Comprehensive Material Characterization for Polymers. Moving science forward

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "Comprehensive Material Characterization for Polymers. Moving science forward"

Transcription

1 Comprehensive Material Characterization for Polymers Moving science forward

2 In the R&D Laboratory a new polymer is created by synthesizing small amounts of polymers or by blending existing raw materials to get the best performance for the final product. A wide range of test methods and tools is required to classify a new polymer and to allow accurate predictions of its future behavior during compounding and production. Precise tests done in the laboratory reduce costs at later stages. The Lab Scale Processing is the second stage in the scale-up process. Kilograms vs. grams of the new precious polymer are produced. Material tests can be performed now to give detailed information on the processability and material strength of the new polymer. During Pilot Plant and Small Scale Production, the developed and tested plastic material is transformed into the end product. To meet high-end-user requirements, a thorough and precise quality control process is mandatory. With all your responsibilities, it s something you don t have time to think about on a daily basis: worrying about equipment performance and servicing. We created customer-centered service modules to cover every type of service challenge from installation, inspection, validation, repairs, maintenance, and training. No matter what stage of the polymer s life cycle, eliminating waste and keeping production levels at peak capacity are crucial to ensuring profitability in today s highly competitive environment. Our goal is to provide objective measurement and high quality testing to improve and speed the development and production of polymers. 2

3 Thermo Scientific Material Characterization Solutions Our Philosophy To ensure your success, it is not enough for us to just sell an instrument. By establishing cooperative relationships with our customers, we ensure that our instruments and services are focused on your needs. Our flexible, high value instruments enable measurements and small scale production for a variety of specific requirements giving you high quality results in a very short time. Not only do we know the capabilities and limitations of our instruments, but we also understand polymer-related processing parameters. Our product specialists have the years of experience necessary to interpret your test results and to help you with your applications. R&D of New Polymers Pages 4 7 Lab Scale Processing, Pilot Plant & Small Scale Production Pages 8 11 Quality Control Pages Lab Scale Processing, Pilot Plant Quality Control & Small Scale Production R&D of New Polymers Service Pages Service Thermo Scientific material characterization solutions offer comprehensive, worldwide support and innovative instruments that span the complete life cycle of a polymer: from the development of a polymer in the laboratory to the pilot plant where small batches of test materials are compounded, to online quality control in production, to processing small quantities of special polymers or composites. In addition, we offer products and services to address the latest trends in plastics recycling. 3

4 R&D of New Polymers Today the challenge is to develop inexpensive base materials with the properties of expensively engineered plastic. This is accomplished by blending inexpensive mass plastic material with other components and additives. The most difficult task is mixing and extruding several polymers that are immiscible by nature. Special additives have to be tested and evaluated to reduce the interfacial barriers between the different blends. The key to our customers success is using our instruments in the development phase to subsequently produce high-tech polymer products at a low cost. 4

5 Thermo Scientific HAAKE MARS The concept is reflected by the name: Modular Advanced Rheometer System. The HAAKE MARS rheometer platform features a modular design to enable it to be adapted quickly and flexibly to the requirements of various different applications or tests. All rheological measurements can be performed in CR (Controlled Rate) mode, CS (Controlled Stress) mode and CD (Controlled Deformation) mode, in rotation and in oscillation. A new normal force sensor also allows measurements of negative normal forces. Another innovation is the temperature control unit covering a range of -150 to 600 C. R&D of New Polymers With a rheometer, the mechanical properties such as the viscosity and the dynamic moduli of polymer solutions, polymer melts as well as semi-solids can be measured as a function of stress, strain, time, frequency, temperature etc., not in only in shear but also in extensional flow. The emphasis is placed on modularity and userfriendliness. This rheometer is easy to handle, while easy access for sample preparation and optional adjustments to the base stand allow individual additional modules to be connected. All the relevant components, including the measuring head and electronics systems, can be interchanged, even at a customer s own location. Thermo Scientific rheometers can help to more efficiently characterize a polymer. 5

