New conicals for European shops

Battenfeld has added two new models of conical extruders to its established BEX 2-54-C model. The new versions include a smaller model for coextrusion, the BEX 2-42 CC (10- to 70-kg/hr output), and a larger model, the BEX 2-72-C (50- to 250-kg/hr output). Conicals are common in North America but still new to most European processors. Battenfeld developed its machines using technology from U.S.-based sister firm American Maplan. The manufacturer uses an "active" screw, so-called because its geometry—reduced screw flight in the feed zone and increased flight in the metering zone—has a slightly reduced feeding volume. This, combined with a high-torque setting, allows processors to run machines from a full hopper. The increased screw flight allows for higher material transport volume in the ejection zone with no increase of screw pitch, meaning higher volumes are achievable at lower screw speeds, which extends screw life. Battenfeld Extrusionstechnik GmbH, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany, +49 +5731-242-0, www.bex.battenfeld.com