Technical Service

Whether it’s for standard PVC or special PVC products: many years of experience and a broad knowledge of manufacturing, processing and testing this versatile plastic make us a leader in PVC technology. We use this skill in Westlake Vinnolit application technology to develop innovative, sustainable solutions for our customers.

Technical Center

  • In the Polymerization Technical Center, we develop the right PVC material for our customers’ new product ideas. All the key technologies are available to us, from laboratory experiments to 2 m³ reactors.
  • The latest control systems ensure the highest product quality and transferability of the requirements to large-scale production.
  • In our special product reactor, we have all the options for dosing new auxiliary materials and monomers.
  • The drying and processing systems are close to those used in practice.
  • Our experience and expertise leads to the development of new PVC types for the requirements of the future.

Mixing and Compounding

  • In mixing and compounding systems, we adapt the raw material so that it is optimal for subsequent processing procedures.
  • From small experimental mixers to 200 l heating/cooling mixers, we can support all developments from the laboratory to the production scale.
  • Only the right choice of PVC types and additives will lead to high-quality, successful products.
  • We use high-quality dissolvers for the production of homogenous pastes.
  • From the melting index, we make a compound assessment.

Films

  • We use rolling mills, extruders and calendaring machines to make high-quality films.
  • In order to produce innovative products, we test the raw materials, extrude or calendar the films and test and evaluate the end products.
  • Measurement recording on modern rolling mills allows us to reach initial conclusions about the processing behavior of new PVC products and additives.
  • We test the running behavior of new development products and mixtures on the calendaring machine.
  • We use the deep drawing system to test the melt ductility and edge formation of new film mixtures.

Extrusion

  • Our extrusion lines for hard and soft processing meet the requirements for specific implementation of new innovative ideas.
  • The versatility of PVC as a material is particularly evident in extrusion. Pipes, profiles, plates – both foam-based and compact – require a sound knowledge of mixtures, machines and applications.
  • Optimal raw materials, mixtures and processing conditions for the highest quality profiles are our aim.
  • Extrusion of foam sheets makes the highest demands of the material and machine designs.
  • Extrusion of films and sealing sheet materials is carried out here.

Paste Coating

  • In our laboratory and pilot plant coating facilities, we develop innovative and precisely tailored processing formulations/conditions for the processing and application of paste PVC.
  • Here, product and formulation developments are made that modify, for example, properties such as targeted flow behavior, coating behavior, foaming behavior, embossing behavior and adhesion to various substrates.
  • Coating technologies can include doctor blade coating, roller application and rotary screen printing.
  • Chemical and mechanical foams can be demonstrated on a pilot plant scale.
  • Laminating and embossing equipment allows for further refined multilayer constructions.
  • Mixing and screening equipment makes plastisols of all types accessible and, with additional rheometers, helps characterize a wide variety of formulations.

Rheology

  • In rheology application technology, we test the flow properties of polymer melts and dispersions.
  • Measurement extruders, injection molding machines and viscometers provide us with the basic data about the rheological behavior or melts and dispersions and therefore for the scale-up of our developments.
  • High-pressure capillary viscometers are used to assess the processing options for new products and the processing quality (degree of gelling).
  • Measuring mixers record the individual stages of plasticization. We are able to assess new developments in raw materials and additives at an early stage.
  • Measurement extruders and rolling mills help us to optimize mixtures and machine designs.

Testing

  • We assess new products for future applications and areas of use by testing with the aid of the necessary machines and devices.
  • Stress-strain tests provide the modulus of elasticity and elongations at break or break resistances in relation to temperature of use.
  • Using DMTA we determine the glass temperatures and heat stability of test bodies or the phase formation of new plastic alloys and blends.
  • Here we are measuring electrical and anti-static performance indicators for profiles, sheets and films.
  • Natural and artificial weathering provides us with the necessary performance indicators for outdoor use of materials in future.