Extrusion International 2-2024-USA

42 Extrusion International 2/2024 42 INDUSTRY NEWS Syntactic Foam Plug-Assists for High-Temperature Use at NPE 2024 CMT Materials, a leading devel- oper and supplier of plug-assist ma- terials for the thermoforming indus- try, will showcase its latest HYTAC ® syntactic foam with high service temperature and high friction at the upcoming NPE 2024 exhibition. HYTAC ® HTF, a copolymer syntactic foam, is ideal for “sticky” materials and a range of other high-perfor- mance applications. HYTAC ® HTF is the latest in toughened copolymers that are easy to use and extend the per- formance range to fill challenging market needs, according to John Moy, Sales and Marketing Man- ager for CMT Materials. The com- pany has witnessed strong growth for HYTAC ® HTF which is the the culmination of collaborative work with leading thermoforming com- panies to optimize plug-assist ma- terial choices. “We have had many requests for newly developed co- polymer and syntactic materials as the global plastics packaging mar- ket continues to evolve and grow,” said Moy. “These companies seek a balance between the latest ther- moforming techniques and specifi - cally designed tooling materials.” HYTAC ® HTF is a syntactic foam capable of high service temperature performance (232°C/450°F) based on a toughened co- polymer formulation and microsphere size which is the smallest that CMT Materials has ever used. HYTAC ® HTF allows lower heat transfer between the plug and sheet. The plug-assist material pro- motes evenly distributed material throughout the en- tire part and is excellent for deep-draw applications due to its high friction. It is easily polished to a mirror-like surface while maintaining optimal friction properties, making it an ideal choice for use with sticky bar- rier films to minimize plug buildup. In barrier applications, HYTAC ® HTF reduces additive build-up and cleans quicker, thus reducing down- time and labor cost. The material’s small microsphere size facilitates the production of highly transpar- ent and clear parts. Copolymer plug materials such as HYTAC ® HTF also provide dust-free machining and high strength. Its durability makes it highly effective in pushing the film into smaller cor - ners and other troublesome areas. HYTAC ® HTF is available in a variety of sheet and rod sizes. HYTAC ® syntactic foam is used by the majority of toolmakers and thermoforming processors around the world. Thin-gauge thermo- formed parts such as drinking cups, coffee capsules, fruit trays, barrier trays, horticultural parts, and many more are formed with plug-assisted pre-stretching. HYTAC plugs are de- signed with specific material prop - erties to optimize plastic parts and provide low thermal conductivity, low specific heat, and low coeffi - cient of thermal expansion (CTE). CMT offers a full range of materials allowing designers and operators to create high-quality plugs for a vari- ety of polymers and their required geometries. CMT Materials www.cmtmaterials.com NPE2024: Booth W-6888 Debut Appearance at NPE ® Plastics Trade Show SI Group will make its inaugural appearance at NPE 2024. SI Group’s boothwill offer amplemeeting space and showcase its latest plastic additives designed to enhance performance while supporting global sustainability initia- tives. Conference attendees can engage with SI Group’s technical experts to learn more about the company’s unique solutions. Among the featured products will be: * EVERCYCLE™, a cutting-edge additive designed to promote recycling and improve the recyclability of plastics. * WESTON™ 705, a high-performance stabilizer that enhances the durability and lifespan of plastic products. * Non-Dust Blends (NDB™) Solutions, a proprietary process that offers a safer and cleaner work environ- ment with significantly reduced dust exposure, waste, and cross-contamination. "We are thrilled to showcase the SI Group portfolio of sustainable solutions at one of the biggest plas- tics events in the world. Some of our products were originally introduced at NPE through Addivant, which merged with SI Group in late 2018. When NPE 2021 was cancelled due to the pandemic, we did not have the opportunity to exhibit, making 2024 our first ap- pearance as SI Group," said Adam Watson, Sr. Sales Director, Polymer Solutions – North America at SI Group. "Our presence at NPE underscores our dedi- cation to driving positive change within the plastics industry, advancing towards a more sustainable and circular future." SI Group www.siigroup.com NPE2024: Booth S31183 in the Materials Science Zone