Frequently unrecognised – generally concealed!
Particle foams can be found in many areas of life and many everyday products. They are often not immediately evident. This is because they are frequently concealed from the consumer, or covered by another material. In a cycling helmet, for example, we can see the particle structure directly, in a motorcycle helmet, on the other hand, it is no longer visible. When insulation panels are attached to a facade, the particle foam can be clearly seen – as soon as the external plasterwork is applied, it disappears from sight
Particle foams protect:
- The heads of cyclists and motorcyclists
- Electrical appliances during transport from the manufacturer to the home
- The driver in an accident
- Foodstuffs from deterioration and damage
- The house from overheating or excessive cooling
- In many further applications
In this article, we report on the effective protection provided by particle foams, using two examples: 1. Foodstuffs, 2. Building insulation. The list of particle foam application areas is growing constantly; further areas will be presented in the coming edition of “Kurtz Ersa Magazine”.
Our daily bread: Foodstuffs
The south of Spain is one of Europe’s most important vegetable gardens. Logistics plays the decisive role in transporting goods over long distances so they arrive fresh in our home markets. Due to their outstanding properties, EPS boxes are used for vegetables such as broccoli or artichokes. On the one hand, the goods stay fresh for longer in this packaging, and on the other the vitamin content sinks significantly less over the same period than is the case in other packaging. Furthermore, this packaging is moisture-resistant, stackable, light and recyclable.
Serplasa chooses the most economical technology
Any newcomer trying to gain a foothold in an established market needs to use more economical technology than his competitors. One of the reasons for Serplasa to choose Kurtz – the strongest partner when it comes to EPS processing machines!
Serplasa is a family company specialising in the production of boxes for foodstuffs. In addition, it produces plastic sheeting for agriculture and the foodstuff industry. In order to be able to supply customers in this branch with EPS boxes as well, it was decided to build a factory. The scope of delivery included part of the engineering for the infrastructure in cooperation with a local service provider, a discontinuous pre-expander with silo system and two BOX FOAMERS working with coreless tools. The plant was commissioned punctually and successfully. We are proud to have gained Serplasa as a customer and partner, and wish the company every success!
Kurtz added value for the customer:
- Planning and layout of the production plant
- Advice on media installation in the new production site
- Coordination of machinery and tools for the highest efficiency and productivity
- Training and process guidance for the customer
- Close supervision from the planning of the production site and the plant to daily production
Worth its weight in gold: A roof over one’s head
40% of the energy demand in the EU is accounted for by building heating and air conditioning. Accordingly, an enormous contribution to CO2 reduction can be made by insulating measures. EPS is as long-established material for insulation panels and has been in use in external insulation and finish systems for many years. Today, some of these panels are foamed as pre-fabricated slabs, for example when they are to feature a ship-lapped edge. For this purpose, Kurtz has developed a special technology with the PANEL FOAMER. Insulation panels for butt joints are generally cut from large EPS blocks..
Kurtz BLOCK FOAMER in Norway
Following the successful installation of a number of block systems in the US and Canada, Kurtz has now also successfully entered the European market with the new BLOCK FOAMER. In the Norwegian company Løvold Industri AS, the Kurtz BLOCK FOAMER was commissioned according to plan
Complete fit-out BOX FOAMER with:
- vertical or horizontal version
- innovative process control
- low level of residual moisture
- electrical length or width adjustment
- sturdy and low-maintenance length adjustment with vertical block form
- low maintenance
- easy to clean
Maximum flexibility for block production
Adjustment options for block length and width
for vertical and horizontal block forms
Standard block dimensions
Length (L) | 2-8 m | Option: Length adjustment from 0 to 2,000 mm (BLOCK FOAMER and FLEX Version) |
Width (W) | 1,0-1,6 m | Width adjustment: 600 mm Lift (BLOCK FOAMER FLEX only) |
Depth (D) | 0,5-1,3 m |
Special sizes and features available on request.
Process data
Density range | 8-70 g/l | |
Productivity* | 14-21 blocks/h | |
Steam consumption | 8-12 kg/m3 |
*Depending on degree of melting when material is processed to the western European standard.
Should you have questions on the topic of block production, simply have a word with us – the Kurtz Team would be pleased to advise you!