Extrusion International 4-2016

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11 Extrusion International 4/2016
Zwick Roell opens training center
Testingmachinemanufacturer Zwick Roell, in collaborationwith the aid organi-
zation Don BoscoMondo e.V., opened the Zwick Roell Training Academy in Chen-
nai, India, at the end of June. Disadvantaged youths will take part in a one-year
training program here to become testing machine operators, easing their entry
into working life and thereby giving them an opportunity for a better future.
Beginning in the summer of 2016, the Zwick Roell Training Academy at the Don
Bosco Tech Campus, located in the heart of one of Chennai’s poorest districts,
will train disadvantaged youths to become testingmachine operators. Zwick Roell
leased an empty hall here, which it then renovated and equipped with state-of-
the-art materials testingmachines. The equipment ranges from various static test-
ing machines to hardness testing devices, a pendulum impact tester and a melt
index testing instrument. Two instructors employed for the training program will
qualify six to twelve young people to becomematerials testingmachine operators
each year. One training focus will be on testingmetals and plastics. Zwick Roell will
additionally use the laboratory for customer demonstrations and contract testing.
Resource conservation with Bio-Flex® FX
The Bioplastic specialist FKuR has developed a new technol-
ogy for the production of compounds which can be processed
into flexible packaging films with particularly low thickness
and, at the same time, high puncture resistance. With Bio-
Flex® FX 1120 and Bio-Flex® FX 1130, FKuR will be presenting
the first two products based on this new technology at the K
2016. Films made from these materials are suitable for food
contact and compostable according to EN 13432. Depending
upon the type, the proportion of renewable raw materials is
more than 50%. The processing of both FX types of Bio-Flex®
corresponds largely to standard PE processing.
For especially thin films
Bio-Flex® FX 1130 is designed to complement the previous stan-
dard compound Bio-Flex® F 1130. Whilst films made of conven-
tional F 1130 have a paperlike touch the FX quality offers a silky
surface. Films producedwith this blendare further characterized
by an increased tensile strength, puncture and tear resistance.
This enables converters to use less material without compromis-
ing the performance characteristics of the film. In practice, it has
been proven that film thicknesses of 8 microns are possible. In
addition, film manufacturers benefit from high throughputs in
extrusion, as well as excellent sealing properties of the material.
For 50% biobased bags
Bio-Flex® FX 1120 is a new development for film production,
especially for very thin bags, such as bio-waste bags. The in-
creased water resistance, when compared to starch blends,
permits a high retention of moisture which is originated dur-
ing the decomposition of organic products in bio-bags. With
a high proportion of renewable raw materials of more than
50%, the Bio-Flex ® FX 1120 compound fulfills the require-
ments of the German Bio-waste Ordinance.
Thin and puncture resistant compostable film bags are one of the
main applications for the new FKuR FX series blends; © FKuR
Opening Training Academy
by Dr. Jan Stefan Roell,
CEO of Zwick Roell AG