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Larger thermoplastic components from recycled plastic materials

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DIEFFENBACHER supplies US customer with LFT-D plant that includes Fiberpress hydraulic press

In July, DIEFFENBACHER GmbH Maschinen- und Anlagenbau from Eppingen, Germany, received an order from a U.S. customer to manufacture an LFT-D line that includes a hydraulic press from the Fiberpress series. The modified extrusion technology upstream of the press will enable the line to produce high volumes of thermoplastic components larger than previously possible.

The new line will be the highest-capacity line of its type. It will produce LFT-D extrudates with only one machine (Typical LFT-D plants require a two-machine technology). Low-cost recycled polymers from post-consumer and post-industrial plastics will be used as the raw material. Adjustments of the dosing equipment and an adapted length of the extruder barrel enable the plant to efficiently and economically produce thermoplastic components from 100% recycled material.

The innovative plant concept was developed collaboratively by DIEFFENBACHER’s Composites and Recycling business units. “This project is an excellent example of the possibilities that DIEFFENBACHER can offer its customers thanks to the collaboration of its various business units,” says Marco Hahn, Director Sales of the Composites Business Unit. "Our combination of a unique technological concept and the use of recycled raw materials convinced the customer to select DIEFFENBACHER.”

The new LFT-D line will be installed in mid-2021. Production is scheduled to start by October 2021. The plant concept is available to DIEFFENBACHER customers worldwide.