One-Step Color Masterbatch Production

KraussMaffei Berstorff  is showing direct production of PE color masterbatches on a ZE 28 BluePower twin-screw extruder, using what it says is a unique liquid color-compounding process to produce masterbatches of any color in a single cycle, meaning no intermediate mono-concentrate production step. 

The ZE 28 BluePower running in the booth has a 46:1 L/D and is equipped with a liquid- and solids-metering system so that color masterbatches can be produced using any type of starting material. Color masterbatches are usually based on mono-concentrates, which are produced on single-screw extruders in a separate processing step, intermediately stored and then fed into the twin-screw extruder in a second step. With the liquid-color compounding technology, the intermediate mono-concentrate production step is no longer needed. Color masterbatches produced this way are said to offer “unparalleled cost-effectiveness and unique color precision.” The firm’s twin-screw extruders are self-cleaning, so changes from dark to bright colors can reportedly be made without any problems.

Recipes stored in the the company’s proprietary Process Control Advanced system are automatically set for the complete line at the simple push of a button on the control panel. The compounding line exhibited is furnished with an Econ underwater pelletizer.

The company says ZE 28 BluePower twin-screw extruder is ideally suited for research and development applications as well as for small-batch production. All extruders in the ZE BluePower series feature an OD/ID diameter ratio of 1.65, a specific torque from 13.6 up to 16 Nm/cm³ and high drive power and are rated for speeds from 900 to 1200 rpm. The 4D and 6D barrel sections that can be combined with the extensive range of modular screw elements.