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Trexel, Inc. and Engel Austria Expand Agreement to Supply MuCell®-Capable Injection Molding Equipment WorldwideEngel to Establish 2 Development Centers Dedicated to MuCell Microcellular Foam Processing Technology April 12, 1999 - Woburn, MA - Trexel, Inc., and Engel of Schwertberg, Austria have entered into a worldwide license agreement to supply injection molding equipment capable of utilizing Trexel's proprietary MuCell® microcellular foam process. This agreement broadens an existing North American alliance between Trexel and Engel Canada that has been ongoing since mid-1998. Under the new agreement, Engel will establish two development centers to extend its focus on the production of MuCell-capable equipment. Trexel is the leader in the development and commercialization of microcellular foam processing technologies for thermoplastic polymers. Trexel currently operates an injection molding development center in Woburn, MA. In order to meet the enormous demand for the MuCell technology, Engel has decided to establish development centers in Guelph, Ontario, Canada, and Schwertberg, Austria. This will enable the Company to provide worldwide support for customers operating MuCell-capable injection molding equipment. Under the agreement, Engel will send engineers to Trexel to learn more about MuCell microcellular foam technology and to further adapt the process to their own equipment. Trexel and Engel will also expand their joint marketing and sales activities. "We are delighted that Engel has decided to extend its commitment to MuCell microcellular foam processing technology", stated David Bernstein, President and CEO of Trexel. "Engel has understood from the outset the breakthrough nature of the MuCell technology and is committed to offering it to its customers". This expanded agreement follows an overwhelming response to the successful adaptation of the MuCell microcellular foam technology to Engel's injection molding equipment, as previewed at the K Show in October 1998, in Dusseldorf, Germany. Trexel announced a number of breakthroughs at the show, including the foaming of nylons, polycarbonate/acrylonitrile styrene (PC/ABS), and high-temperature engineering resins, as well as polypropylene (PP) and thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) using MuCell-enabled Engel injection molding machinery. "By setting up these new development centers, we will be well-positioned to provide local support for our customers who are moving forward with the use of the MuCell foam processing technology," stated Dr. Otto Urbanek, Engel Executive Vice President of Engineering. "We are pleased to take our alliance with Trexel, which has been so successful to date, to the next level. ENGEL's tiebarless machine with it's large mounting platen and unrestricted access to the mould is the best basis for efficient, economical MuCell Molding". 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 and 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 retaining desired mechanical properties, the MuCell process can eliminate sink marks while either reducing or eliminating hold time because of the uniform and controlled internal gas pressure inherent in this technology. Parts molded with the MuCell microcellular foam process can be molded with skin-core cross sections. In addition, the MuCell process is suitable for thin walling. According to David Pierick, Trexel Injection Molding Vice President, "The features of this breakthrough technology permit 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 potentially sizable cost savings. The use of SCFs as blowing agents lowers the viscosity of the melt, which results in a substantial decrease in processing temperatures (as much as 78° on the centigrade scale, 140° on the Fahrenheit scale). In turn, because of the low melt viscosity, the fill pressure can be reduced up to 50% and the clamp tonnage can be reduced up to 40%. The low pressures associated with the MuCell process permit molders to increase the number of cavities without increasing clamp tonnage, which can significantly improve production efficiency. 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 commercial licensing agreement, Engel will offer a MuCell® option on its current range of injection molding machines and, thereafter, will offer a MuCell process retrofit package for equipment in the field. Trexel will license the process itself directly to end-users. Equipment that includes the MuCell option is also capable of running solid (unfoamed) products. A 400-ton tiebarless machine will be used for development in the Schwertberg lab, while a 150-ton tiebarless co-injection machine will be installed in Guelph. Trexel, which currently operates commercial-scale equipment in its extensive development laboratory, will offer 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. For further information, 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 and the Engel Web site at www.engelmachinery.com. Return to Top | Return to Press Releases 98-99 |
