Molding Machines Offer High Precision For Mass Production
Munich - Speed and precision are the hallmarks of KraussMaffei's EX series of electric injection molding machines. The kinematics of the patented Z-toggle enable very fast mold movement and cut the time taken for clamp force build up and release. The result is very fast dry cycle times. The plasticizing and injection unit is driven directly by high-torque motors, a guarantee of highest performance. Each axis of an EX machine has its own electric drive, so that the injection unit and the ejector can operate in parallel with other machine movements. This cuts cycle times still further. All machines operate under the MC 5 microprocessor control system as standard - it features extreme ease of use and fast signal processing.
Processing LSR
At the K2007, KraussMaffei is showing a KM 80-180 EX producing wire end ferrules from liquid silicone rubber (LSR). The material used is ELASTOSIL LR 3065/60, a new type of silicone material from Wacker AG. It has low coefficients of friction, so that it slides more easily and is therefore ideal for automated assembly. The long-term goal is to make self-lubricating silicones a thing of the past.
The low viscosity of LSR requires a processing system with minimal venting gaps and special seals in the sprue zone. To prevent flash, the injection molding machine must maintain high platen parallelism. The EX series scores here with precise platen control guaranteeing exact parallelism at all times. The metering precision of the all-electric plasticizing unit ensures that the mold cavities are filled exactly, with no risk of over-feeding. The outcome is improved product quality and minimized mold wear.
The KM 80-180 EX plasticizing unit has been reengineered and this, together with the overall compact design, makes it an extremely space-saving solution for LSR processing. In the K2007 application, parts are produced in a 256-cavity mold and transported on a conveyor belt directly to a bagging unit where they are packaged ready for further processing. This eliminates the risk of contamination.
Clamp force range extended to 240 t
KraussMaffei is also showing the new KM 240-1000 EX as part of a complete, fast-cycling manufacturing cell producing bulk products under cleanroom conditions for the medical and pharmaceutical industries. At 240 t, this new machine is currently the biggest in KraussMaffei's EX series. The machine will be producing PP syringe barrels in a 48-cavity mold with 11 s cycle time.
Another feature of the manufacturing cell is the SR 80, an integrated side entry robot developed by KraussMaffei. The SR 80's speed makes it ideal for applications demanding short cycle times. The robot removes the parts from the mold and presents them for automated 100% quality inspection. After this process, the syringe barrels are dropped into containers on a buffer conveyor belt. A top-mounted laminar flow box produces cleanroom conditions for the clamp and automation system. The result is outstanding product quality.
SOURCE: KraussMaffei