Promix Solutions will be presenting solutions from its core competencies of mixing, foaming and cooling in plastics processing at the upcoming Fakuma exhibition. For manufacturers of light foams such as XPS, XPP, XPE, XPET, Promix will show how P1 cooling mixer technology can be used to achieve a better cell structure and thus improve mechanical properties or to further lower the foam density.
This year the idea is to emphasize on a mixing nozzle specially developed for PET preform production. By use of this mixing nozzle, local acetaldehyde concentrations exceeding the legal limit value can be prevented and costly AA blockers can be saved. Furthermore, an excellent colour distribution and a better mixing of rPET can be achieved. This favours a higher rPET content and thus contributes positively to the circular economy. The PET mixing nozzle is supplied ready for connection and installed in place of the existing injection moulding nozzle.
Promix will be exhibiting the key components relevant to physical foaming at Fakuma and will provide information on possibilities within specific fields of application. The focus is on packaging films and thermoformed products made of PP, PS, PET, PLA and biopolymers.
How can packaging weight be reduced while maintaining a stable and protective package for the end product? Rising raw material prices and pressure on single-use plastic packaging from new EU regulations have led to high demand for innovative solutions.
Promix’s microcellular foam technology creates a foam structure in the polymer by adding environmentally friendly atmospheric gases such as N2 and CO2. This reduces the packaging weight by up to 30%. Since the gases are environmentally neutral and no polluting additives need to be used, this technology is a green solution for retail packaging, boxes, trays and more. Recycling of both the finished packaging and sections from production, such as those produced during thermoforming, is possible without any problems. Since the gases do not accumulate in the plastic like other additives, the technology is 100 % “closed-loop compatible”. With biodegradable plastics, there is another exciting side effect in addition to the weight reduction. The increased surface area due to foaming and the lower weight are leading to shorter decomposition times in industrial and private composting plants.
In addition to its use in packaging films, foam extrusion is also suitable for other applications, such as PE/PP sheets, PP/TPE foam core and corrugated pipes, as well as profiles made of PA, ABS and other materials. Initial successes have also been achieved in the foaming of cable sheathing and blow moulded products. Products produced using Promix foam technology have a very uniform microcellular foam structure. The density reduction is typically between 10 and 60 %. In the meantime, more than 250 industrial references are on the market and various machine manufacturers are successfully integrating the technology into their plants.