OSCIBLEND - direct compounding/injection moulding

The OSCIBLEND machine, developed in the Wolfson Centre, combines a twin-screw compounding extruder directly in-line with an injection moulding machine and optional oscillating packing device.

OSCIBLEND Operation:

Polymer and additives are metered from individual hoppers at selected points along the barrel set up for optimum mixing.
In the injection sequence, the pressure to move the material from the holding chamber to the mould is transmitted by the cross-head and cylinder assemblies.
The oscillating packing device is interposed between the injection unitand the mould cavity. The plunger is reciprocated at a programable frequency.
Periodic compression and expansion of the melt in thick sections causes shearing of the melt in the narrower sections, preventing premature freeze-off

Uses of OSCIBLEND:

The machine was developed specially for moulding:

Heavily filled thermoplastic parts
Thick walled items that must be free from agglomerates, cracks and voids
Parts requiring a uniform material distribution

Other potential uses include:

Processing flame retardant compounds
Fibre, ceramic and metallic composites with polymer binders

Advantages of OSCIBLEND:

Reduced shear and single heat history
Short residence time
Elimination of extra handling and granulation
Reduced labour cost

OSCIBLEND Processing Features:

Close control of processing conditions
Maintenance of fibre morphology
Reduction of molecular degardation and fibre attrition
Fibre management capabilities