraschall on Asia, and India in particular… Unimark (India) recently became our distributor and we have started investing in this partnership. Since our technology is very complex, both partners are investing in people, and also offering training in this specific technology. Future plans of Hermann Ultraschall… Our name has a great reputation – something I am very proud of. We are a family-owned business – independent of banks – with low hierarchies and short market reaction times. We were hit by last year’s recession but not as hard as others in the industry and in new markets we were even able to grow. Currently, we are back on track and I foresee continued growth at a slower pace. With a new machine generation focussing on export markets and a new branding to be presented at K 2010 in Dusseldorf we will master the multinational challenges ahead. Your message to the plastics industry… Profit is important but it is not everything. My people are my greatest resource. I would say to others: Keep your path and be innovative, but also keep investing in people. This will pay back in the long run. Also forget huge market studies; rather travel and listen to your customers. Talk and network a lot!


Alok Masterbatches Ltd (AML) is one of India’s largest masterbatch producers with manufacturing facilities at four

different locations. The company began operations at its first facility in Delhi in 1993. Spread over an area of around 7,500 sq m, the initial capacity of this unit was around 1,200 million tonne per annum (mtpa). AML’s second plant in New Delhi was commissioned in

2002. In 2004, AML entered the market in Western India through its third plant in Dadra & Nagar Haveli, while in 2005 the fourth plant was set up in Rajasthan. The Dadra facility is the largest production site and is one of the lowest cost producers across the masterbatches industry. It has high capacity twin screw continous mixers and batch mixers.

The facility in Rajasthan has high capacity lines to cater to the North

Colouring the world of plasticsAlok Masterbatches Ltd

One of the pioneers in the masterbatches industry, Alok Masterbatches Ltd (AML) has a palette to offer the plastics processing industry. In line with the diversified and expanding market demands, the company has positioned itself strategically with respect to capabilities and capacities to respond quickly to change. Further, its wide range of masterbatches not only addresses different colours but also various functionalities. Geetha Jayaraman takes a closer look at two of its facilities located in Delhi.


FA C I L I T Y V I S I T


FA C I L I T Y V I S I T

Indian markets with high volume products like extenders and black & white masterbatches. This facility is ISO 9001:2008, ISO 14001:2004 as well as ISO 18001:2007 certified.

The company is a government recognised ‘Star Rated Export House’ and has been rated by CRISIL as SE-1A (highest rating for performance capability and financial strength).

AML has a production capacity of over 30,000 mtpa, which results in economy of scale. The manufacturing facility in Delhi has seven production lines, all of which produce colour masterbatches. Both facilities are undergoing equipment upgrade and automation that will add an additional 12,000 tpa capacity.

R&D facilitiesAs a company oriented towards intensive R&D, AML strives to build individual laboratory and production capabilities at each of its manufacturing locations. The Delhi plants mainly focus on R&D and have all the latest technology to check the finished product. Moreover, the team constantly works to produce new and innovative products. It has an increased emphasis on application development, and hence is geared up with laboratory scale machinery for injection moulding, film extrusion, tape extrusion, etc.

AML is capable of replicating the customer processes at these venues and study the product performance in a wide range of processes. Talking about the importance of R&D, Vikram Bhadauria, Director, Alok Masterbatches says, “AML believes in

investing more in R&D, enabling it to be a step ahead of its competitors. It claims to be the pioneer in introducing new technologies and products to its customers.”

AML has developed a standard range of black masterbatches based on PE, PS and universal polymers. This product range comprises specially selected carbon blacks to give a spread of properties from high jetness, UV protection and food contact approval.

“With the advent of high capacity machines and an increased level of automation, we foresee a quantum leap in the additive masterbatches consumption in India. We are currently the largest UV stabiliser masterbatch manufacturer in India. All our manufacturing setups are undergoing comprehensive performance and energy audits to enable us to achieve a 20 per cent energy saving target this year. We are also aiming to reduce the water consumption in the manufacturing processes by a minimum of 40 per cent,” states Bhadauria.

Reaching far and wideAML caters to a wide spectrum of industries ranging from Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) to petrochemical plastics. Further, to meet the packaging standards of different clients, the company offers a wide range of products including colour, UV, additives, white, black and filler masterbatches for PE, PP, PC, nylon EVA, PET and PS.

“From simple injection moulding applications to complex additive systems, AML has an extensive range

of masterbatches. Thanks to our state-of-the-art R&D facility and extensive experience, we offer masterbatches for almost all application and polymers,” points out Bhadauria.

Apart from establishing a strong footprint in the domestic market, AML has also ensured a global presence, with distributors and suppliers in Middle East, CIS, Africa and SE Asia.

Partners in progressAML strongly believes in the credo that the masterbatch manufacturer is the processors’ partner when it comes to developing new technology. In line with this, it has launched new products. Further, extrusion processes like PP woven bags and pipes contribute heavily to its sales volumes while small lots of colour masterbatches used by the FMCG and retail packaging help it maintain a healthy bottom line. Being one of the leaders in manufacturing colour and additive masterbatches, the company is constantly evolving to improve its products, processes and services in order to meet the needs of its customers.

August 2010 | Modern Plastics & Polymers

Vikram BhadauriaDirector

To be competitive in the global arena, we have to stop relying on cheap manpower as our USP and start leveraging the vast engineering talent pool that the country possesses.

The R&D facility in Delhi Masterbatch manufacturing in process

Today, there exist very few plastic components, which do not require some form of decoration or surface marking. This can vary from simple requirements such as integral colouring or a textured surface to more sophisticated in-mould or post moulding techniques to produce a surface pattern. The reason for the surface pattern may be functional (for example, printed circuit boards), or simply for aesthetic purposes. Nevertheless, a wide variety of techniques exist for decorating plastics, and the choice depends on the material and the desired end-effect, finds Sarita Kutty.

S E C TO R WATC H


Courtesy: Oberthur Technologies

S E C TO R WATC H


Printing and decoration of plastics is a constantly evolving process. Plastics can be decorated in a number of ways including

painting, electroplating, spraying, vacuum metallising, hot stamping, embossing and printing. Automobile parts, appliances, furniture, building products, packaging and containers depend on attractive decorating for the ‘point of purchase’ sales.

Avers Dr Davor Sutija, CEO, Thin Film Electronics ASA, “While plastic food packaging & containers have designs, logos and information printed onto them, vinyl floor and wall coverings are embossed with attractive patterns to increase the desirability and therefore sales. However, choosing the correct way of decorating a particular plastic is an important part of the production process.”

Though decorating plastics can have desired positive effects, there can be problems associated with decorating techniques. “This is due to the fact that not all methods are suitable for plastics, and some methods require surface preparation, which may not always be economical or desirable,” adds Dr Sutija.

Challenges associated with printing on plasticsSurface tension is the most fundamental parameter to consider when printing on plastics. Most plastic films start out with a very low surface tension and are typically treated to increase the surface tension to 40 dyne/cm or higher. Substrate suppliers usually perform this treatment, but the effects start to dissipate quickly.

Elaborates Franz Hinterecker, CEO, Kraiburg TPE, “In-line treatment is the best way for printers to ensure that the surface tension is in the acceptable range

at the time of printing. Corona discharge treatment (oxidative) is the most common treatment method. It can be used on numerous types of substrates without damaging heat-sensitive plastics.”

In addition, gas flame treatment is used on more tolerant plastics. Chemical treatments and primers are also used, often in conjunction with corona treatment. To monitor the effectiveness of these treatments, a dyne level test kit is an indispensable tool for plastic printers.

Further, the surface tension of the ink must be lower than the substrate and, likewise, the coating lower than the ink, to allow for proper wetting and adhesion between the layers. “UV formulators are careful to choose certain types of raw materials to help achieve acceptable levels. By comparison, solventborne formulations have naturally low surface tensions and can easily wet most substrates. Substrate treatment is, therefore, especially critical when printing UV materials. With the consideration of incorporating plastics into one’s product offering; there are usually questions that need to be addressed. While some points may seem prohibitive at first, a closer look with a better understanding of them may reveal a long-term opportunity,” states Dr Arved C Huebler, Managing Director of the Institute for Print and Media Technology, Chemnitz University of Technology.

Another important factor to be considered is ink adhesion. Unlike paper, ink does not absorb into plastic substrates; therefore, ink adhesion can be challenging, and requires additional attention. Inks generally consist of four components, viz, resins, pigments or dyes, solvents or a carrier and additives.

“The resin forms the finished ink layer and bonds the colour particles

after curing,” adds Dr Huebler. Typical resins include polyvinyl chloride, alkyd, polyester and epoxy. Selection of the resin is determined by the desired decorative effect, the functional demands, the application and curing technique and local regulatory restrictions. A variety of inks exist, based on different chemistries and polymers.

Dr Davor SutijaCEO, Thin Film Electronics ASA

A primer offers a uniform, consistent and reproducible surface to print on, regardless of the press configuration. Coupled with the proper ink system, ink adhesion and quick ink dry-times on plastics are achievable.

Courtesy: DSM

S E C TO R WATC H


Pigments give the ink the desired colour and opacity. They are normally supplied in powder form and incorporated into the ink by a mechanical dispersion process. Dyes are sometimes used instead of pigments, for instance in sublimation inks, and for transparent coatings.

According to Bhargav Mistry, Managing Director, Grafica Flextronica, solvents or carriers enable inks to be applied in the liquid state. Inks can be divided into two main groups: conventional inks with an organic solvent and waterborne inks. “Inks

based on an organic solvent generally have better adhesion to substrates than waterborne inks, but solvents may attack the substrate and cause stress cracking. Generally, no single solvent has all the desired properties and a mixture of solvents is therefore used. Waterborne inks have superior properties in relation to environmental, health and safety matters,” he states.

Special additives are used to give the ink the desired flow properties in the application phase or an improved flexibility after curing. Some additives enhance adhesion and appearance.

“Pad printing inks have formulations comparable to screen printing inks, but there are some differences. Pad printing inks are formulated for rapid solvent evaporation, whereas screen printing inks are designed to resist rapid evaporation so that they do not dry in the screen. Furthermore, screen printing inks are sometimes applied as a very thick film, unlike pad printing inks,” Mistry adds.

Primers and substratesWhile methods such as corona treatment and flame treatment help raise the surface tension of plastic substrates, their inconsistency and degradation over time make them unreliable and inconsistent options. “A primer however, offers a uniform, consistent, and reproducible surface to print on, regardless of the press configuration. Coupled with the proper ink system, ink adhesion and quick ink dry-times on plastics are achievable on a consistent and reliable basis,” cites Dr Sutija.

There are many different types, brands, and compositions of plastics, each requiring a special set-up and ink system to print on, which may not even work. A pre-primed substrate, however, provides the same surface to print on, time after time, regardless of the substrate. Whether printing on polyethylene, polypropylene, styrene, or any other plastics, if the same primer by a quality substrate manufacturer is used, the print surface is essentially the same.

“Further, when printing with conventional inks on plastics, primers are almost always necessary. Primers provide the inks with a layer to ‘bite’ into for proper ink adhesion. Even though the

primer provides a layer to print on, the proper ink system must be used,” explains Dr Huebler.

Many ink manufacturers produce ink series designed for plastics, which speaks primarily to their ability to quickly oxidise. Informs Hinterecker, “On plastics, there is no absorption to facilitate dry-times; therefore, the appropriate ink, coupled with the proper use of drying powders, fountain solution composition, lift size, and relative humidity are all necessary for quick drying. Primers, however, are the only reliable method of providing proper ink adhesion for conventional inks. Quality substrate manufacturers who provide primed substrates for conventional offset printing are often very familiar with the many conditions that affect dry-times; they can share their experiences with their clients to help them meet their delivery requirements.”

Many may agree that primers are necessary for conventional printing, but what about those printing UV? States Mistry, “The general misconception is that UV-curable inks can print on anything. Even

Franz HintereckerCEO, Kraiburg TPE

In-line treatment is the best way for printers to ensure that the surface tension is in the acceptable range at the time of printing. Corona discharge treatment (oxidative) is the most common treatment method.

Dr Arved C HueblerManaging Director, Institute for Print and Media Technology, Chemnitz University of Technology

UV formulators are careful to choose certain types of raw materials to help achieve acceptable levels. By comparison, solventborne formulations have naturally low surface tensions and can easily wet most substrates.

Figure 1: Typical components of solvent-based pad-printing inks

Pigment 17%

Resin 20%Solvents 60%

Additives 3%

Courtesy: DSM

S E C TO R WATC H


though UV curable inks may cure quickly, ink adhesion is a separate issue. Proper surface tension is still necessary, regardless of the curing system. Furthermore, UV inks shrink during curing. The thicker the layer of the ink, the more volume there is to shrink. The shrinking of inks causes a loss in ink adhesion, which primers can assist with by providing a more stable surface at the time of printing.”

UV curable inks also present an issue for ink adhesion if they are either under-cured, or over- cured. Inks that are not fully cured do not cross-link effectively, and result in poor ink adhesion, while over-cured UV curable inks can become brittle, and result in lower adhesion from being inflexible.

Printing and hot stamping Printing, painting, and hot stamping are frequently used to finish and/or imprint moulded surfaces. As results achieved depend on material grades, modifications, colouring, and reinforcement media, special grades have been developed for some methods.

“In the hot stamping method, a plastic part to be decorated is firmly supported and a coated foil from a roll is placed

over it. A heated metal or rubber die containing an impression of the desired design or lettering is then pressed down on the foil,” states Hinterecker. In a very short time (typically one second), a thin skin layer on the plastic component melts and the coating on the foils used consists of several layers.

“There is a backing firm, usually made of cellulose acetate or polyester, which is coated on one side by a heat sensitive release agent. This in turn is coated with a pigmented metal film and finally a heat activated size adhesive to promote good adhesion to the plastic component,” he adds.

As an alternative to having the desired engraved on the die, it is possible to have the pattern on the foil and use a die with a plain face. This has advantage that a multi-coloured pattern can be transferred in a single operation. Overall, hot stamping is attractive because it is a dry, clean consistent way of decorating plastics.

“In this one-step, economical process, pressure from a heated die transfers a high-quality image from a transfer tape to a flat plastic surface. Designs can be transferred in pigmented, woodgrain, or metallic finishes. Stamping temperatures over 170°C should be used to obtain higher adhesive strength and scratch resistance. Although an aftertreatment is not required, the parts may require cleaning, or a flame or corona pretreatment,” avers Dr Huebler.

Many printing processes similar to those used for producing patterns on paper and cloth can be used for plastics. In screen-

printing, for example, a nylon or polyester, stencil is supported on a wooden frame. It is placed over the area to the printed and when a rubber or plastic blade is pulled across the screen, ink passes through the mesh and on the plastic. “Originally, a drying stage was necessary but now-a- days fast drying inks are available. Multiple colours can be applied in a single pass and most plastics can be decorated in this way. In dry offset printing the ink is applied to image plates from which it is transferred to a printing surface and eventually to the product. In flexography the pattern is transferred directly from a rubber plate,” mentions Dr Sutija.

In most of the printing techniques, the adhesion of the ink is very good because it fuses into the plastic. The reason for this is that the inks are specially formulated to attack the surface of the plastic on a microscopic scale and embed pigment in the shape of the desired pattern. Consequently, ordinary printing inks for paper or cloth are not suitable for plastics and, indeed, special inks are needed for each plastic. “The choice of solvent carrier for the ink pigment is very important because excessive chemical attack of the plastic could have detrimental effects on properties. In the same way, some plastics are very resistant to solvent attach and special surface pre-treatment is needed before any printing can be performed,” Dr Huebler says.

