ZE Basic twin-screw extruder doubles biocompound production capacity at Tecnaro GmbH

Thanks to the installation of the new compounding line from Hannover-based KraussMaffei Berstorff, Tecnaro GmbH succeeds in doubling its biocompound production capacity in the Ilsfeld-Auenstein facilities. The bioplastics specialist is thus well prepared for the ever increasing demand for tailored alternative plastics compounds and in a position to ensure cost-effective large-volume production.

Photo2_180621_PM_EXTHAN__Tecnaro.jpg_image_scaler_550x0 — In addition to lignin-based products, the ZE Basic twin-screw extruder from KraussMaffei Berstorff is well suited for the production of compounds from natural materials

Tecnaro specializes in technologies for industrial use of renewable raw materials in plastics processing. Since its foundation in 1998, the company has been committed to the production of biocompounds. Today, Tecnaro employs 30 staff members and supplies its products not only to customers around the globe, but to almost all branches of industry. While lignin-based compounds referred to as Arboform are used for loudspeakers, musical instruments, toys, design objects or urns, for instance, the optionally bio-degradable raw materials of the Arboblend series are applied for packagings, office supplies, household items, film and sheets as well as for other semi-finished products, to name but a few examples. There is also a great demand for the third Tecnaro product line based on filled compounds made from renewable raw materials suited for the production of household items, packagings, technical profiles and chairs.

Tecnaro produces these biocompounds on twin-screw extruders. “We started with second-hand machines, one of which was originally delivered by KraussMaffei Berstorff. This is one of the reasons why we opted again for a compounding line from Hannover,” says Jürgen Pfitzer, Chief Executive Officer of Tecnaro GmbH. The recently installed new line is a ZE Basic 62 twin-screw extruder for a maximum output rate of 800 kg/h. This extruder will enable the compounding company to double its production capacity per year. “The possible scale-up of our formulations for the production of larger quantities of specific compounds on the new extruder is of decisive importance to us,” adds Jürgen Pfitzer who is deeply convinced that – in about 100 years’ time – there will be hardly any fossil-based plastics and that the demand for biocompounds will therefore continue to constantly increase in the future.

Specifically designed for standard applications

The twin-screw extruders of the ZE Basic series are extremely versatile and suitable for about 80 % of all plasticizing, filling and reinforcing applications without requiring any major equipment modification. This is why the ZE Basic is the ideal solution for the wide Tecnaro product portfolio. The series comprises a total of four extruder sizes with diameters ranging between 42 and 77 mm and output rates of up to 3 metric tons/hour. Featuring an OD/ID diameter ratio of 1.55 and a 10.5 Nm/cm specific torque factor, the ZE Basic extruders are technically sophisticated systems. Just like the other KraussMaffei Berstorff twin-screw extruders, this series can be tailored to specific requirements in terms of processing section configuration and screw geometry.