Extrusion

As far back as I can remember since I’ve been in this industry (which is now 30 years), the SPI moldmakers and machinery makers have met together each spring. Many times the meeting was here in Phoenix, which made it convenient for me to attend after I’d begun writing about tooling and molding rather than selling it.
   

Next Generation Films (Lexington, OH) has ordered another 3-layer blown-film line from Windmoeller & Hoelscher Corp. with an addition system being specified out. The latest system will be a three-layer Varex with a 134-inch working width, grooved feed extruders (105.30/135.30/105.30D), Optifil P3 gauge-control system, Opticool high-output air ring and a 35.43-inch Maxicone C die.

Two new members of BASF's biodegradable plastics family have been introduced: a thermoformable version for food trays and the first injection-molding grade for complex and high quality packaging, including thin-wall applications.

When Adam Reiser and a partner founded a magazine nine years ago titled “Made In USA,” they wrote articles about companies making products in the USA. However, Reiser, who today is CEO and co-founder of Made In USA Certified (www.usa-c.com), found out that “people speak with forked tongue.” While they were telling Reiser that their products were being made in this country, in actuality they were shipping products in from China and relabeling them “Made in USA.”

In 2012, Ulrich Reifenhäuser said his company's strategy could be summed up in one word—China—and in 2013, three words suffice: the United States.

After a few challenging years including a trip through—into and out of—bankruptcy, a reinvigorated Milacron looks toward a bright future. The company showcased its product lines, including new products, at its Open House April 24 and 25, where the excitement and enthusiasm were palpable. The company’s investors, CCMP Capital Advisors LLC, are truly interested in the company’s growth and success, noted Dave Lawrence, president of Milacron’s Global Plastics Machinery and DME, in an interview at the Open House with PlasticsToday.
   

Eastman Chemical is introducing a sensitive-grade nonphthalate plasticizer for medical and other PVC applications to meet growing demands for materials that are extremely pure.

A joint venture of Arabian Chevron Phillips Petrochemical Co. and The Saudi Industrial Investment Group is on track to start up the Middle East's first nylon 66 plant in late 2013. Petrochemical Conversion Company Ltd. (PCC) recently announced the successful transport of four process modules to the Port of Jubail in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the company's new 50,000-tonnes/year plant under construction in Jubail II Industrial City.

Parker Hannifin Corp., a major consumer of plastics for its motion and control businesses, is launching a major bid to become a player in specialized medical plastics.

It has created a medical grade polyurethane that demonstrates polycarbonate resistance to oxidation and alcohol swelling, and is also said to possess improved resistance to environmental stress cracking. The material is polymerized by the Parker Engineered Polymer Systems (EPS) Division in Salt Lake City, UT.

Peter Roos was given worldwide responsibility for all activities of KraussMaffei Berstorff effective Feb. 1, becoming the president of the Extrusion Technology Segment in the KraussMaffei Group. Roos, who is a mechanical engineer by training, replaced Hans Ulrich Golz.