Clarifying agent saves energy, reduces temperatures, cuts cycle times for high-clarity PP moulding

07-Oct-10

Plastics processors intending to produce high-clarity polypropylene mouldings now have two compelling reasons for using grades containing Milliken’s next-generation clarifying agent, Millad® NX8000. Not only does it yield unparalleled transparency in injection- and blow-mouldings, but it has also now been proven to allow significant savings in energy consumption through reduced processing temperatures and lower cycle times.Trials recently carried out by Milliken in collaboration with leading injection moulding machine maker, Arburg, have shown that total energy savings of around 20% can be commonly achieved, with some evaluations showing savings as high as 35%. Tests showed that by reducing the processing temperature from 240°C to 200°C (while leaving the cooling and overall cycle times the same), the total energy consumption of the machine and its auxiliaries was reduced by 9%. And because cooling time could be reduced as a result, the cycle time could be improved by several seconds, yielding a total improvement in energy efficiency for the entire machine of 22%. Compared to running the machine at 280°C (not unusual for these types of resins), the energy saving amounted to 35%. Energy savings achieved through temperature and cycle time reductions far outweighed any increases in consumption due to higher screw torque and injection pressures needed because of the higher viscosity of the resin under the new low temperature conditions.