By Dean Elliott, Technical Processing Manager

In the October 2018 issue of Extrusion Solutions, I discussed the recent investments including safety and efficiency improvements we have made to our Pilot Plant. I am pleased to report that for the 4th quarter 2018 and 1st quarter 2019, these were the busiest 2 quarters for our Pilot Plant in the last 5 years!

Over the last 6 months our Pilot Plant was utilized approximately 40% by prospective customers, 40% by existing customers and 20% for internal R&D.   We are seeing a growing interest from our existing and prospective customers in new technology we have developed in our Pilot Plant from our R&D efforts.

Let Us Do Your Training!

One customer use of our Pilot Plant that is gaining more traction is for training newly hired operators and for improving the efficacy/ability of experienced operators.  ENTEK’s pilot plant is available for operator training, process training, or any other type of twin-screw extrusion training you may need. A combination of a classroom setting and hands-on practice will insure your operator receives answers to all of their questions while not affecting production in your plant.

Process training can also be conducted at your plant if you prefer, and the training is fully customizable.  For example, the week could be split between entry level operator extrusion training and more advanced processing information. It could include screw layout review and optimization if requested.  We are flexible and willing to work with you to address your specific needs.

Schedule Your Trial Today!

Our Pilot Plant and our experienced technical staff is available to help current and prospective customers to sample their materials and compounds on our machinery. We consider our Pilot Plant and staff second to none – put this resource to work for you! We are ready, willing and able to work with you to help prove-out or improve your compounding applications. For any questions or to schedule a trial, contact me at 541-259-1068 or delliott@entek.com.