ITW Plexus Blog

European Plexus Manufacturing Facility Update – Process Control

2012-05-04T14:34:57Z

Focus on Process Control

Hello again from the Plexus manufacturing team, here in Shannon. I would like to talk more about the Plexus manufacturing practices & the process control mechanisms implemented during an average day of production. The production of the Plexus 1:1 adhesives & activators is a complex and involved process but certain mechanisms of the process in particular require specific attention due to their critical nature. These mechanisms have been identified as Critical Process Parameters or CPP’s & they are labelled as such in the batch record. By using the CPP’s as a procedural tool it not only informs the Operator but it also gives the Operator a better understanding of the process & indeed the products themselves.
The CPP’s ultimately highlight functions of the manufacturing process both physical & chemical; which may impact the overall quality of the product. Using these CPP’s as a lead, we have installed a Datalogging system which monitors product temperature, vessel pressures & mixer blade RPM speeds – all CPP’s.
The dataTakker – Delogger Version 5 has been installed to give greater control of the manufacturing process & as an instrument in maintaining the production of a high quality product.

The data collected can be used to trend the process parameters & analyses product behaviour; data which can be used for qualitative & quantitative process improvements. The dataTakker – Delogger Version 5 also has an online facility which allows for remote monitoring of the process via the internet from anywhere in the plant or indeed the world!
In addition all process scales & balances are also logged. All weights of raw materials & final product are logged using software supplied by Avery Weigh Tronix. Again, this gives us instant process data which is critical to final product quality & greater stock control.

Anixter wins ITW Plexus 2011 Distributor of the Year Award.

2012-04-17T09:24:20Z

ITW Plexus presents Anixter with 2011 Distributor of the Year Award and Steve Maw, Commercial Director for Anixter tells us what it means to receive the award.

ITW Plexus’s annual award for “Distributor of the Year” is presented to Anixter in recognition of their outstanding achievement over the course of the year. ITW Plexus Business Development Manager Chris Coll told us “This award reflects the hard work and positivity that Anixter brought to the partnership in 2011 - and they continue to bring each and every year. Anixter’s proactive approach and excellent customer service have brought consistent year on year sales growth and it gave me great pleasure to reward their endeavour with the Plexus Distributor of the Year title”.

The award was presented to Steve Maw, Anixter’s Commercial Director, on Monday 19th March 2012, at Plexus’ UK headquarters in Rushden, Northamptonshire. Steve Maw was understandably delighted to receive the award and said “Our partnerships with leading manufacturers are essential to Anixter’s success and we are proud to have been awarded ITW Plexus’ European distributor of the year. It is testament to the joint strategy of introducing product innovation and enhancements to manufacturing processes in the industrial market sector that has created a successful partnership. The partnership principles have created a relationship that is at the forefront of technological advancement in the adhesive industry. Adhesive application engineering creates a competitive advantage for the partnership as industry welcomes new opportunities to grow and expand its knowledge whilst increasing its profitability.”

Once again, I would like to thank Anixter for making 2011 a successful year for us all and hope we can do the same for 2012!

ITW WindGroup exhibit at JEC 2012 on stand no. K65

2012-03-26T13:13:01Z

The global team of ITW WindGroup and ITW Plexus will be exhibiting at this year’s JEC show, commencing on 27th March and running until 29th March 2012 in Paris, France.

The ITW WindGroup team members that will be attending include; General Manager, Mark Feist, Sales Manager of North and South America, Pat Shannon, Asia Sales Manager,Tony Zhang, India Sales Manager, Swaroop, Business Development Manager for Europe, Peter Gorlitz and the Sales Manager for Europe, Erwin De Leeuw.

The ITW Plexus Europe team will also be attending to offer visitors information and advice regarding our structural adhesives. Mike Howard, Kevin Lacey, Sally Sinai, Alex Grazia, Floris Somers, Jean-Charles Pucheu and Chris Coll will all be available throughout the show, so feel free to have a chat with them.

The JEC show is the most popular composites show that supports the development of composite materials by fostering knowledge transfer and exchange between suppliers and end users. The JEC show expects around 250,000 professionals from around the world. Let us know what you thought of ITW Wind Group and ITW Plexus at the JEC.