6 R&D of New Polymers Thermo Scientific thermogravimetric analyzers (TGA) Our Thermogravimetric analyzers measure the change in weight of a material as it is heated, cooled or kept at constant temperature as a function of time and temperature. These highly sensitive balances continuously measure the weight of the sample. The results can be related to thermal or oxidative stability, material composition, moisture content, reaction rate, oxidation, thermal decomposition and activation energy. The TGAs accommodate the highest sample mass with loads up to 100 grams. When specially coupled with evolved gas analysis systems like FT-IR, MS and GC/MS, TGAs provide detailed information about the composition, additives used, and characteristics of all types of polymers. 6

7 Thermo Scientific HAAKE MiniLab The HAAKE MiniLab micro-compounder combines compoun ding and viscosity tests for small volume samples (5 g or 7 cm 3 ). It is based on proven, conical twin-screw technology with co- and counter-rotating screws. The pneumatic force feeder guarantees easy sample loading. An integrated bypass valve allows the sample to be recirculated in a slit capillary backflow channel or extruded for further tests. With fast cooling and a hinged barrel, the user can freeze the compound for further examination. The HAAKE MiniLab works as a stand-alone unit with data export or as a fully computer-controlled system. Micro-Compounder compounding the smallest quantities for R&D Thermo Scientific HAAKE MiniJet II The HAAKE MiniJet II system allows you to optimize your development process and realize cost reduction opportunities: The production of tests specimens from as little as 5 g of material Test specimens can be produced from various material forms (powders, pellets, or melts) Specimen geometries offered from standard to unique, customized forms A control and design concept that provides simplistic handling with consistent, reproducible results The Thermo Scientific HAAKE MiniJet system offers a complementary solution to product development investigations when coupled with the HAAKE MiniLab micro-compounder, Thermo Scientific HAAKE MARS, or HAAKE RheoStress 6000 rheometers. R&D of New Polymers 7

8 Lab Scale Processing Thermo Scientific HAAKE RheoStress 6000 The HAAKE RheoStress 6000 rheo meter is a highly sophisticated, research-grade instrument. Due to its wide measurement range and its modularity, this rheometer is equally well-suited for measuring highly viscous polymer melts and low viscous polymer solutions. Rotational and oscillatory measurements can be run in CS, CR and CD mode. The HAAKE RheoStress 6000 is capable of performing all standard rheological tests including normal force measurements. Pilot Plant Once polymer testing is completed in the R&D laboratory, materials with promising properties are manufactured in small scale at the pilot plant. Newly developed polymers must pass the first test: Can the polymer be produced with reproducible quality at moderate cost? What problems can be expected when tons of raw materials are fed into an extruder instead of grams or kilograms? The pilot plant delivers initial quantities of a new polymer to ensure the desired properties in respect to mechanical stability, strength and appearance. Grams or kilograms of a new polymer are essential to conduct standard tests that compare the product with existing materials. Creating product prototypes with the newly developed material further justifies future investments. 8

9 Thermo Scientific HAAKE PolyLab OS System The HAAKE Rheodrive torque rheometer is the heart of the HAAKE PolyLab OS system. The rheometer includes all functionality to drive and control intelligent measuring sensors, i.e. mixers, extruders and compounders. The Windows -based Thermo Scientific HAAKE PolySoft monitor software is easy to use and guarantees high test repeatability. Thermo Scientific HAAKE Rheomix OS mixers are used during batch mixing to examine processrelevant data such as melt behavior, influence of additives, heat and shear stability under shear load. Single and modular twin-screw extruders are used for process simulation such as compounding and extrusion of strands, profiles or films combined with rheological measurements. The HAAKE PolyLab OS is key for polymer testing POSTEXtrusion equipment for the Thermo Scientific HAAKE PolyLab OS System Specific downstream equipment and dies complete the HAAKE PolyLab OS system. A variety of POSTEXtrusion equipment is available for a wide range of applications. Blown-film and chill roll takeoff systems for films and sheets, including camera systems, are offered for online quality testing. Water baths and pelletizers are available for strand extrusion lines. Calibration dies and conveyor belts allow pipe extrusion. Wire coating dies and take-off systems are available as well as a melt pump with catheter die for high precision products like medical tubes and catheters. Postextrusion devices maintain the shape of extruded material Lab Scale Processing, Pilot Plant & Small Scale Production Extensional die Dies A variety of dies is available and can be adapted to all HAAKE PolyLab extruders. The dies range from simple strand dies to round and slit capillary dies that convert extruders into capillary rheometers. Special rheology dies, e.g. extensional dies, are designed to test the extensional flow behavior of polymer melts. Slit and blown film dies can be used in combination with camera systems for online testing to monitor polymer processability and quality. Special slit dies are also available to extrude sheets of PVC for further surface inspection. The most important part of extrusion is at the end of the process the die 9

