Davis-Standard adds on lab capabilities to R&D centre

US-headquartered extrusion machinery firm Davis-Standard is expanding its offerings at its technical centre in Pawcatuck, Conn. By the end of the first quarter, Davis-Standard will offer trials for its Davis-Standard Helibar® groove feed extruder and the DS Activ-Check control system for continuous extruder monitoring.

According to John Christiano, Davis-Standard’s Vice-President of Extrusion Technology, both present new opportunities for customers to improve and strengthen processes.

“These technologies have been proven in the field and we’re pleased to offer experimentation in our technical centre,” said Christiano. “We are firm believers in partnering with customers to make processes better and in maximizing their capital investments. I am eager for customers to use both the Helibar and Activ-Check in establishing performance baselines during real-world trials.”

The Helibar extruder is the next generation in Davis-Standard’s groove feed extruder offering. The dimensions of the extruder in the lab will be 65 mm with a 36:1 L/D. With the Helibar design, helical grooves inside the barrel run along the entire barrel bore. This technology has shown to increase extruder output rates while improving energy efficiency and reducing barrel and screw wear. Other advantages include lower start-up costs, shorter residence time and the ability to process higher levels of regrind. Christiano noted this is especially beneficial for high-profile applications where speed, melt quality and efficiency are paramount.

The DS Activ-Check system will be mounted on a 114 mm extruder. Using a continuous monitoring platform, the DS Activ-Check strengthens preventative and predictive maintenance for extruder operation. Operators are able to monitor key mechanical and electrical components of the extruder and gearbox and receive early notification of potential component failure to prevent unscheduled downtime. Users can obtain notifications via e-mail and text, and can remotely monitor conditions via smart devices or remote PCs. Users also benefit from the collection of operational data, leading to significant cost-cutting opportunities.

John Clemens, Davis-Standard’s Director of Extrusion Controls, added, “The capability to monitor extrusion line variables such as mechanical and electrical system conditions is essential in order to bring products to market faster. I look forward to customers having the opportunity to test the many advantages of this system for both extrusion and converting processes.”

Both technologies will be available to customers by the end of the first quarter.

(PRA)

---

Subscribe to Get the Latest Updates from PRA  Please click here