In addition, offset printing, silk screening, pad, or tampon printing are among the methods adapted to plastics. Special printer’s colours are offered by the established manufacturers of tampon printing colours. “Two-component systems such as epoxies or polyurethanes are best suited to improve adhesive strength and scratch resistance of decoration on engineering resins. Cleaning, or thermal or physical surface preparation, may be required for good adhesion,” cites Mistry.

Further, in sublimation (diffusion) printing, colour in dry dye crystals is transferred from a release film to a plastic substrate under heat and pressure. “The dye crystals vapourise and the vapour penetrates the plastic part, yielding a durable, wear-resistant decoration. This process is cost competitive with other processes, such as two-stage injection

Bhargav MistryManaging Director, Grafica Flextronica

Pad printing inks are formulated for rapid solvent evaporation, whereas screen printing inks are designed to resist rapid evaporation so that they do not dry in the screen.

Courtesy: DSM

S E C TO R WATC H


moulding or silk screening. It is, however, limited to polyesters and polyester-based alloys by currently available dyes intended for textile applications. New dyes are under development for applications with other than polyester-based thermoplastics,” Hinterecker observes.

Foil stamping or heat transfer?Even though the application methods are almost identical, there are two main technical differences between hot stamping and heat transfer that govern cost and suitability of purpose. “The image on a heat transfer label is not created at the point of application. Heat transfer is an indirect printing process. The clarity and definition of the image is established when the label is made, not when it is applied. In the case of hot stamping, the die defines the image when it strikes the part. If the die contact is too hard, too hot, or dwell time is too long, the image quality will suffer, edges will be ragged, and the print will have an overly broad appearance. Likewise, inadequate heat and pressure can cause an image that is lighter and finer than it should be,” says Mistry.

For most single-colour and simple two-colour designs, direct hot stamping is still the least expensive method. “An exception is if fine graphics are needed and the parts are known to have sinks, warps, or other defects, these will cause print quality problems for direct hot stamping – problems that a heat transfer label may be able to compensate for while still maintaining acceptable quality,” says Dr Huebler.

In all methods of hot stamping, the foil should be placed on the surface to be printed prior to the die contacting the foil. Even though it may appear that the die presses the foil against the part, it is really the foil guide bars that must do this. The placing of the foil onto the part prior to die contact and the subsequent stripping of the foil after die contact is usually referred to as the ‘drape’ of the foil. If the foil contacts the die or even gets too close to the die before it is in intimate contact with the part, the foil will blush and render a rainbow effect.

Avers Mistry, “The foil must be in contact with the part and then pressed between the hot die and the part to allow the heat to transfer through the foil to the part. If the foil alone contacts the die, the heat of the die will cause uncontrolled distortion of the foil. This causes the bright metallic layer to fracture on a microscopic scale, often accompanied by creases and wrinkles. This condition is eliminated by proper position of the foil guide bars and foil advance timing so that the guide bars stretch the foil over the surface to be stamped before the die contacts the part.”

In conclusionWhile substrates such as styrene, acetate, and PVC are the more commonly used, there are a number of other polymeric substrates that printers can use to diversify their product offering, once surfaces are primed. For example, polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, polycarbonate, and others are all now available to offset printers from quality substrate manufacturers. Furthermore, plastics and self-adhesive substrates can provide glow-in-the-dark and prismatic effects as well as textured, metallised & reflective properties before they are even printed, setting the stage for a host of application possibilities.

Shaping the futurePlastics in housewares

Over the past 10 years, plastic housewares production in most parts of the world has picked up speed. Consumers, today, expect an array of colours, styles and textures, as well as improvements in durability and functionality. Besides, new technologies and product innovations are the name of the game when it comes to keeping the demand afloat. An insight...

M A R K E T T R E N D S


Courtesy: Pitch Engine



Competing in an industry with low product differentiation, suppliers of food storage containers are highlighting

style and functionality to draw buyer interest. Some of the latest releases come in novelty constructions, including a pair of round and rectangular models that form a teardrop shape when stacked together. For cooking and storing food, plastic containers are lightweight and nearly unbreakable. Many containers have been made for use in microwave ovens, where metal cookware is not suitable. Nesting sets and partitioned designs for storing two or three food items continue to sell well, while large versions with up to 4-ltr capacity are gaining popularity. There are also products in versatile materials that can double as cookware or a serving dish.

For better airtight seal, many plastic containers now have snap latches on each side in addition to the silicone gasket. Some containers also include air vents and date reminder dials on the cover to help keep contents fresh.

Industry scenario Global demand for major household appliances is forecast to rise 2.8 per cent annually through 2013, approaching 500 million units, according to a market study from The

Freedonia Group, a Cleveland, Ohio-based market research firm. However, much of that will not be from the US market, but rather by market expansion in developing countries. In developed regions, sales will depend primarily on steady replacement demand, new home building, and the development of new features that prompt upgrading.

According to Freedonia, there are approximately 50 major players in the global appliance industry, with the top seven — Whirlpool, Electrolux, Haier, Bosch & Siemens Hausgeraete, Panasonic, LG Electronics, and General Electric — holding the lion’s share of the market. That group accounted for 57 per cent of global marketshare in value terms in 2008, the year the report was released. These top players manufacture multiple lines of appliances, giving them a competitive edge across the board.

Most appliance makers incorporate new features into their platforms every few years to encourage consumers to trade up. For example, Sears is giving its Kenmore appliance brand an overhaul this year that includes the launch of 450 new and/or improved products across its line for 2010. Among the new features are higher-quality handles and knobs, such as Kenmore’s signature bow tie handles to add an ‘elegant look and an ergonomic grip’, or blue

LED-ringed knobs on laundry products. Many of the upgraded appliances will sport a ‘streamlined modern design’ and flush, easy-wipe surface. New gas and electric cooking appliances will be launched this October, which will also be the month for the launch of new top-load conventional laundry appliances.

Whirlpool is focussing on appliances that meet criteria for the ‘Energy Star’ label, and already offers more qualified appliances than any other manufacturer, says the company. Plans call for Whirlpool to produce 1 million smart-grid-compatible clothes dryers by the end of 2011, and by 2015, the company will make all of its electronically controlled appliances capable (globally) of receiving and responding to signals from smart grids.

However, in an online survey conducted by Whirlpool, the majority of consumers (68 per cent) wanted to live ‘green’, but only if convenient to their lifestyle. Price was another factor. This group said that they would search until they find the product they are looking for at the right price.

The Indian marketThe lifestyle of the population in India is changing, and the growth rates are very promising for the next five years. Increased spending power of the average Indian consumer is a direct market driver for the housewares industry. The per capita consumption of plastics in India is one of the lowest, even when compared to the growing economies. Stabilisation of plastic products needed by households is fast becoming a necessity now, instead of staying content with the ordinary. The industry is growing faster than it has grown ever before. The plastics housewares industry is expected to outbeat the overall GDP growth of the economy.

Quality of the final product too is gaining importance because the consumer is fast becoming aware of various developments in housewares. Courtesy: Mistral



Courtesy: Borealis

The common belief is that quality is preferred over price, and this in itself is a good sign for the organised sector. This scenario can lead to the development of new products and new innovations in the plastic housewares industry. This is because most of the smaller players tend to copy the products, and industry leaders believe that there is a lot of potential in the housewares industry as there is an increasing spending power within the urban Indian economy. The share of the organised sector in the households market is not much, and it would not be more than 25-30 per cent. But this scenario is likely to change, and things would seem better.

Advances in materials Since the appliance market is always looking for ways to upgrade its products with new features or styles to encourage consumer purchases, materials often come into play. Most releases in PP, ABS, PE, PVC and PET are freezer-, dishwasher- and microwave oven-safe, and can withstand temperatures between -20 and 120oC. They protect food from oxidation and humidity, and preserve flavour for a long period of time.

As part of design expansion efforts, suppliers are increasing the use of other materials even though plastic models still dominate exports.

Further, cookware made from food grade silicone has become

popular in recent years because it is colourful, nonstick, stain-resistant, hard-wearing, cools quickly, and tolerates extremes of temperature. There are no known health hazards associated with the use of silicone cookware. Silicone rubber does not react with food

or beverages, or produce any hazardous fumes.

Processors who are able to optimise form and industrial

design (ID) functions with resin qualities and processing savvyness have an easier time selling their plastic products.

Though it sounds simple, it is often hard to achieve. Besides, cost-effective, innovative plastic designs are the result of painstaking planning. This should involve scouting the upcoming trends and blending ID with design engineering.

The current trends in plastic design to give products smooth, edgy, metallic looks, colour changes at different angles, and soft-touch thermoplastic elastomers overmoulded onto rigid substrates could give way to the next design trend, which will combine hard and soft looks, such as brushed aluminium with wood, rather than haptic-derived looks.

Some custom moulders are also considering a material that can be applied through an electrostatic powder coating process. Using this process, metal products such as housewares, plumbing, and door handles can be ‘plated’ with plastics rather than chrome.

Top processors too are placing as much attention today on aesthetics as product function. ID is helping them add value to a product that may have become a commodity. Another future trend is polymer grades that allow engineering hardness or softness of the same material in selected regions of an

application, thereby avoiding assembly or two-shot moulding.

The dishwasher environmentConsumers demand convenience, and the effects of the dishwasher environment on housewares, such as reusable plastic drinkware and food storage containers, could directly impact consumer perception of dishwasher quality. A dishwasher environment that maintains a like-new appearance of plastic household goods has the potential to foster brand loyalty, thereby encouraging repeat brand purchases over the long term.

To address the lack of information regarding the interaction of plastics and the dishwasher, a series of tests for polycarbonate, copolyesters, and some other common kitchenware plastics were conducted to compile consistent and quantitative data on the effects of dishwasher cleaning. Although materials such as polycarbonate are generally considered dishwasher-safe, the tests reveal that the dishwasher environment may severely abuse these plastics.

Testing reproduced stresses that plastic products encounter in a dishwasher and showed how this environment can interact with a variety of other factors to affect structural integrity. This information can help determine a product’s risk

Courtesy: Home Maker



of environmental stress cracking (ESC). ESC is the development of cracks and crazes due to applied stress in a specific environment and is a leading cause of performance and aesthetic failure.

Further, new materials are on the horizon that will make designing for the dishwasher easier, changing the standards of plastic kitchenware performance. By studying the interior of dishwashers and creating new materials to better survive its harsh environment, the plastics industry can provide designers and brand owners with greater design freedom and ease of processing while meeting consumer expectations for high quality and durability.

Speed to marketResin consumption for injection moulded housewares is expected to see only 2.7 per cent annual average growth rate through 2010. Plastic housewares are typically smaller, inexpensive, high-volume, low-margin products and thus are facing heavy pressure from imports. Besides, consumers expect an array of colours, styles, and textures, as well as improvements in durability and functionality.

Basically, the process of producing plastic household furnishings goes through two phases, viz, injection moulding and blow moulding. The

process with the method of injection moulding is through injection of melting plastics into a mould. The instruments used in the process of plastic injection moulding include hopper, cylinder and threading screw that could move forward and backward.

Plastic goods in the form of containers such as jars are produced through blow moulding which starts by mixing basic materials with pigment in mixer tube in a process that takes 5 to 120 minutes. After the process, the mixture is sent to the injection blow unit and then into a container to be transferred to the moulding unit. The moulding process takes 15 seconds to two minutes depending on the capacity and size of the end product.

Going greenSustainability is a complex topic that companies large and small are still trying to understand. Part of the challenge appears to be separating ‘greenwashing’ — over-promising environmental benefits — from truly ‘green’ products. Many housewares manufacturers are working hard to reconsider materials for their products and packaging, energy and water use in production and the reuse of waste produced. At the same time, retailers are requiring vendors to meet guidelines for more sustainable products

& packaging and are asking for more sustainability reporting.

ConclusionAdvances related to all types of appliances are being achieved through the increased use of plastics. New thermoplastics, for example, are being used to reduce heat loss that occurs in appliances encased in metal. Other plastics are helping manufacturers reduce shipping weight and increase the strength and durability of their products. Waste King, for example, has switched from a stainless steel housing on a garbage disposal to one made of an engineered polymer compound. This reduced the unit’s weight by five ounces, made it smaller, and decreased its noise level by five decibels.

Further, recent studies by major industry analysts have identified several market opportunities for new products in the housewares segment. One of them is the rising senior population with disposable incomes to beautify homes and invest in ergonomically designed housewares. Yet another growth area cited is the leisure activities such as home entertainment. The last decade has also witnessed a major trend in purchasing more dry food in bulk quantities at outdoor stalls, where products are stored in stay-fresh plastic containers. Another example is the large population of working consumers, which prompted the creation of a casserole-size, microwaveable dish that allows the same container to be used to cook, serve, and store leftovers.

Manufacturers battling in the consumer market, be it with kitchen tools, toothbrushes, appliances, or power tools, have to be very focused on getting new products out of the door fast, without sacrificing quality and without paying too much. Across the board, companies are also seeing diminishing product shelf-life and constant demand from both consumers and retailers for new designs and new features, at low prices.

Courtesy: Borealis. Email: [email protected]

Courtesy: Borealis

Dear Reader,

‘Modern Plastics & Polymers’ solicits original, well-written, application-oriented, unpublished articles that

reflect your valuable experience and expertise in the plastics & polymers industry.

You can send us Technical Articles, Case Studies and Product Write-ups. The length of the article should not

exceed 3000 words, while that of a product write-up should not exceed 200 words.

The articles should preferably reach us in soft copy (either E-mail or a CD). The text should be in

MS Word format and images in 300 DPI resolution & JPG format.

The final decision regarding the selection and publication of the articles shall rest solely with

‘Modern Plastics & Polymers’. Authors whose articles are published will receive a complimentary copy of that

particular issue and an honorarium cheque.

Published by Infomedia 18 Ltd, ‘Modern Plastics & Polymers’ is the leading monthly magazine exclusively

meant for producers and user fraternities of the plastics industry. Well supported by a national readership

of over 80,000 and our strong network of 26 branch offices across India, this magazine reaches out to

key decision makers among the Indian manufacturers of plastics products, machinery and allied sectors.

Brought out in association with Hong Kong-based Ringier Trade Media Ltd (one of the world’s largest trade

publishing houses with more than 200 special interest titles and offices in every major country), it ensures

that advertisers are able to promote their products and services across the globe at no extra cost.

So get going and rush your articles, write-ups, etc…

Thanking you,

Yours sincerely,

Also av

ailable

in Sri L

anka, M

alaysi

a, Sing

apore,

Thailan

d, Taiw

an, Chin

a & Hong

Kong

Also

avail

able

in Sr

i Lan

ka, M

alays

ia, S

ingap

ore,

Thail

and,

Taiw

an, C

hina &

Hon

g Kon

g

An invite that rewards as well...

��

��

��

��

Plastics in medical applications Industry Voice .................................................................. 58

Processing Trends ............................................................ 62

Case Study ..................................................................... 66

I N D U S T R Y U P DAT E


Courtesy: Centrotec

“Plastics play a unique role in the development of complex and low-cost medical devices”

Trends in healthcare & medical devices...There are many trends in healthcare medical devices that can be broken down into the niche market that they serve. With hospital disposables, OEMs are looking for ways to cut down on cost. Hence, there is a movement of manufacturing to regions with lower labour costs. In case of surgical tools, there has been an increase in ergonomic and single use disposables and for drug delivery devices that cross over from institutional to home use, there are a host of demands that are driven by consumer tastes that are similar to those

found in consumer electronics markets rather than traditional medical devices.

The most important trends in drug delivery devices – which would apply to patches, needle and needle-free injection, pumps, prefilled drug systems, and inhalers – are the high importance levels placed on branding, design elements, and device acceptance by patients who must use or wear the drug delivery system. These three areas can be described as:Smart products: The trend to add electronics or indicators to provide users with more information about their health or the proper operation of drug delivery devices.


