Leistritz Extrusiontechnik GmbH has added another model to its ZSE iMAXX twin-screw extruder series and stitched up a new coat for its debut.
The coat is actually a full extruder cover made from a glass-fiber, heat-resistant fabric coated with polytetrafluoroethylene. Leistritz calls it a fleXXcover and said it makes working around the extruder safer and saves energy.
The innovative fleXXcover was shown at Fakuma to gauge customer feedback. It is not yet available for sale.
Leistritz already offers optional insulation wraps for the large part of the extruder barrel. The wraps provide a second layer of insulation with an air gap between them.
Fürst said the cover, which is in four parts, can be easily removed for cleaning. This is an important feature for companies that work with messy pigments.
“It is also a more economical option than metal covers,” he said.
Each of the four parts of the cover attaches to the extruder’s base frame by a plug-in connecting bar and is held in place by tension straps. “A single operator can remove each of the four parts without any additional tools,” Fürst said. A removed cover can be rolled up and stored. Individual cover segments will be available for purchase if the user changes the process configuration.
The new coat would also cover integrated side feeders and degassing units.
The new ZSE 40 iMAXX, which was wearing the coat at the show, has been added to the iMAXX 27mm and 35mm series of co-rotating twin-screw extruders. It is aimed at compounding medium batch sizes, with a capacity of up to about 1,500 pounds per hour.
Its screw diameter is 41.4mm. The ratio of outer diameter to inner diameter is 1.66 and maximum torque is about 1,128 Newton meters. Screw speeds are available at 300 rpm, 600 rpm, 900 rpm and 1,200 rpm.
The heating and cooling systems are integrated into the frame. There is a central water connection, and the ZSE 40 iMAXX uses a high-efficiency synchronous AC motor for the main drive. Systems monitor the oil pressure and gear box temperature.
The ZSE 40 iMAXX has integrated sensors to facilitate using Industry 4.0 technology. As an option, torque can also be measured.
Leistritz said the extruder’s design makes cleaning easy. Its safety covers are made of steel.
Ron Shinn, editor
Contact:
Leistritz Extrusion
Sommerville, N.J.,
908-685-2333, www.leistritz.com/en
