Effective from June 26, 2015, ProTec Polymer Processing has taken over PolymersNet GmbH. The company based in Lampertheim/Germany is specialized in design, construction, and commissioning of powerful systems for manufacturing of long-fiber reinforced thermoplastics (LFT) using the Pultrusion Technology.
LFT system technology from ProTec produces high-grade long-fiber reinforced pellets with varied polymer matrices and types of fiber reinforcement by the Pultrusion Technology.
Picture: ProTec Polymer Processing
ProTec, which previously distributed these systems exclusively as a sales partner, has now taken over PolymersNet assets. In addition to patents, experts and the supply chain, these include the LFT production line that had been used up to now for process and material developments and for specific customer trials in Lampertheim. This facility will now be set up in a specially designed technical center at the ProTec headquarters in Bensheim, where it will also be upgraded and extended.
"The takeover of PolymersNet allows us to integrate the entire LFT process chain and know-how at a single location. We can provide customized solutions flexibility and the ability to make quick decisions, while the time required to bring product and process developments to market maturity will be reduced. This will benefit both current and future customers, to whom we can supply high-performance technology at a competitive price," explains ProTec’s Managing Director Peter Theobald. In parallel to the further development of processes and products, the LFT system at the Bensheim technical center will also be made available for customer-specific trials.
"To ensure an ideal infrastructure for this purpose, the new system will be equipped with a twin-screw extruder of the latest design. The control system will also feature fully automated operation of all process steps," adds Mr. Theobald. The modernized LFT production line in Bensheim will start its operation by mid of August 2015.
Efficient technology for high-grade materials
The LFT pultrusion lines are customized for the economical production of high-quality thermoplastics with fibers of pellet length. Long-fiber reinforced thermoplastics with fiber lengths (pellet lengths) of 7 mm to 25 mm are the usual industry standard.
The fiber strands – made of either glass or carbon fibers – are isolated to create the filaments before being uniformly coated (impregnated) with the polymer melt in the impregnation die. After a cooling process the fiber-polymer strands are then pelletized. Fiber content of up to 60 percent by weight and plant sizes with throughputs of up to 1,200 kg/h can presently be realized.
Long-fiber reinforced thermoplastic parts produced on Injection Molding Machines result into high-strength and lightweight components that also offer excellent surface quality. ProTec system technology is designed for the production of a broad range of materials with different types of fiber reinforcement and very diverse polymer matrices. The technology has now developed to the stage where it can also be used to extract LFT reliably from carbon-fiber-reinforced PP – a material combination that was previously extremely difficult or impossible to produce.
ProTec Polymer Processing GmbH based in Bensheim, Germany, has been a recognized partner to plastics processing and manufacturing companies for many years. The service portfolio includes systems for efficient handling of plastic materials, turn-key systems for solid-state-post-condensation of plastics, recycling plants as well as complete systems for producing long-fiber reinforced thermoplastics (LFT pultrusion lines). As a member of the Schoeller Group, ProTec Polymer Processing has access to a global sales and service network and offers an optimum infrastructure for comprehensive on-site customer support.