10 Pilot Plant & Small Scale Production Filter Test Software According to the standard EN , the Thermo Scientific HAAKE Filter Pressure Value test consists of the HAAKE PolyLab QC extruder, the melt pump and the filter die in which standard die filter packages can be inserted. A pressure control loop integrated within the extruder guarantees constant feeding conditions for an attached melt pump with filter die. This powerful and cost-effective filter test setup is a unique way to analyze the performance of polymer master batch mixtures. The formula generator allows the user to customize the evaluation mathematics of the filter test to individual requirements. Those settings are stored so that quality control (QC) test reports can be printed on demand. Routine QC data also can be evaluated and superimposed according to individual needs. Customized mixer test data evaluation at the push of a button Production is the environment where human beings are only needed in case of problems. Production runs 24 hours a day and is measured by high output and low waste. Testing machines are required to check the output of the production machines in order to get a constant quality. If something runs out of specifications due to a machine failure, the tests should quickly indicate a change in quality and ideally suggest a countermeasure to eliminate the problem. The MVR (Melt Volume Rate) is an accepted value to guarantee the quality of the polymer production. Production can also be understood as the manufacture of small quantities of special polymer compositions which are expensive, difficult to handle or needed in kilos only. This is required for pharmaceutical applications, for polymers with special material properties and for special applications. Thermo Scientific products enclose testing instruments and preproduction machines for all stages in the life of a polymer. 10

11 Thermo Scientific HAAKE PolyLab QC Extruder System The most common methods in processing polymers are extrusion and injection molding. For testing quality and processability of those materials, the single-screw laboratory extruder the Thermo Scientific HAAKE Rheomex 19/25 QC is a proven tool. With over 35 years of expertise, we ve developed a wide variety of different screw designs that are guaranteed to provide the best performance. Special solutions such as chemical or wear resistance are also available to extrude harsh materials. To shape a polymer for further processes and tests, different dies can be adapted to the extruder such as rod dies and water bath for strand extrusion, sheet and ribbon dies in various dimensions to produce bands. Cast films and blown film dies and take offs complete the testing equipment. Besides the standardized filter test (EN ), comprehensive rheological studies can be conducted. For continuous compounding and plasticising, the Thermo Scientific HAAKE CTW 100 QC is the ideal extruder in the HAAKE PolyLab QC system. This is a counter-rotating conical twin-screw compounder, with intermeshing screws, that will give well-defined residence times for faultless production of process-critical polymers. Thermo Scientific Compounders Thermo Scientific twin-screw compounders offer flexible compounding configurations for small batches for either pilot scale production or low volume manufacturing. The co-rotating twin screw compounders feature segmented screws, a modular, barrel construction with side feeding, liquid injection and venting ports that can be tailored to individual requirements. The full-length opening barrel allows easy access to the screws for easy reconfiguration and cleaning. A touch-screen operator interface with data logging options and recipe storage guarantees repeatable results. Feeding and HAAKE POSTEXtrusion systems are controlled via the extruder. Thermo Scientific compounders are the most flexible, small scale, twin-screw compounding systems on the market Lab Scale Processing, Pilot Plant & Small Scale Production 11

12 Quality Control Thermo Scientific HAAKE MeltFlow Thermo Scientific HAAKE MeltFlow indexers comply with the ISO 1133, ASTM D 1238, ASTM D 3364, JIS K 7210 and referring standards. Based on a compact design, the HAAKE MeltFlow is the ideal table-top instrument for small labs and for frequent use in a quality control environment. Temperature stability and temperature uniformity (over the barrel length) are superior to these standards! MVR and MFR measurements Equipped with a digital displacement sensor the HAAKE MeltFlow measures the melt volume rate (MVR) auto matically. The HAAKE Meltflow can also automatically measure the meltflow rate (MFR) with software-controlled balance. Rheological measurements The Thermo Scientific HAAKE MeltFlow software allows users to automatically measure apparent viscosity data (shear rate, viscosity, shear stress). 12 Recycling Recycling is only newsworthy when raw materials are expensive or when politics draw attention to this field. Consumer awareness of the necessity for recycling by sorting plastics tubes, bottles and packaging materials such as PE, PET, PS, etc. is a challenge that requires proper product coding, time and education. The basic concept of recycling is to feed used plastic into the supply chain for manufacturing new materials with less costs and without compromises in material specifications. These expectations have to be supported by objective measurements and proven in small-scale recycling and re-production trials. We can help you adapt existing machines to meet new recycling requirements in respect to stability, sturdiness and sensitivity. With our instruments, you can detect even small degradations caused by reworking polymers. Molecular weight and molecular weight distribution, together with the traditional MVR value, are the grades of quality during R&D.

