core sector communique

Chemnitz TU extends its machinery for mass-oriented plastics processing

Further research into natural fibre compounds

Hanover, October, 2009 – Chemnitz Technical University has successfully commissioned a ZE 40 A x 50 D UTXi twin-screw extruder of Hanover-based KraussMaffei Berstorff GmbH in its recently opened Centre for Integrative Lightweight Technologies (ZIL). With this high-performance compounder Chemnitz TU intends to intensify research into natural fibre-reinforced compounds and to extend its know-how in this area.

 

The ZIL is a competence centre and research partner for small and medium-sized plastics processing companies. Its research and development activities are focussed on new combined injection moulding processes for plastics reinforced with long-fibre materials and semi-finished textile products. These materials are used for constructional elements in the automotive and aircraft industries as well as for railway vehicles, where they help to reduce weight and thus carbon dioxide emissions.

 

The new centre in Chemnitz is equipped with six large-scale plastics processing lines, including a multi-component turning plate machine, an RIM polyurethane line as well as an IMC injection moulding compounder from KraussMaffei Technologies, who have closely cooperated with Chemnitz TU since 2007. "In view of the successful cooperation with the KraussMaffei group, it seemed almost logical that we would purchase the extruder from them. But this was not the reason for our decision. We opted for the ZE 40 UTXi as its technical features and high flexibility for research applications are absolutely convincing,” declares Prof. Dr. Lothar Kroll, head of the institute.

 

With an output capacity between 50 and 250 kg/h, the new ZE 40 A x 50 D UTXi twin-screw extruder from KraussMaffei Berstorff enables the scientists in the team of Dr. Wolfgang Kemp, head of the extrusion technologies department at Chemnitz TU, to carry out development work as well as small-batch production for further processing. The machine offers outstanding technical features. The combination of rectangular barrel sections with highly efficient evaporation cooling provides optimum temperature control. The patented C-clamp system gives rapid barrel replacement and the wide range of available barrel sections and screw elements offers unparalleled flexibility. Thanks to the inside/outside diameter ratio of 1.46, which ensures an optimum intake volume/torque relation and speeds of up 1,200 rpm, the ZE is also ideal for high-performance compounding tasks. The 50 D processing section length is suited for variable addition of additives, which is of particular importance when processing extremely sensitive long fibres.

 

“We are happy that an additional extruder of our proven ZE-UTX series has made its way into a research institute. Basic research is decisive for us as a mechanical engineering company as it offers the opportunity to tailor our extruders to market requirements and to continuously improve their design”, explains Gerhard Schmitt, sales manager for twin-screw extruders in German-speaking countries at KraussMaffei Berstorff.