Apex launches high-end sheet operation with Davis-Standard system
USA-based company Advanced Plastic Extrusion (Apex) has recently installed a Davis-Standard sheet system to focus on processing high-quality sheet with a ‘class A’ surface for specialty and laminated sheet applications.
Since starting production in September, Apex has been processing sheet using acrylic, ABS, HIPS, PC/ABS and TPO resins in thicknesses ranging from .010 to .187mm and in widths up to 54 inches. The Davis-Standard system, extruder through roll stand, has been an integral part of Apex’s successful launch from the perspective of both technology and service.
“After looking at several extrusion vendors, we chose Davis-Standard because of their quality, support services and longevity in the business,” said APEX founder and owner, Ronnie Buck. “Not only is Davis-Standard’s equipment proven, but they survived the economic downturn when many others did not. The fact that they are in it for the long haul and have the reputation for quality is huge in terms of support and value after the purchase.”
The APEX team also appreciates Davis-Standard’s R&D capabilities. Prior to purchasing the system, Buck sent two of his most critical resins to Davis-Standard’s technical facility in Pawcatuck, Connecticut. The company tested the resins on a full-scale sheet line, successfully running both resins in various thicknesses and to the exacting quality requirements.
“My business has very specific goals and the lab trial was crucial. The line has performed as advertised and the training my operators received from Davis-Standard’s engineers was invaluable,” Buck explained. “Specific to the technology, I appreciate the automatic nip control for quick guage adjustment and changeovers as well as the customized screw design, which enabes us to process all resins using the same screw.”
Prior to starting Apex, Buck spent 35 years in the decorative laminating industry, as the owner of a company that manufactured high-gloss sheet products for the automotive, marine, heavy truck and signage industries. In finding a vendor to consistently supply high quality extruded sheet, Buck founded Apex and took on his former company as his largest client. He is steadily building his client base and looks to add another Davis-Standard system in the near future as production grows. Apex offers sheet in both rolls and sheet and with custom colour matching.