Milacron Licenses MuCell Foam Technology
WOBURN, Mass. - Trexel, Inc. announced today that Milacron, Inc. has entered into a licensing agreement to supply injection molding equipment utilizing Trexel's proprietary MuCell(R) microcellular foam processing technology. Milacron is the largest North American-based supplier of injection molding machinery and Trexel is the worldwide leader in the development and commercialization of microcellular foam processing technologies.
Under the agreement, Milacron is licensed to sell new MuCell-capable injection molding machines, or retrofit the MuCell process to existing Milacron and non-Milacron equipment. Injection molders can purchase machines directly from Milacron while taking an end-user license for the technology from Trexel. All of Milacron's horizontal injection molding equipment worldwide, including Ferromatik, Autojectors, Roboshot and Ohio-built machines, are covered under this agreement.
"Manufacturers from a broad range of industries, including automotive, construction, housewares, electrical, consumer goods, and packaging will now be able to use Milacron equipment to access the tremendous cost-reduction potential of this new processing technology", said Jim Moore, Milacron Vice President of Sales for the Injection Molding Business.
"According to David Bernstein, Trexel President and CEO, "This partnership will expand the use of MuCell microcellular foam process technology, and will increase our customers' access to the technology in both Europe and North America."
"Our customers have been requesting MuCell(R)-capable injection molding equipment," says Moore. "By being one of the early companies to adopt the technology, we expect to broaden our market opportunities. We are pleased to apply our equipment design expertise towards the integration of MuCell technology in order to afford our customers new processing options."
Unique In-House Retrofit Capabilities
In addition to using Trexel's technology on all of its new injection molding machines, Milacron will also provide MuCell process retrofitting services through its Rebuild Retrofit Remanufacture Business, which provides machine rebuilding and retrofitting. This retrofit capability for Milacron machines brings additional competitive advantages to Milacron's customers.
Proven, Breakthrough Technology
The MuCell technology - which is suitable for a wide range of injection molded products - provides molders with unique opportunities to reduce product costs while enhancing product design and processing. Using inexpensive, environmentally friendly supercritical fluids (SCFs) of atmospheric gases (CO2 or N2) as blowing agents, the MuCell microcellular foam process produces evenly distributed and uniformly sized microscopic cells (generally 5-50 microns in diameter). In addition to reducing part weight, the MuCell process can eliminate stress and warpage, as well as sink marks, while either reducing or eliminating hold time. The technology permits product designers to specify lightweight, polymer-saving foam materials for products in which conventionally foamed materials would be unacceptable.
The MuCell microcellular foam process offers many attractive processing improvements, including sizable cost savings. Because of the lowered melt viscosity, the fill pressure can be reduced at least 50% and the clamp tonnage can be reduced at least 40%. The MuCell process can result in faster cycle time due to the reduction of melt temperature, improved mold filling, and the reduction in, or elimination of hold time.
Equipment Availability
According to the license agreement, Milacron will offer machines for a full range of applications, from 90 to 4000 tons, plus a MuCell process retrofit kit for equipment in the field. A 400-ton Milacron injection molding machine is scheduled to arrive at Trexel's development laboratory in the fourth quarter. Trexel, which currently operates commercial-scale equipment in its laboratory, offers engineering support, training and other services to end-users. Patents pending and issued in the United States, Canada, Europe and several Asian countries cover Trexel's MuCell microcellular foam process and equipment.
For more information, please contact Dan Szczurko, Trexel Vice President of Business Development, at 781 932-0202 ext. 241 (fax 781 932-3324) or dan@trexel.com, or visit the company Web site at www.trexel.com.
For more information about Milacron, phone 1-888-MILACRON (645-2276), fax 1-800-282-8082, or visit Milacron's home page at www.milacron.com.
In the U.S., Mexico and Canada, direct Milacron inquiries to: Greg Fischer, Marketing Support Services, Inc., 3924 Virginia Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45227. Phone: 1-888-MILACRON (toll free). Fax: 1-800-282-8082.
In Brasil, direct Milacron inquiries to: Armando Cristelli, Milacron Equipamentos Plasticos LTDA, Estrada dos Casa, 3883-B. Alvarenga, Sao Bernardo do Campo, SP-Brasil. Phone: 011-55-4358-4299. Fax: 011 55-4358-4443.
In Argentina, the Caribbean, Central America, Chile, Colombia, Equador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela direct Milacron inquiries to: Hector Sosa, Plastec USA, Inc., 7752 NW 74th Ave., Miami, FL 33166. Phone: 305-887-6920. Fax: 305-883-8254.
Contact: Trexel, Inc. Dan Szczurko, 781/932-0202 ext. 241 dan@trexel.com or Milacron, Inc. Thomas L. Jarrold, 513/536-2428 tom_jarrold@milacron.com or HighGround, Inc. Jane Teague, 781/246-5522 ext. 204 jteague@highgroundinc.com