13 Thermo Scientific HAAKE PCR The HAAKE PCR-620 is a twin-pump bypass rheometer that provides on-line rheological measurements of melt index and viscosity in polymer processing. With more than 200 successful installations of the HAAKE PCR-620 and its predecessors around the world, we are a leader in advanced process control technology for the polymer processing industry. Thermo Scientific HAAKE PolyLab QC Mixer A typical mixer test is run at a defined rotor speed. The material s response to the shear is recorded as torque and displayed versus time. As a material s properties are very sensitive to temperature, the mixer chamber is separated into different sections. These are individually temperaturecontrolled by the Thermo Scientific HAAKE PolyLab QC. The HAAKE PCR-630 patented bypass pump design is especially suited for fractional and low melt index polymers, as well as applications sensitive to residence time. The HAAKE PCR-630 is the fastest bypass rheometer design available and provides near real-time data with its slit die design and three independently driven and controlled melt pumps. Quality Control 13

14 We let you choose the services you want When you look at service options, you often find manufacturers that enforce inflexible options in their support plans and demand you pay for services you don t use. Imagine the peace of mind of getting cost-effective installation, servicing, and training handled by the trusted experts in material characterization. We created customer-centered service modules to cover every type of service challenge from installation, inspection, validation, repairs, maintenance, and training. We also provide you with enormous flexibility. 14

15 All flight or drive costs covered at a flat rate for any on-site maintenance. Certified engineers use cutting edge technology to inspect and repair equipment. Pre-set fees achieve better cost control. Basic and advanced training that delivers increased staff productivity and consistent results. Get the benefits of your original warranty for an additional year; all parts and labor included. Properly validated and serviced equipment ensures 100% accuracy every time it s used. Get quick on-site repairs and cut down time to a minimum. Service Select only the service modules you want. Add modules at the time of equipment purchase, during warranty, or after. Combine modules. Or create a customized service plan that matches your unique requirements. We can offer comprehensive consultation to help choose the right options. And if you require services not described here, please call us. We ll develop customized solutions for you. Visit for more detailed information. And then phone your Thermo Fisher Scientific sales representative to arrange for your free service assessment. 15

16 2008/07 Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. All rights reserved PI MC BR 2008/08 Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or its subsidiaries. This document is for informational purposes only and is subject to change without notice. Specifications, terms and pricing are subject to change. Not all products are available in all countries. Please consult your local sales representative for details. Process Instruments Benelux Tel. +31 (0) info.mc.nl@thermofisher.com China Tel. +86 (21) info.mc.china@thermofisher.com France Tel. +33 (0) info.mc.fr@thermofisher.com India Tel. +91 (22) info.mc.in@thermofisher.com United Kingdom Tel. +44 (0) info.mc.uk@thermofisher.com USA Tel info.mc.us@thermofisher.com International/Germany Dieselstr Karlsruhe Tel. +49 (0) info.mc.de@thermofisher.com

17 Making a Measurable Difference Web Gauging Solutions

18 Our Commitment... Investment: We continually invest in new technologies, services and training programs. Our comprehensive portfolio continues to expand inline with new materials and the requirement for information products. Technology: Our technologies include nuclear, x-ray, infrared and optical measurements, plus an advanced controls portfolio and an intuitive operator interface. All that you need to manage your operations. Service: Reliability, maintainability and low cost of ownership are inherent to Thermo Scientific web gauging systems. Installation and commissioning are fast and efficient with complementary service programs that can be tailored to suite your individual requirements. Results: We help you realize the benefits from our technologies. We relate them to your business in clear, concise terms to get you on the results curve quickly and stay there.

