Improvements All Through the Materials Handling Stream

For the precise addition and mixing of non free-flowing powders, such as blowing agents, foaming agents, UV stabilizers, flame retardants and pigments, Comet Automation Systems Inc. has introduced a line of blenders, feeders and metering units. The Exact-A-Batch Gravimetric Blender-MP can meter up to two free-flowing materials and two non free-flowing powders. It has a patented powder dispenser, and can mix batches as small as 5 lb.

Comet’s Color Exact Metering Unit PF-1200 is a screw-type feeder designed for at-the-throat metering of color pigments and powder additives. Two models are available for use with injection molding and extrusion machines.

A new line of direct feed loaders from Hamilton Avtec maintains minimal inventory at the machine throat for faster material changeovers. In addition, material can be pre-dried off-line to make color or material changes more quickly. The loaders will be on display for the first time at Expoplast, Oct. 27-28, in Montreal.

Spaltech International now offers a 500 lb. model of its Vacu-Bin series of self-emptying resin handling bins. The portable bin has a form-fitting lid that remains on the unit to eliminate contamination while a vacuum loader is unloading material.

The Exxpand distributed control network from Novatec Inc. allows individual, beside-the-press control of material loading station functions through individual intelligent devices called installation nodes. In the Exxpand system, all loading station and vacuum pump nodes pass messages back and forth, cooperatively accomplishing a common task. Wiring is via a two-wire 24 vac system which transfers both power and command/status messages through a single cable.

Simple operation is combined with versatility in the ConveyPacer III Series S central controller from Mould-tek Industries Inc. This efficient microprocessor-based multi-station sequencing controller will operate two vacuum pumps simultaneously, filling any combination of up to 32 stations.