Extrusion International 2-2024-USA

56 Extrusion International 2/2024 NPE2024 ment in fire retardancy properties because they don’t just behave as an anti-dripping mechanism but are also a more sustainable solu- tion since much of its content comes from natural sources,” said Dr. Sac- ristán. “ADINS technology is highly versatile and can be fine-tuned to meet the high-performance needs of formulators and end users.” Tolsa has already validated the use of ADINS ® Additives as a PTFE re- placement in an electric vehicle (EV) battery case application in the U.K. The company is also working with global firms to substitute PTFE in au - tomotive parts and electrical devices, along with other applications. ADINS ® products meet the grow- ing demand for synergists, optimiz- ing not only the consumption of conventional flame retardants, but also providing and enhancing de- sired properties and functionalities such as anti-dripping, char promo- tion, significant reduction of smoke and heat generation, among others. ADINS ® technology allows the devel- opment of customized grades that guarantee compliance with specific client and industry requirements. In halogen and halogen-free formulations (HFFR), the use of anti-dripping agents is needed. A commonly used drip suppressant is poly(tetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) which forms a network structure through shearing-induced fibrilla - tion to effectively reduce dripping. However, these is controversy re- garding the health risks of this so- called PFAS class of “Forever Chemi- cals” which includes PTFE. There are health concerns surrounding the perfluoro substances that are used to make PTFE. ADINS ® Additives series products are based on needle-like silicates modified in their surface with or - ganic compounds to ease disper- sion in polymeric matrices. This structure reinforces the consistency of the char, improving its proper- ties and its gas barrier capabilities. This enhanced char decreases heat release and flame propagation, and also reduces smoke emissions and dripping. Key applications in- clude wire and cable, electrical and electronics, construction (pipes, in- sulating foams, etc.), and transpor- tation. ADINS ® Additives can be used in all types of matrix polymers (ther- moplastic, thermosets, and rubber). They work in combination with all kinds of flame-retardant additives (halogenated, hydroxides, intumes- cents, and P-based. Manufacturers of FR compounds can use the same equipment that is used with other components to manufacture these ADINS ® -based formulations. TOLSA www.tolsa.com/adins NPE2024: Booth S-30174 Auto-Profile System for Blown Film Rotating Dies at NPE 2024 A ddex, a leading supplier of high-performance blown film cooling equipment, will introduce the next generation of its Intensive CoolingTM External Gauge Control (Gen 3 EGC) as a retrofit to existing blown film plastic lines with rotating dies at the upcoming NPE 2024 exhi- bition. Addex first introduced Inten - sive Cooling auto-profile air rings at K 2016 for stationary dies only. The new auto-profile system for rotating dies is based on the compa- ny’s high-resolution EGC (external gauge control) air ring which can re- duce gauge variation by over 50%. New blown film lines are typically sold with stationary dies, however, there are many blown film produc - ers with rotating dies in operation that need improved gauge control. Conventional wisdom suggests add- ing an oscillating haul-off to the line, but that isn’t always practical due to budget limitations or physical con- straints, such as a tower that is too short, or a tower that can’t support the weight of an oscillating haul- off. Producers have felt the pressure to buy new lines with stationary dies to achieve improved profile perfor - mance, since much less expensive retrofit options that allow for a sim - ilar performance gauge control on their existing rotating dies simply did not exist. Addex has responded with a new gauge control package based on their new Generation 3 control technology, that retrofits to rotating die lines and controls to the desired 50% reduction level, accord- ing to Addex President Bob Cree. The new Gen 3 EGC for Rotating Die System operates much like Ad- dex’s EGC gauge-controlling cousin for stationary dies, but with addi- tional features. The EGC air ring, well known for its very high-resolu- tion control, has a series of “fingers” that open or close to adjust local- ized air volume. A 300mm/12-inch