… says Josh Blackmore, Global Market Manager – Healthcare, RTP Company. He holds a BS in Medical Technology from the Michigan State University and an International MBA from the University of Notre Dame. Besides, he has over 18 years of experience in the medical plastics industry. In this e-interview with Sarita Kutty, Blackmore outlines the importance of plastics in the design and manufacture of healthcare and medical devices. Excerpts…

I N D U S T R Y V O I C E



Injection pens for use at home comprise the fastest growing segment of the drug delivery market. Injection pens mark a trend away from syringes for drugs administration by the patient at home and include insulin, osteoporosis, and many other drugs. In a move away from the simplistic, but more difficult to use and read, syringe – OEMs have started including audible clicks and highly visible laser marking on dosage rings to make dosage selection and self-administration easier.

Pumps, meters, patches and other drug delivery devices are beginning to include more advanced electronics and easy-to-read screens that provide users with real-time information to improve their understanding of its operation.

Colours, plastics and branding: It has been proven that colour affects consumer preference and also the perceived value of a brand. Medical OEMs are becoming adept at using colour to improve

recognition of their brand and device acceptance.

Once the domain of moviemakers and consumer product companies, medical OEMs are now using focus group studies with consumers to determine their preferences. The medical community has always used clinical trials to gather this type of data. However, when testing a device that will be used at home, they are finding a need to modify their research practices to appeal to device consumers.

Coca Cola is a well recognised consumer brand name with its traditional red and white can. Medical companies are recognising this power and are building brands right now that will have the same type of consumer appeal and recognition.Design elements: One reason to use plastics is for the design freedom they offer. New devices take into account basic design elements like size, sound and shape. If a device makes a loud noise or is overly large, the patient has an immediate reaction that it is going to cause more pain.

Significance of plastics in the design and manufacture of healthcare and medical devices...Plastics play a unique role in the development of complex and low-cost medical devices, especially in the drug delivery industry. Plastics which have a higher strength-to-weight ratio are being used to replace metal because they can withstand the injection force of multiple use injection pens on antistatic plastics are being used in the drug flow path on inhalers to dissipate electric charges and prevent drugs from accumulating on interior surfaces; lubricated plastics eliminate squeaking noises and allow free and easy motion of the moving parts; and the soft plastics, known as thermoplastic elastomers or TPEs, are improving surface grip and ergonomics of human touch zones.

Increased usage of plastics over the years has helped design engineers to develop a sense for the suitability of these materials for particular applications. Throughout both, the healthcare as well as the plastics industries, there


is a better understanding of the kind of materials that withstand various sterilisation techniques, and the ones that are susceptible to leaching. Perhaps more importantly – the healthcare industry is beginning to accept different technologies that were developed and proven in other industries such as automotive and business machines.

Ultimately, plastics are often the material of choice because they allow an infinite range of design expression, have high consumer appeal and, in many cases, provide increased function.

On material technologies that support the design and development of new medical devices...Custom compounder RTP Company focusses on ‘proven new’ technology for healthcare applications. For instance, PTFE as a lubricant is being replaced in plastics with new technology that improves strength while retaining desired lubricity and reducing cost. Further, the company has developed a family of antistatic compounds, which are clear and will dissipate 5,000 V in less than 2 second for use in inhalers. The entire science of multi-shot processing technology is being used to enhance the application of plateable and conductive plastics to engineering resins as well as combining thermosetting plastics like silicone rubber to high temperature engineered resins for surgical tools.

Reviewing available technologies, RTP Company has lined up the following products to improve plastics compounds for healthcare:

Wear or low friction plastics Compatibilisation of amorphous

resins using lubricants to improve wear and friction

New PTFE alternatives: Used to increase strength and lower cost over PTFE lubricated plastics. Used in injection pens

Conductive plastics Family of products called

PermaStat® that can dissipate 5,000 V in less than 2 second

Carbon nanotube technology for conductivity

Coloured plastics

Pre-tested for biocompatibility in precolour resins and masterbatches

Soft plastics or TPEs Pre-tested for biocompatibility Grades bondable to styrenics,

nylon and olefins Green plastics Post-consumer recycled: High

strength and impact grades of post-consumer recycled materials for use in hospital mobility systems like beds and wheel chairs

Renewable: PLA and other bio-resins designed to provide engineering properties from renewable resources

Laminated plastic films In-line process to laminate fabric

to plastics without adhesives. It has low cost and is useful for blood pressure cuffs and sequential compression devices

Consumer appeal with respect to medical devices...I call this trend, ‘consumer crossover’, and it is a very real and important force driving the evolution of medical devices and treatment plans as more responsibility lies with the patient. Most medical devices got their start in the hospital or examination room and the main feature was effective function for the doctor or nurse. Aesthetics, branding, consumer preference and ergonomics are now topping the list of critical design criteria. Toothbrushes entered this phase of design more than 10 years ago by applying colours and soft grips to improve functionality and create brand preference.

Plastics are fuelling this trend by combining design elements like controlled conductive pathways for batteries built into a plastic substrate that is strong and dimensionally stable, to reduce the overall package size. Lubricated plastics are used for the development of smooth operating safety syringes and the high temperature plastics are replacing metals for repeated autoclave sterilisation applications. On plastics making devices more affordable...Plastics technology can be used to reduce overall system cost. For instance, if a

healthcare OEM is using a secondary lubricant, we can help them reduce costs by adding it to the plastic and eliminate a station during assembly. Likewise, we can colour match translucent plastics to allow UV wavelengths to pass through and cure adhesives after the full assembly is done, increasing manufacturing line speed. In addition, the traditional methods of reducing cost such as part consolidation simplifying assembly and replacing metal are still valid.

RTP Company’s role in helping device manufacturers through the regulatory approval process...RTP Company has become a leader in supplying plastic compounds for medical device applications through its long history of success in this market, through its contributions to the storehouse of plastics knowledge within the industry and, most importantly, through the many value-added services it offers to healthcare OEMs while developing new devices.

We maintain an internal list of resins, fillers, reinforcements and pigments that are known to pass biocompatibility testing often required by ISO 10993 standards. This helps ensure that devices using these materials will pass biocompatibility, which is typically done towards the end of the product development cycle. RTP Company has pretested a wide variety of colour and TPE products and will provide a statement of biocompatibility with these products, which can be shared with the FDA when reviewing the raw materials used in devices.

We also offer formulation lock down service, which we call our ‘no subs service’. Using our ISO 9001 quality system, we prevent changes to the compound recipe or manufacturing process, which helps preserve the integrity of the OEMs device testing. We also have a unique and robust purchasing screening process that is used to help us ensure that the raw materials we select are available globally and carry a very low risk of discontinuation.

Furthermore, material selection is a complex and important task as medical devices can last for years and cannot tolerate material changes.


P R O C E S S I N G T R E N D S


Karl M Hoppe

Applications in the healthcare industry and medical devices in particular, have some demanding requirements for

thermoplastic materials that are unique to this arena. While polymers have been used in the healthcare industry for decades, it has only been in the last several years that designers have begun to discover the benefits of using specialty compounds in medical applications. Unique technologies relating to anti-static, wear resistant and elastomeric compounds that have been useful in other industries are now finding their way into medical devices.

Designers of medical devices too are faced with a host of questions in their minds such as:

What material will have the required chemical resistance?

There seem to be hundreds of polymers to choose from – where do I start?

Which suppliers support applications with internal body tissue or body fluid contact?

Similarly, material suppliers are often confused on the following accounts:

What type of information do we need to generate?

What risks are involved in supplying for medical applications?

For this reason, direct communication between the designer and the material supplier is imperative for optimum medical device design. Early dialogue allows the designer to clearly state the device’s goals and requirements. The material supplier also has the opportunity to share new technologies available in thermoplastic compounds and discuss which technologies have the most applicability in the current application.

The material selection process requires a preliminary understanding of polymers, additives, and their properties. Thoroughly defined application requirements are then needed in order to select appropriate candidate materials. Besides what can be considered ‘traditional’ material requirements like strength, stiffness or impact resistance, medical applications often have special requirements unique

A safety evaluationSelection of materials for medical applications

Material selection is often one of the most intimidating and confusing hurdles encountered by medical device designers. Further, healthcare applications can be equally intimidating and mysterious for material suppliers. Amid all this, what is it that the customer expects from a material supplier? Here is an overview of the material selection process from the viewpoint of a specialty compounder with specific emphasis on the unique requirements for medical applications.

Courtesy: RTP Company



to the healthcare industry. Application requirements can be divided into two parts – environmental exposure and property requirements.

Medical devices may include surgical tools and catheters that require body tissue or fluid contact, diagnostic devices that use thermoplastic compounds for housings and internal components, or pharmaceutical applications where drug flow path is a concern.

Polymer propertiesA basic understanding of polymer morphology is helpful in zeroing down on options when selecting materials for a device. The general term morphology is used to define structure – in this case the structure of the polymer chains at a molecular level. A thermoplastic resin will be categorised as one of two types of morphology: amorphous or semi-crystalline.

Amorphous materials have a completely random orientation of the polymer chains. This orientation results in relatively low, uniform shrinkage, good dimensional stability, and low warpage. In general, amorphous materials have better overall toughness and creep resistance than semi-crystalline materials. Examples of amorphous materials that are commonly used in the healthcare industry include acrylic, ABS, polycarbonate, polysulfone, polyethersulfone (PES), and polyphenylsulfone (PPSU).

Semi-crystalline materials comprise ordered, crystalline regions among the random polymer chains. The formation of these regions during processing,

called crystallisation, increases polymer shrinkage. It also causes the shrinkage to be less uniform, resulting in potential warping of a moulded part.

However, these negatives can be outweighed by superior chemical resistance, wear resistance, and excellent response to reinforcement. Fibre reinforced semi-crystalline materials generally offer very high overall strength and stiffness. Semi-crystalline polymers that are commonly used in the healthcare industry include polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon and polyetheretherketone (PEEK).

Environmental exposureDefining environmental exposure is really asking the question, “What conditions must the material survive, and what must survive around the material?” Typical requirements would include chemical resistance, temperature, and humidity. Specific chemical resistance guidelines can narrow down material selection relatively quickly.

Temperature and humidity are usually not much of a concern for medical applications due to the controlled environment in which most devices and applications are used. An exception would be materials that need to be steam sterilised.

There are a few environmental exposures that are specific to medical applications. The most common areas of concern are in parts that will need to be sterilised, parts that require internal body tissue or fluid contact, and applications requiring materials within a device to be in the drug flow path.

RadiopacifiersCertain additives can be used to make a polymer radiopaque, that is, able to be seen by still X-ray imaging or fluoroscopy. This is useful in surgical instruments, catheters, and other items that need to be seen during surgery. Barium sulphate is the most common additive used to obtain radiopacity. This technology is applicable to most polymers; however, barium sulfate does cause degradation in many polycarbonate resins, resulting in embrittlement. Tungsten can also be used as a radiopacifier. In fact, high loading levels of tungsten (over 90 per cent by weight) can be used to impart some X-ray shielding characteristics. However, the high cost of tungsten has limited its use in this industry. Bismuth-based minerals like bismuth subcarbonate or bismuth trioxide can also be used, though they also are a generally higher cost option as compared to barium sulphate.

ConductivityOver the last 10 years, conductive thermoplastics have started making their way into applications in the healthcare industry. In some dry-powder and aerosol drug delivery applications, static build-up on the surface of the thermoplastic part can attract the drug and cause incorrect dosages. The use of permanently antistatic compounds in these applications reduces or eliminates static build-up and allows for accurate dosing. Compounds based on acrylic (PMMA), polypropylene clear ABS, and PC/ABS are commonly used in these types of devices. Permanently antistatic

Courtesy: RTP Company



acrylic compounds can even maintain a high level of transparency. Higher levels of conductivity may be required in some applications, notably pipette tips and EKG sensors. These applications may utilise carbon black or carbon fibre to obtain these higher levels of conductivity.

Miscellaneous considerationsIn today’s healthcare industry, there is a growing trend towards home healthcare devices including glucometers, insulin delivery devices, and even kidney dialysis units. Since it needs to appeal to the home consumer, aesthetics and product differentiation are becoming increasingly important. The two following thermoplastic technologies specifically address this growing trend.

Colour and branding: Colour has long been incorporated into materials for product differentiation. Colour technologies can be used to convert medical devices into consumer-friendly products that do not look like medical devices. By gaining consumer acceptability, the devices are

much more likely to be used and may increase patient medication compliance. Colour technologies like chroma-shift, metallic, and even glow-in-the-dark can add a perceived value that is beyond their cost.

Elastomers: Elastomeric materials are also being used for product differentiation in the marketplace. Beyond more functional applications like gaskets and liners for sound damping, elastomers can be used to give the product a ‘soft-touch’ feel to again enhance perceived value. Many of the technologies that are available in rigid thermoplastic materials – colour, radiopacity, and conductivity, to name a few – are also available for use in elastomeric compounds. This opens up an interesting design window for today’s medical device designers. Elastomers can be used to give a non-slip ‘grip’ for surgical tools.

Overmoulding elastomers around edges and corners of a device can create a more rugged look and can improve the actual or percieved life of a device. Today’s elastomer compounds

have an increased level of compatibility for overmoulding onto a variety of rigid substrates, creating a seemingly endless supply of material combinations for devices in the healthcare industry.

Rounding up…This is an exciting time to be involved in the development of medical devices. Proven thermoplastic compound technologies are opening up new performance capabilities for today’s medical device. Material selection is no more an intimidating process. With early communication of application requirements and material capabilities, today’s specialty compounder is well equipped to service the development of new devices.

Karl M Hoppe is Product Development Engineer at RTP Company. His responsibilities include long fibre compound development, high specific gravity compound development, and general structural materials development. He has authored one patent related to thermoplastic material formulations. Email: [email protected]

C A S E S T U DY


For more than 15 years, Paragon Medical Inc of Pierceton, Indiana, USA has been designing and manufacturing sterilisation cases

and trays for surgical instruments. The company has also earned a reputation for being able to produce high-quality products in tight timeframes, whether they are fabricated from metal, plastics or a combination of both.

Plastic latches deliver superior performanceAlthough the ability to make coloured latches is relatively new, Paragon Medical has been providing customers with plastic latches for nearly a decade.

“Many latches are made from stainless steel. They consist of several components and can perform inconsistently. In contrast, we’ve manufactured thousands of plastic latches and have never received a single complaint,” informs Cory

Colman, Executive VP - New Business Development, Paragon Medical Inc.

The design has worked so well that it has never been modified since it was first introduced in the late 1990s.

Tom Bussell, Account Executive, Paragon Medical, adds, “It is the first generation, only generation. The only thing different is the colours it can be made in. We first started making it in neutral shades, but now, the sky is the limit. Any colour, any shade is possible. We can match logos, match graphics and create any colour desired.

Passing the testColman cites the infamous ‘knock-it-off-the-cart test’ often performed by hospital personnel to ensure that cases perform as they should.

“They hit it, let it fly off the cart and clatter to the floor. The plastic latches hold the lid on securely and the instruments stay contained and

Locking in the shadesColoured latches for instrument delivery systems

Coloured latches give a distinctive look to instrument delivery systems. Versatile surgical case and tray manufacturer, Paragon Medical Inc, has been using custom-coloured RADEL® R steriliseable plastics to create such latches that help OEMs differentiate their brand and products. A case study...

Courtesy: Solvay Advanced Polymers

C A S E S T U DY


protected inside the case. With metal latches, the results can vary,” he says.

