Extrusion International 4-2024

15 Extrusion International 4/2024 The 2023 financial report for Amaplast member companies is in line with that of the entire sector: the association noted a revenue growth of 2.4% – not as strong as the one registered over the previ - ous two years, but significant still. Additionally, there was a modest increase (1.1%) in the workforce. While core-machinery (primary processing equipment) production has registered a slowdown, the production of auxiliary and down- stream equipment, components, and moulds has continued to show a significant increase. The trend among the sector – mirroring that of the industry generally and the capital goods sector – cooled down over the fi- nal months of 2023 but more en- couraging signs were observed in April and May. Nevertheless, fore- casts for the upcoming months are rather cautious: many companies will find it challenging to achieve further growth, and a period of stabilization and transition is to be expected. Domestic demand, in particular, may remain weak due to uncertainties surrounding the effective implementation of Tran - sizione 5.0 measures. www.amaplast.org/it/ Precision Gravimetric Dosing & Mixing  The motan group introduces its first gain-in-weight range of dosing and mixing units featuring dual dos - ing methods under the swift brand. The motan group is proud to un - veil the sBLEND G, a groundbreak- ing dosing & mixing unit within the swift brand, designed to bridge the gap in gravimetric dosing & mix - ing. This innovative unit, combin- ing cost-efficiency with advanced technology, caters to the needs of plastics processors looking for a standardised solution for their dos - ing and mixing requirements. The sBLEND G employs two dis- tinct dosing methods: vertical slide valves for main components and screw feeders for precise additive dosing. This dual approach ensures unparalleled accuracy and flexibil- ity. The bowl-shaped mixing cham- ber, equipped with an optimized agitator, guarantees homogeneous mixing in a dead-spot-free zone, monitored by the advanced sBLEND microprocessor control system. This allows for reducing additive quan- tities to the lower tolerance limit, ensuring cost savings without com- promising quality. The sBLEND G unit supports gain- in-weight dosing and mixing for up to four materials, available in three sizes for throughput rates of 50, 130, and 300 kg per hour. The stan- dard configuration includes two vertical slides, controlled by pneu - matic cylinders, for precise dos - ing of main components like virgin material or regrind. For finer dos- ing and greater accuracy, optional screw dosing modules can be add- ed. These modules prevent material trickle and avoid overdosing expen- sive additives. They are available in various sizes and can be removed and exchanged without the need for tools, offering flexible configu- ration to meet specific application requirements. Designed for convenience, the sBLEND G features a quick-change system for dosing modules and quick-release screws, simplifying cleaning and material changes. The weigh bin and mixing chamber can be easily removed without tools. All contact parts are made of stainless steel, ensuring contamination-free operation and easy cleaning. The brushless, swivel-mounted dosing motors with integrated motor man- agement are maintenance-free and easily removable, guaranteeing reli - able continuous operation. The bowl-shaped mixing chamber design ensures a homogenous mix and consistent material discharge. When mounted on the processing machine inlet, the material path from the mixing chamber to the processing screw is minimized, pre- venting unwanted material segrega- tion. Alternatively, the unit can be mounted on a frame and placed on the floor or serve as a central station for multiple processing machines. The sBLEND G, like all swift units, features a modern microprocessor control with an innovative, open network architecture based on Ethernet. This allows for both di- rect operation via a 7-inch colour touchscreen and remote control. The sBLEND controller monitors and displays throughput and sup - ports weight calibration, automati- cally calculating material addition speeds. motan holding gmbh www.motan-group.com sBLEND G – Gravimetric batch blender with high accuracy (motan Group)