AXEL Plastics Research Laboratories, Inc. Appoints Ben Arnold as Vice President, Global Commercial

MichelleNews

March 4, 2024 (Monroe, Connecticut) – AXEL Plastics Research Laboratories (“AXEL”), a leading manufacturer of mold release and process aid additives, has appointed Ben Arnold as Vice President, Global Commercial. Based in Ohio, Ben will lead the sales team and expand AXEL’s position as a market leader across the globe.

Ben has more than 15 years of successful sales and business management experience with Plasticolors Inc., Chromaflo Technologies, and Vibrantz Technologies, Inc. He has a passion for customer engagement, driving growth, and team development, all of which align with AXEL’s values and strategic direction.

“With a proven track record of leading successful teams and growing market share, Ben is a great fit for this position,” expressed AXEL President, Jake Axel. “He brings an array of talent to our organization. This is a critical role as we continue on our path of growth and development to achieve our strategic goals.”

About AXEL: AXEL Plastics Research Laboratories, Inc. is a chemical additive company. It was founded in 1941 and is currently in its third generation of family ownership and operation. The business is registered to the ISO 9001:2015 Quality System and the company and its products are fully compliant with REACH and major worldwide regulatory requirements. AXEL serves the global market through direct sales and a network of stocking distributors and technically trained representatives.

 

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CONTACT

Michelle Matschke
Chief of Staff
mmatschke@axelplastics.com
203.590.2000 x116

JEC | Mar 5 – 7 | Paris, France

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JEC World gathers the whole value chain of the composite materials industry in Paris (France) every year and is “the place to be” for composites professionals from all over the world. The event brings together not only all major global companies, but also innovative startups in the field of composites and advanced materials, experts, academics, scientists, and R&D leaders.

To learn more and register for the event, click here.

Visit AXEL in Hall 5, Booth E 38 to discover our all new advanced composites line of products.

XTEND W-9165: Next Gen Water-Based Release

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Fast Application
Wipe on, wipe off and spray-on, leave on application is perfect for large surface applications such as swimming pools.
Improve Results
Fast and clear evaporation that does not require retouching; results in a high gloss appearance.
Drive Productivity
Get more releases per application, eliminate pre-release, and have the flexibility to spray or wipe on.
Quality Products
After more than 80 years in the mold release business, we take pride in our standards of excellence.

 


 

MoldWiz INT-33LCA for Rotationally Molded Coolers

MichelleCase History

ELIMINATE MOLD RELEASE SPRAY

When a major recreational cooler manufacturer approached AXEL to have us solve difficult quality and release issues, we welcomed the challenge. Rotationally molded coolers require high quality surface cosmetics to maintain consumer loyalty in this very competitive market. With unique designs, difficult mold configurations and high-performance resins, release can often present the manufacturer with several challenges. Our technical team quickly attacked the problem from a unique chemistry angle.

Manual mold release application can be difficult for the operator when a fine balance is required between good demold performance and pristine cosmetics. What if we could eliminate the need for external release agents? This is where AXEL’s  industry leading range of release technology comes in: Internal Release Agent MoldWiz® INT-33LCA.

MoldWiz INT-33LCA can easily be added to the resin blend. Just 0.01-0.3% of the internal release is all that is needed. The “load and go” concept was embraced by the customer as they eliminated the need for any external release and operator variability. More importantly, this proprietary technology provided the coolers with a consistent finish throughout the part that consumers prefer, all while providing release uniformly throughout the mold. The result allowed the customer to reduce scrap rates by 18% and mold release cost by 21%.

Other benefits include:

  1. Reduces down-time related to excessive mold release buildup
  2. Low loading levels provides low cost alternatives to conventional release agents
  3. Promotes improved resin flow
  4. Won’t interfere with in-mold graphics and decals
  5. Optimizes pigment dispersion resulting in more uniform color and elimination of swirl marks
  6. Enhances anti-static characteristics
  7. Environmentally friendly
  8. Ability to maintain all resin physical properties

Want to learn how AXEL release technology can help you? Contact our hands-on technical staff for all your release and processing needs.

Next Generation Release Agent for Manufacture of Polyurethane Concrete Formliners

MichelleCase History

When a major manufacturer of formliners for decorative concrete was looking for a better solution for release agent, AXEL was there to present the next generation in technology. Polyurethane elastomer formliners are designed to accurately mimic the intricate natural look of rock, brick, wood, etc. This can produce a myriad of processing and release challenges for the molder.

Working together with the manufacturer, AXEL introduced a novel range of chemistries to look for new approaches to the old problems of substrate compatibility, surface quality, minimal to no transfer and most importantly, ease of release. AXEL’s technical team quickly identified a unique chemistry that exceeded the customer’s expectations.