The ITW WindGroup is a global supplier of a diverse portfolio of products for composite fabrication, foundation and construction, and operations and maintenance for the demanding needs of the wind turbine manufacturing. The company brings to the wind industry tailored solutions through such engineered products like adhesives, sealants, foundation systems, vacuum bag tapes, tower & blade coatings, anti-skid coatings, cleaners & degreasers, mold release, grease, lubricants, tapes, mechanical testing equipment helping its customers achieve exceptional quality results through highly engineered chemistries, process improvements and cost savings. The ITW WindGroup has strategic management teams located in North & South America, Europe, and Asia. Each team, along with their distribution partners, can provide local support anywhere in the world.

Adhesive Groups

2012-02-03T14:03:12Z

The list below provides a brief summary of the adhesive groups.

Heat-Cured Adhesives:
These include any adhesives which must be heated to promote curing.

Holding Adhesives:
Holding adhesives are used to hold surfaces together, but not permanently. They do not have to withstand a great deal of force. Adhesive tape is a good example of a holding adhesive.

Hot Melt Adhesives:
Hot melt adhesives are applied in the molten state and then harden. The adhesive substance is melted, applied to the surface, and then the parts are joined. Once the adhesive cools and solidifies, the joint is complete.

Instant Adhesives:
These include any adhesives that cure within seconds to minutes such as a Cyanoacrylate Adhesive.

Locking Adhesives:
Locking adhesives or sealants are used to prevent the loosening of threaded parts. Locking adhesives are placed on the threads of a bolt to prevent it from becoming loose from vibration.

Pressure Sensitive Adhesives:
Pressure sensitive adhesives form bonds easily when pressure is applied. Pressure sensitive adhesives are used on items such as self-sealing envelopes and double-sided tape. The joint is made with very little pressure.

Retaining Adhesives:
Retaining adhesives are very similar to locking adhesives however they are used on non-threaded parts to prevent twisting or sliding.

Sealing Adhesives:
Sealing adhesives are used to prevent the passage of air, water, oil etc between two surfaces. An example is the caulking around windows.

Structural Adhesives:
Structural adhesives are capable of withstanding a significant load. The term ‘significant load’ implies that the adhesive must be able to with stand a great deal of stress. In fact, it could be said that in the absence of unnaturally high forces, the substrates could be considered to be permanently joined.

Ultraviolet Adhesives:
Any adhesives that cure when exposed to UV light.

European Plexus Manufacturing Facility

2011-12-08T15:11:24Z

Introduction to Shannon MMA Manufacturing Facility

Hi All, I’m pleased to announce the commencement of the production of Plexus Structural Adhesives at our facility in Shannon, Ireland. We are currently producing the MA300 & MA310 1:1 adhesives & activator for both the European & Asian market.
Previously the products were manufactured in the US at our plant in Danvers, MA & shipped to Shannon to be down packed to pails & cartridges for our European & Asian customer base. The filling operation will remain the same but the manufacturing facility has given us improved stock control mechanisms, especially crucial for the short shelf life products & this mechanism will enhance product quality & further product development. All this will be beneficial to our customers as it will allow us to have greater reactivity to customer demands & greater control of the product quality.
The manufacturing facility is also of benefit to our ISO14001 Environmental Management Certification. As we no longer import these products from the US & we source raw materials in the EU reducing our carbon footprint. These practices help build a more environmentally sustainable business model.
It will be our intention to expand & develop our Plexus product portfolio & eventually become self sufficient but until then our European & Asian customers can expect consistency from the European Plexus Manufacturing Facility in both product & service.

New Transportation Brochure.

2011-11-18T09:09:38Z

It’s been 8 months since the launch of our much anticipated Transportation Brochure, so what is the feedback?

“Great!“ and “something we should have done 10 years ago” was the feedback we received from customers and distributors across Europe. Not a bad review for a first document, kudos to those involved! It was designed to be user friendly and informative, and it seems to tick both of those boxes. We can definitely see there is demand for more of these documents, so watch this space for future editions….

Joint Stress Distribution

2011-11-08T16:54:59Z

Joint stress distribution is the location of stresses within a bond.