19 Leading through innovation Expertise & Global Presence We are the measurement and control specialists serving the continuous web processing and converting industries. Our success is driven by process knowledge. Competence and experience are the fundamental components of our strategy. We employ innovative technologies and application-specific solutions to help you reduce costs and improve quality and profitability. Our extensive global presence ensures that all of our customers achieve the results they expect from a world-class organization. Innovation Innovation is one of Thermo Fisher Scientific s core values, reflected in our new product brand, Thermo Scientific, which represents the world s leading analytical instrumentation brand. In 1948 (known then as Tracerlab) we introduced the first beta gauge for basis weight measurement. Later as LFE, we launched the first computer-based systems outside the paper industry. Then in 1988 (formerly EGS), we offered a unique scanning full spectrum infrared spectrometer (FSIR). And in 2006, we introduced a revolutionary, non-contacting thickness gauge for sheet materials. Complete supplier Our solutions are designed for your application. Extruded film and sheet Biax film and sheet processing Converted products Extrusion, roll & blade coaters Building materials Non-wovens Rubber and vinyl calendering With over 6,500 systems installed worldwide, Thermo Scientific gauging systems are the clear choice for our customers.

20 Thermo Scientific Frames and Gauges...an intelligent, accurate, open measurement system that provides a unique insight into your process Mark III Industrial Scanner L220 Scanner Intelligent Measurement Each intelligent scanner broadcasts its final measurement values to other compliant systems in an open Ethernet network. The Thermo Scientific Exactrax peer-to-peer network measurement synchronization delivers millisecond-timing precision for accurate inter scanner measurement. Each scanner incorporates an embedded ibox processor and Linux operating system that provides fast, secure, robust measurement. Thermo Scientific Industrial Scanners Reliability, modularity, ease of maintenance and low cost of ownership are of paramount importance. Solid scanner designs assure accuracy and profile repeatability. Installation and routine running costs are reduced, as air, water, nitrogen and proprietary cables are not required. A unique C-Frame scanner is available where there is restricted space, a harsh environment or when the measurement platform needs to be fully retracted. Thermo Scientific Basis Weight Sensors Fast, accurate, repeatable measurement with superior signal-to-noise ratios are shared across the family of basis weight sensors due to their high source strengths. The slot geometry design gives excellent streak resolution and edge measurement. Proprietary optics reduce x-y-z runout, passline and flutter sensitivity. Measurement is available in either transmission or backscatter mode depending on the application.

21 Complete Measurement Solutions: Intelligent measurement system with peer-to-peer data communications Full portfolio of application-matched gauges Unique FSIR gauge for challenging measurement applications Broad scope of materials measurement capability SpectraBeam Reliable, maintainable & robust systems Low cost of ownership C-Frame X-Ray Master Basis Weight Shadow Master Thermo Scientific X-Ray Master Its high-energy, collimated source resolves streaks down to 1.25 mm with excellent signal-to-noise ratios. A wide range of application possibilities is available with a measurement air gap ranging from 15 mm to 600 mm. Thermo Scientific SpectraBeam This unique sensor analyzes the full infrared spectrum and provides high-resolution web composition measurement. It is an intelligent scanning sensor that can discriminate multiple components with chemical analysis capability of plastics, coatings, non-wovens and composites. It can measure co-extrusion layers, moisture, binders, fiber blend, coating layers and solvent retention. It can be used in both transmission and reflectance modes. Thermo Scientific Air Caliper This gauge provides non-contacting thickness measurement with 3 mm streak resolution and a measurement range of up to 12.7 mm. Applications include foam, non-metallic and variable-density products. Thermo Scientific ShadowMaster This optical, non-contacting gauge directly measures the thickness of a material against a roll. An eddy current sensor eliminates any potential runout errors of the roll. ShadowMaster is suited to medium to heavy plastics, rubber, coated substrates, paper, textiles and composite products.

