CAPE Laboratory

 

Polymer Processing

From packaging to aerospace applications, polymer processing must be engineered - based on the interacting rheological and microstructural properties of the polymer - to achieve the desired properties, performance and shape for its end-use. This requires detailed process-structure-property studies (see also Materials Testing and Characterization) on bench scale and pilot scale systems. The pilot and industrial scale polymer processing equipment at the CAPE facility is detailed below.

Features

  • 30 ton clamping force
  • Heated and cooled platens - 15" x 15", 650°F max
  • Programmable heating, cooling and force control

Applications

  • Compression molding
  • Flat sample and sandwich construction
  • Film stacking

The Cincinnati Milacron model VST55-2.97 horizontal plastic injection molding machine can be used to develop and test new production processes utilizing polymer and composite thermoplastic materials. This machine utilizes industry standard processing for rapid production of small components.

Specifications

  • High speed hydraulic ejector
  • 33 ton clamping force
  • 2.97oz shot size
  • Toggle clamp
  • Platen Size:  20"H x 19"W
  • 9kW mold heater/cooler (AEC model T50-9-4-2)

Applications

  • Process development
  • Materials/process experiments

The Coperion Twin Screw extruder is used for process development of polymers and composite materials. This robust machine is capable of running extended production cycles and high torque demand for high viscosity substance mixing and extrusion.

Features

  • Polymer mixing and shaped extrusion capabilities
  • Multiple section extruder allows thermal gradient, vacuum application, gas injection, etc.

Applications

  • Continuous compounding of polymers, technical ceramics and foodstuffs
  • Extrusion of tubes, beams, etc.

Technical Specifications

  • 6.5 liter extruder capacity
  • 82 N-m per screw torque capacity
  • 20.6 kW
  • 3000 or 1200 RPM screw rotation rate
  • Type 21.1 P 82 M

 

The Elmarco’s Nanospider™ 500 is a machine for producing membranes, mats, and sheets of polymer nanofibers with diameters in the range 80 – 700 nm (depending on the polymer and the spinning conditions used). It uses needle-free electrospinning technology, and is suitable for a wide range of polymers, as well as some inorganic materials.  The machine manufactures homogeneous product samples with repeatable parameters in sufficient quantity for final application development, and allows straightforward scale-up on mass-production Elmarco electrospinning machines.

 

Configured for both rubber and plastic applications, the Farrel Two-Roll Mill is designed for multi-batch routine milling.  The controls are designed and engineered to provide the flexibility required in R&D environments.

Features

  • More accessible front roll
  • 1.3 lb capacity
  • 350°F max Temp

Technical Specifications

  • Roll Diameter:  6 in (152 mm)
  • Roll Width:  13 in (330 mm)
  • Sheeting Capacity:  3 lb (1.4 kg)
  • Front Roll Speed:  34 to 17 rpm
  • Rear Roll Speed:  24 rpm, Fixed
  • Friction Ratio Range:  0.71:1 to 1.41:1

Our K-Tron Compact loss-in-weight feeders are optimized for laboratory applications, pilot projects, and feeding minor ingredients with high accuracy and recipe repeatability. The Microfeeder provides feed rates as low as 0.04 dm³/hr (0.0014 ft³/hr). The Compact Feeder is used for any low feed rate application where high accuracy and recipe repeatability are required.

Features

  • Loss-in-weight gravimetric feeders with programmable control independent control of primary (bulk) and secondary (additive) rates
  • Twin-screw feeders

Applications

  • Controlled ratio feeding for compounding

 

MAAC Model ASP is a 30”x 36” single-station thermoforming machine designed for small part production, R & D and prototyping purposes. Thermoforming is a manufacturing process where a plastic sheet is heated to a pliable forming temperature, formed to a desired shape in a mold, and trimmed to create a usable product.

This Powder King® laboratory system provides small sample milling, from one pound to fifty pounds. The PK-18 saves valuable time when milling small samples, and is also quick and requires little clean time. This saves from pulverizing small samples on a large system that requires hours of cleaning. The PK-18 can be cleaned and ready for the next sample in less than ten minutes.

Features

  • Gap adjusting from outside mill with single stud, push/pull adjusters
  • Poly hopper
  • Variable-speed drive on mill motor with dynamic braking
  • Vibratory feeder with control

Applications

  • Pulverizing small sample sizes for R&D purposes

Technical Specifications

  • 8" Disks
  • Aluminum mill housing with integrated bearing housing
  • Flywheel mounted on tapered shaft to run within 0.001"
  • 5 HP motor

 

The Wabash Genesis press is a hydraulic press for compression molding of rubber, plastics and composites, and laminating and assembly of preimpregnated thermoset and thermoplastic composites.

Features

  • Automated cure cycles
  • Programmable controller (12 segment maximum) heated and cooled cure recipes
  • Water-cooled platens

Applications

  • Pressed sandwich laminate structures
  • Compression molded rubber and plastic parts
  • Thermoplastic and thermoset composite parts

Technical Specifications

  • Adjustable clamp force: 0 to 100 tons
  • Platen size: 24" x 24"
  • Heated Platens up to 800°F (15°F/min. heat-up rate)
  • Automatic transfer from closing to pressing speed