Milacron Sells 275th Fiber/Plastic Composite Extrusion System
Batavia, OH — Milacron Extrusion Systems has sold its 275th extruder for wood/natural fiber plastic composite production, giving the composite market leader nearly a 3:1 lead in global applications for the fast-growing technology. The Cincinnati Milacron TC86 conical twin extruder, capable of up to 725 kg (1600 lb) hr output, was ordered by a French customer for wood fiber/plastic composite (WPC) production. Just days later Milacron booked an order from Greece for its 276th and 277th WPC machines, both Cincinnati Milacron TC80 conical twins, said Herb Hutchison, director of international business development. "We're finding strong reception in Europe for our unmatched selection of large, high-output machines and proven process expertise," he said.
"Milacron has been the industry's primary source of large WPC extruders that deliver the high output rates needed for economical production of composite decking, railings, fencing and dimensional lumber," according to Hutchison. "In fact, while we've sold nearly three times more WPC machines than our closest competitor, our emphasis on large machines gives us about a 6:1 advantage over anyone else in installed production capacity."
Milacron pioneered the development of large conical twin extruders capable of delivering more than 682 kg/1500 lb/hr. output. Starting with the TC86, introduced at NPE 2000, it has continued its technology leadership with the TC92, and last year the TC96. The world's largest conical twin, the TC96 features 202 mm diameter screws that taper to 96 mm and deliver up to 1182 kg (2600 lb)/hr. wood/natural fiber plastic composite output. Conical screw design provides distinct advantages in applying natural compression to "fluffy" fiber material, powering one-step extrusion of the highly viscous WPC melt without a second-stage pump, and fully wetting out high loadings of fiber content.
The company also offers parallel twin extruders engineered for WPC production, topped by the TP172 with 172 mm diameter counter-rotating screws and the new TE160-33 with 160 mm-diameter, 33:1 L/D co-rotating screws. The TE160-33 offers the world's greatest WPC output rates at up to 3636kg (8000lb)/hr, said Hutchison.
Altogether, Milacron offers the world's broadest selection of WPC machines, including three large conical twin screw machine models, a broad range of parallel counter-rotating twin-screw models, and the new co-rotating twin screw product line for even higher output capabilities, he pointed out.
Supporting the machines, Milacron offers international application assistance by three of the industry's top WPC authorities, along with extensive aftermarket capability.
Hutchison was responsible for the start-up and operation of Crane Plastics' first TimberTech® wood composite manufacturing plant. As president of CPC Tooling Technologies and Crane Plastics Manufacturing, he was instrumental in evolving TimberTech into leadership position in the composite decking and railing industry.
Steve Jones, recently hired as European technical sales and marketing Manager, is one of the continent's leading WPC authorities, sharing his operational experience and process engineering expertise with others in technical papers and conferences. He brings both processing and material science experience to the Cincinnati Milacron international extrusion team, both in technical compounding and WPC processing.
Donald Schmidt, international sales project engineer, offers expertise in all phases of WPC processing from tooling to material testing, blending and scrap reclaim. He led a team in the design, engineering, sourcing and start-up of a multi-machine composite extrusion facility, and ultimately managed facility operations prior to joining Milacron this year.
"These new customers also gave strong consideration to our aftermarket capabilities where we are the largest supplier of new, rebuilt and custom-designed twin screws and barrels for parallel and conical machines," said Hutchison. "We offer molybdenum and proprietary tungsten carbide coatings, and can service customers very quickly through an exchange-from-stock program on new or rebuilt barrels and screws."
SOURCE: Milacron Extrusion Systems