Tension and Compressive Stress Distribution:
When a bond experiences either tensile or compressive stress, the joint distribution is illustrated as a straight line. The stress is evenly distributed across the entire bond.

Shear Stress Distribution:
Shear stresses are distributed across the bond in an entirely different way. The ends of the bond resist a greater amount of stress than the middle of the bond does.

Cleavage and Peel Stress Distribution:
When cleavage or peel stress is applied to a joint, most of the stress is concentrated at one end.

Types of Stress

2011-10-18T15:45:45Z

What is stress?
Stress is a force applied to a bond, usually expressed in N/mm2 (Newton’s per square millimetre) or MPa (Mega Pascals).

The following types of stress are commonly found in adhesive bonds:

1. Impact Stress – this occurs when a sudden force or shock is applied to a joint.
2. Tensile Stress – tensile stress tends to pull an object apart. It also tends to elongate an object.
3. Compressive Stress – The opposite of tensile stress, compressive stress tends to squeeze an object together.
4. Shear Stress – this stress is created by two surfaces sliding over one another.
5. Cleavage Stress – occurs when a joint is being opened at one end
6. Peel Stress – peel stress occurs when a flexible substrate is being lifted or peeled from the other substrate.

Plexus launches Italian website

2011-10-14T12:54:44Z

Plexus website now available in Italian.

Our new Italian website is officially up and running! Take a look at: http://www.itwplexus.co.uk/index.php?/Italian/

Take a look and let us know what you think.

Types of Joints

2011-09-28T15:17:53Z

A Joint is the location where an adhesive joins two substrates. The Geometry of a joint refers to the general shape of an adhesive bond.

The two main factors to consider when designing a joint for adhesives are the strength and aesthetics.

Typical joint designs:
Lap/Overlap Joint - A lap joint, also known as an Overlap joint, is formed by placing one substrate partially over another substrate.
Joggle Lap Joint - A joggle lap joint is an offset joint very similar to the lap joint.
Double Lap Joint - A double lap joint incorporates two lap shear joints in one.
Butt Joint - A butt joint is formed by bonding two objects end to end.
Scarf Joint - A scarf joint is an angular butt joint. Cutting the joint at an angle increases the surface area.
Strap Joint - The strap Joint is a combination overlap joint with a butt joint. There are single and double strap joints.
Cylindrical Joint - A cylindrical joint uses a butt joint to join two cylindrical objects.
Biscuit Lid Joint – The biscuit lid joint is a variation of a joggle lap joint
Toggle Joint - A toggle joint is formed by fitting the two substrates together in a ‘tongue and groove’ type formation.
Stepped Lap Joint - This is a variation of a lap shear joint.
Flange Joint - This is a variation of an Overlap Joint.

Changes within the ITW Plexus Business

2011-06-30T16:53:13Z

ITW Plexus has recently undergone some changes within its structure, which includes;

Kevin Lacey’s promotion to the new position of ITW Plexus Business Manager. Kevin has worked with ITW Plexus for the past 10 years and brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience of the adhesives industry to the position. Commenting on his appointment as Business Manager, Kevin said ‘I am delighted to have the opportunity to build and develop the business to the next level throughout Europe and ROW. I am excited about the opportunities we have and feel fully equipped to meet the challenges we will face growing the business with a strong and dedicated team’.

In addition to the change in management, ITW Plexus has appointed two new members: Michael Reynolds who has joined the company as a Business Development Manager. Mick will be responsible for both the Solid Surfacing and Sta-Put businesses. Also, Zafer Apaydin has recently joined ITW Plexus team as the new Sales Manager looking after the Turkish market.

REACH Update

2011-06-14T09:52:56Z

ITW Plexus is pleased to announce that all substances found in its adhesives have now been successfully pre-registered under the REACH legislation.

Performance Polymers Europe (PPE) has also completed a number of substance registrations in 2010 ahead of the first REACH registration deadline and is now focused on 2013 and 2018 registration deadline substances. The PPE REACH Coordinator is thoroughly following all new developments on REACH and will evaluate the impact on ITW Plexus adhesives. PPE is committed to complying with the REACH Regulation to provide greater responsibility to industry and to manage the risks from chemicals and to provide safety information on the substances used in all member company products.