22 From raw material to end product...we understand web gauging applications Plastic Film & Sheet Extrusion Mono and Bi-Axial Film, Co-Extrusion, Cast Film Extrusion, Film/Sheet Extrusion, Extrusion Coating & Laminating We have a wide range of experience with all major makes of extrusion lines. Our comprehensive measurement family of caliper, infrared, nuclear, optical and x-ray sensors and advanced controls is available to address the unique requirements of these applications. Biax film lines, for example, realize their greatest web gauging economic benefits through superior process visibility, responsive controls, fast start-up and product change. Cast and film-end scanning with high-resolution measurement and accurate mapping help deliver these results. An integrated mass-balance algorithm dynamically compensates for machine (MD) and cross direction (CD) stretch for the cascade and Automatic Profile Controls (APC). This strategy significantly improves MD & CD control performance, reducing film product variation and producing superior roll quality for maximum ROI. Similarly, co-extrusion and cast film applications benefit from the full portfolio of sensors and controls. Here, SpectraBeam can measure the discrete layers of co-extruded cast film and other layered products. Automatic sheet edge detection with non-linear asymmetric neck-in dynamically compensates for the multiple shrinkage factors of various polymers. Finally, advanced machine direction and Automatic Profile Control programs help deliver consistent, outstanding results. Information is important. A comprehensive library of reporting packages including roll reports, historical viewing, archiving and sheet-cut data help eliminate both guesswork and judgments.

23 Optimum results Comprehensive library of web gauging solutions. Systems optimized for results: measurement, communications, information and systems integration. Application-matched sensors with optional integration of third-party measurements. Value-added expansions and enhancements for displays, controls, information and compliant third party devices. Scalable to a fully integrated process management system. Liquid Packaging Coating Blade Coating, Roll Coating, Extrusion Coating, Tandem Extrusion Coating, Lamination, Saturation, Slot Die Typical coating applications include liquid packaging, adhesive coatings, polyethylene, foil, barrier materials, sealants and adhesive layers. In fact we are the world leader in aseptic packaging measurement technology. Coat weight measurement accuracy is therefore critical for quality, productivity and scrap reduction. Two coat weight measurement solutions are available. First, the differential coat weight technique provides accurate coat weight measurement with the Thermo Scientific Substrate Independent Calibration, SICAL. This matches the calibrations of the substrate and coated product scanner. By eliminating the substrate sensitivity, SICAL rationalizes the number of calibration groups to just the coating formulations. The Thermo Scientific EXACTRAX Same Spot Measurement then calculates accurate net coat weights. This ensures that the substrate and coated product scanners traverse precisely the same path on the web, even with line speed variation. Precise scanner synchronization is achieved with network communications between the scanners. Second, the unique SpectraBeam FSIR is often the only direct coat weight measurement solution for layer discrimination. Complex measurement applications can include up to six scanners and fifteen sensors.

24 Delivering experience across a broad range of industries...translating knowledge into results Tires Calendering Vinyl, Gum, Textile, Wire and Rubber Calendering Vinyl and gum calendering systems incorporate scanning basis weight and thickness measurements with optional stationary sensors. Accurate profile measurement that is independent of roll condition and line speed is important. The Thermo Scientific SYNCRO-SCAN roll runout compensation synchronizes the scanning measurements to the roll rotation, eliminating short-term machine direction roll variations from profile measurement. This produces fast, responsive, accurate profiles. Flat final product profiles are assured with threezone control via roll gap and x-axis or roll bending. Rubber calendering. This complex process requires a modular measurement and control strategy that can be configured to almost any tire calender. For example, the gum layers of a four-roll steel or textile cord calender are measured using backscatter gauges. Then, either fixed or scanning backscatter basis weight sensors measure the upper and lower single films. Finally, scanning basis weight transmission and backscatter sensors measure the product at the calender exit. Decoupled optimization controls for the upper and lower films supervise the left and right nips, roll bending and roll cross axis. These controls produce a significant improvement in both quality and product change times.

