Davis-Standard upgrades flagship extruder

PAWCATUCK, Conn.—Davis-Standard L.L.C. has been busy on several fronts.

The Pawcatuck-based developer of extrusion and converting technology has redesigned its DS thermatic rubber extruder with a servo feed roll control; introduced the next generation of its economical DS-eTPC touch-screen control; and is pleased with headway made by a new distributor for its pipe, profile and tubing, and elastomer product lines in Mexico.

The newly designed servo control feed roll system is on the firm's DSREV rubber extruder Model 2000, which is Davis-Standard's flagship design. It is a preconfigured machine with feedscrew and head zone direct-injection temperature control units, a compact base, and simplified cooling and wiring systems. It offers touch screen controls, process data acquisition and easily accessible machine components.

Davis-Standard said benefits of the Model 2000 include reduced scrap and faster start-up times. The hydraulic actuation of the flow diverter/core tube enables quick tooling changes and simplified cleaning.

In addition, when coupled with the Uth rollex-brand 70 gear pump/strainer systems with two-roll feeder, the firm said processors can isolate high pressure and achieve pressure stabilization.

"The DSREV has a completely redesigned feed roll system," said Joseph Wnuk, Davis-Standard vice president for elastomer and profile systems. "It gives precise control of a feeding bank of material. It has elimination of chains and clutch and other wear items, and has an overall compact design."

Wnuk said the revamped product was a collaborative effort that took into account customer feedback and Davis-Standard's continuous improvement philosophy of process control.

Thus far, the reception from customers has been good. "We're actually getting feedback of retrofitting existing machines in the field," he said.

The DSREV is used for such applications as EPDM seals, hose and medical tubing. The company said it has the machine as part of the technical cell at its facility in Pawcatuck that supports research and development efforts. Wnuk said the technical cell is regularly utilized by customers for trials and process evaluations and optimization.

Activity in Mexico

Bernal Industrial Inc. now is representing the pipe, profile and tubing, and elastomers product lines in Mexico, and Wnuk said his group is pleased with the increased sales coverage. He said Bernal brings a network of nine regional direct sales staff, something that is beneficial to his group.

"Daniel Bernal and his team are among the very best agents in Mexico and we are pleased to have them as our partner," Wnuk said. "There is much opportunity in the automotive and medical markets in Mexico, and we know their team will be instrumental in helping us capitalize on new and existing customer relationships."

Bernal also is working with Davis-Standard's aftermarket group to provide customer support and service. Davis-Standard said Bernal is known for aligning with leaders in the plastics and rubber processing markets to supply innovative and cost-competitive technology. Its main office is in El Paso, Texas, but it also boasts seven offices throughout Mexico.

Sean Stephan, a regional sales manager for Davis-Standard, said Bernal represents a range of equipment suppliers that sell complementary lines such as screws and barrels. "They know the people; they just didn't have an extruder to sell before," he said.

Wnuk also said the agreement with Bernal is increasing his firm's reach into geographical regions of Mexico where Davis-Standard hadn't previously been effective in.

Next-generation control

The next generation of Davis-Standard's touch screen control is called the DS-eTPC II, and the firm said it is engineered with added flexibility to support a broader range of processes and applications. It includes a larger 15-inch viewing screen with multi-touch capability to enable zoom-in and out, as well as controls for up to three extruders and real-time and historical data trending.

"The DS-eTPC II has a modular design to improve control capabilities and application flexibility, while maintaining an excellent price point," John Clemens, Davis-Standard director of extrusion controls, said in a statement. "Customers will benefit from being able to control up to three extruders from one main HMI. They also will have the option for local control of co-extruders while maintaining line control from the primary HMI."

He added that for wire and cable processes, there are optional modes for auto on/off and manual control, along with an option for capstan control.

The new control also is equipped to handle melt pumps for each extruder, and auxiliary functions such as vacuum pumps.