Extrusion International 6-2023

33 Extrusion International 6/2023 consistently optimumquality, as well as a particle size dis- tribution and geometry which are perfect for further pro- cessing with a very low proportion of unusable “fines”. All these systems feature Hellweg’s in-house devel- oped digital Smart Control System which captures pa- rameters such as power consumption, motor speed and bearing temperatures, as well as blade, screen and V belt status. Because the control system is capable of con- tinuously optimizing the relationship between motor load and throughput, it ensures particularly economical operation while requiring little input from operators. Smart Control is generally available for all models and sizes of Hellweg’s systems, starting from the 150 series machine-side grinders for granulating small parts and sprues up to the 600 series heavy duty grinders designed for the toughest applications. Hellweg Maschinenbau GmbH & Co. KG www.hellweg-maschinenbau.de From the smallest to the largest: SmartControl control is available for all Hellweg grinders (© Hellweg Maschinenbau) Latest Developments in POM, LCP, and 3D Printing Polyplastics Group, a global leader in the development and production of engineering ther- moplastics, highlighted its ex- panded product portfolio and material supply capabilities at the Fakuma International Trade Fair in October in Friedrichs- hafen, Germany. The company discussed the latest develop- ments in DURACON ® POM, LAPEROS ® LCP, and 3D printing technology which address the demanding end-use requirements in the medical, elec- trical/electronics, and automotive industries. Polyplastics recently announced the commercial avail- ability of its DURACON ® POM (Polyoxymethylene/Ac- etal) PM Series for medical applications. The company will supply materials to all global regions including Asia such as China and India, along with Europe and the U.S. In the medical device marketplace, manufacturers and end users demand high-quality materials from reliable suppliers. Polyplastics has served the medical and healthcare field for decades with its high-purity TOPAS ® COC (cyclic olefin copolymer). As the world’s leading POM manufacturer, Polyplastics now adds the PM Series to its medical grade portfolio and plans to expand material supply to the medical and healthcare market. Polyplastics’ two acetal grades include a standard vis- cosity grade, PM09S01N, which delivers the reliable me- chanical properties and moldability expected from POM. In addition, a high-flow grade, PM27S01N, will enable wall-thinning, miniaturization, and lightweighting of medical devices that are becoming more complex and highly functional. Polyplastics also discussed the latest sustainability initiatives in- cluding the availability of PLAS- TRON® LFT, a long cellulose fiber-reinforced polypropylene (PP) resinwhich is being targeted for automotive applications such as door module carriers, center consoles, and armrest cores. The eco-friendly PLASTRON ® LFT, which is made of specially for- mulated regenerated cellulose fibers, provides weight reduc - tion plus mechanical strength, enabling manufacturers to reduce their carbon footprint and meet today’s sus- tainability demands. Eco-friendly resins that incorporate natural fibers, starch, wood powder, and other plant-based and natu- ral mineral filling materials are being considered for use in a broader range of applications. Cellulose is a promis- ing material to help reduce CO 2 emissions but its insuf- ficient strength is a limiting factor. Polyplastics has ad - dressed this problem by using regenerated cellulose in the development of LFT resins with an excellent balance of physical properties. PLASTRON ® LFT offers lower density and reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions than short glass-reinforced resins while delivering the same mechanical properties. As a technical service-oriented company, Polyplastics has opened its Technical Solutions Center in Raunheim, Germany, which is now fully operational. With full ac- quisition by Daicel in 2020, Polyplastics has expanded its options for growth and geographical market coverage. The company has expanded LCP sales to EMEA and the Americas while making timely investments in capacity to better respond to market growth. The one-stop shop