EPS Bead Expansion is the first processing of expandable polystyrene raw material. For this reason, we should first talk a little bit about what is EPS.
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) is a lightweight cellular plastic material consisting of small hollow spherical balls. It is this closed cellular construction that gives EPS its remarkable characteristics. EPS is produced in a wide range of densities providing a varying range of physical properties.
In other words, Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) is a rigid, closed cell, thermoplastic foam material produced from solid beads of polystyrene, which is polymerised from styrene monomer and contains an expansion gas (pentane) dissolved within the polystyrene bead.
Each solid polystyrene bead contains small amounts of PENTANE gas which expand when heat (in the form of steam) is applied, thus forming closed cells of EPS. These expanded cells occupy approximately 40 times the volume of the original polystyrene bead.
Eprotech pre-expansion systems are the result of innovative technologies combined with years of experience, top quality and flexibly adaptable to any requirement. Eprotech Pre-Expanders guarantee a high degree of automation, reliable control as well as a homogeneous foamed product.
Eprotech offers a complete range of continuous and discontinuous pre-expanders in sizes from 0.15 to 5.5 m3 for the processing of thermoplastic foams.
The beads produced in the Pre Expander machine are transferred to the holding silos. These transfer operations and the management of the silos require a separate automation system. The important point here is the different applications suitable for Block and Shape moulding. In addition, the technical suitability and anti-staticity of the silo fabrics for the replacement of Pentane gas with air are other important criteria. The engineering design of the blowers and material lines that carry out the transfers is also an important issue in terms of quality.
Eprotech offers a complete range of half automatic and full automatic EPS Aging Silo Systems in sizes from 15 to 150m3 for the maturise processing of bead foams.