Quick-Change Loading System Reduces Downtime

Baltimore, MD — A new twin-chamber system from NOVATEC, Inc. enables plastics processors to switch quickly from one resin or color to another for job changeovers without incurring the usual downtime for cleanout and changing resin source points, it was announced recently by national sales manager Joe Rich.

The VersaLoad™ system consists of two vacuum chambers and a central mini-hopper for purging compound, all mounted on a rail above the processing machine . With each chamber connected to a different raw material conveying line, the operator can quickly change over from the job run that chamber "A" has been supplying by simply: (1) moving the system on the rail so that the mini-hopper is positioned at the throat of the processing machine and the machine can be purged; and then (2) moving the system farther until chamber "B" is positioned at the machine throat.

The system eliminates the downtime associated with cleaning out chambers and changing resin sources. Even if a third material or color is required, that change can now be accomplished "on-the-fly" with one chamber while the other chamber continues to supply material to the processing machine. The system also offers added safety as the operator does not need to climb the machine to make hose changes.

Each chamber includes a see-through material reservoir with an externally-mounted, variable-height photoelectric level sensor. Models are also available using NOVATEC'S VL self-contained vacuum loader series for operations where a central material handling system is not employed.

SOURCE: NOVATEC, INC.