Tech Brief: M-ATEX™ Multi-Axis Thermal Expansion Solution

ptimarketing
4 days ago
3 min read

Industrial M-ATEX multi-axis thermal expansion machine in a workshop, with cables, metal parts, and white frames.

Properly Managing Thermal Expansion

Due to design and/or limited constraints of extrusion machinery, plastic sheet manufacturers often find themselves challenged with maintaining proper alignment of their extrusion equipment as it relates to the impact caused by thermal expansion. The problem has industry professionals seeking equipment features or configurations that accommodate and adjust for the routine occurrences, specifically when the components have the tendency to 'reconfigure' themselves due to thermal cycling or otherwise become altered during ordinary thermal expansion and contraction. By understanding the mechanisms of thermal dynamics and its impact on machine thermal cycling, PTi has resolved the design challenge with its multi-patented invention named M-ATEX^™ (Multi-Axis Thermal Expansion).

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M-ATEX^™: A Thermal Planning Solution

PTi's patented technology (Patent #10,350,810 B2) for assuring barrel alignment is maintained throughout the thermal cycling events is M-ATEX^™ —a self-adjusting support mechanism that accounts for movement created by the internal motion of energy which occurs during the expansion/contraction events. Fundamentally, it is a support system comprised of linear bearings, combined with a vertical suspension feature strategically placed where lateral and vertical movement is most significant. In the examples shown below, it is applied to the barrel and the screen changer/die support structure. Designed for multi-axis movement, M-ATEX^™ provides the extrusion line with flexibility to move back and forth, as well as up and down, minimizing any physical distortion or stress created by thermal changes.

Close-up of an industrial machine with mesh-covered drum, pipes and motors, labeled PTI, in a factory setting. — The support is located between the barrel and the stand to allow expansion.

Close-up of a stainless steel industrial press machine with hydraulic cylinders and bolts in a factory. — The support is located between the barrel and the stand to allow expansion. Closer inspection shows the track in which the support glides on.

To further realize the importance of the M-ATEX^™ is to understand its role and benefits. As extrusion equipment heats and cools the equipment requires the ability to move and adjust to offset these ranges of movement which can generate tremendous forces if constrained or improperly supported. Failure to design accordingly can cause the equipment to physically move, bend or lock-up. PTi's M‑ATEX^™ addresses these intrinsic thermal movements, allowing the machine components to self-adjust vertically and horizontally during thermal expansion and contraction. Overall, it maintains component alignment while accommodating these thermal movements and prolongs the corresponding life expectancy by minimizing undue constrained stresses on the equipment.

Operational Benefits of the M-ATEX™

PTi's M-ATEX™ protects equipment components that are most vulnerable due to thermal expansion alignment issues, including the barrel, feed screw and downstream components, such as the screen changer, gear pump, adapter complex and sheet die.

Specifically, M-ATEX™ capabilities include:

Maintaining equipment component-to-component alignment, while avoiding out-of-plane stresses, which can cause structural shifting or tilting common to barrel and screw deflection/bowing occurrences.
Allowing a system of components to expand and contract in a straight line or out of plane vector, of which examples include backward or forward alignment of the barrel with the screen changer, as well as vertical alignment of the die relative to the roll stand.
Minimizing excessive wear from installations where the barrel is rigidly clamped into a traditional barrel support cradle or in some instances even bolted in place to the support.
Reducing frictional drag resistance from individual component weights—free motion is permitted by gliding through rotary and/or linear style bearings with unconstrained ease.
Improving up-time reliability while reducing maintenance related downtime otherwise impacted by thermal expansion issues.