The mechanical engineering company Feddem GmbH & Co. KG is once again exhibiting at this year's Fakuma and will be presenting its latest developments in Hall A6, Stand 6217. In addition to its tried-and-tested extruder models, the company will be focussing on the expansion of its portfolio, new developments in peripheral technology and pioneering augmented reality applications. Feddem will be presenting the latest model of the FED 26 MTS twin-screw extruder with additional aggregates at its stand, as a production machine for small quantities or for use as a pilot plant extruder.
The exhibit is equipped with the following accessories:
- Extruder with 32 L/D and a 10 L/D extension module, 34 kW installed drive power and max. screw speed of 1200 rpm.
- FSB side feeder
- FSV vacuum side degassing unit
- FSK extrusion head with Feddem's patented sheet die plate
Presentation of the new extruder
In addition to the FED 26 MTS, Feddem is expanding its portfolio with the new FED 18 MTS extruder. This compact extruder is more than just a new . It is specially designed to meet the requirements of a laboratory extruder and thus offers customers an optimum solution for formulation and product development in the well-known Feddem quality.
“The FED 18 MTS represents our continuous further development in the field of extrusion technology. With its modular design, it is designed to meet the special requirements of our customers in terms of flexibility and user-friendliness and to help them optimise their production processes in an efficient and resource-saving manner,” says David Constroffer, Head of Engineering at Feddem.
The Feddem Automatic AirBlade (FAA): A highlight at Fakuma
Another innovation on the stand is the Feddem Automatic AirBlade. This product innovation was developed to minimise the frequent problem of beard formation in twin-screw extrusion. Bearding occurs when thermoplastic material or filler accumulates at the die outlet of the extruder and hardens. In the case of complex compounds with a high filler content, this can lead to strand breaks without suitable countermeasures, which can significantly impair both productivity and the throughput rate. In addition, residues that adhere to the polymer strand can have a significant impact on the optical and mechanical quality of the end product.
The FAA offers an efficient solution to this problem by removing residues with a targeted stream of hot air. “The FAA was developed in close collaboration with one of our customers and tested under real production conditions,” reports David Constroffer. “This product innovation effectively minimises the negative effects of product residues at the nozzle outlet and thus ensures improved productivity and product quality.”
According to the manufacturer, a special feature of the FAA is the patent-pending deflection mechanism, which sets it apart from conventional solutions. This mechanism ensures that the slot die is automatically retracted from the operator's working area as soon as a strand breakage occurs. This function is designed not only to protect the operator, but also to ensure a smooth production process by minimising potential disruptions in the process. “With this innovative deflection mechanism, we offer a solution that significantly improves both safety and efficiency,” emphasises David Constroffer. “The FAA represents a significant improvement over conventional methods and fulfils the highest requirements of our customers.”
Feddem's new pilot plant line goes into operation
In addition to the trade fair highlights, Feddem is pleased to announce the commissioning of its new pilot plant line. In the technical centre, customers have the opportunity to carry out tests on a wear-protected FED 43 MTS twin-screw extruder. According to the manufacturer, the process length of the extruder can be flexibly adjusted from 32 L/D to 42 L/D and 52 L/D, so that a wide range of plastics - from standard to high-performance plastics - can be processed. The system also features additional units such as the FSB side feed, FSB V side feed with vacuum support and FSV vacuum side degassing. With this new offering, the machine manufacturer provides its customers with extended options for process optimisation and the development of new materials. Customers can also test the latest product innovations from Feddem in the technical centre.
Live demonstration of augmented reality at Fakuma
According to the machine manufacturer, another highlight at the trade fair stand will be the demonstration of remote assistance using augmented reality and the extended electronic provision of information.
“We will be demonstrating live the adaptation of the Oculavis Share system on our products,” explains Lars Mansfeld, Team Leader Technical Service. “In addition to real-time support for service work via the remote maintenance system (Remote Guidance), the system is also suitable for “step-by-step” guidance (Self Guidance) via the coupling of imaging processes with stored information - without being in direct contact with one of our experts”.
