WCA January 2020

Technology news

Cold heading oil launched

After six months of research, Extrugliss HT 268 VP was created. In partnership with an automotive supplier, the product was tested for nearly 12 months on cold heading operations for the manufacture of seat pinions and hubs, and reportedly showed good results. Available for sale since June 2019, Extrugliss HT 268 VP is positioned as a premium product specially formulated for extreme operations that generate excessive heat (stainless steel, alloy steel with high elastic limit, etc). Developed to solve BaP emissions problems, the neat cold heading oil is formulated from high-quality, highly refined base oils, and contains fewer residual compounds that may degrade to PAHs. It resists oxidation, increases the life of the baths and facilitates degreasing by preventing the formation of sticky residues on the parts. It is less volatile, and limits oil evaporation and mist generation, improving the atmosphere in workshops. The dual-purpose cold heading oil provides lubrication characteristics to the mechanical components of cold heading machinery as well as lubrication for the deformation operations, and has a viscosity of 68 cst. Condat SA www.condat.fr

CONCERNS about PAHs and BaP (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and benzo[a]pyrene) have been present in the metalworking industry since 2015. Some petroleum-based products, such as process lubricants, can release PAHs and BaP under severe operating conditions. For greater vigilance, the French Health Insurance authority issued a recommendation, reference R.451, concerning the “Prevention of chemical risks caused by cutting fluids”. It uses the data provided by the INRS on the risks and thresholds related to BaP contained in new and in-service neat cutting oils. While this issue is regularly raised when using machining neat oils, there are no recommendations for cold heading operations. Guided by its HSE (health, safety and the environment) and CSR (corporate social responsibility) principles, Condat decided to go further by taking into account this question and by anticipating the regulation. The company’s in-depth knowledge of how to reduce PAHs/BaP in in-service machining oils led to the development of Neat Green oils, which do not show an increase in BaP content after 1,500 hours of machining. In early 2018, Condat requested its R&D laboratory to work on new formulas for cold heading oils with neutral impact in

terms of BaP. Beyond its CSR commitment, the company also wants to address the concerns of automotive suppliers and provide customers with the safest possible products. The objective was to co-develop with major automotive groups a high-performance product for very difficult forming operations. ❍ Extrugliss HT 268 VP cold heading oil from Condat

Feedscrew extruder with improved performance

Davis-Standard’s feedscrews are available from 19 to 300mm ( 3 / 4 " to 12") in diameter, with varying L/Ds. Each screw is engineered for specific polymers and processes, with customisation available depending on the end product. Davis-Standard feedscrews accommodate the full range of extrusion and converting applications, including blown film, blow moulding, cast film, compounding, elastomer, extrusion coating and fibre. Sales and service engineers work alongside customers to find the right solution based on manufacturing parameters. Testing and trials are available to fine-tune the process prior to purchase. In Davis-Standard’s feedscrew manufacturing process, plasma arc welding stations provide wear-resistant materials such as Colmonoy 56 and 83. Three whirlers are used for screw cutting and milling for screws made of stainless steel, 4340 steel or Inconel materials. Davis-Standard, LLC www.davis-standard.com

The DS-Blend is the latest option in Davis-Standard’s award-winning feedscrew line. The patent-pending design improves the performance of a single screw extruder for demanding applications by providing distributive and dissipative melt mixing. The two-stage approach achieves outputs similar to those of a single-stage barrier screw, but with a lower melt temperature and reduced energy requirements. It can be installed on new or existing single screw Davis-Standard extruders as well as other brands. Building feedscrews for non Davis-Standard extruders has been an area of growth for the company as customers realise the benefits of the technology. According to John Christiano, vice president of technology at Davis-Standard, “This is one of our most versatile and energy-efficient feedscrews to date … As with all of our feedscrew designs, we are focused on product line performance, improved outputs, material homogeneity and feedscrew longevity. We are also proud of the fact that we can build a feedscrew for any extruder brand.”

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Wire & Cable ASIA – January/February 2020

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