Cinpres says that recession has been good for Optifoam technology – a retrofit system for foam extrusion.
The system is easy to install and is offered as a turnkey solution to convert a conventional extruder into a foam extrusion line, or to replace a chemical foaming process at a lower running cost.
“The system offers considerable cost savings and has been helpful both to us and our customers during the recession,” said Managing Director Jon Butler. “A lot of customers are focused on financial savings, but it also offers improved melt and product quality, it doesn’t require screw modifications and it can be retrofitted.”
Optifoam technology, owned by Sulzer, uses a unique foaming technique and environmentally friendly physical blowing agents. It can be mounted on any extrusion line independently from the manufacturer and provides a foaming process which reduces overall material density.
The dosing of the blowing agent and the generation of the solution are accomplished in a fluid injection nozzle and static mixer system mounted downstream of the plasticising unit.
“I won’t pretend we haven’t been hit by the recession, because every company has,” said Mr Butler. But we have just recorded one of our best sales months since 2005 and I do see some ground for cautious optimism. Some products have been hit more than others, but those offering real operating cost savings, which are easy to achieve and measure – like Optifoam – have actually done well.”
