Tests at customers’ sites have shown that Baker Perkins’ patent-pending MAX³ feed system can lead to a throughput increase of up to 40%. A re-design of the feed port and screws improves the flow of material into the extruder barrel and air out of it, eliminating the material build-up in the extruder feed port that restricts output and causes torque surges. Because of this, low density materials and fines often required a side feeder: this is no longer necessary.

The surface area of the new multi-directional barrel cooling channels has been increased by 138% to increase cooling capacity, while the channels are now closer to the material being cooled to decrease response times.

Through-shaft cooling is standard on Baker Perkins MPX 50, 65 and 80 machines. Drawing heat from the agitator shaft, the screw elements and the barrel minimizes the risk of pre-curing. This allows material with curing temperatures as low as 100 °C to be processed reliably and enables coatings for a range of temperature-sensitive substrates, such as wood, to be produced.

The open frame allows operators to step right up to the machine for cleaning and maintenance. Surfaces where powder could accumulate are minimized and all are easily accessible for cleaning; there is also high ground-clearance for cleaning underneath.

The top and bottom of the barrel open independently. Opening only the top leaves the shafts supported so that even long, heavy shafts may be removed safely, without risk of damage or operator injury; the bottom of the barrel opens for cleaning.

The stuffing box - where the shafts enter the barrel – is now split with the top and bottom halves opening with the barrel to provide instant access for maintenance. The old-fashioned gland packing has been replaced by bronze bushes that are easily lifted out when replacement is required, and the wear sleeves on the shafts are a simple push-fit that may be replaced as easily as changing an agitator element. The sleeves are now made from a harder metal and with a PVD (physical vapor deposition) coating for longer life.

Feeding options include a gravimetric feeder to provide improved accuracy, a pivoting mount to assist with calibration and cleaning, and a purge feeder. This provides an accurately metered and consistent flow of purge cleaning materials into the barrel, which guarantees maximum effectiveness while using the minimum amount of purge material.

A control system with recipe setup stores up to 50 formulations and ensures exact, unvarying repeatability of every product. Historical trending is also standard.

Remote Internet access enables Baker Perkins engineers, with the customer’s permission, to log in to a machine anywhere in the world for faultfinding and software updates.

Other features include a water-cooled motor that is quieter, cooler and easier to clean than the air-cooled alternative. A gearbox condition monitoring system reduces unexpected downtime by providing advanced warning of maintenance needed or impending failure. Start up and shut down sequences are fully automatic, minimizing time and reducing waste.

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