Novatec, Inc. is making a significant move to bolster its research capabilities in the field of plastics resin processing with an $800,000 investment aimed at expanding its Resin Proving Ground. This laboratory, dedicated to the evaluation of resin drying, conveying, and material protection technologies, will see enhancements including new moisture-measurement instruments, drying equipment, and engineering simulation capabilities. The expansion is part of Novatec’s efforts to validate technical performance claims through rigorous testing and documented results.
Since its inception in 2006, the Resin Proving Ground has been a hub for research in drying technology. Over the past two decades, it has conducted over 1,000 tests on various plastics and engineering-grade materials such as nylon, polycarbonate, and PBT. The facility plays a crucial role in assessing equipment performance under controlled conditions, examining how different materials respond to processing environments. With the latest investment, the laboratory will incorporate advanced testing capabilities, including Karl Fischer titration and loss-on-drying instruments that measure residual moisture in resin pellets more accurately.
The expansion will also introduce additional dryers, drying hoppers, and conveying systems, which will undergo controlled evaluation to assess airflow, heat distribution, and material handling performance. Furthermore, the laboratory will leverage ANSYS computational modeling to create digital twins of dryers and hoppers, allowing a comparison of simulated performance with physical test results.
Beyond the technological upgrades, the expanded facility will support benchmark testing, offering a means to evaluate equipment under consistent conditions rather than relying solely on manufacturer specifications. The findings from these evaluations will be disseminated through the Novatec Knowledge Center, which hosts over 190 technical articles on resin drying, conveying, and blending. These articles are a collaborative effort between Novatec engineers and technical writers, ensuring comprehensive and accurate technical reviews.
Kevin Shipley, Manager of the Resin Proving Ground, emphasized the laboratory’s focus on measuring actual equipment performance using specific materials and documented operating conditions. The investment aligns with the growing demand among plastics processors for enhanced consistency, material quality, and efficiency in manufacturing operations.
Novatec has clarified that the Resin Proving Ground is entirely owned and funded by the company, and its testing approach is based on direct measurement, controlled procedures, and transparent documentation. The expansion is expected to further enhance the facility’s technical validation capabilities, contributing to the industry’s pursuit of improved processing consistency and efficiency.
About Novatec, Inc.
Novatec, Inc. designs and manufactures resin drying, conveying, blending and dust-collection equipment and the controls that run them, supplied as individual units or as plant-wide systems that connect every stage, protecting and enhancing plastics resin from delivery to the process. Headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, Novatec has served North American plastics processors for more than 75 years and is the largest U.S.-based manufacturer in its category. Learn more at novatec.com.
Dana Gardner
Novatec, Inc.
+1 410-789-4811
[email protected]
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