Innovative Alternative to Heater Bands for Injection Nozzles and Melt Pipes Reduces Downtime and Maintains Melt Uniformity


Known as an Energy-Saver for Injection Barrels, SmartHeat™ Technology from Nordson XALOY Also Solves Problems with Injection Nozzle 'Blowback' and Heating of Melt Pipes and Adapters



NEW CASTLE, PA, U.S.A. – An innovative heating system from Nordson XALOY replaces conventional heater bands with a highly energy-efficient heater coating for maintaining melt uniformity in extrusion melt pipes and adapters, and eliminating downtime for removing melt "blowback" from injection nozzles, the company announced today.



Introduced as an injection barrel coating, the SmartHeat™ system has since been successfully adapted for these additional uses:



• Injection nozzles. A SmartHeat coating can simplify maintenance and prevent downtime caused by blowback, the backward oozing of molten polymer (particularly when the seal is not tight) into the spaces between the heater bands and the nozzle. Available on new nozzles or as a retrofit, the coating is easily cleaned without need to stop production.



• Melt pipe or adapters. These components for transferring molten polymer from the extruder to downstream equipment can cover considerable distance, making it difficult to maintain melt uniformity. Replacing band heaters with the continuous coating of the SmartHeat system ensures a consistent temperature over extended lengths.



For melt pipes installed at Paragon Films, Inc., Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, the company chose SmartHeat technology mainly to ensure uniform temperature control throughout the pipes, according to Gary Greenfield, director of engineering. "Anyone utilizing band heaters knows the issues you can have with inconsistent heat transfer and the problems encountered when heater bands go bad," said Mr. Greenfield. "We believe SmartHeat will eliminate these problems, not only providing a more reliable solution than band heaters but helping to reduce energy use as well."



The SmartHeat system consists of two layers of plasma-sprayed metallized ceramic with a nichrome wire wrap sandwiched in between, plus a thermal insulation cover. Because the heat from the wires is conducted throughout the ceramic material, the system raises the temperature of a machine component to target levels more quickly than with band heaters, maintains it more uniformly, and uses less energy. The tightly strapped thermal insulation wrap over the ceramic coating virtually eliminates heat losses to the workplace, saving on air conditioning costs and reducing the risk of operator injury.



"The SmartHeat system is 25 to 60% more energy-efficient than band heaters, and as a continuous coating it distributes heat more uniformly—a crucial advantage for any melt pipe or barrel," said David Hotchkiss, global product manager for Nordson XALOY. "Since all SmartHeat wiring is run underneath the thermal insulation, it eliminates the hazard of having numerous exposed wires connected to multiple heater bands." 



More information about Paragon Films, Inc. is available at www.paragon-films.com.



Nordson XALOY is a leading manufacturer of components and melt delivery systems for injection molding and extrusion machinery, producing barrels, high performance screws, preassembled plasticating systems, heat transfer rolls, melt pumps, screen changers, pelletizers, and cleaning ovens, as well as offering advanced process testing and training services. The company draws on more than eight decades of engineering, materials, process, and application experience to develop solutions for optimizing processes, combating wear, boosting output, and improving quality. Nordson XALOY maintains sales and service offices in the United States, Thailand, Japan, China and Europe and a global network of service points and agents. Visit www.nordsonxaloy.com.



Nordson Corporation (Nasdaq: NDSN) engineers, manufactures and markets differentiated products and systems used for the precision dispensing and processing of adhesives, coatings, polymers and plastics, sealants, biomaterials and other materials and for fluid management, test and inspection, UV curing and plasma surface treatment, all supported by application expertise and direct global sales and service. Nordson serves a wide variety of consumer non-durable, durable and technology end markets including packaging, nonwovens, electronics, medical, appliances, energy, transportation, construction, and general product assembly and finishing. Founded in 1954 and headquartered in Westlake, Ohio, the company has operations and support offices in more than 30 countries. Visit Nordson on the web at www.nordson.com, www.twitter.com/Nordson_Corp or www.facebook.com/nordson.










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