Ceramicx on 2011 energy mission for thermoformers
07 January, 2011
International infrared heating systems specialist and manufacturer Ceramicx is determined to make 2011 the year that plastics thermoformers embrace their own best interests and get more out of their production - for less energy and cost. 
Ceramicx founder and Managing Director Frank Wilson says that ‘this year’s K 2010 exhibition confirmed to us that a large part of the industry is ready for the message and ready to look at their heating methods and energy useage. The part that isn’t ready, will get left behind.’ Wilson says that ‘it still amazes me to note the number of thermformers who see no need to measure the energy consumption on their machines. The ‘thermo’ and energy efficient needs in thermoforming are critical to the profitability of the whole operation.’ Ceramicx believes that upgrading the heating systems and platens to infrared-based technology in the coming year will be one of the smartest moves any plastics thermoformer could make. “Short term, replacing a whole machine may not be possible or even desirable. But for a very low outlay an upgrade to a fixed and expensive capital asset can be supplied. Not only can a new heating unit for itself within months but also make the user 40% more margin on the production output.’ Wilson adds that ‘one typically never hears of mechanical issues in thermoforming – it’s all to do with the heat operation – issues of burn out; with electrical faults and with problems with older style and non-directional heating where the thermoforming operator is being continually forced to ramp up the power and the input electricity in order to try and maintain a temperature.’ Wilson says that a host of other factors will contribute to thermoformers wanting to realise more margin and more money via infrared from their fixed production, including:
-
Major reduction in capital equipment wear and tear
-
Like-for-like infrared for tubular replacements
-
Elimination of ‘hot box’ tubular problems
-
No need for changes in control or instrumentation
-
Poor performing infra red to be replaced with superior platens
-
Savings in directional heat
-
Better resultant product quality
-
Improved set up time and tool change time
-
More complex parts possible
-
Cooling requirements also reduced
-
Matching of heating controls to polymers being processed
-
Improved environment for operators
Wilson says that – judging at least from the feedback at K 2010 exhibition - 2011 should see many thermoformers making good New Year’s resolutions that throw out these wasteful old practices and ring in new modern methods of heating. ‘Even installing a simple energy monitoring device – an energy ‘mileometer’ as I call it - is as good place a place as any to get some awareness of the energy issues.’ All further details of Ceramicx thermoforming infrared platen systems from Frank Wilson, Ceramicx Managing Director. www.ceramicx.com Tel. +353 2837510 Fax + 353 2837509 frank@ceramicx.com
07 January, 2011
International infrared heating systems specialist and manufacturer Ceramicx is determined to make 2011 the year that plastics thermoformers embrace their own best interests and get more out of their production - for less energy and cost. Ceramicx founder and Managing Director Frank Wilson says that ‘this year’s K 2010 exhibition confirmed to us that a large part of the industry is ready for the message and ready to look at their heating methods and energy useage. The part that isn’t ready, will get left behind.’ Wilson says that ‘it still amazes me to note the number of thermformers who see no need to measure the energy consumption on their machines. The ‘thermo’ and energy efficient needs in thermoforming are critical to the profitability of the whole operation.’ Ceramicx believes that upgrading the heating systems and platens to infrared-based technology in the coming year will be one of the smartest moves any plastics thermoformer could make. “Short term, replacing a whole machine may not be possible or even desirable. But for a very low outlay an upgrade to a fixed and expensive capital asset can be supplied. Not only can a new heating unit for itself within months but also make the user 40% more margin on the production output.’ Wilson adds that ‘one typically never hears of mechanical issues in thermoforming – it’s all to do with the heat operation – issues of burn out; with electrical faults and with problems with older style and non-directional heating where the thermoforming operator is being continually forced to ramp up the power and the input electricity in order to try and maintain a temperature.’ Wilson says that a host of other factors will contribute to thermoformers wanting to realise more margin and more money via infrared from their fixed production, including:
- Major reduction in capital equipment wear and tear
- Like-for-like infrared for tubular replacements
- Elimination of ‘hot box’ tubular problems
- No need for changes in control or instrumentation
- Poor performing infra red to be replaced with superior platens
- Savings in directional heat
- Better resultant product quality
- Improved set up time and tool change time
- More complex parts possible
- Cooling requirements also reduced
- Matching of heating controls to polymers being processed
- Improved environment for operators
Wilson says that – judging at least from the feedback at K 2010 exhibition - 2011 should see many thermoformers making good New Year’s resolutions that throw out these wasteful old practices and ring in new modern methods of heating. ‘Even installing a simple energy monitoring device – an energy ‘mileometer’ as I call it - is as good place a place as any to get some awareness of the energy issues.’ All further details of Ceramicx thermoforming infrared platen systems from Frank Wilson, Ceramicx Managing Director. www.ceramicx.com Tel. +353 2837510 Fax + 353 2837509 frank@ceramicx.com
