We encounter polyurethane plastics every day. Thanks to their almost unlimited applications, they have become an integral part of our lives. The production of high quality polyurethane foam products has been increasing in importance for years. The aim is to conserve raw material resources while producing foam products that meet industry requirements, for example with regard to weather resistance, temperature resistance, fire safety and minimal weight. Therefore, the manufacture of foam systems and complex product solutions makes high demands of developers, designers and technicians.
Optitek GmbH confronts these challenges. Over the years we have focused on the manufacture and processing of polyurethane, and have become mechanical engineering specialists in this area. Our products and systems enable the efficient production of rigid foam, flexible foam, integral foam, insulating foam and energy-absorbing foam. As manufacturers of polyurethane components, we also offer application-related additives, including catalysts, crosslinking agents and colourants as well as blowing agent combinations, foam stabilisers and flame retardants. Optitek also offers a tailor-made processing solution.
From effective entry-level models to fully controlled systems with process data acquisition
Optitek’s foam systems meet all the requirements for the production of polyurethane foam components, and are also unbelievably compact. All the necessary units are accommodated in a space of just 2.1 x 2.1 metres.
When developing our user-friendly, low-maintenance systems, we focus on the use of innovative, future-proof and high-quality technology.
A few highlights of our systems:
Optitek’s container stations for polyol and isocyanate are used to fill foam system day tanks. On the polyol side, a pneumatic lifting device with a collapsible stirrer ensures particularly short stirring times. On request, it can also be equipped with a beaker stirrer. After a stirring phase, the polyol is kept in suspension. The control system processes optical and acoustic messages and manages automated processes, such as container detection, reduction of the stirrer speed and level monitoring. The receptacle for the containers is inclined by approx. 2° and thus enables the efficient emptying of IBC containers.
Basic equipment of all Optitek container stations:
Optional extras:
The “little brothers” to our container stations. Ideally suited for 200 litre polyol and isocyanate clamp ring barrels, but also as release agent stations, either individually or in a “double pack”. Features include:
Naturally, we can also customise both the container stations and barrel/release agent systems according to your wishes. This includes not only a selection of different pumps but also, for example, customising the systems to your individual colour specifications.
Our pre-mixing stations are designed for processing/mixing polyurethane components with appropriate fillers or flame retardants. All commercially available systems suitable for polyurethane production can be considered as PU raw components.
Depending on the application, Optitek’s pre-mixing stations are available in various customised versions.
A few highlights of our systems:
Optional expansion modules:
In many cases, customers want to produce low-weight foams with very fine cell structures, which can be achieved by adding a so-called blowing agent to the polyol. The systems required for this are referred to as gas-loading or air-loading systems, since air or nitrogen is primarily used. The foam structure depends on how the blowing agent is added to the subsequent reaction mixture. In order to achieve optimal results, a gas loading unit is equipped with precisely adjustable air volume regulation device; digital flow regulators are usually used for the blowing agent. C-Pentane is another tried-and-tested blowing agent. It can generate an explosive atmosphere during processing due to the increased gas concentration, meaning that the system technology has to fulfil special safety requirements. In contrast, the Solstice®-LBA blowing agent, which is used to make e.g. insulating foam, is new on the market. Optitek GmbH offers the right system technology for each customer’s respective requirements.
Furthermore, we have an expert team with many years of experience in the field of polyurethane processing, who will be happy to help you with any challenge that arises: