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K Show Preview

| By Gerald Ondrey

K 2019, known as “The World’s No. 1 Trade Fair for Plastics and Rubber” and scheduled to take place in Düsseldorf, Germany from October 16 to 23, is fully booked. Over 3,000 exhibitors from more than 60 countries have registered to participate. K will occupy the entire Düsseldorf exhibition grounds with some 175,000 m2 of net exhibition space. More than 200,000 trade visitors from all over the world are expected come to the event.

“Plastics for sustainable development” and the “circular economy” are among the hot topics touched on at the exhibitors’ stands, as well as being covered comprehensively in the supporting program. For example, the special exhibition “Plastics Shape the Future” also sees itself as a podium for solutions and answers to current social trends and discussions. Topics to be discussed include packaging waste, marine litter and climate change, as well as resource conservation, energy efficiency and recycling.

Organized by Messe Düsseldorf, the K show takes place every three years. Further information is available at www.k-online.de.

A small selection of products being exhibited follows below (Note: This online version has many more stories than the print version).

Technology for manufacturing composites

IPCO Germany

Previously operating as Sandvik Process Systems, this company is making its first appearance at K 2019 as an independent company within the Swedish Wallenberg group. The company manufactures solid and perforated steel belts used for improving productivity and quality in the processing of products as diverse as wood-based panels, film, floorings, advanced composites and more. Its Composite Solutions division designs, manufactures and installs systems for the production of a wide range of composite materials used across many industries, including automotive, aerospace, flooring, construction, non-wovens, textiles and many others. These include press systems used for impregnation, lamination and consolidation, a full range of upstream/downstream equipment, including precision scattering systems. Within its portfolio is the ThermoPress range of double belt presses — a modular system that enables multiple stages to be incorporated into a single efficient process — and the ScatterPro family of precision scattering systems (photo). Typical applications for these systems are pressing, lamination, impregnation, cooling and scattering. Hall 12, Stand 12/E19 — IPCO Germany GmbH, Göppingen, Germany

www.ipco.com

Re-engineered feeders, and much more, exhibited here

Brabender Technologie

The DSR28 (photo) and DDSR20 feeder models have been completely re-engineered. In addition to a new type of gearbox, this new range features many new components that are all compatible with one another and allow easy operation without tools for easy cleaning. Both machines will be exhibited, along with the possible motor types, such as the new motor with extended adjustment range (1:100). Other highlights include the new FiberXpert fiber feeder for lower feedrates; a FlexWall 40 with acrylic plastic container that can be controlled with a mobile device using a web server application; an unusual version of a feeder with twin screws based on special user requirements; the DS feeder range for granulate matter; liquid feeder and a feeding channel; and more. Hall 10, Stand A41 — Brabender Technologie GmbH & Co. KG, Duisburg, Germany

www.brabender-technologie.com

 

Processing polymer additives with this pelleting press

Amandus Kahl

The polymer industry uses a great variety of additives. They are used to stabilize polymer structures, to prevent damage to the final product by heat, shear energy and oxidation, for pigmentation and for ultraviolet (UV) protection. Many of these additives are already processed on Kahl flat-die pelleting press (photo). In the flat-die pelleting press, the pan grinder rollers rotate on a horizontally arranged flat die (disc die). They press the product from above in the axial direction through the bores. Materials, dimensions, surface profile and number of rollers can be varied according to product and throughput. The press is available from laboratory scale up to production capacities of more than 1 ton/h. The pellet diameter is typically 2–3 mm. Hall 10, Stand H08 — Amandus Kahl GmbH & Co. KG, Reinbek, Germany

www.akahl.de

 

 

