Sheet extrusion is used in sectors such as thermoforming for packaging applications such as cups, trays, lids and clamshells.
Safety education
The TDC will play a part in PTi University’s training programs with plans to expand in the future.
Matt Banach, senior VP, sales & marketing, PTi, said its training programs give employees hands-on experience to get to know the technology as well as continuous education on safety and maintenance.
The facility is part of PTi’s $10m expansion plan at its headquarters in Aurora, Illinois, which includes increasing overall plant capacity by 50%, an extra 40,000-sq-ft of primary manufacturing and office space and 40 jobs.
“Our business has hit record levels the last several years and our products are being well received throughout the packaging markets in North America,” said Dana Hanson, presdient, PTi, at the time. “We are planning for a sustained period of growth that will require expanded manufacturing resources.”
The centre will house sheet extrusion technology including its High Vacuum Twin-Screw Extruder (HVTSE) and Super-G HighSPEED Extruder.
NPE2018
HVTSE incorporates Bandera’s dryerless technology which allows PET to be processed without the need for raw material drying and crystallizing.
The SUPER-G HighSPEED Extruder delivers improved melt quality including the SUPER-G Lobe screw technology.
PTi says the TDC expansion is in response to the growing demand for sheet extrusion equipment and it will further discuss the centre’s capabilities at NPE2018 plastics show, at Orange County Convention Center, in Orlando, Florida (May 7-11).