Nordson launches plasticizing system tailored for processing polylactic acid bioplastics
Nordson Corporation today announced the launch of a plasticizing system specifically designed for processing polylactic acid (PLA) bioplastics, providing higher productivity and superior product quality than standard screw and cartridge systems while resisting the corrosion and abrasive effects of PLA compounds.
Nordson's new Xaloy® The PLA screw and barrel kit is based on technology developed in collaboration with PLA resin manufacturers and integrates three key elements: 1) Screw geometry specifically designed for PLA to increase yields while minimizing shear forces and controlling melting temperatures; 2) the mixing zone can provide homogeneous melting; And 3) screw and barrel materials can resist mild corrosion of PLA and wear caused by composite components.
For all PLA applications, the barrel in the new kit system is lined with Xaloy® X-800® Inlays, which are nickel-based alloys containing tungsten carbide that are more resistant to wear than iron, iron-chromium, and nickel-cobalt alloys, and therefore have greater wear and corrosion resistance. The screw is made of 17-4 ph stainless steel with Xaloy® on the surface; X-183 hardened coating.
Screw design provided according to process:
- Extrusion. Xaloy® Efficient screen screw with patented Xaloy® Stratablend® II mixing section, which can perform chaotic mixing and distribution mixing, and provide homogeneous melting temperatures, resulting in improved quality and productivity.
- Injection molding. Xaloy® EasyMelt® Screws can be tailored to specific PLA resin grades to provide optimal temperature control and quick recovery. If mixing is required, the Xaloy Z-Mixer can be added, which is extremely valuable for applications requiring high transparency. Mark Colella, Global Product Manager for
says, "Xaloy® PLA kits improve productivity and product quality, while also providing a longer operating life than standard plasticized components. Because our technology is optimized for PLA, we provide our customers with a working system that minimizes startup disruption and is ready to meet production targets out of the box without testing."