Integrated Process Cooling Boosts Output, Cuts Costs

摘要

If you ask an extrusion processor to identify the most critical factor in the process, many will answer, cooling. SELA Inc., York, S.C. would be one of those. SELA (selainc.com) was founded in 1983 to produce liquid-sampling devices. These are clear, rigid PP pipes used for taking samples in fuel-storage tanks, waste-treatment plants, water-treatment facilities, etc. While SELA still makes this product, its main business today is reusable PP and PE drinking straws, which it produces in wall thicknesses of 0.20-0.25 in. (roughly twice the thickness of disposable straws) for hospitals, cruise ships, amusement parks, tumbler manufacturers, etc. The company operates three extrusion lines at its 16,000 ft~2 plant, where plans are on the horizon to add another 6000-7000 ft~2. It also runs one injection molding machine to produce straw tips.