Colman also notes that hospital personnel frequently mention the audible ‘click’ that the plastic latches make upon closure. “They tell us that this instant, definite feedback is very satisfying—they know the case is safely latched and that it is going to stay latched until the OR team opens it. And, that click remains even after thousands of closes and thousands of sterilisation cycles,” he elaborates.

The material of choiceAccording to Colman, the plastics of choice is RADEL®R polyphenylsulfone from Solvay Advanced Polymers, a material that can withstand more than a thousand cycles of disinfection and steam sterilisation without any significant loss of properties. It is a durable, lightweight alternative to metal that offers the distinct advantage of a custom, glove-like fit for instruments and inserts with complex geometries.

Colours provide custom lookAs an industry leader, Paragon Medical was one the first manufacturers to use RADEL® R plastics to offer its customer yet another advantage over metal— the ability to customise their look with colour. “This gives us a whole new arrow in our quiver. We can now help our customers create a distinctive colour scheme for their delivery systems, whether they want to match their corporate logo colours or design something new. It has really opened up a new world of possibilities,” avers Bussell.

“OEM customers also like using colour to broadcast ‘new and improved’ in a visually exciting way. A new look can definitely generate a lot of buzz among hospital personnel, the trade press and competitors,” adds Colman.

Latches create branding opportunityParagon Medical is recognised in the industry for its innovative use of custom-coloured RADEL®R plastics for the latches used to secure the lid to the case. Because of their placement, latches often become a focal point and present an excellent opportunity for brand distinction and product differentiation.

“Given the opportunity, many OEMs love the flexibility of pairing a coloured lid with a coloured latch. Recently, we worked with a customer to produce a black lid with bright green graphics and matching green latches. It is gorgeous,” says Colman. He points out that coloured RADEL®R plastics can also help customise the look of metal components.

“It is a fact that you cannot make green metal, but it is possible to make a hybrid system using a metal case or lid closed with coloured plastic latches,” adds Colman.

Latches made from coloured RADEL®R plastics create brand distinction and product differentiation.

Courtesy: Solvay Advanced Polymers. Email: [email protected]

K N O W- H O W


Manoj Mehta

What is the role of 2D CAD in an environment where mould makers are rapidly evolving in the use of 3D?CAD is all about communicating ideas. When it comes to communicating a design, a 3D image, model, or animation is always preferable over a 2D technical drawing. This is due to the simple reason that a 3D design is much easier to visualise. In the 2D world, designers must be able to look at three or four views of a design and mentally combine them in order to visualise what it would look like in 3D. While mould makers and drafting teams can understand a 2D drawing, their customers, salespersons and suppliers might find it much more difficult to comprehend. Viewing a design in 3D versus 2D eliminates the need for viewers to have any technical knowledge. Working with 3D CAD software enhances not only the design process, but also communication with customers and the design team.

How could a mould maker use animation to effectively showcase his designs?Mould makers make extensive use of 3D animation. The ability to show customers a ‘movie’ of the mould in action not only communicates how the machine will function, but also gives the mould maker an edge over others who are submitting 2D drawings in the quoting phase. With

3D images and 3D

animations, potential customers feel more confident in what will be delivered as a finished product. This, combined with the ability to add photorealistic finishes to 3D models, take the CAD model as close to the actual physical machine as possible.

How would exploded views benefit mould makers?In addition to presentation benefits, 3D assembly models can be quickly and easily ‘exploded’ to create views for technical illustrations and assembly instructions without requiring any further drafting. And when 2D drawings are needed for manufacturing, 3D CAD provides automatic view creation for any 2D view needed, including section views and detailed views.

The ability to generate 3D images and animations also makes it easier to communicate with others besides customers. Sales, marketing, field service, operations staff, financial personnel, and management may also find it challenging to interpret a 2D drawing. Yet, they will readily understand the design when presented in 3D where one can rotate, zoom, measure, animate, and even ‘walk through’ the designs.

Will it be possible for mould makers to reduce errors with interference and collision checking?On a 2D drawing, part interferences are difficult to find, especially if the design is a large and complicated one. Moreover, since updating 2D designs takes so much time, many users often take

From concept to reality Role of 2D and 3D CAD in mould making

The recent trend of using Computer Aided Design (CAD) is now seeing a shift from the usage of 2D to 3D CAD. Through the use of 3D CAD modelling, engineers are able to create better designs and meet the unique requirements of any client in a relatively short amount of time. Furthermore, the end result is a better product, optimised in size & weight with better performance, no faults in the design, in less time and for less money. Its advanced nature also allows designers to work on more complex models. Read on…

K N O W- H O W


shortcuts, like changing a dimension on a part without updating the actual size of the model. Hence, mould makers often hear that ‘the drawing is not to scale’. In addition to this, designers share the assembly design duties and the potential for interfering parts almost becomes a certainty. Checking 2D drawings to identify possible interference issues is extremely time-consuming, and interferences inevitably fall through the cracks, even with the most diligent checkers.

In 3D CAD, mould makers can eliminate interference between parts. Interference checking is automatic, and every part can be checked to see if it interferes with any other part. Interference problems are highlighted, and even the amount of the interference is reported. They can also automate the process of hole alignment checking.

Checking interference in an assembly that is static, is difficult enough in 2D, but it becomes almost impossible when you are dealing with a design that moves, like a packaging machine, or a piece of automation equipment. There is virtually an infinite number of

possibilities for a collision to occur in designs that move. In 2D there is really no practical way to check for a collision. Fortunately, 3D has a solution for collisions as well. In 3D, mould makers can ‘move’ their design through its full range of motion while continuously checking for collisions between parts. When a collision is detected, the motion will automatically stop and the interference will be highlighted. 3D CAD even provides an audible alert when parts interfere. In case of designs with internal moving components, collision detection is an invaluable tool to check the function of the design.

Is it possible to reuse an existing 3D design?Some of the most advanced 3D CAD programs allow mould makers to make easy and extensive reuse of existing designs:Associativity: This implies that when a change is made in the design model, it automatically ripples through to all the other places where that model is used — the drawings, higher level assemblies and more.

Modifiability: This enables mould makers to change a part by clicking and changing a dimension and all other geometry on that part resizes appropriately and automatically. For example, if a mould maker has modelled a five-inch-long plate with holes dimensioned one inch from either end, and then click on the five inch dimension and change it to 10 inches, the hole location would update, but the holes would still be one inch from either end of the part. 3D CAD also allows mould makers to capture the design intent, another very important aspect of designing in 3D. The design ‘intent’ in this example is that the holes are always required to be one inch from the ends of the part, no matter how long the part is.

Associativity and modifiability let mould makers reuse existing designs to create new versions or configurations easily. They can readily create multiple new configurations of a single part by varying particular dimensions and features. As an example, mould makers could make one socket head cap screw and then make every length

K N O W- H O W


and diameter variation from that one design just by changing dimensions. Likewise, they could make an entire catalogue of screws from one part by also varying thread pitch, head type, and material as well as length and diameter.

Most advanced 3D CAD programs provide 3D parts catalogues containing supplier-certified 3D models both in the software and online.

What is the role that virtual testing and optimisation play in the mould making process?Speeding up a design cycle depends on more factors than simply streamlining the initial part or assembly design. Another major benefit with 3D modelling is the insight it offers through virtual testing, analysis and optimisation, which take many forms. 3D CAD enables mould makers to apply motion to the parts of an assembly and quickly evaluate many different designs against operational requirements. Designers can assign a material type to a part and identify the mass properties, including weight and centre of gravity.

In addition, motion simulation capabilities allows mould makers to evaluate the effects of different motor performance curves, friction, springs, gravity, and other physical characteristics of a design. So rather

than just running an animation of the machine in motion, you can simulate what really is happening in your design. The motion simulation automatically calculates forces on critical components like bearings, bushings and linkages. This information is then used to calculate part strengths, deflection, fatigue and safety factors. Thermal, vibration and flow analysis are also provided directly inside the 3D CAD so that mould designs can be optimised. In this way, 3D CAD can be used to solve typical design problems, such as:

How much weight can I remove from this part yet still have it function within a certain factor of safety?

Will the part bend too much if it is made from a different material?

In an electronic enclosure, will a specific component overheat from lack of airflow?

How would mould makers benefit in the design to manufacture cycle?Many of the new manufacturing technologies rely on the availability of a 3D CAD model as a starting point. For example, three-axis and up NC programming, rapid prototyping, mould design, and even sheet-metal manufacturing now require 3D models that can be referenced to create NC tool paths, SLA models, and

sheetmetal flat patterns with proper bend allowances.

More and more companies are turning to rapid prototyping and manufacturing, in order to reduce the turnaround time for both prototype parts and customised final parts, such as hearing aid shells. These rapid systems operate from 3D modelling input generated in standard template library (STL) format—a file format that can be output from a 3D CAD model by simply saving the model in that format.

If a mould maker has to ‘rebuild’ a 2D design in 3D, two problems arise. First, the remodelling adds an extra step to the manufacturing process, which takes extra time. Many shops that require 3D CAD models will put 2D jobs at the back of the queue because of the work required to convert the 2D design to 3D. To most mould makers this is just additional prep work before getting to the manufacturing process. Mould makers, want their shops running at capacity, prep work costs them machining time and they charge the customer for it.

The second problem that arises is that the person making the 3D model can make a mistake in converting the 2D design to 3D. This means the part delivered may not meet the design requirements, which can ultimately affect the delivery of the product. By working in 3D from the start, one can generate files that are ready to go directly to manufacturing operations that require 3D CAD models.

In many cases, 2D drawings are not even required for manufacturing. For example, comprehensive 3D CAD programs can output the 3D model complete with detailed dimensioning and tolerancing information as well as notes. In this way, all the data and notes needed to manufacture the part are included directly in the 3D CAD model.

Manoj Mehta is the Country Manager - India and SAARC Operations, Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corporation. He can be contacted on

email: [email protected]

Courtesy: Javelin Tech

P E R F O R M A N C E M E T R I C S


Getting closer to perfectionMinimising warpage characteristics of FRPs

There are marked differences in the shrinkage characteristics of unreinforced and glass-fibre reinforced thermoplastics. The design rules applicable to the former for minimising warpage have only limited validity for the latter. The dominant determining factor in this case is the orientation of fibres. This article focusses on the causes and mechanisms of fibre orientation together with their effects on shrinkage behaviour in order to minimise warpage.

Courtesy: BASF

If a moulding deviates from its desired shape, for example, it has arched surfaces or edges or exhibits changed angles, it is referred to as

component warpage. This warpage is brought about by local differences in shrinkage caused, for example, by anisotropies of the material or inhomogeneities in the temperature distribution.

The usual design rules for minimising moulding warpage and the common counter-measures when running in a new mould relate primarily to unreinforced materials. Thus sometimes, considerable design and mould-making effort is expended in order to avoid the ‘mortal sin’ in the forming of plastics: thick sections.

Efforts by means of multipoint gating are made to keep the pressure gradient in the moulding to a minimum. Furthermore, though the substantial effect of mould cooling on warpage is known, less consideration is given to the effect of molecular orientation, which is only of importance in very flexible, especially flat parts.

In the case of reinforced moulded parts, the dominant factor is fibre orientation. Variations in pressure & temperature and even crystallisation are of only secondary importance. Accordingly, the known design rules for minimising warpage have only limited validity while various different considerations come to the fore at the same time.



Definition of shrinkage To begin with, the definition of shrinkage needs to be clarified. During cooling in the mould, a plastic contracts or shrinks. For the mould-maker, shrinkage is the change in the length of the entire moulding. From the considerations described above, however, it becomes clear that the shrinkage of the moulding is by no means uniform and that this overall change in length is the sum of all locally different shrinkages. Accordingly, the term shrinkage is used to describe a local dimensional change in a locally bounded region of the component.

Melt flow and fibre orientationWhen a plastic melt flows through the gate into the mould cavity, it starts to spread out in a radial orientation. As this causes the flow front to become larger, the melt undergoes elastic extension at right angles to the direction of spreading. The alignment of the fibres as a result of this extensional flow is so marked that it is largely unimportant as to what orientation the fibres previously had (in the runner/gate).

While the melt is filling the cavity a flow profile simultaneously sets in across the thickness of the moulding.

The flow rate is greatest at the centre while at the edge it falls to zero due to adhesion to the cold mould wall. As a result, the melt is exposed to a shearing force which in the final analysis is responsible for the flow resistance and hence for the filling pressure.The shearing of the material is, however, not uniform over the wall thickness. Rather, there is a pronounced shear layer close to the wall while the melt in the centre flows more like a plug or block and is scarcely subjected to shear. A melt particle which flows forward very quickly in the central layer will finally be steered on the jet-like flow front into the vicinity of the wall where it is then subject to shear.

The fibres are oriented by the two mechanisms of shear and extension.

In the cavity, both mechanisms are superimposed on one another. A volume of melt which has just advanced past the gate into the cavity

first of all receives a very marked transverse orientation. It then flows with the plug flow in the centre of the channel in the direction of the melt front and undergoes practically no reorientation in doing so, ie, the fibres are still transverse to the direction of flow. At the melt front the volume of melt is diverted towards the wall and in doing so it becomes subject to shear flow, which aligns the fibres in the direction of flow. The two mechanisms, therefore, produce three layers across the wall thickness of the moulding each with main fibre orientations at 90° to one another. This can be clearly seen in photomicrographs of polished sections.

The mechanical properties of the moulding now depend on the thickness of these layers and the degree of orientation in each one of them. At points where the peripheral layers predominate the moulding is more rigid in the direction of flow than in the direction transverse to this. In addition, the fibres impede shrinkage in the flow direction here.

Although the thicknesses of the layers are affected by the geometry, the overall wall thickness, cooling and the method of conducting the process are the most important determining factors influencing the viscosity of the plastics in question. A polymer having marked intrinsic viscosity (example, polypropylene) has a dominant core layer. If on the other hand there is low intrinsic viscosity (example, polyamide) the situation is reversed and

the great bulk of the fibres lie in the direction of flow.

The holding pressure, which is decisive in unfilled materials for maintenance of shape and warpage, does not play such an important role in fibre-reinforced thermoplastics. This is because primary factor influencing local shrinkage behaviour is fibre orientation, although it does depend on pressure and temperature as well. Changes in wall thickness often employed in practice in unreinforced materials for the selective control of shrinkage have only very slight effects here. However, in certain circumstances considerable melt flow can still occur in the holding pressure phase, thus giving rise to changes in orientation.

Even the temperature control of the mould has only a relatively low effect. Warpage caused by orientation can be compensated to only a limited degree even by gross differences in temperature.

Diversions of flow during the filling phaseThe aim must be to obtain a uniform fibre alignment throughout the moulding, so that in view of the great differences in shrinkage in the longitudinal and transverse directions of the fibres, the shrinkage behaviour obtained is as uniform as possible. Only the orientation in the completely filled cavity is important, not that when the cavity is partly filled. Both, the flow history as well as the movements of the melt which last occur in the holding pressure phase, have an important effect on the final orientation.

If a rectangular plate is sidefed with disregard for the symmetry of the part,

Summary of design rules

Aim for a uniform direction of flow (direction of orientation)

Gate oblong parts in the longitudinal direction Aim for and/or emphasise symmetry Avoid ribs or walls transverse to the direction of flow Take account of transverse orientation at the

end of the flow path and along edges Position the end of the flow path in corners Aim for flow lines which are as blunt as

possible (pay attention to strength) Avoid flow lines on free-standing webs or

displace them into the corners Retain the freedom to make changes

Figure 1: Cutout section of a component (containing glass fibres)

Low shrinkage and thermal

expansion, high rigidity High shri

nkage a

nd

therm

al expansi

on,

low rigidity

Fibre orientation

(principal direction)



when the mould is 90 per cent full, there is at first still a symmetrical pattern of orientation. However, in the final phase of filling when the melt still only has to fill the right-hand region of the cavity, the fibre orientation or the degree of orientation is changed once again in the regions already filled.

