Dozens of New Rocheleau Blow Molding Machines, Equipped with Nordson's Xaloy Screws and Barrels, Will Manufacture Pipettes Used in COVID-19 Testing

November 16. 2020: Rocheleau Tool & Die Co. has ordered dozens of Nordson Corporation's Xaloy screws and barrels to equip blow molding machines for use by manufacturers of pipettes that are essential components of COVID-19 test procedures.

International suppliers of products for medical testing have invested heavily to expand production of plastic laboratory consumables to meet global demand for COVID-19 testing. For the manufacture of LDPE pipettes, Rocheleau has encountered a massive demand for its blow molding systems. Rocheleau is equipping this machinery with Xaloy components from Nordson, including bimetallic barrels with X-800 linings and Fusion barrier screws.

"We are building equipment for pipette production in record time," said Steven R. Rocheleau, president. "Each machine includes components from multiple vendors, and Nordson has provided us with confidence by delivering screws and barrels from its Austintown, Ohio facility ahead of schedule, enabling us to focus on other issues that demand attention."

The Xaloy Fusion screw was specified for the project because of its ability to maintain a consistently low melt temperature while producing high output rates, noted Rob Cook, Nordson manager of processor sales in the Americas. "While regrind based on blow molding trim is more sensitive to process variables than virgin resin, the Fusion screw ensures a uniform melt," said Mr. Cook. "The low melt temperature permits shorter cooling times and more parts per minute, and it supports pipette manufacturers' use of heat-sensitive additives for certain products without the need to change the equipment setup."

The X-800 lining for the Xaloy barrels is a nickel-based alloy with tungsten carbide that provides a longer working life than alternative carbide inlays.

Rocheleau's drive to meet urgent demand for pipettes exemplifies the important role that plastics have played in combating COVID-19, said Mr. Rocheleau. "As a family-owned business, we are grateful for the opportunity to make an impact on the pandemic by addressing an urgent, global demand for pipettes. It has been very encouraging for our employees to make this happen, knowing that they have made a contribution to the fight."

Xaloy screws and barrels are basic components for the extrusion and molding of medical products, personal protection equipment, and packaging used for combating COVID-19, noted Seeni Congivaram, director of sales and marketing for Xaloy products. "Today, tubing and connectors, blood bags, procedure kits, and other medical devices are playing critical roles in addressing the surge of hospital cases caused by the pandemic. Film and sheet products have been essential for preventing the spread of coronavirus infection. And packaging containers have made it possible for millions of people in lockdown to get fresh food and hot meals."

Rocheleau Tool & Die Co. is a longtime specifier of Xaloy components for its blow molding systems.

Nordson Corporation engineers, manufactures and markets differentiated products and systems used for the precision dispensing of adhesives, coatings, sealants, biomaterials, polymers, plastics and other materials, fluid management, test and inspection, UV curing and plasma surface treatment, all supported by application expertise and direct global sales and service. Nordson serves a wide variety of consumer non-durable, durable and technology end markets including packaging, nonwovens, electronics, medical, appliances, energy, transportation, construction, and general product assembly and finishing. Founded in 1954 and headquartered in Westlake, Ohio, the company has operations and support offices in more than 30 countries.

Nordson Polymer Processing Systems provides customers with engineered components to melt, homogenize, filter, meter, and give shape to plastic and fluid coating materials. Nordson Corporation leverages the collective plastics industry experience from a series of strategic acquisitions to offer a uniquely broad portfolio of industry-leading technologies. Nordson delivers a full range of precision melt stream products — from screws and barrels for extrusion and injection molding — to filtration systems, pumps, and valves — to the extrusion dies and pelletizing systems to meet the constantly evolving needs of the polymer industry.

Nordson Corporation provides customers with local technical sales, service and remanufacturing capabilities through sales organizations and regional manufacturing facilities in over 30 countries.

Source: Nordson