25 Non-Wovens Insulation Roofing Perfect solutions... Specialty measurements and controls deliver significant incremental benefits Building Products Roofing, Flooring, Abrasives, Carpet Coating, Rockwool, Glasswool, OSB, Carbon Fiber, Fiberglass/Fleece, Insulation Mat Environmentally robust measurements for accurate, reliable, low maintenance operation Reporting packages satisfy stringent roll quality and full-lot trace-ability requirements Roofing lines are notoriously hostile measurement environments. Hence, our answer: a reliable stainless steel C-Frame scanner. Add to that SYNCRO-SCAN to eliminate backcoating roll runout and two-zone asphalt control package that delivers flat profiles. The bottom line: product uniformity, reduced scrap, asphalt savings and a sound ROI. Flooring, abrasives & carpet coating materials demand accurate coat weight measurement. Both the SICAL calibration technique and EXACTRAX same-spot measurement help satisfy this requirement. Further optimization controls include Two-Zone Gap control for flooring, abrasives and carpet materials, plus Auto Profile (APC), and Mid Range Controls for flooring produce superior uniformity and quality. Rockwool & glasswool measurement involves between three to five fixed-point sensors designed for use in harsh environments and display a three point quality trend. Oriented strand board & fiberglass insulation systems employ wide-gap geometry scanning measurements. Fiberglass systems may also measure the constituent components of the insulation materials. A unique reporting package is also available with SPC QC trace-ability using an RQMS module. Non-Wovens Air laid, Carded, Melt-Blown, Needle-Punched, Spun-Bond, Spun Lace, Wet-Formed Non-wovens systems support the full line of Thermo Scientific sensors for specialty measurements within this industry. In particular, SpectraBeam FSIR measurements include super-absorbent polymers used in hygienic applications and resin binders found in fiberglass mat. Needle-punched measurements are similar to rockwool systems, with a plurality of fixed-point sensors across the web. The non-wovens applications portfolio supports the stringent reporting requirements for roll quality with full-lot trace ability.

26 Service: global project responsibility...throughout the life cycle of your system Delivering sound solutions for your service requirements Project services; making it happen Our Project Service Management Team comprises skilled, experienced engineers, accustomed to managing a broad range of solutions worldwide. Our teams are there to commission your system from kick-off to handover. Whatever the platform or application, their experience covers a wide range of process and materials technologies. Keeping your system at optimum performance Technology does not stand still. And neither should your system. With countless commercial enhancements being released on a daily basis, you want to ensure that your system benefits from these. Our Lifecycle Program helps your system to deliver peak performance with the latest enhancements and upgrades; keeping you on the leading edge of the results curve. Service products tailored to suite your needs Thermo Scientific web gauging systems are built on commercial platforms, making them inherently reliable and easy to maintain. Our portfolio of service products is designed to suit the needs of your operations, ranging from emergency callout to full service supported by qualified, trained engineering experts that are responsive to your needs. Service solutions that address the bigger picture Sometimes you need more than just service for your systems. Instead you need process solutions and expert services. As your service partner, we are able to provide a multi-disciplined approach. So whether it s operations or optimization, we are there to help you make the grade. Service that works for you Project services from order to handover Comprehensive portfolio of service products Life cycle system enhancement and upgrade programs Global spare parts logistics that deliver the right part to your plant without delay

27 Our expertise: turning technology into profit...a results partnership for your benefit An efficient installation combined with high system reliability, accurate measurements and tight control are your foundation for sound results. Target Shift to Reduce Raw Material Consumption Quality Improvement on Control Current Quality Variation ROI Results (Documented) Best Service (Local, Fast, Trained) Project Management (On-Time, No Surprises) Best Technology (Measurement, Control) Results that travel to your bottom line The success of your web gauging project is assured with our applications expertise. Our team brings a wealth of process knowledge to your operations to help produce superior results from your system. The foundation for this rests on our innovative technologies, project management skills, service competence and applications knowledge. By working with every level within your plant, our team can professionally manage your project in order to deliver the best return on investment for the lifecycle of your system. Quality production Reliability Accuracy Advanced Controls Information Results

28 Process Instruments Division Building 6, No. 27, Xin Jinqiao Rd. Jinqiao Export Zone, Pudong Shanghai CHINA +86 (21) (21) fax Ottostraße 1 Limburg D GERMANY +49 (6431) (6431) fax A-101, ICC Trade Tower, Senapati Bapat Road Pune Maharashtra, INDIA +91 (20) (20) fax 200 Research Drive Wilmington, MA USA +1 (800) (978) (978) fax Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. All rights reserved. All trademarks are the property of Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. and its subsidiaries. Results may vary under different operating conditions. Specifications, terms and pricing are subject to change. Not all products are available in all countries. Please consult your local sales representative for details. Literature Code PI