The choice of gating point is thus of decisive importance and should always be done in such a way that the melt can fill the cavity without any major changes of direction.

Transverse orientations at the end of the melt flow pathThe greatest perturbation in the orientation pattern generally goes out from the end of the melt flow path. Immediately before the end of filling fibres which still have a transverse orientation are steered from the core layer into the peripheral layer.

However, due to the lack of shear, reorientation no longer occurs. The orientation at the end of the flow path is uniformly transverse to the main direction of flow over a length of approximately five times the wall thickness.

The end of a flow path is not restricted to the region filled last. Any point where the melt prematurely comes to rest (eg, in transverse ribs) exhibits a comparable orientation pattern. In the final analysis this means that fibres near the periphery always lie parallel to the edge (edge effect). If the end of the flow path is a raised edge the different shrinkage of the base and edge results in arching.

Weld linesA weld line marks the end of the flow paths of two melt streams and results in the reorientations previously described. If the two fronts meet in exactly parallel manner there will once again be a narrow region (approximately five times the wall thickness) having an orientation transverse to the direction of movement of the melt front. This local disturbance tends to be quite small and results only in slight differences in shrinkage in the plane. In reality, however, the melt fronts almost always encounter one another at an angle so that starting from the point of first contact a later flow into the area not yet filled sets in. This has a serious effect on fibre orientation.

In the region of first contact a wide, transversely oriented zone is found which becomes steadily narrower in the direction of the end of the flow path. As a result, shrinkage is highly variable and warpage occurs in this region. It is absolutely essential by means of the choice of gate position to avoid the formation of weld lines in long webs. As in the example shown, it is more advantageous to displace them into the corners of the recess. If this is not possible the weld line should be made blunt, perhaps by using flow promoters.

Design alterations to avoid warpageIf transverse walls are unavoidable, the following possibilities are available for minimising warpage:

Provide counterribs at the end of the flow path: The same shrinkage is found on the upper and lower sides (up to 100 per cent improvement)

Segment the end of the flow path: Incisions in the edge prevent pressure stresses being transmitted from one segment to the next (up to 20 per cent improvement)

Flute the end of the flow path: The transmission of pressure stresses is likewise prevented by the meandering design (as in corrugated bellows). In addition, edge warpage occurs at each change of direction and this has a positive effect in this case (up to 100 per cent improvement)

T-shaped flow promoter: Transverse orientation under the base of the edge filled last is supported by a T-shaped flow promoter so that the shrinkage in this region is more uniform and there is less warpage.

It is essential to advise against attempts at stabilising the moulding by means of further internal transverse ribs. Each of these ribs represents a flow path end and results in transverse orientation with the consequence of even greater deformation.

Achieving better results By means of numerical simulation methods based on finite elements, the filling behaviour even of complex injection-moulded parts can be very reliably predicted. Any possibilities for air traps and weld lines can be recognised and filling pressures and clamping forces can be estimated.

Calculations of warpage do not permit such quantitative statements yet. In case of unfilled plastics, since the number of influencing factors is quite large (including pressure and temperature history, molecular orientation, crystallisation, etc) at best, qualitative predictions can be made about the type of warpage. On account of the dominant effect of the fibres, warpage calculations for fibre-reinforced materials are distinctly more reliable. However, in order to do this, it is additionally necessary to calculate the orientation of the fibres.

The potential of such simulation computations is less to do with the exact prediction of a mould correction than with the comparison of different design or gating variants. Thus causes of warpage can be found and optimisation steps can be evaluated.

In order to arrive at a component having low warpage, it is also necessary to have the freedom to implement the changes to the gating and moulding geometry which were identified as being useful. Accordingly, CAE techniques such as warpage analysis must be used at an early stage of development.

Courtesy: BASF. Email: [email protected]

Figure 2: Off-centre gating for the sheet

Injection time100% filling

Injection time90% filling


M A N A G E M E N T M A N T R A S

ERP in SMEs

Looking for the right enterprise resource planning (ERP) package for a small to mid-sized business enterprise can be a daunting task. Yet, when there exists an indirect nagging pressure from the customers for improving performance at all levels, ERP appears to be just that magical route to sudden performance improvement.

Satish Radhakrishnan

The troubles faced by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with regard to ERP is quiet understandable. However, they

can be rectified. Even if they are not taken out totally there is always a scope for making things better and making ERPs more user-friendly for SMEs. With constant pressure from customers to improve performance, most SME managements sense a lack of clarity on what & how things can be improved further. This confusion may stem from the customer himself, who is under pressure to show results of investments in ERP.

For some SMEs, the pressure to invest in ERP comes from within, when the operations grow faster than what was anticipated. Due to a sudden increase in the rate of activities, management discovers that scheduling of production that was simple earlier has now become an overtime activity fraught with inaccuracies and several failings that add heavily to the cost of product.

When these SMEs end up mulling over investments in ERP for benefits, there is reluctance as the results of ERP are not

reflected in the daily dealings with customer who still insists on manual override for schedules and flexibility in operations despite the original ERP driven scheduling. The direct experience gained from the dealings with the customers; project the existence of a ‘still faulty’ or at best ‘work in progress’ kind of scheduling through ERP. To add to this, the heavy investments & training costs that the SME needs to comply with for an ERP implementation, deciding on ERP first and finding the right ERP is justifiably a daunting task.

ClarityIn either case, whether the idea of investing in ERP is internally or externally driven - the right approach in deciding to go for an ERP, is in assessing the deliverables from the ERP. The first step is to frame the role that an ERP is expected to play. Normally, the role expected from the ERP system by most companies fall in three categories:

Administrative role: This relates to the automation of accounting & control functions which is well understood & the basic criterion is well met by most ERP systems or even basic accounting packages like Tally in India.

A propellent for profitablility

Courtesy: ERP Business Intelligence


M A N A G E M E N T M A N T R A S

Operational role: This involves the creation & deployment of a platform that can effectively collect process information and automate the entire set of business processes as opposed to only the administrative activities.

Competitive role: This expects the ERP to deliver information to obtain a competitive advantage in the market.

Thus, application of ERP to the manufacturing sector facilitates the collection of information about the manufacturing environment.

Determining the goal of ERP and aligning the strategyOnce the entire list is in front of the management, the next step is to prioritise the list items and determine the top three to five things that the company seeks the most. It is essential that this prioritisation finds the agreement of all the team members of individual departments or silos working for a common goal. An ERP implementation process can be an eye opener for the management. The success of the manufacturing strategy hinges on the embracement of the strategy by all team members. Thus, it becomes imperative for the management to either be able to convince the team on the feasibility of the strategy or realign the strategy once again. Sometimes, the manufacturing strategy is incongruent with the overall operational measurement system initiated & thus, there is resistance by the team members who focus on functional area optimisation strategies.

Prioritisation of the list is the cornerstone for determining the goals of the required ERP system and the IT strategy. All the listed items can be graded by levels of importance (viz: vital, essential and desirable).

Mapping operationsThe team members must map the following very clearly prior to the implementation:

Product: The type of products and product range that the company provides must be mapped. The product variability must specify:

End product complexity (complexity in BOM structure & technical production)

A variety of end product (as number of different end products increases, range of product line increases)

Individual product volume (to determine economies of scale, impact of changeover costs)

Process: Mapping of process must address the composite of three underlying variables, viz, mechanisation level, systemisation level and interconnection level.

The level of mechanisation is classified as manual, machine, fixed programme and programmable control

The level of systemisation is sequenced as data collection, event reporting, tracking, monitoring, guide and control

The level of interconnection describes the integration level between the various process operations and is a composite of several subordinate factors, viz: discontinuities, technological interdependence and operational flexibility

While individual process stage may differ in their level of mechanisation, systemisation & interconnection, there exists a dominant characteristic of the entire manufacturing process which needs articulation.

Alliance: With alliance, the focus is on capturing what material, system and service is provided through internal operation, which of the same will be ordered from vendors and what kind of relationship is to be established with the various groups of vendors.

Competence: This addresses the articulation of the SME’s capability of making relatively standard product more efficiently, more reliably and with high precision. It thus seeks to capture the organisational structure, roles, reporting relationship and policies which include:

Human resource policies and practices (including management selection and training policies)

Quality assurance and control systems Production planning and inventory

control systems New product development process Performance measurement and reward

systems and Organisational structure and design

ERP vendor selection

Being clear on the ballpark budget in the first place itself is very imperative. By this, one can avoid wasting time on investigating ERP systems that cannot be afforded.

Summing upUnderstanding terms like ‘licensing fees or concurrent users’ helps realise its impact on the annual maintenance cost of running the ERP. Further, determining the current users expected to work on the system & anticipating the addition needed in the future is a step in the right direction. One should also factor the probable increase in the number of production sites as a result of growth. This information can then be used to assess the capability of the ERP and vendor in terms of being able to address these changes and the cost implication in future.

References1. Information Technology- implementing strategies for manufacturing organisations - Chin Fu Ho2. Selecting ERP Solution

Satish Radhakrishnan is a Consultant with Savoir Faire Management Services Pvt Ltd. Savoir Faire develops cost information systems to support

pricing, outsourcing and control decisions using the cost excellence (CE©) model. Applying cost management methodologies and Lean thinking to align process to customer value, Savoir Faire helps firms across sectors to improve their bottom line. Email: [email protected]

Courtesy: Universal Inc

E V E N T S C A L E N DA R


International Conference on Electroactive Polymers: Materials and DevicesThis conference is specifically designed to give insights into the rapidly growing market of electroactive polymers with respect to the applications in various engineering sectors; November 21-26, 2010; at Surajkund, New Delhi

For details contact:Indian Institute of Technology - KharagpurKharagpur, West BengalTel: 03222-255 221 Fax: 03222-255 303Email: [email protected]: www.icep2010.org

Plast ShowThe unique feature of this expo is the presence of the entire spectrum of plastic & rubber products manufacturers from tyres to tubes, hoses, industrial components, extruded profiles, moulded goods, latex articles etc.; Dec 03-06, 2010; Akota Stadium, Vadodara, Gujarat

For details contact:Sunline Infotech, Rajkot, Gujarat

Tel: 022-2850 3932Email: [email protected]: www.plastexpoindia.com

Plastivision India 2011This event is being designed to help exhibitors and visitors discover the potential markets. It will be the 8th in the series of national exhibitions and seminars organised by AIPMA; January 20-24, 2011; at Bombay Exhibition Centre - NSE Exhibition Complex, Mumbai, Maharashtra

For details contact:Sanjivini KothareAll India Plastics Manufacturers’ Association, Mumbai, MaharashtraTel: 022-2821 7324/7325Fax: 022-2821 6390Email: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]: www.aipma.net

Hi-Tech ManufacturingOne of the largest advanced design and manufacturing events in India featuring machine tools, hydraulics & pneumatics, process machinery & equipment, packaging & auxiliaries, IT products, electrical & electronics with a special

focus on automation & instrumentation,

material handling, etc. It will be held

concurrently with Hi-Tech Automation and

Hi-Tech Material Handling; February 17-

19, 2011; at Bombay Exhibition Center,

NSE, Goregaon, Mumbai

For details contact:

Infomedia 18 Ltd

Dadar (W), Mumbai

Tel: 022 3003 4649

Fax: 022 3003 4499

Email: [email protected]

PU TECH 2011The event will focus on diverse

opportunities in the polyurethane

industry which is one of the

rapidly growing industries in India

and has registered double digit

growth during the past five

years; March 09-11, 2011;

at India Expo Centre & Mart Ltd,

Greater Noida


Indian Polyurethane Association

Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Tel: 044-2499 5923

Fax: 044-2499 5923


National

India’s premier industrial trade fair on products and technologies from machine tools, fluid power, instrumentation & control, electrical & electronics, material handling, plastics, rubber, packaging, chemical, CAD/CAM, auto components, and general engineering industries.


Engineering ExpoInfomedia 18 Ltd, Ruby House, 1st Floor, J K Sawant Marg, Dadar (W), Mumbai 400 028.

Tel: 022-3003 4649 Fax: 022-3003 4499 Email: [email protected]

PuneMaharashtra

Nov 19-22, 2010

AhmedabadGujarat

Dec 10-13, 2010

IndoreMadhya Pradesh

Jan 7-10, 2011

Chennai Tamil Nadu

March 11-13, 2011

E V E N T S C A L E N DA R


China Plastics Exhibition & ConferenceThis tradeshow will unfold innovations in plastics machinery & ancillary equipment and will serve as a platform for business networking in South Asia; September 03-05, 2010; at Taizhou International Convention & Exhibition Center, Taizhou, China

For details contact:Taizhou International Convention & Exhibition CenterTel: +86-576-82531122Fax: +86-576-82531016Email: [email protected]: www.china-pec.com

AsiamoldAn international trade fair for mouldmaking, tooling, design and application development; September 15-17, 2010; at Poly World Trade Center Expo (Pazhou), Guangzhou, China

For details contact:Guangzhou Guangya Messe Frankfurt Co LtdGuangzhou, ChinaTel: +86 20 3825 1558 Fax: +86 20 3825 1400Email: [email protected]: www.asiamold-china.com

Plastec MidwestA leading regional trade fair for the international plastics community, Plastec is considered to be the natural venue for machinery manufacturers interested in international expansion for their products throughout the world; September 28-30, 2010; at Donald E Stephens Convention Centre, Rosemont, USA

For details contact:Canon CommunicationsLos Angeles, USATel: +310-996-9495, 310-4-454200Fax: +310-4-454299Email: [email protected]: www.cancom.com

JEC Composites Show Asia 2010This show aims to build on the enormous growth potential of the composite industry across the region by introducing innovative, market-ready solutions enabled by composite materials; October 12-14, 2010; at Suntec - International Convention & Exhibition Centre, Singapore

For details contact:JEC CompositesParis – France Tel: +33 (0)1 58 36 15 00 Fax: +33 (0)1 58 36 15 15Email: [email protected] Website: www.jeccomposites.com

K 2010A premier exhibition that will provide the latest and the best in plastic materials for all manufacturing and processing industries alike. The unique feature of the expo is the presence of the entire spectrum of plastic & rubber products manufacturers; October 27-November 03, 2010; at Dusseldorf Exhibition Centre, Germany

For details contact:Messe Dusseldorf GmbHMesseplatzGermanyTel: +49-211-4560900/4560175Fax: +49-211-4560668/4560740Email: [email protected]: www.k-online.de

ArabplastThis event will offer an unique opportunity to the Middle East plastics & rubber Industries. It is designed to help exhibitors and visitors to discover the potential markets around Middle East, Asia, Africa & CIS countries; January 8-11, 2011; at Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre

For details contact:Jeen JoshuaAl Fajer Information & Services Dubai, United Arab EmiratesTel: +971-50-8535820Fax: +971-4-3403608Email: [email protected]: www.arabplast.info

European Coatings Show 2011The European Coatings Show plus adhesives, sealants and construction chemicals is one of the leading exhibitions for the international coatings and paints industry held every two years. The aim of this exhibition is to bring together all the professionals under the one roof; March 29-21, 2011; at Exhibition Centre, Nuremberg, Germany

For details contact:NürnbergMesse GmbHMessezentrum, NürnbergGermanyTel: +49 (0) 9 11. 86 06-0Fax: +49 (0) 9 11. 86 06-82 28Email: [email protected] Website: www.european-coatings-show.com

INTERPLAS 2011An international event aimed at serving the European polymer industry, which will feature the latest machinery & equipment for processing and converting polymers; September 27-29, 2011; Birmingham, United Kingdom

For details contact:Reed Exhibitions CompaniesSurreyThe United KingdomTel: +44 20 8271 2134Email: [email protected]: www.reedexpo.com

International

The information published in this section is as per the details furnished by the

respective organiser. In any case, it does not represent the views of

Business Insights •Technologies•Opportunities

T E C H N O LO GY T R A N S F E R


As part of our endeavour to spread the technology culture, this section provides a means to promote and facilitate exchange of select technologies.

