At K 2019, Leistritz will present the further development of the ZSE i Maxx extruder series.The twin screw extruder is now working more efficiently.How you can make extrusion processes even more efficient and flexible is shown by Leistritz Extrusionstechnik with the ZSE i Maxx series, whose twin-screw extruder has been optimized in terms of both machine and process technology.The extruder series not only has a new, functional and modern design, but has also been optimized in terms of flexibility and handling."With various equipment packages, we give plant operators the opportunity to further expand the extensive basic configuration of their extruder," says Leistritz Managing Director Anton Fürst.Five packages are available: sensors, optics, performance, efficiency and service.The series includes machines with screw diameters of 18, 27, 35, 40, 50 and 60 mm.“We'll be showing what the whole thing looks like in practice with a ZSE 27 i Maxx at our stand,” says Sven Wolf, also managing director of Leistritz."We have put together the whole package of options for this machine and have incorporated many features with which production can be made even more efficient."But not only that: the twin screw extruder also forms the heart of a circular economy extrusion line - a recycling process with which the gentle processing of an HFFR compound is demonstrated live, according to the company.The ZSE i Maxx extruder has a continuous, closed cover."But not only the process section, the side loading is also covered," says Wolf.“This is unique so far.” In this way, the entire process is protected from contact and contamination and is easy to clean.According to the company, you benefit from enormous time savings and reduced downtimes, especially in areas such as masterbatch production, where frequent product changes lead to increased cleaning effort.The integration of the temperature control device in the machine frame enables easier handling.The following applies to all units to be replaced: The positioning of the components guarantees optimal accessibility.Cleaning and replacement of individual components are easy, and the LSA nozzle head also ensures a quick changeover.According to the company, this can score particularly well in masterbatch applications.The nozzle head only has two screw connections and can be opened easily and safely in a few simple steps.Quick cleaning when changing colors is guaranteed by the removable sieve and nozzle plates.“The big issues of our time include the conservation of resources and the efficient use of energy.As a mechanical engineering company in particular, we are therefore constantly working on aligning our technologies consistently with this, ”says Wolf.“The environmental concept goes hand in hand with lowering energy costs.After all, this factor should not be neglected in 24/7 production. "This is why an efficient synchronous motor is used in the ZSE i Maxx extruder, which impresses with its high level of efficiency.The option of completely isolating the process section in order to reduce radiation losses also ensures high energy efficiency.Another feature is the torque measurement, which is optionally available from extruder size 35.Wolf explains: "Particularly with new recipes, important knowledge can be gained with regard to the introduction of energy." The closed two-circuit temperature control system, which is built into the base frame together with the coax valves, allows for lower water consumption.Thanks to the standard built-in resin cartridge, the water supplied is also optimally prepared for use in the process.Limescale build-up or soiling is minimized in this way."In the course of the constant further development of process technology, we have paid special attention to intelligent process monitoring, especially in the area of ​​Industry 4.0," says Wolf."Online process and quality control is increasingly an indispensable asset in the extrusion process."The optionally available Leistritz extensional rheometer with patented nozzle geometry enables online measurement of the shear viscosity with shear rates from 10 to 10,000 s-1 and the extensional viscosity with expansion rates from 5 - 75 s-1.During the extrusion process, part of the melt flow is branched off via a bypass and passed through the slot nozzle of the rheometer.The system then enables the material to be returned to the main process so that there is no loss of material.The measurement results can be visualized on the extruder control.“The gearbox is one of the system-critical components.A failure can shut down production for several weeks - and that costs time and money.That is why we also offer solutions here to prevent emergencies, ”says Fürst.An oil sensor can be installed to measure the condition of the transmission oil.This continuously measures oil-specific values ​​and issues a message if the specified limits are exceeded or not reached.“In general, there are rigid intervals for oil changes.With the installation of a sensor, these can be extended significantly, ”he explains.Four additional sensors are part of the LOVM (Leistritz online vibration measurement).They continuously monitor the condition of the gears and bearings in the gearbox and report impending failures.“The i in ZSE i Maxx has always stood for intelligent and integrated solutions.At this K fair, we are expanding it with the term inspiring.This is exactly our approach with the ZSE i Maxx basic variant and the various equipment packages, ”explains Wolf."We are pleased to be able to offer well thought-out solutions that offer the user real added value."The SKZ employee Johannes Rudloff completed his doctoral thesis on the simulation of planetary roller extruders at the TU Illmenau with "magna cum laude" ...The Russian rubber hose manufacturer Svarog uses an X-ray-based measuring device from Sikora for extrusion.The X-ray based measuring device X-Ray 6000 Pro measures ...Bausano has developed special extrusion lines for compounds made from fully biodegradable PVA bioplastics Bausano supplies with its MD series extrusion lines ...