A new, improved rotary filter for polymer melts

Gneuss Kunststofftechnik

This company will exhibit several different models of its patented rotary filtration systems. These continuous filtration systems are characterized by a filter disk on which the screen cavities are located in a ring pattern. Screens can be changed on the part of the filter disk that is not active in the melt channel, while the production process continues to run without any interruptions or disturbances. The new model SFneos (photo) was developed to combine the characteristics of several older models into one simple and cost-efficient solution, offering the following advantages: constant pressure guaranteed, even during screen changes; suitability with most types of polymers and viscosities; compact design, thanks to an enlarged active screen area (up to 2,370 cm2); simple and safe handling and operation with several screens accessible for screen changes; and cost effectiveness, thanks to its improved design. Hall 9, Stand A38 — Gneuss Kunststofftechnik GmbH, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany

www.gneuss.com

Highly scalable paperless recorder with intuitive operation

JUMO

The Logoscreen 700 (photo) is a new model from this company’s paperless recorder series. It is highly scalable in terms of measurement input and output cards, so that it can be adapted flexibly to different applications. These equipment options range from a device version without measurement input to versions with a maximum of 18 measurement inputs, three analog outputs, 18 digital inputs, 24 individually switchable digital inputs and outputs, and seven relay outputs. Through a PROFINET interface, up to 60 analog and digital channels can be recorded, as well as 120 external analog and digital inputs displayed. The device also has up to eight counter inputs, which facilitate flow measurement based on fast digital-pulse generators. Hall 10, Stand H34 — JUMO GmbH & Co. KG, Fulda, Germany

www.jumo.net

New generation of strand pelletizers for improved quality

This company is introducing improved dual-bearing strand pelletizers (photo), which have been re-engineered based on field experience and current market demands. The SP140, SP240 and SP340 models in the SP series have been equipped with a variety of enhanced features for easy, rapid handling and optimized pellet quality. Moreover, the company has developed a new proprietary technology for cutting-gap adjustment. This patent-pending cutting-gap adjustment constitutes the heart of the re-engineered strand pelletizers. Hall 14, Stand B19 — Coperion Pelletizing Technology GmbH, Offenbach, Germany

www.coperion.com

Systems expertise together at one stand

For the first time, all of this group’s companies will be exhibiting together at the K Show, featuring all their system solutions. The company is presenting new and upgraded machinery for pumping, filtration, pelletization and pulverizing technology. Its portfolio extends from small machines and systems for throughputs up to 100 kg/h, to machine and plant components capable of handling more than 100 ton/h (centrifugal dryers, polymer pumps and custom solutions in industrial applications). The experience within the group extends across virgin polymer production, compounding, extrusion, mechanical end-of-life recycling of plastic products and highly engineered industrial pump applications. The company will also be represented in Hall 16 in the VDMA’s Circular Economy Pavilion. Hall 9, Stand A04 — Maag Group, Oberglatt, Switzerland

www.maag.com

Super-slim, high-performance insulation saves space

Slentite and Slentex are a new generation of energy-efficient aerogel-based insulation materials with outstanding material properties. This manufacturer is presenting new examples of applications in carbon-concrete facade elements and motorhomes. In a pilot project in Leipzig, a house is being built with a hybrid load-bearing structure of carbon concrete and reinforced concrete. To achieve particularly slim wall construction, the new Slentite and Slentex high-performance materials can be used to create an insulating layer between the layers of concrete, reducing the wall thickness by up to 50% over conventional insulation materials, says the company. Slimming down the exterior wall significantly facilitates not only new aesthetic approaches, but also a gain in space, which is becoming increasingly precious in inner-city building. In addition, the two high-performance insulation materials can be integrated in the automated precasting of the elements in the concrete plant without further system adjustments. Hall 5, Stand C21 — BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany

www.basf.com

Plastics and foams contribute to the future in-car living space

Asahi Kasei Europe

Lightweight plastics and foams can significantly improve the user experience in future automotive interior (photo). With the increased use of plastics inside the car, the reduction of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is becoming a key factor for an improved in-car air quality. This company is the world’s only manufacturer of homo- and copolymer POM under the brand name TENAC. TENAC has the world’s lowest VOC emission class — exceeding the high standards of all OEMs worldwide. In addition, properties like low friction, scratch resistance and a high mechanical strength make TENAC a suitable material for applications in the automotive industry. It is already used in applications like sliders for seat adjustments, lumbar support for seating comfort, or seat belt push buttons. The company has recently developed a metal-looking low-VOC TENAC, using aluminum flakes as a filler. Looking and feeling like metal, it features a high scratch resistance, while at the same time improving the in-car air quality compared to other materials. Hall 8a, Stand J15 — Asahi Kasei Europe GmbH, Düsseldorf, Germany

www.asahi-kasei.co.jp

Newest product line to be unveiled at K 2019

Songwon Industrial

This company will be featuring an array of products (photo) and application-tailored solutions from its broad and growing portfolio that meet the most stringent demands and enable breakthrough applications across major growth sectors, such as automotive, electronics, packaging and films, healthcare, agriculture and many more. Another key feature will be its increased focus on sustainability, underscoring the organization’s commitment to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals and to addressing the world’s pressing issues, including energy and greenhouse gas reduction, water conservation and material efficiency. In 2018, this company introduced 10 new products and is set to launch at K 2019 an entirely new family of flame-retardant synergists based on a proprietary technology designed to combine high performance with safety and sustainability. The company also manufactures an large range of antioxidants and ultraviolet (UV) stabilizers and offers a full range of physical forms at world-scale capacities. Full backward integration in alkyl phenols and further integration into isobutylene, enhances production effectiveness. Hall 6, Stand B07 — Songwon Industrial Co., Ltd., Ulsan, South Korea

www.songwon.com

Elastic textile fibers made from carbon dioxide

Covestro

Two research projects have succeeded in making elastic textile fibers based on CO2 and so they can partly replace crude oil as a raw material. This company and its partners are developing the production process on an industrial scale and aim to make the innovative fibers (photo) ready for the market. They can be used for stockings and medical textiles, for example, and might replace conventional elastic fibers based on crude oil. The elastic fibers are made with a chemical component that consists in part of CO2 instead of oil. This precursor, called Cardyon, is already used for foam in mattresses and sports floorings, and now it is being applied to the textile industry. The fibers are made from CO2-based thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) using a technique called melt spinning, in which the TPU is melted, pressed into very fine threads and finally processed into a yarn of endless fibers. Unlike dry spinning, which is used to produce conventional elastic synthetic fibers such as Elastane or Spandex, melt spinning eliminates the need for environmentally harmful solvents. A new chemical method enables CO2 to be incorporated into the base material, which also has a better CO2 footprint than traditional elastic fibers. Hall 6, Stand A75 — Covestro AG, Leverkusen, Germany

www.covestro.com

Safe protection against oxidation

Lanxess

To avoid the harmful effects of sunlight and oxygen on rubber, this company offers an extensive range of antioxidants and antiozonants to prevent various types of aging in synthetic and natural rubber products. These products can be combined with one another to improve the distinct effective range of each particular compound. Most of these products are sold as granules (photo), which can be dosed easily and safely with very little dust. The antiozonant Vulkazon AFS, used in the production of latex, natural and synthetic rubbers, will be the focus at K 2019. It effectively prevents ozone cracking and does not lead to staining. This makes the granules ideal for use in chloroprene-rubber-based products such as automotive components and aquatic wear, as well as in the production of protective clothing with highly resistant, impermeable barrier layers. The most significant and widely used antiozonant worldwide is substituted para-phenylenediamine (PPD). However, this substance can stain vulcanized rubber, so it is only used for black rubber products and not white or colored ones. Vulkazon AFS is an effective, non-staining alternative for applications in which color and design play a major role. Hall 6, Stand C76 — Lanxess AG, Cologne, Germany

www.lanxess.com

New mobility solutions spotlighted at this stand

This company is showcasing three core areas under the theme “future mobility.” One of these areas is new tire solutions, which includes the company’s work on new polymer architectures that improve tire compounds to help achieve reduced rolling and abrasion resistance while maintaining safety aspects like grip. These developments can support the extension of the range and decrease energy consumption of vehicles, meeting the needs of e-Mobility. Another core area is new energy-storage solutions, as high-performance batteries will undoubtedly play a key role for the breakthrough of electric driving, making them a focus of our research on innovative rubber grades in lithium-ion batteries that ensure shorter charging times, more power and greater range. This also includes new thermal-management solutions to secure batteries from overheating. The third area is new performance applications, as new rubber solutions are needed to address the emerging application demands of e-Mobility progress. Examples are more heat- and flame-resistant cables for charging, lighter weight profiles, better dampening and anti-vibration systems to improve comfort in electrical cars, effective and safe brake systems or new performance wiper blades serving the needs of camera-based autonomous driving in the future. Hall 6, Stand C52 — Arlanxeo Holding B.V., Maastricht the Netherlands

