Laboratory extruder ZSK 26 Mc¹⁸ for Polyone

For their trials in the development of fibre reinforced and additive-enhanced polymers, the compounding experts at PolyOne Europe in Gaggenau/Germany, have ordered our new ZSK 26 Mc¹⁸ twin screw extruder. Coperion will be supplying the comprehensively equipped laboratory extruder from start to finish: from the material feeding system (Coperion K-Tron) to the compounding extruder to the pelletizing system (Coperion Pelletizing Technology), thus ensuring optimum compatibility at every stage in the compounding process.

What clinched the company’s decision in favour of Coperion was first the positive experience with Coperion technology. Twin screw extruders from Coperion are already in service at several PolyOne production sites. In addition the comprehensive processing know-how and support package offered by Coperion and the high reliability of Coperion's machines and equipment with the tried and tested wear-resisting solutions they feature, were benefits that could not be matched.

The ZSK 26 Mc¹⁸ for PolyOne is equipped with a ZS-B side feeder for the introduction of fillers and additives and a ZS-EG side devolatilization, both of which are mounted directly on the side of the machine with the aid of a specially developed swing arm. The laboratory extruder includes four Coperion K-Tron loss-in-weight feeders for solid materials and one liquid loss-in-weight feeder. The loss-in-weight feeders are equipped with patented SFT weighing technology and operate with absolute accuracy thanks to their high speed, high resolution performance (1:4,000,000) with vibration filtering technology. These advantages also benefit the production of relative small batches. Standard drive units provide for absolute reliability with performance ranges (up to 1:100) that are so important for laboratory applications.

The pelletizing system is likewise supplied by Coperion (Coperion Pelletizing Technology). It comprises a Type SC80-3.000 strand conveyor (stainless steel version), where the extruded strands can be both water and air cooled, with a Type SD 70 easy suction device and an SP 50 EN strand pelletizer.

The ZSK 26 Mc¹⁸, which features a 25 mm screw diameter, has been specially designed for the development of formulations and the production of samples. With output rates of up to 180 kg/hour the extruder is also suitable for the compounding of small batches.The new ZSK 26 Mc¹⁸ features a torque of 15 Nm/cm³. It is economically very efficient, as its specific energy input is extremely low.