German compounding line manufacturer Feddem has supplied a modified research extruder to the Institute of Plastics and Circular Economy (IKK) at Leibniz University Hannover as part of a collaboration.
Unlike conventional twin-screw extruders, the FED 26 MTS extruder works without kneading elements, which enables particularly gentle melting of the materials.
A particular highlight of the machine is the integrated energy recording system, which measures the energy consumption of individual components, such as heating elements and cooling zones, in real time.
This data is both visualised and stored in the cloud, enabling precise analysis and optimisation of energy flows, Feddem said.
Thanks to its modular units, the FED 26 MTS also offers a high degree of flexibility, as the design and process length can be adapted to changing requirements, the company explained.
The extruder was officially handed over on a permanent loan basis by Dieter Groß, managing director of Feddem (pictured left), to Professor Hans-Josef Endres, director of the IKK (pictured right).
Energy efficiency of primary importance
With energy efficiency becoming an increasingly important economic factor in the plastics industry, Endres said he was “extremely pleased” to now have access to a research facility that the IKK helped design.
“This enables us to record, understand and therefore optimise energy flows in a time- and location-resolved manner, i.e. locally for the corresponding consumers,” he explained.
“When it comes to energy management and temperature control, I still see great potential for more energy-efficient compounding, which has been very much neglected to date. My special thanks go to Dieter Groß and Feddem, who made this collaboration possible.”
“We are very happy about the cooperation with the IKK,” added Groß. “With this partnership, we are actively contributing our technological strength to scientific development and making a valuable joint contribution to the further development of energy-efficient plastics processing.”
Founded in 2009, Feddem specialises in the manufacture and maintenance of extrusion and compounding lines as well as the planning and supply of complete turnkey lines, including peripherals.
The company, which is part of the Feddersen Group, currently employs 34 people in Sinzig/Rhineland-Palatinate.
More information from feddem.com
