EuroWire November 2024

Corporate News

Advances in extrusion of flame-retardant materials

controlling process variables and achieving high production speeds. MFL Group has collaborated with plastics manufacturers to develop an advanced range of extruders that offer precision in temperature control and achieve high production output.

As understanding of safety evolves, so does the technology designed to anticipate and mitigate risks. This progression is evident in the cable industry, where the focus has shifted from solely technical specifications to addressing real-world applications and safety, particularly concerning flame resistant cables. Historically, cables with PVC insulation, while low in flammability, generated toxic fumes when exposed to high temperatures, posing significant safety risks. Recent legislation has tackled these concerns by setting unified requirements for electrical cables to enhance safety and ensure consistency across products. A factor in these regulations is how cables perform when exposed to flames. In response to these stringent stan- dards, compound manufacturers have developed increasingly sophisticated materials. This evolution has necessitated the creation of a new generation of extruders capable of precisely

MFL Group extrusion technology

technology have been operational for several years. MFL Group is also designing future automation systems aimed at optimising production processes for greater energy efficiency, increased output and continuous quality monitoring. The company aims to harness the full potential of its machinery through exponential technologies such as artificial intelligence, IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) and machine learning, driven by its dedicated MFL X division.

Key innovations include: • Increased torque capabilities to han dle the higher viscosity and process ing pressures of modern compounds • A thermoregulation system that measures the actual melt temperature rather than relying on the extrusion cylinder temperature • New screw profiles that reduce shear rates while enhancing production flow These advancements have resulted in an international patent for the flame resistant material processing technology. Machines featuring this patented

Mario Frigerio SpA www.mflgroup.com

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November 2024