Novel On-Line Rheometer; In-Line Molding Specimen Device

Two major suppliers of extrusion and/or in-line process testing/monitoring equipment showcased novel systems at K 2016.

• Brabender has its new SpeciMold injection molding specimen device designed for in-line continuous extrusion processing. It takes a stream of material and injects it into the mold to make nearly all of the physical testing bars, including, tensile, impact, HDT/Vicat, flexural, and spiral flow. It is also well suited to molding color masterbatch samples to make sure the colorant disperses well and for ensuring the color match is correct for the intended customer.

A key advantage is that this device provides first-pass information in thermal history and process efficiency. Moreover, in addition to Brabender extruders, it can be used with other extruder brands smaller than 30 mm. It features its own control panel, which monitors temperature and pressure.

• Dynisco has expanded its online rheometry portfolio with the launch of a novel, simplified and lower price-point rheology device—the new ViscoIndicator online rheometer. It is specifically designed for the thermoplastics compounding and processing industry. It provides continuous measurements of the melt flow rate, apparent viscosity, or intrinsic viscosity directly on an extruder.

The unit sells for about $32,000 vs. larger units which range from $71,000-$108,000. The main differentiation between this compact unit and its larger counterparts is that it only provides an indication of whether the process is going off specification. It includes a control box that's mounted on the outside of the extruder and a sensor, which is about the size of a shoebox.

The ViscoIndicator’s single plug-in-power connection and ability to screw into an existing 1/2-20 process connection reportedly allows users to be up and running in no time without modifications to an extrusion line. This, in combination with its simple-to-use Windows 10 IOT HMI is said to minimize the learning curve.