KINGSPORT, Tennessee
To solve problems with existing materials, global specialty plastics provider Eastman joined with Vansun Technologies in India to produce automated cow milking machines made with Eastman Tritan™ copolyester, a crystal clear and durable polymer that is also BPA free and shatter resistant.
Automated milking machines work on the principle of vacuum — just like the calf suckling its mother. The vacuum applied to the teat opens the liner (milking phase) and milk flows down. Milking machines need transparent plastic material in the critical area where users want to observe the flow of milk.
In the past, Vansun used polycarbonate (PC) and polyphenylene sulfide (PPSU) —but farmers often complained about breakage during usage and machines becoming hazy. Because cow and buffalo milk have a high fat content, the milk flowing through the machines left a residual haze that hindered transparency.
In addition, the milk machine components are subjected to cleaning in place (CIP) treatment at high temperatures of 80°C in the presence of alkaline and, sometimes, acidic solutions — which causes considerable stress that was affecting material longevity. The machines also took on a yellow tone that customers disliked.
Tritan has successfully replaced PC and PPSU in many applications with its unmatched balance of properties. Products made with Tritan are clear, durable, safe, and stylish. In Tritan, Vansun found the solution to its material problems.
“The right design combined with the right polymer properties ensured the final product was liked and appreciated by our customers, and it was encouraging to get the positive feedback from them. Selecting Tritan for our product design was very appropriate,” says Sandeep Raina, director of Vansun Technologies Pvt. Ltd. India.
Vansun sells automated milking machines to dairy farmers across India, and market response to Tritan has been good. Thanks to Eastman’s excellent technical support and reliable supply chain, Vansun has future projects in mind for Tritan.
About Vansun Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
Vansun Technologies Pvt. Ltd. has been in the milking machine business since 1999 and has been instrumental in bringing the concept of machine milking to India. Today, Vansun is the No. 1 brand in India that is known for quality and service. Having achieved success in the domestic market, the company is expanding its business into neighboring countries as well. Vansun is known for offering innovation and bringing the latest technologies to ensure dairy farming becomes easy and profitable — with thousands of satisfied customers across the country. For more information, visit www.vansunmilking.com.
About Eastman
Founded in 1920, Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in a material way, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. The company’s innovation-driven growth model takes advantage of world-class technology platforms, deep customer engagement, and differentiated application development to grow its leading positions in attractive end markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. As a globally inclusive and diverse company, Eastman employs approximately 14,500 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company had 2019 revenues of approximately $9.3 billion and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA.
Eastman Contact
Ms. Li Liu, Sr. Marcom Account Manager
Eastman Chemical Company
86-21-6120-6338
li.liu@eastman.com