We strive to bring together suppliers of such technologies with suitable users for negotiations and industrial collaboration.

Technology Offered

Conversion of batch-poly plant to C P plant A company from China is interested in providing consultancy for the modification of batch-poly plant to C P plant like polyester plant, polyester chip or direct spinning. Areas of application

Chemical fibre and plastics Forms of transfer

Turnkey

Plastic recycling technologies using organic and inorganic compoundsAn Iranian company offers plastics recycling technologies using organic and inorganic compounds. This idea is based on the principle of water electrolysis in which sodium chloride is kept in proximity of turpentine/pine oil and plastics. Areas of application

Plastics recycling Forms of transfer

Others

Plastics recycling technologies An Iranian company is willing to provide plastic recycling technologies using urea and ammonium carbonate and synthetic ammonia.Areas of application

Plastics recycling

Forms of transferTechnology licensing

Polyester chip plantA company from China offers polyester production plant, polycondensation plant, polymerisation line, hot melt adhesive plant (500-5,000 tpa), polyester chip plant (2,000-1,50,000 tpa) and film grade polyester plant (2,000-1,50,000 tpa). Areas of application

Polymerisation and fibre lines Forms of transfer

Technology licensing and turnkey

Pilot plants for small-scale production An Indian company offers pilot plants for laboratory or small-scale production purpose. The plant consists of a spinneret, metering pump, spinning beam, candle filter, extruder unit, godet unit, PP multifilament plant manufacturer, single-screw extruder machine or melt flow index tester machine for masterbatch industries.Areas of application

Plastics, textiles, etc Forms of transfer

Sub-contracting, turnkey, etc

Rotational moulding of plastics A manufacturer of rotational moulding

machines from India offers plant and machinery for constructing water storage tanks and other hollow plastic parts. Areas of application

Chemical storage tanks, water storage tanks, material handling trolleys, pallets, containers, etc Forms of transfer

Others

Recycling of PET wastes into polyester polyolsA Czech Republican company is offering the technology for recycling of PET wastes (plastic PET bottles, X-ray films, etc) to produce polyester polyols. The process consists of the following steps: Collection of PET wastes, sorting out & shredding of collected PET wastes, simple chemical process of glycolysis & esterification, and production of polyester polyols.Areas of application

Chemicals industry: Polyester polyol is a base material for the chemistry of polyurethanes, especially the production of polyurethane foams, which are primarily transferred into energy saving and insulating materialsForms of transfer

Technology licensing, others

Share Your Technology PropositionsThe mission of Modern Plastics and Polymers is to spread the technology culture. We offer you an opportunity to participate

in this endeavour by publishing the best technology ideas. Technology developers/sellers are invited to furnish the techno-commercial details (with environmental benefits, if any) for publication in the Technology Transfer column of Modern Plastics and Polymers.

R&D organisations, technical consultancy organisations and individuals assisting small and medium enterprises send the relevant literature, indicating the scope & services and the areas of specification.

Contact: Modern Plastics and PolymersInfomedia 18 Ltd, ‘A’ Wing, Ruby House, J K Sawant Marg, Dadar (W), Mumbai 400 028.

Tel: 022-3024 5000 l Fax: 022-3003 4499 l Email: [email protected]

Technology Requested

T E C H N O LO GY T R A N S F E R


Technology Offered

Disposal and recycling of plastics wasteA Polish firm seeks the technology for dry processing of all kinds of plastic waste or a magnetic processing method in the electrostatic field. The technology should allow sorting of all kinds of plastic materials, hay-silage foils, PET, HDPE, PVC, etc, by excluding dangerous waste.

Specific technical requirements include initial cleaning without the use of water, sorting of all kinds of plastic materials after cleaning in a closed system, and a maximum processing capacity of 10,000 tonne of waste per annum. Areas of application

Plastics industry, waste recycling, waste managementForms of transfer

Others

Lab-scale non-woven and monofilament plant An Indian company is looking for a lab-scale, non-woven and monofilament plant in a single station. Areas of application

PlasticsForms of transfer

Others

Plastics recycling technologiesA Sri Lankan company is seeking the latest plastics recycling technologies, especially for automatic sorting, washing, metal detection, granulation process system, washing plants, crushers, extruders, etc.Areas of application

Plastics recyclingForms of transfer

Others

Polyacetal resinsA Gulf-based organisation wants to promote projects in the chemicals and petrochemicals sectors in GCC countries. It is looking for technology suppliers for the manufacture of polyacetal resins. Areas of application

Chemicals/petrochemicals industryForms of transfer

Feasibility study, know-how, equipment, turnkey plant, joint venture

PP/PET strap processingAn Indian company is seeking the technology for PP and PET strap processing.Areas of application

Packaging industryForms of transfer

Others

Recycled PET polyester polyols plantA Poland-based company specialising in recycled PET polyester polyols manufacturing, is looking for an alternative proposal of design and engineering of bigger (approximately 25 ktpa) production plant. It plans to start with proper quality recycled PET flakes being delivered in big bags. Hence, the company needs a complete package offer for this service. Areas of application

Plastics and polymers industryForms of transfer

Others

Recycled plastic-making technologyA company based in Vietnam is seeking the technology to recycle plastics.

The diameters of recycled plastic granules should range from 120 to 200 mm, while the capacity of the production should range from 150 to 300 kg/hr.Areas of application

Raw materials for making plastic productsForms of transfer

Others

Road filling materials for road maintenanceAn Indian company requires the technology to make materials by transforming waste plastics that gels uniformly with road materials. This is for filling potholes in roads. It also needs the know-how regarding products that are made from waste plastics like jumble strips, speed breakers, etc.Areas of application

Road transportForms of transfer

Others

Utilisation of natural rubber in asphaltA Pakistan-based company needs know-how regarding utilisation of natural rubber in modified asphalt covering. It needs the following information: Standards and specifications guiding the use of natural rubber in modified asphalt; appropriate proportion of natural rubber in mixture & handling of the operation; additives needed; and details of improvement in the asphalt properties by using natural rubber.Areas of application

Rubber industryForms of transfer

Others

Information courtesy: Information courtesy: Dr Krishnan S Raghavan, In-Charge, Technology Transfer Services Group, United Nations - Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology (APCTT), APCTT Building , C-2, Qutab Institutional Area, New Delhi 110 016, Tel: 011 - 2696

6509, Fax: 011 - 2685 6274, Email: [email protected], Website: www.apctt.org For more information on technology offers and requests, please log on to www.technology4sme.net and register with your contact details. This is a free of cost platform provided by APCTT for facilitating interaction between buyers and seekers of technologies across the globe. After submitting technology offer or request to this website, you are requested to wait for at least two weeks for

receiving a response from a prospective buyer / seeker through this website, before contacting APCTT for further assistance.

Technology Requested

P R O D U C T U P DAT E


Ms Shilpa PophaleManaging DirectorElectronica Finance Ltd

“MODERN MACHINE TOOLS covers all the aspects pertaining to machine tool industry and assists Electronica Finance to have brand presence all across India. Our advertisements makes our brand & goodwill strong in the industry.

Various articles in magazines help us understand and know the latest innovations, trends & technologies in the machine tools industries, within India and across the globe.

We congratulate Infomedia 18 for its excellent job & would be more than happy to grow our the relationship them”

��

Hot runner nozzles

Allied Solutions offers hot runner nozzles manufactured by Gunther GmbH. Standard hot runner nozzles for direct gating is available from 0.0189-5 kg per nozzle. If required, the modular nozzle design allows quick replacement of components. The two-stage shaft (patented) with varying design features insulation in the front area of the shaft and guarantees the lowest possible heat loss between the hot runner nozzle and cavity. The individual nozzles of the series SET and DET, due to their extended nozzle head with increased heating output, are also suitable for applications with thermally sensitive materials. This means problem-free processing of technical high-temperature plastics. Standard hot runner nozzles for multiple systems are suitable for processing of technical plastics. In case of lined materials (for eg, glass fibres), the nozzle tips made from a hard metal alloy with thermal conductivity offers protection against wear. All standard hot runner nozzles are suitable for processing of glass-filled, VO-adjusted plastics and high-temperature plastics.

Allied Solutions India Pvt Ltd Mumbai - MaharashtraTel: 022-4221 0100 (99 lines)Fax: 022-2557 6234Email: [email protected]

EPS cup making machine

Neejtech India offers EPS cup making machine manufactured by Thermoware B V.This machine is available in both vertical and horizontal expanded polystyrene (EPS) production machines for manufacturing cups, containers, tubs and meat trays. It has a capacity to produce 6,400 cups/hr. Its features include guaranteed cycle time, efficient pneumatic control, user-friendly electronics, etc. The advantage of this machine is that disposable trays, plates, containers, etc, can be made easily by changing the mould. This machine is used for manufacturing drinking cups for hot & cold drinks, ice cream cups, etc.

Neejtech IndiaAhmedabad - GujaratTel: 079-2656 1312, Mob: 098250 40231Email: [email protected]



Turbine blowers/exhaustersAcmevac Sales offers turbine blowers/exhausters, which is available from 0.5 HP to 15 HP. These are regenerative blowers and can be used for vacuum or pressure applications. The impeller is directly mounted on to the motor shaft. There is no friction between parts and hence, these blowers are practically maintenance-free, as there is no need for oiling

or lubrication. Noise levels are considerably reduced as silencers are provided. These blowers are particularly useful in areas where oil-less and continuous non-pulsating air flow is required. These turbine blowers/exhausters are used in air tables, agitation/aeration, vacuum hold-down & pick-up, air blow-off, aquaculture, pneumatic conveying, etc.

Acmevac Sales Pvt Ltd Mumbai - MaharashtraTel: 022-2837 5837Fax: 022-2836 4977, Mob: 09223388105Email: [email protected]

Control valve

Forbes Marshall offers ‘Ecotrol’, control valve, which is a robust, compact and lightweight control valve with a pneumatically operated, easy field reversible multi-spring diaphragm actuator and a sturdy, pipe-less and vibration resistant mounted digital positioner. It is also available with an optional handwheel. Tubeless

mounting, with the digital positioner and with the option of bi-directional communication is the key feature of this control valve. Auxiliary energy is utilised by employing pneumatic multi-spring diaphragm actuator with the option of permanent spring case ventilation. It is designed according to ANSI, with standardised trims. The prevention of leakage and bypass leakage is by a limited compressive load acting on both encapsulated gaskets. It is used in oil & gas, chemical & petrochemical, pharmaceuticals, distillery & food, fertiliser, steel & metal, power, etc.

Forbes Marshall Pvt Ltd Pune - MaharashtraTel: 020-2714 5595Fax: 020-2714 7413/7593Email: [email protected]



ThermocoupleAdinath Controls offers ‘Model 5018’ vacuum furnace thermocouple, which is specially designed to provide a low-cost alternative to refractory metal sheath-type units.

It conforms to the requirements of AMS-2750-C and can be used for sensing temperatures up to 3200° F (1760° C), depending on the element specified. Type K,R,S,N or B element are available as standard with other element types available on request.

It is used in high temperature and over temperature control for vacuum furnace heat treating & annealing and high-temperature application in metal marking, finishing and other manufacturing process. This thermocouple has a high purity (99.7 per cent) alumina tube with a quick-connect plug and mating female jack as standard Also, a 1/2” NPT process thread connector is available as an option.

Adinath Controls Pvt Ltd Gandhinagar - GujaratTel: 02764-286573Fax: 02764-286574Email: [email protected]

Screws and barrels

Sanity International offers screws and barrels. The company also m a n u f a c t u r e s customised front-end components and single barrels. It also offers a full range of custom-built extruders and new screws, barrels, tie bars & parts and have huge spares to meet urgent breakdown of machine in plastic processing machinery. The company also undertakes complete or partial reconditioning of screws & barrels as well as 1:1 replacement and has fully equipped workshop, which offers the most comprehensive range of manufacturing and support services to the plastics industry.

Sanity InternationalAhmedabad - GujaratTel: 079-6522 7458Mob: 098257 91269Email: [email protected]



Moulding automation systems

N e e j t e c h India offers m o u l d i n g a u t o m a t i o n systems for small single i n j e c t i o n m o u l d i n g

machines as well as large automation & networking in-line assembly systems for two or three injection moulding machines manufactured by Hekuma. The functions performed by the systems include high speed take out, insertion of labels or metal parts or re-insertion of substrate for second shot, ultrasonic welding (of filters and assembled parts), heat staking (of filters), swaging, leak-test, label application, assembly processes, stacking, flow wrapping, automated packaging in any configuration, etc. The company also offers customised standardised moulding automation systems for dedicated products (eg petri dishes).

Neejtech IndiaAhmedabad - GujaratTel: 079-2656 1312Mob: 098250 40231Email: [email protected]

ExtruderSteer Engineering offers ‘Omega’ Series co-rotating twin-screw extruder with deeper flights that have good process capability. Its features include good feeding

ability, energy efficiency, speed of operation and Do/Di = 1.71 and specific torque > 11.3 Nm/cm3. The application areas include fibre/FR/Ti02/talc filled polymers, polymer blends, de-volatilising, reactive processing, nano-particle compounding, solvent extraction, and processing of shear sensitive material such as PVC, PSU, etc. This extruder is available in laboratory, pilot-plant and production models and in various sizes, capable of outputs in excess of several thousand kg per hour.

Steer Engineering Pvt LtdBengaluru - KarnatakaTel: 080-2372 3310Fax: 080-2372 3307Email: [email protected]



Crystallised hopper dryer

Yann Bang Electrical Machinery Co offers crystallised hopper dryer. It is equipped with a unique mixer, which is located inside the stainless insulated hopper, and is used to stir the resin simultaneously while drying. It speeds up the crystallisation process by increasing the IV value. The mixer dries the products evenly and helps in shorting the drying time. The application of the dryer is in blow moulding and injection machinery factories.

Yann Bang Electrical Machinery Co LtdTaichung - TaiwanTel: +886-4-2271 6999Fax: +886-4-2271 1988Email: [email protected]

Plastic whitenersPlast Fine Polymers offers plastic whiteners. These are used for adding whiteness, clarity and gloss to polymers at reduced costs. This not only reduces the use of titanium dioxide and masterbatch in milky products, but also makes it super milky. It is claimed that these whiteners can give good results in all polymers even at a high-temperatures with 100 per cent mixing to the principal.

These whiteners can be mixed with 100 per cent second granules in product with dull granules and fillers. The brightness, clarity and shine of these whiteners are as good as virgin or semi-virgin products. These can also be mixed with natural virgin, second & dull polymers, granules re-processors, plastic sutli, liner & pan piece, tarpaulin, carry bags, plastic box strapping, roto mould article, polymer sheet, PVC rigid pipe, house hold article, injection moulders, etc.

Plast Fine PolymersAhmedabad - GujaratTel: 079-6524 2332Mob: 098255 87152Email: [email protected]

MP

P ( A

ug 2

010)

2Ta

b-95

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

MP

P ( A

ug 2

010)

2Ta

b-96



Pouch making machinesPrimo Pack Machines offers pouch making machines. The company also manufactures a combination of centre seal and three side seal

pouch making machines to make centre seal, centre seal with side gusset, two/three side seal pouches, agarbatti pouches with perforation, off centre, centre seal, pouches with side flap insertion.

