Support for rubber development

Rapra Technology and Barwell have launched a new technology partnership aimed at supporting the rubber sector.

Rapra Technology and Barwell have launched a new technology partnership aimed at supporting the rubber sector.

Barwell, through LWB Steinl, has recently supplied and commissioned with Rapra Technology one of the company's latest C class machines, a VCE 500/160 T-TPE and EPDM rubber injection moulding machine.

The new machine features a platen size of 500 x 480mm, with a daylight aperture of 480mm and a clamping force of up to 500t.

Featuring Steinl's unique injection system the machine will allow Rapra's technicians and consultants to develop a variety of new custom made materials and products for a European client base.

Martin Woodley, Rapra's Regional Projects Manager says: "We regard this a major coup for us - signalling a long term working relationship with Steinl and their UK agent, Barwell".

Plans at Rapra include, material, product and tooling developments as well as enhanced training for designers and moulders of both TPEs and rubbers.

Woodley says: "We are putting the finishing touches to a number of multi-client project proposals which will couple the benefits of the new Steinl to our powerful Sigmasoft 3D tooling simulation package.

This will, in effect, deliver a 'virtual tooling' validation service for those clients that need it for their rubber-based innovations".

The dual nozzle TPE-to-rubber quick-change machine will be used by Rapra principally for material and product development.

The following services now available to Rapra and Barwell clients include: tool trials; material, additive and compound development; process review; UK training; onsite troubleshooting; product and design development; 3D Sigmasoft mould tool simulation; product validation; and rheology.

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