29 News FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Process Instruments Media Contact Information: Secondary Contact Information: Name: Petra Roth Gretchen Bender Adresse: Thermo Fisher Scientific Dieselstr. 4, Karlsruhe/Germany Tel.: +49 (0) (617) Website: Thermo Fisher Scientific Launches New Lab-scale Take-off Module for Its Measuring Extruder Systems Polymer workflow solution for compounding tests KARLSRUHE, Germany. (October 23th, 2008) Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., the world leader in serving science, today launched a new lab-scale take-off module for its measuring extruder systems, the Thermo Scientific HAAKE PolyLab OS and HAAKE PolyLab QC. The new module, the Thermo Scientific Sample Sizer, enables customers to quickly and automatically generate specimens in different shapes and sizes for chemical, mechanical or optical testing. Bernhard IDE GmbH & Co. KG, a leading manufacturer of extruders, extrusion tooling, calibration systems and downstream machinery for profile extrusion, developed the Sample Sizer. Combined with a HAAKE PolyLab extruder system, polymer mixtures can be directly converted after being compounded to solid and geometrically well-defined test specimen profiles. To the customer, it means shaping, calibrating, conveying, and cutting can be performed with just one integrated solution, says Markus Schreyer, vice president and general manager of Thermo Fisher Scientific s material characterization business unit. This will help our customers more quickly develop their products in their highly competitive markets. The plug-and-play module is equipped with an exchangeable vacuum calibration device with water cooling and adjustable take-off speed. As the polymer melt volume flow is dependent on parameters like feeding rate and extruder speed, these can be easily managed with the measuring and analyzing software Thermo Scientific HAAKE PolySoft - without stopping the experiment. The Sample Sizer allows easy access and quick material change. Both, extrusion die and calibration unit, are equipped with horizontally split barrels. Quick release clamps give easy access to channels and process contact surfaces for cleaning or configuration changes e.g. product changeover. Thermo Fisher Scientific successfully supports a wide range of industries with its comprehensive Thermo Scientific material characterization solutions. These products analyze and measure viscosity, elasticity, processability and temperature-related mechanical changes of plastics, food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and coatings, plus a wide variety of liquids or solids. For more information, please visit

30 Thermo Scientific is part of Thermo Fisher Scientific, the world leader in serving science. About Thermo Fisher Scientific Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE: TMO) is the world leader in serving science, enabling our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. With annual revenues of $10 billion, we have more than 30,000 employees and serve over 350,000 customers within pharmaceutical and biotech companies, hospitals and clinical diagnostic labs, universities, research institutions and government agencies, as well as environmental and industrial process control settings. Serving customers through two premier brands, Thermo Scientific and Fisher Scientific, we help solve analytical challenges from routine testing to complex research and discovery. Thermo Scientific offers customers a complete range of high-end analytical instruments as well as laboratory equipment, software, services, consumables and reagents to enable integrated laboratory workflow solutions. Fisher Scientific provides a complete portfolio of laboratory equipment, chemicals, supplies and services used in healthcare, scientific research, safety and education. Together, we offer the most convenient purchasing options to customers and continuously advance our technologies to accelerate the pace of scientific discovery, enhance value for customers and fuel growth for shareholders and employees alike. Visit About Bernhard Ide GmbH & Co. KG Bernhard Ide GmbH & Co. KG is well-known for its expertise in manufacturing extruders, extrusion tooling, calibration systems and downstream machinery for profile extrusion - worldwide. 50 years of experience in mechanical engineering and extrusion technology enable us to offer products and services that are key to a graduated production program; these comprise consulting by experienced processing engineers, tooling manufacturing, die and calibration systems for all thermoplastic profile types, single-screw extruders and coextruders (horizontal, vertical and axial), modular machine systems including more than 45 different standard downstream units for customer-specific extrusion lines. After-sales service is an intrinsic part of customer care to us. Therefore, we offer training, repairs, spares and comprehensive consulting on operation and maintenance of extrusion dies and machinery. More information is provided at Thermo Scientific Sample Sizer -Take-off module for the measuring extruder systems Thermo Scientific HAAKE PolyLab Quick and easy access due to horizontally split barrel of the Thermo Scientific Sample Sizer You will find this press release and image (in high resolution) online on the webpage: