Extrusion International 2-2024-USA

39 Extrusion International 3/2022 els are high, and the high-cost screens clog fast and require time-consuming changing procedures. By using back- flushing, the screens are cleaned from contamination and debris over and over, so producers need fewer filter elements and operators need to per- form fewer screen changes. To cope with the high process pres- sures especially in blown film applica - tions, the BKG ® HiCon™ K-SWE-HD/RS melt filter is equipped with a patented melt-pressure controlled venting start that fully automizes the filling of the screen cavity after a screen change for maximum pressure consistency. Addi- tionally, the filling is done carefully so that no air entrapments endanger the process or the end product. Producers can rely on a stable process and great- er quality of the film. The new melt filter is designed to handle backflushing and venting clean in a maintenance friendly way. The safety cover can be opened verti- cally, allowing the operator to reach the filter piston from all sides to facili - tate cleaning. In a highly successful development project, Nordson worked with RKW, a leading blown film producer in Echte, Germany, who focuses on using re- cycled content in its film packaging products. The new BKG® HiCon™ K- SWE-HD/RS was provided to RKW as part of a user test and installed in a three-layer plant. Nordson will also showcase the new EDI ® Prodigi™ motorized lip actua - tor system which takes extrusion and coating processes to another level by fully automating the lip gap adjust- ment – making it faster, safer, and repeatable. This new patent-pending system achieves saving tolerances four times faster than conventional thermal bolt systems, supporting the processor’s need for increased sus- tainability. Instead of using non-automated, manually-intensive thermal bolts to control the lipadjustment, theProdigi™ die relies on a series ofmotorized actua- tors connected to the die’s flexible lip. The installed actuators smoothly trans- late motor rotation into precise linear movement to locally open and close the lip. The system creates a process that is faster, safer, and more energy efficient because it is completed away from the hot die, at a user interface. Another benefit of the Prodigi™ sys - tem is its high energy efficiency since the motorized actuators operate at a significantly lower temperature than thermal bolts. While the thermal bolts need constant heat during a produc- tion run, the motorized lip actuator uses little to no power after achieving steady state operation, reducing over- all energy consumption and environ- mental impact. Projections show that under normal use the Prodigi™ actua - tor system would consume less than 1% of the electricity needed annually to operate a comparable thermal die bolt system. Nordson Polymer Processing Systems Division www.nordsonpolymerprocessing.com NPE2024: Booths #W8189, W8289 Nordson Corp. www.nordson.com Nordson BKG ® HiCon™ K-SWE-HD-RS Keynote Speaker Announced for NPE2024 The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) announced the participation of Michael Cicco, President and CEO of FANUC America Corporation, as one of two keynote speakers for NPE2024. In his show opening keynote, “Unlocking the Potential: Robotics, AI and Automation in the NewTech Era,” Ciccowill address how robotics and automation advancements are revolutionizing the plas- tics industry and discuss the exciting future of human- machine collaboration. “Michael’s insights on the future of plastics manufac- turing promises to inspire thought-provoking discussions and will ignite excitement around the future of plastics,” said PLASTICS President and CEO Matt Seaholm. “The Monday keynote address will set the tone for one incred- ible week. NPE consistently attracts the brightest minds in the industry, and this year’s keynote addresses will be a highlight for attendees.” Cicco’s keynote is scheduled for May 6, at 8 a.m. in the Chapin Theater at the Orange County Convention Cen- ter. NPE2024 takes place from May 6 - 10, 2024 and for the first time will feature two keynote addresses, along with more than 100 educational sessions and speakers both on and off the show floor, representing the global plastics industry. “I’m thrilled to be a part of NPE’s legacy. This show is an energizing platform to see the incredible advance- ments happening across the plastics industry,” said Michael Cicco. “I’m looking forward to fostering discus- sions within various industries and exploring how we can leverage the power of automation in the plastics industry to address global challenges. NPE provides a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between inno- vation and real-world solutions, and I'm confident that the conversations sparked here will pave the way for a brighter future for plastics.” For more information about NPE2024: npe.org