KANSAI HELIOS Expands Powder Coating Production with Coperion’s ZSK Extruders

Date: 25/01/2022
The extruder machine

Two screw extruders by Coperion will allow KANSAI HELIOS to pursue a more efficient powder coating manufacturing.

The KANSAI HELIOS Group has expanded its coating production at the Italian and German site with the twin screw extruder technology provided by Coperion, that had been selected for its very high dispersion performance, its efficient operation and flexible options as well as its suitability.

The two ZSK Mv PLUS extruders with 43 mm screw diameters for powder coating production have been installed at the Riese Pio X location (Italy) and at the Buchholz site (Germany) to fulfill very high-quality requirements, as ZSK extruders’ speed, residence time and throughput can be modified quickly and individually for the requirements of new powder coating recipes.

Coperion’s ZSK Mv PLUS twin screw extruders have already been used successfully for manufacturing high-quality powder coatings for many years, since their deep cut screw channels with a 1.8 D o/Di (outer to inner) screw diameter ratio results in a very large free screw volume. In addition, powders with low bulk density and poor intake behavior can be fed into the process in large quantities and also recipes with high filler content are intensively dispersed while still being gently handled. All the connections, water supply and cables are protected by easy-to-clean casings while still being easily accessible. The closely intermeshing twin screws ensure optimal self-cleaning in the process section, making recipe changes quick to execute.

Customized solutions to simplify operations

Coperion has customized the two ZSK 43 MV PLUS extruders for KANSAI HELIOS with several smart features in order to simplify machine operation, such as the new user-optimized CSpro control system that allows to insert information on-demand, reducing the risk of possible operator error and increasing the ZSK extrusion equipment’s efficiency.

Furthermore, both extruders provided to KANSAI HELIOS have been equipped with electronically secured maintenance doors at the gearbox lantern: as soon as the extruder’s screw shafts come to a complete stop, the service personnel can open the gearbox lantern without tools. The screw shaft coupling can then be accessed safely and quickly, leading for example to a reduction in downtime during machine maintenance and a resulting increase in the machine's efficiency.

“With our ZSK twin screw extruders, KANSAI HELIOS chose just the right technology to be well positioned even in the future for every potential development. The ZSK extruders operate very efficiently and can be adjusted for the complex demands of new recipes with just a few modifications. We will continue to stand at KANSAI HELIOS’ side with the know-how we’ve collected over years and years and our comprehensive process expertise,” stated Markus Wörz, Sales Manager at the Milan Office of Coperion S.r.l.

“Coperion is a long lasting and loyal partner of the KANSAI HELIOS Group, and we are honored and proud to celebrate our partnership with every such transaction. Our Italian facility is in the middle of an intensive investment cycle, and it represents only one piece of the puzzle in the project of develop new modernized state-of-the art powder production facility where there will be only space for smart, technologically advanced, and efficient production equipment such as installed ZSK extruder, to satisfy future demands of our customers”, added the Managing Director of Helios Coatings Italia, Bine Pangršič.