Sandvik Process Systems
The new ThermoCut system is the latest addition to this company’s Rotoform technology, and was developed to increase productivity and result in a better-quality end product with high-viscosity melts. In the past, a common issue faced by processors handling advanced, high-viscosity products is the formation of threads, commonly known as “angel hair.” These threads, created when the melt is deposited on the steel-belt cooler, can result in a less-than-perfect pastille shape, as well as an increase in dust formation and increased cleaning requirements. The ThermoCut system was developed to solve this problem. The system works by blasting a narrow jet of high-pressure, heated air at the precise location where droplets are formed between the Rotoform and the steel belt. The hot air blast cuts the threads before they have a chance to develop further. This not only leads to better quality pastilles (photo), but also results in a substantial reduction in the need to clean the machine. — Sandvik Process Systems, Fellbach, Germany