April 2008

Protective packaging is essential when transporting high-quality products. A multitude of sophisticated packaging machines is available on the market to cater for the wide range of product shapes and sizes. In contrast, the Italdibipack Group in Pogliano Milanese, Italy, has remained committed to offering its customers simple and flexible packaging solutions for more than 30 years. One of the group’s key areas of activity is the development and production of heat-shrink packaging machinery. Its new “Swing” model is the first of its kind in the world to feature an all-plastic modular design. The machine won the "Premio Innovazione" from the Milan Chamber of Commerce for Trade and Industry for its outstanding functionality, ease of use and stylish appearance.

The complete housing, carriage, hood and bath – six parts in all – are produced from the Baydur® 60 polyurethane integral skin foam from Bayer MaterialScience, which is supplied by the systems house BaySystems Italia. Thanks to the excellent flow properties of the reaction mixture, this material offers virtually unlimited possibilities in the design of molded parts. The sandwich structure lends the parts an extreme robustness and low weight. The high heat resistance of the system is extremely beneficial when operating the machine because packaging films are sealed at internal machine temperatures of around 90 °C. This also protects operating personnel against burns through contact with hot plant components. “The polyurethane system meets all our requirements and is therefore ideally suited to this application,” explains Luciano Butturini, President of Italdibipack. “The development is another example of the outstanding problem-solving skills of our global polyurethane systems partner BaySystems and testimony to its close cooperation with its customers,” adds Ivano Colpani of the polyurethane systems house BaySystems Italia.

The Italian company 2a.effe, Lissone, produces the six polyurethane parts in molds made from an aluminum alloy. The molds can be manufactured at low cost, thus enabling cost-effective production in medium quantities, too. The screw threads are also included in the molding process, thus facilitating subsequent assembly and enabling reproducible quality. The machine, which is available in different colors, was designed by Sinthesi Engineering sas, Parabiago.

About Bayer MaterialScience:
With 2007 sales of EUR 10.4 billion, Bayer MaterialScience is among the world’s largest polymer companies. Business activities are focused on the manufacture of high-tech polymer materials and the development of innovative solutions for products used in many areas of daily life. The main segments served are the automotive, electrical and electronics, construction, and sports and leisure industries. At the end of 2007, Bayer MaterialScience had 30 production sites and employed approximately 15,400 people around the globe. Bayer MaterialScience is a Bayer Group company.

For more information visit www.bayermaterialscience.com.