Extrusion International USA 3-2020

32 Extrusion International 3/2020 EXTRUSION INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRY NEWS A series of acrylic-based compounds for highly weather- able, dark-color outer or “cap” layers in PVC exterior prod- ucts is the newest addition to Teknor Apex Company’s ex- tensive portfolio of custom capstocks for building products. The company has given the entire range of these capstocks the new brand name Weatherguard™. After 10,000 hours in QUV ® accelerated weathering tests, Weatherguard WG-8000 Series compounds exhibited a color change of less than 1 Delta E for black, a significant improvement over an industry standard acrylic grade with comparable physical properties. This accelerated weather- Teknor Apex, vinyl@teknorapex.com, www.teknorapex.com ing performance is coupled with a high resistance to a phe- nomenon called “water whitening,” a weathering defect caused by high humidity and rapid temperature changes that is most notable in dark colors such as black and dark bronze. The combination makes for a unique set of properties for applications where high aesthetics are required, according to John Macaluso, industry manager, building and con- struction, for the Vinyl Division of Teknor Apex. “Weather- guard WG-8000 Series capstock compounds exhibit similar or improved impact-resistance in comparison with acryl- ics commonly used in capstock applications today,” said John Macaluso. “We can modify the base technology to meet specific gloss targets, and we can customize process- ing properties, making it unnecessary for building product manufacturers to retool – particularly valuable in the case of complex profiles such as window and door profiles.” JohnMacaluso also noted that the enhanced weatherability and low heat build of Weatherguard WG-8000 compounds is important in light of the trend among manufacturers to lengthen coverage in warranties. The new compounds add to an already extensive series of capstock compounds in the Weatherguard product line, in- cluding formulations for use with PVC substrates in railings, fencing, siding, windows, and doors, plus other capstock products for polyolefin substrates used in the WPC deck market. Teknor Apex supplies these products on a custom basis, with formulations tailored to customer requirements for color, gloss level, and many other properties. Portfolio Enlarged Opening of Chinese Subsidiary in Shanghai announced Conventus Polymers has established a Chinese subsidiary, Shanghai Conventus Polymers New Materials Co., Ltd., based in Shanghai, which will offer the company’s broad portfolio of products to processors and end users throughout the Chinese provinces. The expansion into China is part of the company’s overall business strategy to grow into key geographic regions. Conventus has been doing business in China for several years. Establishing a legal entity strengthens its position in the Chinese market and allows the company to offer world-class service to both local customers (plastic converters) and U.S.-based OEMs that it currently supports. “Our business is growing quickly and with our extensive prod- uct portfolio of specialty engineering plastics, we are firmly po- sitioned as a strategic supplier,” said John Jorgensen, president of Conventus Polymers. “This importantmove into China signals our further commitment to key multinational OEMs.” The Chinese initiative will expand Conventus’ reach into exist- ing strategic markets such as electrical/electronics, industrial, and healthcare, according to Jorgensen. With a legal operating entity in China, Conventus can offer its international customers import and export capabilities, local inventory and warehous- ing, local currency transactions, and Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) Incoterms. Conventus will handle all exporting, importing, in- surance, customs clearance, duty costs, and freight from port to warehouse to the customer. To service the Chinese market, Conventus has established sev- eral warehouses close to its customers in East China and South China. The company has four compounding partners in China, each specializing in different areas to offer a full portfolio in addition to quick turnaround times and minimal freight costs. Conventus will benefit from significantly lower compounding conversion costs which will make its products more competitive in the region. Conventus Polymers LLC, www.conventuspolymers.com Dark Siding Example