By Ron Shinn
There is a growing demand for processing machinery suitable for ultra-clean applications. To meet this demand, ST BlowMoulding introduced a new electric machine at K 2025 dedicated to production of 220-liter L-ring drums that fits this category.
The CXT 810 HT CoEx 3 continuous extrusion blow molding machine has 100 tons of clamping force. It has a fully electric, three-layer coextrusion head from W. Müller so it can process regrind or recycled material. The clamping unit is a multi-toggle electric unit.
The CXT 810 uses adiabatic H extruders for gentle plasticizing and high throughput. A PWDS parison-shaping system from Feuerherm GmbH, Troisdorf, Germany, provides high-precision wall thickness. ABB SynRM supplied the motors.
The machine uses the least amount of energy ever achieved in this category, and is very appropriate for clean rooms, producing very low dust and metal ion contamination, the company said.
The machine is designed to produce large containers for transporting and storing wet electronic chemicals used in the semiconductor industry. The drums are made from high-molecular-weight HDPE. The drums are also used for liquid pesticides and other sensitive chemicals, including acids.
The ultra-clean drums are needed because any oil or dust contamination can ruin silicon wafers. The so-called wet chemicals are sprayed onto wafers before circuits are etched.
L-ring containers are industrial drums, typically in 120-liter to 220-liter sizes, designed for the safe storage and transport of liquids, chemicals and food products. They are identified by an L-shaped plastic ring at the top for easy handling and stacking. They are usually UN-approved for hazardous materials.
ST BlowMoulding designs and builds extrusion blow molding machines for industrial applications. It is headquartered in Stabio, Switzerland, and builds machines in Italy. It is also constructing a plant in China.
Contact:
ST BlowMoulding, Batavia, Ill., 567-203-6000, www.st-blowmoulding.com
