A Billion Pounds of PVC Pellets ... and Still Counting

A 40-yr relationship between a compounder and a machine builder has resulted in production of 1 billion lb of PVC over that period. Roscom Inc., based in Croydon, Pa., specializes in a wide range of flexible and rigid PVC compounds, specialty blends, custom formulations, masterbatches and highly regulated materials. Since it’s inception, it has been producing them on twin-screw extrusion lines built by Bausano of Italy, represented in the U.S. by IMS Tri Mechanical, Oswego, Ill.

Recalls Nick Lynch, president and COO of Roscom, “We needed to find an extruder that could operate at 1500 lb/hr. Bausano’s extruders have exceeded all our expectations, proving that 3000 lb/hr are feasible. We have always relied on the excellence of Bausano’s machinery, thanks to which we have produced more than 1 billion lb of materials in our factory over four decades.”

For its five compounding lines, Roscom uses Bausano’s MD 154 Plus twin-screw extruders, which feature a patented Multidrive transmission system that reportedly delivers high levels of efficiency, durability, reliability and sustainability. This design is said to substantially reduce stress on motor shafts, gears and screws by using two pairs of motors. This reportedly reduces the risk of downtime and ensures longer average service life of the machine. Multidrive’s movement distribution guarantees greater machinery power and precision, which in turn is said to significantly reduce energy consumption.

Bausano’s MD Plus line is suited to extrusion of pipe and granules, wood-plastic composite profiles, as well as compounding and pelletizing, including medical plastics. Bausano’s extruders are reportedly distinguished by the capacity of the company’s engineers to customize every single component, including aesthetics, based on the specific needs of the customer.

Another benefit of Roscom’s partnership is Bausano’s 24/7 spare-parts service for the entire production line in short lead times, Lynch says. “Some manufacturers in the U.S. take six to nine months to ship spare parts, which adversely affects productivity,” he notes. “With Bausano, it’s different, since all the components are always available in stock.” Adds Steve Poserina, a project manager at Roscom, “After-sales assistance is an added value of fundamental importance for us—the Bausano team responds to requests via e-mail in less than 24 hr and is always available to assist us in all our needs.”

What’s more, the quality and conformity of the pellets produced by Bausano’s MD Plus machinery had a determining impact on the choice, which Roscom was able to verify prior to purchase, thanks to the Bausano testing laboratory.

"We sent Bausano 20,000 lb of four different dryblends to verify that the output complied with the standards required by our customers, and they passed the test with flying colors,” Lynch notes. “We have collaborated with many companies and designed several systems, and I can assure you that Bausano is a first-class producer worldwide.”