www.arlanxeo.com

Self-adhesive liquid silicone rubber with low-friction surfaces

Wacker Chemie

Among other products, this company will be showcasing its portfolio of self-adhesive liquid silicone rubbers with low coefficients of friction. The portfolio comprises two new product lines: Elastosil LR 3671 for applications in food technology and Elastosil LR 3675 for automotive applications. It will also present Silpuran 6760/50, a grade dedicated to medical applications with comparable surface properties. All three products are self-adhesive to metals and selected thermoplastics. When cured, they form elastomers with dry, low-friction surfaces (photo), enabling cost-effective large-scale production of injection-molded hard/soft composites. Silicone elastomers made from these products have coefficients of friction that are 50 to 70% lower than those of comparable standard silicone rubber, says the company. The friction-lowering effect is achieved without exuding oil, as happens in oil-bleeding silicone elastomers. That makes the products ideal for use in the manufacture of components with low-friction surfaces that must be kept oil-free. Hall 6, Stand A10 — Wacker Chemie AG, Munich, Germany

www.wacker.com

Ascend outlines growth initiatives, specialty products

This company is said to be the largest fully integrated producer of polyamide 66 resin. Among its new products are high-heat and long-chain polyamides, an inherently antimicrobial polymer for fiber production, expanded recycled-content offerings and additional flame-retardant grades of its Vydyne PA66. The company recently announced progress on a 90,000-ton/yr adiponitrile (ADN) expansion in Decatur, Alabama, to meet the increasing demands for PA66. At K 2019, the company will debut its new specialty polymers and detail its expansion plans. Hall 6, Stand A07 — Ascend Performance Materials LLC, Houston

www.ascendmaterials.com

‘Symphony of Collaboration’ to tackle plastics waste challenge

Clariant

Responding to consumer-led concern around plastic waste, this company’s “Symphony of Collaboration” recognizes that regulators, industry and society have a responsibility to work more closely to drive design for, and innovation in, the reduction, reuse and recycling of plastics. At K 2019, the company will present its collaborative sustainability projects and the products behind them, supporting the development of solutions that will be adopted in the market. This includes the launch of a major new company-wide initiative specifically focused on plastics recycling. For example, with a partner for near infrared (NIR) scanners, the company developed new colorants for the black coloration of plastics that can be identified by NIR sorting devices. This new range of black colorants can be used for various polymers (polyolefins, PET, PA) and applications such as packaging and E&E (electrical and electronic end-users). This offers brand owners and masterbatch producers new opportunities. Hall 8a, Stand J11 — Clariant, Muttenz, Switzerland

www.clariant.com

Dow to create inclusive K 2019 experience to explore big issues

Reflecting its changing company culture and brand, this company will showcase collaborative, innovative and sustainable solutions at K 2019. The company is looking to encourage debate across the industry. Inspired by its inclusive new brand platform — Seek Together — the company will be inviting customers and partners to explore some of the biggest challenges and questions facing industry and society. It will showcase a wide variety of innovative products while sharing its approach to global issues. Conversations are expected to include the development of a more circular economy and eliminating plastic waste from the environment. The company will present case studies and prototype examples across four “domains,” showing how a collaborative approach to materials science can allow us to protect precious goods, build more effectively, move more efficiently and care more holistically. — Hall 8a, Stand K48 — The Dow Chemical Co., Midland, Mich.

www.dow.com

Purpose-led innovations showcased here

Royal DSM

Exhibiting under the theme of “Bright Science. Brighter Living,” this company will show how it is using its science-based competencies to develop innovations to both address the needs of its customers and tackle the world’s major challenges. One such example is the use of Arnitel in non-pneumatic tires (photo). Arnitel, a family of high-performance thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), offers a unique combination of flexibility, high temperature resistance, strength and processing characteristics. As such, Arnitel is increasingly being used as a lighter, smarter, greener alternative to conventional rubbers, reducing environmental impact and, ultimately, system costs. The market for non-pneumatic tires, or flat-free tires that are not supported by air pressure, is being driven by the need to integrate higher levels of sustainability, durability, efficiency and reduced costs, says the company. Hall 6, Stand 11 — Royal DSM, Geleen, the Netherlands

www.dsm.com