Processors interested in extruding and processing PET sheet without the expense and trouble of pre-drying their material, take note. We reported last year on the 10-yr sales agreement between Aurora, IL-based Processing Technologies International LLC (PTi) and Luigi Bandera Meccaniche S.p.A. (Bandera; Milan, Italy) in which Bandera will supply its twin-screw HVTSE extrusion systems to PTi for the North American market. These extrusion lines make use of Bandera's patented High Vacuum Twin Screw Extruder (HVTSE) technology, which allows polyethylene terephthalate (PET) to be processed without drying and crystallizing, and polylactic acid (PLA) without drying. The HVTSE extruder de-volatilizes and de-moisturizes the material during extrusion.

Processors interested in seeing a line in operation have two chances in the coming weeks. First chance is during the 20th annual SPE Thermoforming Conference Sep. 17-20 in Schaumburg, IL. Then in October, processors attending the Polyester Extrusion and Recycling Forum, sponsored by Kreyenborg Group on Oct. 11 in Chicago, can follow that event with a visit to PTi's facility.

SPE conference attendees will have an opportunity to view the new production system during a plant tour and demonstration session Sept. 20 at PTi headquarters in Aurora. Attendees of the Polyester Extrusion and Recycling Forum can view the technology during an Oct. 12 open house at PTi headquarters, a day after the recycling event. Complimentary transportation to PTi headquarters will be available for both events.

The twin-screw HVTSE extruders from Bandera are integrated with single-screw sheet extrusion systems from PTi as part of a turnkey package. PTi will also provide its Titan-brand supervisory control system and UL-approved electrical components for delivery throughout North America. Bandera has already placed more than 80 of its HVTSE units around the world, and now hopes for success in North America with PTi manufacturing, servicing and supporting them from PTi's headquarters in Aurora

The production-scale unit on show, which is capable of processing rates in excess of 2000 lb per hour (900 kg/hr), will run a variety of resins including post-consumer and industrial PET/PLA.

The annual thermoforming conference, sponsored by the SPE thermoforming division, will be held this year at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel. The Polyester Extrusion and Recycling Forum will focus on the key developments in equipment and processes relevant to the extrusion and polyester recycling sector. It will be held at the Intercontinental Hotel Chicago O'Hare in Rosemont, IL. 

For more information on the PTi plant tour/open house, contact (630) 585-5800 or visit www.ptiextruders.com. More information on the conferences is available at www.thermoformingdivision.com/SPE-conference/index.html and http://www.eventelephant.com/polyesterextrusionrecycling2011. Look for PlasticsToday at both and at the PTi open house.