The impressive output increase that can be achieved by the new MAX³ feed system for Baker Perkins’ twin-screw powder coating extruders has been emphatically validated by trials with two 65mm machines in the USA.
The trials took place as part of Baker Perkins’ policy of reviewing the features of new equipment to establish the effects on performance.
These trials involved exactly the same formulation to ensure a true comparison. One machine trialled was the new MPX65, introduced earlier this year. The other was an MP65 with similar power, but without MAX³ or additional cooling developments.
The result – 1,200 kg/hour (2,640lb/hour) on the new extruder versus 435 kg/hour (960 lb/hour) on the previous model – is an exceptional increase.
Trials at other sites across the world have yielded similarly remarkable results.
The MAX³ feed system
The MAX³ system, a radical re-design of the intake feed port and screws, improves the flow of material into the extruder barrel and air out of it to eliminate material build up in the extruder feed port that leads to restricted output and torque surges.
The lower the density of the infeed material, the greater the increase in output; low density materials often required a side feeder – this is no longer necessary, resulting in further benefits in plant layout and accessibility.
The MAX³ system can be retrofitted to top-feeding machines, and side-feeding machines can be converted to top feeding. It is available with Baker Perkins’ MPX30, 40, 50, 65 and 80 barrel diameter extruders and also the MPX24 Integra laboratory and small batch machine.
Our Lifetime Support guarantee
The comparison trials at our American customer typify the unique range and quality of support Baker Perkins provides throughout the lifetime of an extruder.
We do the essentials as a matter of course – replacement parts, inspections and servicing, fault finding, repairs and preventative maintenance help to maintain extruder performance.
Beyond this, we provide a range of services to improve performance – solving capacity, reliability and cleaning problems and extending service life. That includes upgrades – as developments become available on new machines they can be retrofitted. The new MAX³ is typical.
Process support includes annual audit programmes that enable you to predict, rather than react to breakdowns and quality problems. Audits typically result in throughput increases between 10% to 20%.
Major rebuilds can be carried out on-site or in our factory. Rebuilding is the most cost-effective way to improve the performance and reliability of a machine.
If you want to know more, contact our UK or US Service departments using the details below.
