KraussMaffei Berstorff showcases new ZE 65 BluePower Torque extruder at TecDay

The top attraction at KraussMaffei Berstorff’s TecDay, which took place on February 24 in Hannover, Germany, was without a doubt the latest twin-screw extruder, the ZE 65 BluePower Torque. Designed for the challenging requirements of high-performance compounding, the new extruder was put through its paces during a live demonstration in which polyamide 6 with a 30% glass-fiber content was processed at a maximum output rate of 2,500 kg/h, about 90% torque and a screw speed of 1,200 revolutions per minute.

The new ZE BluePower twin-screw extruder series is characterized by numerous innovative features in terms of energy efficiency and process engineering. This series combines operating point optimization of the drive system, including a water-cooled three-phase motor and high-efficiency gear unit, with a completely redesigned processing section. As compared to the previous ZE A UTX series, the ZE BluePower features an increased OD/ID diameter ratio of 1.65, which gives a 30% higher torque density of up to 16 Nm/cm³.

“The live demonstration on TecDay furnished ample proof of the increase in productivity, performance and energy efficiency achieved with the ZE BluePower twin-screw extruder series,” said Ralf J. Dahl, Head of the Twin-Screw Extruder Division at KraussMaffei Berstorff. He added: “Such a performance level is simply unique for this machine size.”

The live demonstration was preceded by an extensive lecture program. The opening lecture about the utilization of energy-saving potentials in compounding held by Robert Schmitt, CEO of SKZ-Cert GmbH, provided general information on legal aspects and standardization in the field of energy-management systems and hands-on recommendations for sustained savings during production.

The second lecture, delivered by Oliver Borgelt, Plant Manager of Zülpich-based Albis Plastic GmbH, discussed user demands regarding compounding lines. Borgelt outlined the energy efficiency increase achieved in compounding and the expectations of compounding companies with respect to machinery.

The third lecture by Thorsten Schroer, Assistant Head of Plant Engineering at KraussMaffei Berstorff, focused on KraussMaffei Berstorff’s compounding plant engineering know-how. 

“The TecDay offered an interesting and versatile information and discussion platform for our guests and provided a sound basis for successful market positioning and well-founded investment decisions. The high number of participants and the first feedback we received clearly demonstrate that the TecDay was a real success,” said Dahl.

The KraussMaffei Berstorff extrusion line was complemented by accessories supplied by Brabender Technologie GmbH & Co. KG (loss-in-weight feeder), EMDE Industrie-Technik (bulk material handling), Gala Kunststoff- und Kautschukmaschinen GmbH (underwater pelletizer), Nerak GmbH Fördertechnik (elevator conveyor), PPG Industries Fiber Glass B.V. (glass fibers) and Simar GmbH (bulk material handling). Materials were supplied by Cabot Switzerland GmbH (masterbatch) and DSM N.V. (polyamide 6).