K 2022: Latest testing equipment from Brabender

At K 2022, Brabender GmbH & Co. KG will present its solutions for quality testing and the development of sustainable plastic and rubber products on a laboratory and pilot plant scale. In addition to modular torque rheometers with measuring kneader and extruder attachments, this also includes compact extruders of various dimensions as well as devices for special measuring applications in the plastics industry.

In addition to the exhibited devices, there will also be live demonstrations on site: "Among other things, we will extrude recycled plastic pellets made of crushed polypropylene at our stand," explains Jessica Wiertz, Manager Applications at Brabender.

Focus on circular economy and the environment

Sustainability and resource conservation have been the focus of the Duisburg-based company for decades. Current projects with partners from research and industry in which the Brabender devices are used include the extrusion of sustainable films from algae or the determination of carbon black from recycled car tires using the C absorptometer. In addition, the use of laboratory equipment saves resources and costs compared to ongoing production with machines, as only a fraction of the amount of raw material is required for the measurement, as would be the case with comparable tests on large-volume machines.

Modular and compact solutions for rheology and extrusion

Also on display at the booth is the MetaStation 4E, with which Brabender heralded the new generation of modular torque rheometers at K 2019. Like its predecessor, the plastograph widely used in the industry, the MetaStation 4E serves as a drive for measuring kneaders of various sizes. In addition, the drive for the operation of the larger Brabender internal mixers has been extended and does not require a docking station. In addition, single-screw extruders, the conical twin-screw extruder and the new B-TSE-A 12/36 mini-compounder can also be operated with the MetaStation 4E.

Brabender also offers the MetaStation 8 stationary drive, also in the exhibition at K 2022. Together with its bigger brother, the MetaStation 16, the two are the successor generation of the well-known Brabender Plasti-Corder Lab station. The heart of the MetaStation devices is the Brabender MetaBridge software. The user interface available immediately without installation, the tracking of measurement results from any location and end device, various data evaluation functions, pre-implemented standards and individually adaptable measurement methods are just some of the advantages of the software. It can be operated via the convenient touchscreen, which makes the operation of external computer peripherals obsolete.

In addition to the modular MetaStations, Brabender will also be presenting compact extruders, including the TwinLab-C 20/40, with integrated drive at the K booth. As for the modular extruders, different nozzle and screw geometries as well as dosing and successor devices, e.g. for pellet pelletizing or strand winding, are also available for the compact units.

Optimizing the formulations of vehicle tires

A new product at the trade fair is the new 350 SX internal mixer, which Brabender will present for the first time at a trade fair. In conjunction with a Brabender torque rheometer, the 350 SX analyzes the melting behavior of materials and compounds and is used, among other things, in the tire industry, for recipe development and for research and development. Among other things, it helps with the recipe optimization of tires by mixing the rubber and the analysis of the pure rubber. In addition, the effect and behavior of ingredients such as soot or silica in car tires can be measured.

Residual moisture measurement – also for recyclates

When processing high-quality plastics, an important parameter is the water content of the product. With the moisture meter for plastics, the Aquatrac V, the water content in plastics, including PET recyclates, can be determined in accordance with DIN EN ISO 15512:2019. Brabender will also be exhibiting the device for residual moisture analysis at the trade fair and carrying out live measurements.

Brabender will be showcasing its entire range of products and services at the K trade fair and is looking forward to visitors in Hall 10 at Stand A14. In addition to product and application advice, interested parties can also make appointments at the Brabender application laboratory, where they can test their own raw materials and recipes on Brabender devices and lines.

- For more news and updates on K 2022, click here.