The result was a 30% improvement in productivity as our MoldWiz 462EPU Mold Release showed the ability to work on a wide range of mold material such as rock, brick, wood, and a variety of plastics. This eliminated the need for a special release agent for every type of substrate. Add in the improved release ease, reduced pin holes and increased formliner durability; a 21% cost reduction of release related costs were realized.

Other benefits include:

  1. Quick drying easy-to-use formula
  2. Increases efficiency; can provide multiple release per single application in many cases
  3. Promotes improved operational life of formliner
  4. Eliminates heavy, greasy silicone transfer and more secure footing for workers
  5. Operator-friendly low-viscosity formula is easy to apply via spray, wipe or brush
  6. Improves appearance and detail of formliners creating a better-quality product
  7. Excels on a variety of mold or pattern surfaces.

We provide you with the insights, advice, and tools you need to address your mission-critical priorities. Learn how AXEL release technology can help you. Contact our hands-on technical staff for your release and processing needs.

AXEL Acquires Specialty Lubricant Manufacturer RO-59, Inc.

MichelleNews 1 Comment

June 20, 2023, Monroe, CT – AXEL Plastics Research Laboratories, Inc. (“AXEL”) a leading manufacturer of mold release and process aid additives, continues growing through the acquisition of the specialty lubricant and coatings manufacturer, RO-59, Inc.

RO-59 was founded by Ronald Bender and Oscar Levine, based out of Stoughton, Massachusetts. With a passion for simple, effective solutions, they developed a suite of lubricant coatings with unique bonding characteristics that support a wide range of processes including anodizing, plated metals, plastics, and some ceramics.

AXEL had been on the lookout for investment opportunities in the coatings space, and after an initial introduction to RO-59 in 2019 during the start of their search, the relationship grew between the firms.

Jake Axel, President of AXEL, states, “The acquisition of RO-59 strengthens our growth into the specialty coatings markets. We are pleased to be working with the RO-59 team during this transition and are looking forward to serving our customers with our enhanced product line.”

“We were impressed at the level of dedication given to every aspect of developing products that surpassed their customers’ expectations, which aligned with our goal of expanding our premium product lines to more markets and manufacturing processes. This is our first acquisition as a company, and we could not be more pleased for it to be RO-59.”

About AXEL: AXEL Plastics Research Laboratories, Inc. is a chemical additive company with an ISO 9001:2015- certified quality management system. The company and its products are fully compliant with REACH and major worldwide regulatory requirements. AXEL serves the global market through direct sales and a network of stocking distributors and technically trained representatives.

 

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CONTACT
Michelle Matschke
Chief of Staff
mmatschke@axelplastics.com
203.590.2000 x116
Website

Complete Solutions for Advanced Composites

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AXEL is excited to introduce our all new product line for advanced composites manufacturers.

This complete system of products created exclusively for advanced composite manufacturers is designed to provide the best overall performance when used together. These industry-leading products offer fast application, tougher surface finishes, high gloss levels, and exceptional quality. Discover our complete system of mold cleaners, primers, sealers, and releases designed for premium overall performance. To learn more visit our Advanced Composites page.

JEC | Apr 25 – 27 | Paris, France

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JEC World is the global trade show for composite materials and their applications. Held in Paris, JEC World is the industry’s leading event, hosting all the major players in a spirit of innovation, business and networking. JEC World is the “place to be” for composites with hundreds of product launches, awards ceremonies, startup competition, conferences, live demonstrations, innovation planets and networking opportunities.

To learn more and register for the event, click here.

Visit AXEL in Hall 5, Booth E 28 to discover our all new advanced composites line of products.

NAPC | May 16 – 18 | Chicago, IL

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Join AXEL at the North American Pultrusion Conference, exploring the latest technology and applications related to pultrusion. More than 200 industry professionals and leaders are expected to attend, network, and share in the conference program and exhibition.  Exhibit and sponsorship opportunities are available. More details about the conference program will be announced early-2023. Learn more and make plans early to attend. This live event will be presented by ACMA, in collaboration with the European Pultrusion Technology Association (EPTA), at the Palmer House in Chicago, IL, USA, on May 16 – 18, 2023. Register now.

Foam Expo | Jun 20 – 22 | Novi, MI

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The world’s largest dedicated exhibition and conference for foam technology returns to Novi, Michigan, June 20-22, 2023.

Foam Expo will showcase all types of raw materials and equipment used in the manufacture of foam and foam-related products, connecting buyers and manufacturers with entire foam supply chain.

Visit booth 2030to chat with the AXEL team and learn more about our breakthrough mold cleaners, primers, sealers, and releases.