Revised compact version of the ZSK twin screw extruder

At K 2016, Coperion was presenting a revised compact version of its successful ZSK Mc¹⁸ series. Six years after the initial launch of the series, which is characterized by its specific torque of 18 Nm/cm³, it has undergone a range of improvements designed to further simplify handling.

The compact series offers many advantages. First, it can be swiftly put into operation – meaning a quick start to production and no costly start-up times – as the control cabinet is fully prewired upon delivery. In addition to a lower construction height and a more clearly arranged control cabinet design, one way that the compact version stands out is through the improved accessibility of its process section. The cable ducts are arranged under the process section, and the control cabinets are located at motor and gearbox-height. The separately mounted drive cabinet results in a reduction in installation space as well as in the weight of the machine. The machine and the control system can be quickly and easily connected using a small number of clearly identified cable connections. All of these benefits result in a quicker return on investment than with conventional machines.

The new compact version of the twin screw extruder is equipped with quick-release clamps for the simple, quick replacement of the feed hopper as well as the user-friendly CSpro control system.

New ZS-EG side devolatilization unit for improved handling
Coperion has completely overhauled its ZS-EG side devolatilization. It now offers clearly improved features for fast and neat assembly and disassembly. The new design of the ZSK's connection barrel has been optimized for quick changing and allows all four mounting bolts to be simultaneously undone in a circular movement. What's more, the screw shafts can be completely loosened, cleaned, or changed in only a few moves. Cleaning and maintenance times are sharply reduced as a result.

The new ZS-EG is fitted with radial shaft sealing rings. As a result, the lantern area remains visible. They additionally permit nitrogen purging in an explosive environment. Thanks to the new seals, there is no longer a vacuum in the gear lanterns, and the service life of the gear-side shaft seal is considerably greater. With the new gearbox, the ZS-EG side devolatilization can be quickly and easily converted into a ZS-B side feeder. Of course, the same applies in the opposite direction: a ZS-B side feeder can be transformed into a ZS-EG side devolatilization in just a few movements.

CSpro for Industrie 4.0 tasks
The ZSK 58 Mc¹⁸ extruder is designed for all demanding compounding tasks. It is equipped with the user-friendly CSpro medium control system, which Coperion has been using in its ZSK high performance extruders since 2010. The control system comes with high-grade, standardized and pre-tested software, is fitted with the latest Siemens SPS-Generation S7-1500, and is connected via ProfiNet to the CPU (central processing unit) with compact ET200SP peripheral modules. Integration and data exchange in superordinated networks (ERP) takes place via the standardized OPC-DA and OPC-UA protocols. The control system is rounded off with additional complex software functions such as recipe management, order and material management, analysis of downtimes and the evaluation of historical values. The CSpro medium enables the condition of the plant to be easily visualized via a web browser in the network with support for display of this information on smartphones and tablets. CSpro medium is ideally suited to the requirements of Industrie 4.0.