The multifunction pouch making machine is used for making stand up pouches, zipper pouches, etc. These machines convert laminated film into empty pouches and are suitable for companies having their own lamination and printing facilities.

Primo Pack Machines Pvt LtdAhmedabad - GujaratTel: 079-2284 1684/2282 1896Email: [email protected]

Bag conversion system

Lohia Starlinger offers a bag conversion system, which is a highly advanced automated high-speed bag conversion machine for producing bottom folded and

sewn woven sack from rolls of tubular woven fabric for conventional bag application. The machine is equipped with servo and PLC control.

This machine is the most appropriate solution to reduce manpower and space requirement. The company will also be exhibiting Lohia 'baby lofil', the multifilament spin-draw wind machine, which is ideal for the production of small batches of polypropylene multifilament yarns for captive consumption and special applications. The automatic winders, PLC-based process control, compact and modular designs are the salient features of this operator-friendly, ergonomically designed machine.

Lohia Starlinger LtdKanpur - Uttar PradeshTel: 0512-304 5100Fax: 0512-304 5299Email: [email protected]



Mr Hitesh ShahManaging DirectorH.G.SHAH & Co

“We are pleased to be associated with SEARCH & MODERN MACHINE TOOLS Magazine since last 7 years. We are very much satisfied with Ad Spending as it generated relevant inquiries. The magazine is targeted to the right audience & has wider reach. We are looking forward for long-term tieups with the magazine.”

��

Mr Kinjel ShahDirectorHI-LIFE MACHINE TOOLS Pvt Ltd

“We are a regular patron of SEARCH and MODERNMACHINE TOOLS since their inception. Both these magazines are superb platform for product awareness, and information. It has wide coverage and the readership in the industry.

We are thankful to Infomedia 18 for bringing out such quality publications.”

��

MasterbatchesPolyOne Polymers India offers its range of 'OnColour - ComPETE' masterbatches for the growing PET packaging sector. The masterbatches are available in all colour ranges including amber colour for pharma packaging. The masterbatches come with the required FDA certification, USP Class 24 certification. These have the best-in-class UV stabilisation using 'OnCap' additive package, which also has special additives to protect the content of the bottle in the case of pharma usage. The masterbatch comes in two different pellet sizes (3 mm x 3 mm standard pellets) and (1 mm x 1mm mini pellets).

PolyOne Polymers India Pvt LtdMumbai - MaharashtraTel: 22-2778 4426, Mob: 98201 94220Fax: 022-27784428Email: [email protected]

Screen changer

Rajhans Plastic Machinery offers lever type screen changer for the processing of thermoplastic extruders. This screen changer is used in pipe plant, sutli plant, blown film plant, co-extrusion line, multi layer blown film plant, lab extrusion and PVC recycling plant. The company also offers specially designed heavy-duty models with capacity upto 600 bar. The filter stations can be changed without the loosening of any clamping bolts. It can be manually operated with the help of a handle. It is provided with a detachable breaker plate which enables easy cleaning. The special ceramic bend heaters help in faster heating. This screen changer is available with a special wheel mounted trolley for dismantling and movement of screen changer.

Rajhans Plastic Machinery Pvt LtdAhmedabad - GujaratTel: 079-2583 0003, 2589 5852Fax: 079-2589 1838Email: [email protected]



The information published in this section is as per the details furnished by the respective manufacturer/distributor.

In any case, it does not represent the views of Business Insights •Technologies•Opportunities

Extrusion coating lamination plantOcean Extrusions offers extrusion coating lamination plant, which is used to manufacture various substrates required for PP/HDPE woven fabric, non woven fabric,

paper poly coating requirements, etc. The machine consists of unwinder turret or mechanical type, corona treater with anchor coating and extruder of 75 mm with 28:1 screw ratio, coat hanger type die, laminator unit with 120 mpm line speed, sandwich unwinder, winder turret or surface type, AC control panel cabinet and heating panel cabinet, etc. It is used to laminate woven sack PP/HDPE fabric coating for fertiliser bag, plastic raw material bag, cement bag, chemical product bag, food packing like rice bag, flour bag, jumbo bag, sugar bag, agriculture bag and general purpose bag.

Ocean Extrusions Ahmedabad - GujaratTel: 079-2290 2200, 3299 4554Email: [email protected]

Micro PLC

Omron Automation offers 'CP1E' series micro PLC for OEM manufacturers. The all-in-one package PLC, with models for high speed counters, pulse outputs and built-in

serial port (CP1E-N) provides solution for machine builders with approximately 20 to 160 I/O points. The CPUs can be connected to a computer via USB cable and support software with ‘smart input’ intuitive operation for faster programming. Two types of CPU units are available: the E-type basic CPU unit is economical with basic functionality and the N-type application CPU unit that supports programmable terminal connection, position control and inverter connection.

Omron Automation Pvt LtdBengaluru - KarnatakaTel: 080-4072 6400Fax: 080-4146 6403Email: [email protected]

Firs

t Fol

d H

ere

Seco

nd F

old

Her

e

Third Fold Here

GLUE

PRODUCT INQUIRY FORM#

##

o Aerosol spray paint ............................................o Additive masterbatches .......................................o Air bubble sheet plant ........................................o Air chillers .........................................................o Air-conditioner parts...........................................o Air-hot air dryers ................................................o Ancillaries and spare..........................................o Bag conversion system .......................................o Barrel screws .....................................................o Barrels ..............................................................o Bed knives.........................................................o Biodegradable masterbatches .............................o Blenders ............................................................o Blending unit .....................................................o Brine chillers......................................................o Cast film line .....................................................o Chillers .............................................................o Cleanroom applications .....................................o Cleaning ovens..................................................o Co-extrusion die ................................................o Co-extrusions blown film plant ............................o Colour masterbatches ........................................o Compact chiller .................................................o Complex multi-part assembly ..............................o Connectors........................................................o Continuous screen changers ...............................o Control panels...................................................o Control valve.....................................................o Converters.........................................................o Conveying system ..............................................o Core cutter machine ..........................................o Counters & power supplies .................................o Crystallised hopper dryer ....................................o D punch machine ..............................................o Data logging software ........................................o Dehumidified air dryer........................................o Die casting machines .........................................o Digital panel meter ............................................o Digital temperature controller .............................o Doctoring rewinder machine ...............................o Door trims.........................................................o Drives ...............................................................o Drum type slitter rewinder machine......................o Dryers ...............................................................o Dual channel with modbus .................................o Dynamic controller.............................................o Electric injection moulding machine gearboxes.....o Electric solutions ................................................o Email marketing.................................................o Encoders ...........................................................o EPS cup making machine ...................................o Exhibition - Emma Expo india 2010 ....................o Exhibition - Engineering Expo..............................o Exhibition - K 2010............................................o Exhibition - Plastivision India 2011 ......................o Extruder machine ...............................................o Extruders ...........................................................o Extrusion coating lamination plant.......................o Extrusion machinery ...........................................o Flame-retardant masterbatches ...........................o Gear pump .......................................................o Granulator ........................................................o Gravure printing machine films ...........................o Grinder .............................................................o HDPE pipe plant ................................................o Head lamps & tail lamps ....................................o Heart valve frames .............................................o Heat transfer rolls ..............................................o High cavitations moulds .....................................o Hopper dryer .....................................................

o Hopper loader...................................................o Hot air dryer......................................................o Hot runner nozzles .............................................o Hydrostatic pressure testing machine ...................o IML technique....................................................o Industrial control & sensing devices .....................o Industrial cooling systems ...................................o Industrial robots .................................................o Infomedia18 B2C magazine ...............................o Injection moulding - generalo Injection moulding - multi-component .................o Injection moulding - vertical................................o Injection moulding machine................................o Injection moulding technologies ..........................o Injection moulds ................................................o Inspection cum siltter rewinding machine .............o Inverter/variable frequency drives ........................o Knobs & switches ...............................................o Lamination / coating machine ............................o Level controllers .................................................o Loader ..............................................................o Manual & hydraulic screen changers ...................o Masterbatches ...................................................o Material blender unit ..........................................o Material dryers...................................................o Measuring & monitoring relay ............................o Medical moulds .................................................o Melt flow index test apparatus.............................o Mixer ................................................................o Mono layer blown film plant ...............................o Motion controls .................................................o Mould temperature controller..............................o Moulding automation.........................................o Moulding automation systems.............................o Moulding unit ....................................................o Moulds .............................................................o Multi-layer blown film plant ................................o Multi-component moulds....................................o Oil/coolant coolers............................................o Panel air-conditioners.........................................o Panel coolers .....................................................o Paperless recorder..............................................o Parallel & right angle axes gearboxes ..................o Pelletiser - dry cut strand type..............................o Pelletisers ..........................................................o PET blow moulding machine...............................o PET dehumidified dryers .....................................o PET masterbatches .............................................o PET recycling plant.............................................o Photo electric sensors .........................................o PID controller ....................................................o Pipe making units...............................................o Pivot system.......................................................o Plastic conveyor belt...........................................o Plastic extrusion machines...................................o Plastic processing machinery ..............................o Plastic textile and machinery ...............................o Plastic whiteners.................................................o PLC...................................................................o Polymer conveyer belt.........................................o Pouch making machine ......................................o PP glass filled compounds ..................................o PP mineral filled compounds...............................o PP/HDPE/PET box strapping plant .......................o PP/HDPE/PET monofilament plant .......................o PP/PP/TQ film plant ...........................................o Precision moulding.............................................o Precision temperature controls.............................o Process controllers .............................................o Product - PP and PE ...........................................

o Profile controller.................................................o Programmable logic controllers...........................o Programmable terminals.....................................o Proximity sensors ................................................o Pulveriser...........................................................o Pumps...............................................................o PVC braided hose plant......................................o PVC suction hose plant.......................................o Quick connectors...............................................o Quick mould change systems .............................o Raffia tape lines .................................................o RFID .................................................................o Robot system .....................................................o Robots ..............................................................o Rock-n-roll machine ...........................................o Roll wrapping machine.......................................o Rotary cutters.....................................................o Rotogravure printing machine .............................o Round table carrousels .......................................o RTD ..................................................................o Safety light curtains ............................................o Screen changer..................................................o Screws ..............................................................o Screws and barrels .............................................o Shaft type slitter rewinder machine.......................o Shut-off nozzles..................................................o Silicone free sprays ............................................o Silicone sealant..................................................o Single mill pulveriser ..........................................o Single screw extruder gearboxes..........................o Solid state relays ................................................o Spares...............................................................o Special refrigeration equipment...........................o Stack moulds .....................................................o Switching relays .................................................o Synthetic string plant (sutli plant) .........................o Technical moulds ...............................................o Temperature controller........................................o Temperature sensors...........................................o Tensile testing machine with extension-o-meter .....o Thermocouple ...................................................o Thermoplastic alloys...........................................o Thermoplastic compounds ..................................o Three arm bi-axial roto moulding machine ..........o Thyristorised power controllers ............................o Timers...............................................................o TPE/TPU compounds..........................................o TPU masterbatches.............................................o Trade show........................................................o Turbine blowers/exhausters .................................o Twin mill pulveriser .............................................o Twin-screw extruder gearboxes ............................o Twin-screw co-rotating extruders..........................o Twin-screw elements ...........................................o Ultrasonic flow meter .........................................o Universal controller ............................................o Universal input temperature scanner....................o Universal masterbatches .....................................o Unwinder system................................................o UV & PU masterbatches......................................o Vacuum loader ..................................................o Ventilators .........................................................o Vibro screens.....................................................o Vision sensors ....................................................o VSPT/HDT test apparatus....................................o Water chillers.....................................................o Web aligner unit ................................................o White/black & colour masterbatches ...................

Use this form for FREE additional Information on advertisements published in this issue. We will send your inquiries to the advertisers and ask them to send you the details or contact you directly.

How to use this form:l Please tick against the box of advertiser(s) you are interested in: l Mention specific product/service

you need, against the advertiser’s name l Complete all the details on this form. l Tear the form & mail it to us. (It is a prepaid mail)

Tel.: +91-22-3024 5000 l Fax.: +91-22-3003 4499 l Email: [email protected]

Business Reply InlandBR Permit No. 555

Bhavani Shankar Post Office,Mumbai 400 028.

POSTAGEWILL BEPAID BY

ADDRESSEE

NO POSTAGESTAMP

NECESSARYIF POSTEDIN INDIA

Please complete the following Đ get a quick effective response from suppliers: 1. Your company’s business function is (Pone only) q Wholesalers q Manufacturer q Distributor q Agent q Other, please specify ______________ 2. Your role in your company’s buying process can best be described as: q I buy q I identify potential suppliers q I approve purchases

q I negotiate contracts q I select suppliers.

3. Your line of business

Name:

Designation:

Company Name:

Address:

City: Pin:

Tel: Fax:

Email:

8 /

2010

‘A’ Wing, Ruby House, J. K. Sawant Marg, Dadar (W)Mumbai 400 028,INDIA.

SPECIAL PROJECTSINFOMEDIA 18 LIMITED

Send your inquiries at:Tel: +91-22-3003 4684 Fax: +91-22-3003 4499



Second Fold Here

Third Fold HereGLUEADVERTISER INQUIRY FORM

Firs

t Fol

d H

ere

Firs

t Fol

d H

ere

o Adinath Controls Pvt Ltd ..........................

o Aerol Formulation Pvt Ltd.........................

o All India Plastics Mfrs Association .............

o Alok Masterbatches Ltd ...........................

o Blend Colours Pvt Ltd ..............................

o Disha Technologies .................................

o Engineering Expo....................................

o Entrepreneur...........................................

o Essen Speciality Films Pvt. Ltd...................

o Exxonmobil Chemical Asia Pacific Pte Ltd..

o Ferromatik Milacron India Ltd ..................

o Freeze Tech Equipments Pvt Ltd ................

o Glaves Corporation ................................

o Grundfos Pumps India Pvt Ltd ..................

o Haas Automation India Pvt Ltd .................

o Jon Wai Machinery Works Co., Ltd. .........

o Kabra Extrusion Technik Ltd......................

o Kant Plastology .......................................

o L & T Plastics Machinery Ltd.....................

o Lan Marketing Pvt Ltd ..............................

o Livewire18..............................................

o Lohia’s ...................................................

o Loxim Industries Limited ...........................

o Matsui Technologies India Ltd. .................

o Messe Dusseldorf India Pvt. Ltd. ...............

o Mifa Systems ..........................................

o Mold - Masters Technologies Pvt Ltd.........

o N.A. Corporation....................................

o Neejtech India (Braun) ............................

o Neejtech India (Hekuma).........................

o Neejtech India (Niigata) ..........................

o Ocean Extrusions....................................

o Omron Automation Pvt. Ltd. ....................

o Orbitz Corporate & Leisure Travels ...........

o Prasad Koch Technik Pvt. Ltd. ...................

o Procon Technologies Pvt Ltd .....................

o Rajoo Engineers Ltd ................................

o Sacmi Engineering India Pvt Ltd ...............

o Sanity International .................................

o Shree Radhekrishna Extrusions Pvt Ltd.......

o Shyam Plastic Machinery .........................

o Sreelakshmi Traders ................................

o Steer Engineering Pvt Ltd .........................

o Taipei World Trade Center .......................

o Toshiba Machine (India) Pvt. Ltd. ..............

o Unimark_Arburg .....................................

o Unimark_Maguire ...................................

o Unimark_Staubli .....................................

o Werner Finley Pvt Ltd ...............................

o Wittmann Battenfld India Pvt. Ltd..............

o Xaloy Asia (Thailand)Ltd. .........................

o Zambello Riduttori Group........................

