Details

Last Updated on Tuesday, 27 September 2011 10:16

Written by Jon

Cinpres offers Sulzer™ Optifoam™ foaming technology: The retro-fit solution for density reduction and replacement of chemical blowing agents (CBA) in extruded thermoplastic products.

See how Optifoam^TM can save you money...

PS thermoforming sheet
PP twin-walled sheet
PP Sandwich board
PP Foamcore Pipe

Optifoam™ is a unique, flexible system for physical foaming of plastic materials, developed by Sulzer Chemtech. It is easy to implement and easy to start up. It is available for extrusion of film, sheet and profiles in thermoplastic materials. Optifoam™ is offered worldwide by Sulzer Chemtech and Cinpres Gas Injection.

It is a unique retrofit solution to turn existing extruders into foam extrusion lines that use ecofriendly blowing agents (Nitrogen / CO2). Optifoam allows to cut production costs of semi finished products by 15-50% due to reduced raw material consumption.

Optifoam brings you these advantages:

• The Optifoam™ system works with standard extruders
• The most simple physical foaming solution to implement
• Minimal investment cost through the use of standard extruders, without modification to existing equipment
• Suitable for single and twin screw extruders
• Superior melt quality and process consistency through built in world leading Sulzer mixing technology
• Gas systems from Cinpres, world leader in gas systems for plastic processing.
• Significant running cost reductions by replacement of chemical blowing agents
• Easier and quicker start up and process stabilization
• Optifoam™ can be used with any make of extruder

Principle

An Optifoam solution consists of a high precision dosing pump, a fluid injection nozzle and a static mixer section. The components for fluid injection and homogenization are installed downstream of the extruder. Optifoam units are designed according to the application and are independent of extruder make or model. Optifoam is suitable for medium to high density foam application (20-60% density reduction).

Objectives
• To change manufacturing of semi-finished products from solid to foam
• To substitute expensive chemical foaming agents with low cost efficient atmospheric gases

Field Of Application
• Production of thermoformed articles (dairy containers, yogurt cups, meat trays)
• Mono- and Coex- Foamsheet for technical application (Automotive)
• Mono- and Coex- Foamboards (Paneling, Displays, Container)
• Foam core pipes for nonpressure application (Sewage-, Drainage-, Chamber-pipes)

System Sizes

Working Principle

Technical Requirements
• Suitable pressure provision from extruder / melt pump (~100bar)
• Installation space (700-2500mm)
• Available heater control units / Oil tempering device when required
• Compressed air for Gas Dosing Station

Installation Examples

Optifoam™ System for 45mm Extruder @ 60kg/h. Image: Sulzer	Optifoam™ System for 125mm Extruder @400kg/h. Image: Sulzer