PPE has also completed the Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures (CLP) notifications for close to 1000 substances both for itself and on behalf of EU based customers importing product directly from the US. These CLP notifications have been completed for ITW Plexus and submission reports are available to customers upon request. PPE are monitoring the use and import of all new substances and CLP notifications are being submitted on an ongoing basis.

For more information visit http://www.itwppe.eu/index.php?/ppe/internal/sustainability/, alternatively you can contact Jason Brogan, REACH Co-coordinator on jbrogan@itwsnn.ie for more information.

2010 ITW Plexus Distributor of the Year awarded to Vaber Industriale

2011-05-06T14:06:09Z

It was my pleasure to present Alberto Bettini from Vaber Industriale with the ‘Distributor of the Year’ award. It has been well deserved, as all the members of staff at Vaber including the sales team, customer services, technical support and warehouse workers have done an extremely good job in managing and distributing Plexus adhesives throughout Italy.

Vaber Industriale has been a strategic distributor partner with ITW Plexus for over ten years and has consistently grown its performances year on year.

Vaber has achieved this success due to its understanding and knowledge of Plexus, coupled with its route to market - Vaber strives to help customers find value added solutions, they support customers on a day to a day basis and offer a highly professional and skilled service on a daily basis.

As the Territory Manager for South East Europe, I have had the pleasure of working closely with Alberto Bettini, Alberto Del Panta and other key members of staff and can guarantee that Vaber still has the same enthusiasm and passion for selling Plexus as it did from the beginning.

Kevin Lacey and Paul Wright with the Vaber Industriale Team

Once again, I would like to thank everyone at Vaber for making 2010 such a successful year.

ITW Plexus exhibit at JEC Composites 2011, along with ITW WindGroup on Stand no J57

2011-02-28T15:55:09Z

ITW Plexus will once again be exhibiting at JEC Composites in Paris and this year we will be sharing the stand with the newly formed wind energy group, known as ITW WindGroup

ITW Plexus will be highlighting the benefits and savings that major transportation, marine, automotive, wind energy and engineered construction manufacturers are achieving by using the company’s latest high performance range of methacrylate adhesives to bond many dissimilar materials.

The recently formed ITW WindGroup manufactures & supplies adhesives, tapes, sealants, foundation systems, coatings, and other solutions to the wind energy market. These products provide the wind industry with solutions for blade assembly, maintenance & repair, tower manufacturing & assembly, and nacelle & hub assembly. The Group has strategic management teams located in North & South America, Europe, and Asia and each team, along with their distribution partners, can provide local support anywhere in the world.

During the show the ITW WindGroup will be demonstrating a range of products which provide value to the production process of blades and other composite structures of the wind turbine and related field maintenance & operations. This range consists of tacky tapes, structural adhesives & sealants, blade cleaners, leading edge protection tapes & coatings and Teflon release films.

Staff from Plexus Europe and the ITW WindGroup will be available throughout the show on stand J57, to elaborate on the benefits and savings that their technology systems can offer distributors and major end users.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Using PC-120 cleaner / Conditioner

2010-11-24T12:52:09Z

PC-120 is generally used when there is a need for increased durability in the bonding application.

One of the little known qualities of PC-120 is that it not only improves the durability of key Plexus products but can also improve the durability performance of the special metal bonders MA830 and MA832.

PC-120 works by cleaning the surface of contamination using Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) as a solvent to lift machining oils and other contaminants from the surface of the metal then leaving a thin phosphate based coating to retard surface corrosion.
To tell which areas have been primed, PC-120 leaves a pink colour on the surface. PC-120 can be brushed, wiped or sprayed onto the surface and can be wiped clean with a dry rag to leave a thin quick drying film.

Application tips!
1. Do not use too much PC-120 – Only a very thin coat is needed you should only see a very faint pink colour on the metal.
2. Do not use dirty or oily rags to apply PC-120 – Dirty rags will put contaminants onto the surface rather than removing them.
3. Remove any corrosion – Abrade any surface corrosion before applying the PC-120
4. Check the shelf life – Product which has exceeded its expiry date will not perform in specification.
5. Close the bottle – Open bottles allow the solvent to evaporate.