Use this form for FREE additional Information on advertisements published in this issue. We will send your inquiries to the advertisers and ask them to send you the details or contact you directly.

How to use this form:l Please tick against the box of advertiser(s) you are interested in: l Mention specific product/service

you need, against the advertiser’s name l Complete all the details on this form. l Tear the form & mail it to us. (It is a prepaid mail)

Tel.: +91-22-3024 5000 l Fax.: +91-22-3003 4499 l Email: [email protected]#

##

Please complete the following o get a quick effective response from suppliers: 1. Your company’s business function is (Pone only) q Wholesalers q Manufacturer q Distributor q Agent q Other, please specify ______________ 2. Your role in your company’s buying process can best be described as: q I buy q I identify potential suppliers q I approve purchasesq I negotiate contracts q I select suppliers.

3. Your line of business

Name:

Designation:

Company Name:

Address:

City: Pin:

Tel: Fax:

Email:

8 /

2010

Send your inquiries at:Tel: +91-22-3024 5000 Fax: +91-22-3003 4499



Business Reply InlandBR Permit No. 555

Bhavani Shankar Post Office,Mumbai 400 028.

INFOMEDIA 18 LIMITEDRuby House, ‘A’ Wing, J.K. Sawant Marg, Dadar (W),Mumbai 400 028,INDIA.

POSTAGEWILL BEPAID BY

ADDRESSEE

NO POSTAGESTAMP

NECESSARYIF POSTEDIN INDIA

Special Projects

P R O D U C T I N D E X


Aerosol spray paint................................. 85

Additive masterbatches ................... 14, 95

Air bubble sheet plant .......................... 23

Air chillers ........................................... 73

Air-conditioner parts ............................. 25

Air-hot air dryers ............ Front inside cover

Ancillaries and spare............................ 87

Bag conversion system............................ 87

Barrel screws ....................................... 87

Barrels................................................. 29

Bed knives ........................................... 51

Biodegradable masterbatches ............... 14

Blenders .................. 99, Front inside cover

Blending unit ....................................... 25

Brine chillers ........................................ 83

Cast film line .......................................... 23

Chillers............................................ 9, 89

Cleanroom applications ......................... 6

Cleaning ovens.................................... 29

Co-extrusion die .................................. 23

Co-extrusions blown film plant.............. 23

Colour masterbatches .......................... 95

Compact chiller ................................... 73

Complex multi-part assembly .................. 7

Connectors .......................................... 25

Continuous screen changers ................. 29

Control panels ..................................... 83

Control valve ....................................... 83

Converters ........................................... 83

Conveying system................................... 9

Core cutter machine ............................ 87

Counters & power supplies ..................... 3

Crystallised hopper dryer ...................... 86

D punch machine ................................... 87

Data logging software .......................... 83

Dehumidified air dryer..............................

25, 73, Front inside cover

Die casting machines ........................... 27

Digital panel meter ................................ 8

Digital temperature controller................ 10

Doctoring rewinder machine ................. 87

Door trims ........................................... 25

Drives.................................................. 10

Drum type slitter rewinder machine ....... 87

Dryers ........................... Front inside cover

Dual channel with modbus ................... 10

Dynamic controller ............................... 10

Electric injection moulding

machine gearboxes................................... 5

Electric solutions .................................. 69

Email marketing................................. 104

Encoders ............................................... 3

EPS cup making machine ..................... 82

Exhibition - Emma Expo india 2010 ...... 79

Exhibition - Engineering Expo................ 96

Exhibition - K 2010.............................. 90

Exhibition - Plastivision India 2011........ 12

Extruder machine ........................... 11, 30

Extruders.............................................. 85

Extrusion coating lamination plant......... 23

Extrusion machinery........... 17, Black cover

Flame-retardant masterbatches............... 14

Gear pump.......................................29, 65

Granulator .......... 73, Front inside cover, 9

Gravure printing machine films ............. 62

Grinder ............................................... 73

HDPE pipe plant ..................................... 23

Head lamps & tail lamps...................... 25

Heart valve frames ......................... 57, 77

Heat transfer rolls ................................ 29

High cavitations moulds ......................... 6

Hopper dryer ....................................... 73

Hopper loader ..................................... 73

Hot air dryer.................................... 9, 25

Hot runner nozzles ............................... 82

Hydrostatic pressure testing machine ..... 85

IML technique ........................................... 6

Industrial control & sensing devices ......... 3

Industrial cooling systems ..................... 83

Industrial robots ................................... 27

Infomedia18 B2C magazine ............... 103

Injection moulding - general................. 67

Injection moulding - multi-component ... 67

Injection moulding - vertical ................. 67

Injection moulding

machine ............. 13, 25, 27, 33, 45, 201

Injection moulding

technologies ..................Black inside cover

Injection moulds................................... 67

Inspection cum siltter rewinding machine ..87

Inverter/variable frequency drives ............ 3

Knobs & switches .................................... 25

Lamination / coating machine ................ 87

Level controllers ..................................... 3

Loader........................... Front inside cover

Manual & hydraulic screen changers....... 29

Masterbatches...................................... 88

Material blender unit .............................. 9

Material dryers..................................... 99

Measuring & monitoring relay ............... 3

Medical moulds ..................................... 6

Melt flow index test apparatus .............. 85

Mixer............................................. 11, 30

Mono layer blown film plant ................. 23

Motion controls...................................... 3

Product Pg No Product Pg No Product Pg No

To know more about the products in this magazine, refer to our ‘Product Index’ or write to us at [email protected] or call us at +91-22-3003 4685 or fax us at +91-22-3003 4499

and we will send your enquiries to the advertisers directly to help you source better.

P R O D U C T I N D E X


Mould temperature controller............ 9, 73

Moulding automation............................. 7

Moulding automation systems ............... 85

Moulding unit ........................................ 6

Moulds.......................................... 11, 30

Multi-layer blown film plant .................. 23

Multi-component moulds ........................ 6

Oil/coolant coolers ...........................83, 89

Panel air-conditioners ............................. 83

Panel coolers ....................................... 89

Paperless recorder.................................. 8

Parallel & right angle axes gearboxes ...... 5

Pelletiser - dry cut strand type ............... 51

Pelletisers............................................. 29

PET blow moulding machine................. 35

PET dehumidified dryers . Front inside cover

PET masterbatches ............................... 14

PET recycling plant ............................... 23

Photo electric sensors ............................. 3

PID controller....................................... 83

Pipe making units................................. 67

Pivot system ......................................... 87

Plastic conveyor belt............................. 30

Plastic extrusion machines..................... 27

Plastic processing machinery ................ 87

Plastic textile and machinery ................. 59

Plastic whiteners ................................... 86

PLC..................................................... 10

Polymer conveyer belt........................... 73

Pouch making machine ........................ 87

PP glass filled compounds .................... 14

PP mineral filled compounds................. 14

PP/HDPE/PET box strapping plant ......... 23

PP/HDPE/PET monofilament plant ......... 23

PP/PP/TQ film plant ............................. 23

Precision moulding............................... 25

Precision temperature controls............... 83

Process controllers............................ 8, 83

Product - PP and PE ............................. 53

Profile controller................................... 10

Programmable logic controllers............... 3

Programmable terminals ......................... 3

Proximity sensors .................................... 3

Pulveriser ....................................... 11, 30

Pumps ................................................. 19

PVC braided hose plant ....................... 35

PVC suction hose plant ........................ 35

Quick connectors .................................... 63

Quick mould change systems ............... 63

Raffia tape lines...................................... 23

RFID...................................................... 3

Robot system ................................. 13, 73

Robots........................... Front inside cover

Rock-n-roll machine ....................... 11, 30

Roll wrapping machine......................... 87

Rotary cutters ....................................... 51

Rotogravure printing machine ............... 87

Round table carrousels ......................... 30

RTD..................................................... 83

Safety light curtains .................................. 3

Screen changer.................................... 88

Screws........................................... 29, 87

Screws and barrels ............................... 84

Shaft type slitter rewinder machine ........ 87

Shut-off nozzles.................................... 29

Silicone free sprays .............................. 21

Silicone sealant.................................... 21

Single mill pulveriser ...................... 11, 30

Single screw extruder gearboxes.............. 5

Solid state relays .................................. 83

Spares ................................................. 51

Special refrigeration equipment............. 83

Stack moulds ......................................... 6

Switching relays...................................... 3

Synthetic string plant (sutli plant) ........... 23

Technical moulds ...................................... 6

Temperature controller........... 3, 8, 10, 83

Temperature sensors............................. 83

Tensile testing machine with

extension-o-meter................................. 85

Thermocouple................................ 83, 84

Thermoplastic alloys ............................... 4

Thermoplastic compounds ...................... 4

Three arm bi-axial roto

moulding machine ......................... 11, 30

Thyristorised power controllers .............. 83

Timers ................................................... 3

TPE/TPU compounds............................ 14

TPU masterbatches............................... 95

Trade show .......................................... 47

Turbine blowers/exhausters ................... 83

Twin mill pulveriser ......................... 11, 30

Twin-screw extruder gearboxes ................ 5

Twin-screw co-rotating extruders...... 57, 77

Twin-screw elements ....................... 57, 77

Ultrasonic flow meter................................ 8

Universal controller .............................. 10

Universal input temperature scanner...... 83

Universal masterbatches ....................... 14

Unwinder system .................................. 87

UV & PU masterbatches ....................... 14

Vacuum loader ...................................9, 25

Ventilators............................................ 85

Vibro screens ................................. 11, 30

Vision sensors ........................................ 3

VSPT/HDT test apparatus...................... 85

Water chillers.......................................... 83

Web aligner unit .................................. 87

White/black & colour masterbatches ..... 14

Product Pg No Product Pg No Product Pg No

A DV E R T I S E R S ’ L I S T


Advertisers’ Name & Contact Details Pg No Advertisers’ Name & Contact Details Pg No Advertisers’ Name & Contact Details Pg No

Adinath Controls Pvt Ltd 83

T: +91-2764-286573

E: [email protected]

W: www.adinathcontrols.com

Aerol Formulation Pvt Ltd 21

T: +91-11-25920390;45552777


W: www.aerol.in

All India Plastics Mfrs Association 12

T: +91-22-28271678


W: www.plastivision.org

Alok Masterbatches Ltd 95

T: +91-11-41612244


W: www.alokindustries.com

Blend Colours Pvt Ltd 14

T: +91-40-2436 1499 / 2436 0887


W: www.blendcolours.com

Disha Technologies 45

T: +91-11-45635747


W: www.dishatech.co.in

Engineering Expo 96

T: +91-09819430607


W: www.engg-expo.com

Entrepreneur 103

T: +91-22-30245000


Essen Speciality Films Pvt. Ltd 62

T: +91-281-252021


W: www.essenspeciality.com

Exxonmobil Chemical Asia Pacific Pte Ltd 53

T: +65-6885-8277


W: www.exxonmobil.com

Ferromatik Milacron India Ltd 73

T: +91-79-25890081


W: www.milacronindia.com

Freeze Tech Equipments Pvt Ltd 89

T: +91-44-42152387


W: www.freezetechequip.com

Glaves Corporation 51

T: +91-141-2460324


W: www.glaves.biz

Grundfos Pumps India Pvt Ltd 19

T: +91-44-24966800


W: www.grundfos.in

Haas Automation India Pvt Ltd .BIC

T: +91-22-25706316


W: www.husky.ca

Jon Wai Machinery Works Co., Ltd. 67

T: +886-2-2595-4867


W: www.jonwai.com.tw

Kabra Extrusion Technik Ltd 17

T: +91-22-26734822


W: www.kolsite.com

Kant Plastology 85

T: +91-79-25895727


W: www.kantplastology.com

L & T Plastics Machinery Ltd 25

T: +91-44-26812000


W: www.larsentoubro.com

Lan Marketing Pvt Ltd 65

T: +91-22-27893645


W: www.maag.com

Livewire18 104

T: +91-22-30245000


Lohia’s 59

T: +91-11-30641770


W: www.lohiagroup.com

Loxim Industries Limited 4

T: +91-2717-308000


W: www.loxim.com

Matsui Technologies India Ltd. 9

T: +91-120-4243862


Messe Dusseldorf India Pvt. Ltd. 47

T: +91-22-6678-9933


W: www.md-india.com

Mifa Systems 10

T: +91-79-26870825


W: www.mifasystems.com

Mold - Masters Technologies Pvt Ltd 69

T: +91-422-4502171


W: www.moldmasters.com

Our consistent advertisers

A DV E R T I S E R S ’ L I S T


N.A. Corporation 11

T: +91-79-25840374


W: www.naroto.com

Neejtech India (Braun) 6

T: +91-79-26561312


W: www.neejtech.com

Neejtech India (Hekuma) 7

T: +91-79-26561312


W: www.neejtech.com

Neejtech India (Niigata) 33

T: +91-9909974224


Ocean Extrusions 23

T: +91-79-22902200


W: www.oceanextrusions.com

Omron Automation Pvt. Ltd. 3

T: +91-80-40726400/41466400


W: www.omron-ap.com

Orbitz Corporate & Leisure Travels 90

T: +91-22-24102801


W: www.visittradefairs.com

Prasad Koch Technik Pvt. Ltd. 30

T: +91-79-25830112


W: www.prasadgroup.com

Procon Technologies Pvt Ltd 8

T: +91-79-27492566


W: www.procon.co.in

Rajoo Engineers Ltd .BC

T: +91-09825312700


W: www.rajoo.com

Sacmi Engineering India Pvt Ltd 101

T: +91-2717-250397


W: www.negribossi.com

Sanity International 87

T: +91-79-65227458


W: www.sanityindia.com

Shree Radhekrishna Extrusions Pvt Ltd 87

T: +91-79-32447499


W: www.shreeganeshconverting.com

Shyam Plastic Machinery 35

T: +91-79-25841459


W: www.shyamplastic.in

Sreelakshmi Traders 85

T: +91-44-24343343


W: www.sreelakshmitraders.com

Steer Engineering Pvt Ltd 57, 77

T: +91-80-23723309 / 10


W: www.steerworld.com

Taipei World Trade Center 79

T: +91-44-43561520


W: www.emmaexpo.com

Toshiba Machine (India) Pvt. Ltd. 27

T: +91-11-43291111


W: www.toshiba-machine.co.jp

Unimark_Arburg 13

T: +91-22-25506712


W: www.unimark.in

Unimark_Maguire 99

T: +91-22-25506712


W: www.unimark.in

Unimark_Staubli 63

T: +91-22-25506712


W: www.unimark.in

Werner Finley Pvt Ltd 83

T: +91-80-23289889 / 8369 / 8371


W: www.wernerfinley.com

Wittmann Battenfld India Pvt. Ltd. .FIC

T: +91-44-42077009


W: www.wittmann-group.com

Xaloy Asia (Thailand)Ltd. 29

T: +91-79-27541971


W: www.xaloy.com

Zambello Riduttori Group 5

T: +39-0331-307-616


W: www.zambello.it

Advertisers’ Name & Contact Details Pg No Advertisers’ Name & Contact Details Pg No Advertisers’ Name & Contact Details Pg No

Our consistent advertisers

Regn. No. MH/ MR / WEST / 234 / 2009-2011 RNI No: MAHENG / 2008 / 25265Allowed to Post At Patrika Channel Sorting Office, G.P.O., Mumbai 400 001.

Date of Mailing: 1st & 2nd Of Every Month Issue.

106

modern plastics & polymers - august 2010

Documents

behalf of infomedia

soft looks

plastic design

metallic looks

particular product

ink adhesion

current trends

latest trends