Extrusion International 1-2024-USA

26 Extrusion International 1/2024 26 INDUSTRY NEWS www.smart-extrusion.com Automated Die Wipe Cleans Fast – and Safely Keeping the dies on your pelletizing lines clean — while keeping workers safe — just became much easier thanks to the high-performance automated die wipe offered by Bay Plastics Machinery (BPM). BPM, pioneers of pelletizing technology for more than 60 years, has created a fast, versatile and custom- izable die wipe system for on-demand startup of auto- matic strand pelletizing lines. Full cycle time is approxi- mately four seconds depending on die width. A 16-inch (400 mm) die face can be wiped in as little as a quarter of a second. The unit mounts directly to the die body in a space- saving design that avoids thermally dependent dimen- sion stackups. Available for 45-degree downward-fac- ing, vertical or horizontal strand die plates, the BPM die wipe features an angled blade that reduces “interrupt” from the blade crossing die holes – increasing through- put by adding relief clearance once the blade passes. The 1-1/2’’ (38 mm) wide brass blade can be used with single- or dual-row strand dies and die face widths be- tween 6’’ and 40’’ (150 to 1000 mm). Behaving similarly to a manual die wiping action with a handheld scraper, BPM’s automated die wipe allows startups at higher throughput rates and eliminates the false starts that often occur from manual wiping. Fur- ther efficiency is achieved thanks to the wipe’s low air- consumption requirements – meaning no accumulator tanks are required for operation. With an adjustable blade and mounting arm to adjust for optimal preload to the die face, BPM’s automated die wipe is pneumatically activated, with speed control- lers to fine tune motions. Two-axis actuation removes the blade from the die face when parked, keeping the blade cool to reduce adhesion with molten polymer, while also allowing access to the die plate. Importantly, the single-direction wipe – moving away from the operator – is guarded for operator safety, the guards allowing heat to pass through. BPM offers custom mounting options for its auto- mated die wipe, which is available either for standalone operation or integrated into strand line PLCs with cus- tomizable electronics. Bay Plastics Machinery www.bayplasticsmachinery.com Jim Forgash, jim.forgash@bayplasticsmachinery.com Personalia SI Group announced it has ap- pointed Frank Yang as VP &Manag- ing Director, Asia Pacific, effective January 1, 2024. As the VP & Managing Director, Asia Pacific, Frankwill lead SI Group’s Asia Pacific management team to optimize the business and deliver results in the region. With more than 20 years of experience, Frank brings extensive knowledge from leading global chemical organizations. He has a proven track record of leading businesses through transformations. “While the Asia Pacific chemi - cal market is currently dynamic, the region continues to be impor- tant for SI Group—we’re confident that Frank’s history of successfully growing and transforming busi- nesses will be a tremendous addi- tion to our organization,” said Joey Gullion, Chief Commercial Officer at SI Group. “With Frank as VP & Managing Director, Asia Pacific, we look forward to delivering more value to our customers and share- holders in the region now and in the future.” “SI Group has a strong brand and market presence in the region with opportunity for growth and an ambitious vision statement, making it an exciting organization to join,” said Frank Yang. “I’m ea- ger to advance the business while building on the company’s already strong safety and reliability foun- dation.” Frank has a master’s degree in business management from the University of Chicago and a degree in chemical engineering from East China University of Science and Technology. SI Group www.siigroup.com