A look at auxiliary equipment in plastics manufacturing that supports primary processes, such as injection molding and extrusion, by managing tasks like material conveying, temperature control, drying, blending, recycling and more to streamline production, reduce labor and improve product quality.
Conair Group
724.584.5500
www.conairgroup.com
The Conair Group, Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania, developed the new ultra-compact TrueBlend™ TB-T blender for small-part molders, mixing up to four ingredients at extremely low throughputs – from just 1 lb per hour to 100 lbs per hour – with blend accuracy of half of 1%. Standing less than 24″ tall, this ultra-compact gravimetric batch blender mounts easily to a machine feed throat or a blender stand. It is equipped with a 7″ LCD touchscreen control and can manage multiple loaders and pumps. The TB-T relies on “feed forward” dosing, using multiple small dosing cycles to deliver a more precise material mix into the weigh chamber prior to mixing. The control calibrates after every dosing cycle to minimize variability.
Frigel North America, Inc.
847.540.0160
www.frigel.com
Frigel North America, Inc., East Dundee, Illinois, offers innovative process cooling equipment, including the all-new Dynamico temperature control unit. Dynamico turns traditional temperature control on its head by combining a high-flow booster pump, temperature heating capability and an on-board chiller all in one unit. Unlike traditional temperature controllers based on fixed, constant and stable temperature control, new Dynamico technology is based on a radically opposite concept: “Dynamic Mold Temperature Control.” Dynamico units have a built-in “Wizard” function which guides operators step-by-step to find the optimal process settings for the lowest possible cycle time. This makes the Dynamico one of, if not the only, temperature control unit built specifically for cycle time reduction.
Globeius
305.889.1782
www.globeius.com
Globeius, Miami, Florida, offers environmentally friendly residue burnoff ovens from Tecnocanto. These vacuum ovens, designed for injection and extrusion molders, eliminate manual cleaning of plastics residue and prevent inconsistent cycles that compromise part quality and create costly downtime. Outdated ovens expose production teams and facilities to fumes and hazards. Tecnocanto’s sealed, after-burner-equipped system keeps processors compliant and protected without corrosion or combustion. Vacuum burn-off pyrolysis removes baked-on plastics without exposing metal parts to open flames or harsh chemicals. Cleaning cycles range from two to six hours, depending on contamination level, with no rework required. The touchscreen PLC interface provides full control over cleaning profiles and cycle timing.
INCOE Corporation
248.616.0220
www.incoe.com
INCOE Corporation, Auburn Hills, Michigan, recognizes that the market demand for injection molded parts requiring complex geometries, superior surface quality or decorative appliqués that tend to be more difficult to fill cause a variety of molding challenges. Injection fill of multi-cavity or multi-gated single-cavity molds can be controlled using INCOE’s hot runner valve gate sequence controllers. INCOE offers two variations of valve gate sequence controllers: the GSC2 and the GSC2 Mini. The first is a highly sophisticated solution based on the RJG architecture. Features are too plentiful to list. The latter, the “mini,” is a low-cost, simplified version that sequences only by time. Both controllers can be found on INCOE’s website for technical data.
LS Mtron
800.843.1672
www.lsinjection.com
LS Mtron Injection Molding Machines, Duluth, Georgia, in addition to machinery, offers end-to-end integration of a full range of auxiliary equipment built specifically to customer specifications. LS Mtron engineers can design a full turnkey system ready to run the mold while ensuring it has optimal cooling, chilling, air, pressures and other key auxiliaries. LS Mtron also can engineer robots, hoppers, transformers, loaders and other equipment to fit a customer’s manufacturing needs.
Mokon
716.515.7935
www.mokon.com
Mokon, Buffalo, New York, an international company in circulating liquid temperature control systems since 1955, has announced two new refrigerants, R-454B and R-513A, that have a lower environmental impact, feature an updated design and provide accurate and reliable process control. These refrigerants have cooling capacities up to 60 tons and are part of a new line of portable chillers and full-range systems that reduce the amount of heat trapped by greenhouse gases – resulting in refrigerants with low Global Warming Potential (GWP). Both refrigerants are low-toxicity and do not contain chemicals that harm the ozone layer. This helps them comply with recent US government standards requiring manufacturers to use refrigerants with a GWP below 700. R-454B has a 446 GWP and R-513A
has a 572 GWP.
PCS Company
800.589.0546
www.pcs-company.com
PCS Company, Fraser, Michigan, offers the TC5600 Temperature Control System, which delivers advanced, multizone control for complex hot runner applications. Now available with up to 120 zones, the TC5600 provides precise, real-time temperature monitoring to help molders maintain consistent melt flow and part quality. The intuitive touchscreen HMI offers features such as mold diagnostics, synchronous heating and cooling and built-in leak detection to reduce downtime and protect tooling. Its modular design allows easy scalability as production needs grow. Designed for performance, reliability and ease of use, the TC5600 helps manufacturers optimize processing efficiency and maximize uptime.
Plastixs
888.792.2223
www.plastixs.com
Plastixs, Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, offers Airtect mold plastic leak detection systems available with auto-tuning in standalone configurations covering four-, eight-, 16- or 24-zones. Unlike traditional leak detection, such as manual inspection or infrared monitoring, Airtect offers fully automated, real-time detection with instant alerts for potential leaks. Highly sensitive pressure sensors monitor airflow in sensor tubes in the mold or at the machine injection nozzle. If a leak occurs, airflow deviation is detected, triggering an alarm to stop the machine. Preventing damage to the hot runner system and machine nozzle saves thousands of dollars in lost productivity and replacement parts.
Sterling
261.641.8600
www.sterlco.com
Sterling, New Berlin, Wisconsin, offers its GPL Packaged Chillers, which include all Sterling’s major chiller system components in one versatile, compact package with a to-process fluid temperature range of 20° F to 80° F (minus 6.7° C to 26.7° C). Available in models from five to 60 tons, the GPL products offer air-cooled and water-cooled designs for various manufacturing processes. GPL chillers are extremely efficient while still meeting the demands of the most nimble manufacturing facilities. The broad range of options allows each facility to tailor a solution to its
unique operation.
Wittmann USA
860.496.9603
www.wittmann-group.com
Wittmann USA, Torrington, Connecticut, offers Gravimax gravimetric blenders. These units deliver precise, repeatable material blending with throughput up to 4,000 lbs/hour (depending on material) and batch sizes up to 27 kg, supporting up to eight material hoppers. Real Time Live Scale (RTLS) Technology uses a two-stage metering process to ensure highly accurate dispensing and consistent batch-to-batch results, minimizing overuse of high-cost resins. Advanced controls feature multiple access levels for easy operation or deeper process optimization. Additional features include material-specific hopper assignments, automatic Regrind Mode adjustments and high/low recipe functionality to maintain consistent, uninterrupted production.
Yushin America, Inc.
401.463.1800
www.yushinamerica.com
Yushin America, Cranston, Rhode Island, has a two-bay staging station for insert molding that provides molders with a compact, automation-ready platform engineered for safety and uptime. Offered in three sizes to support small to large injection molding machines, the system integrates with safety guarding, conveyors and downstream equipment. Dual manual bays with magnetic safety locks allow operators to load one drawer while a robot unloads the other. Interchangeable tabletops, stainless steel panels, adjustable leveling feet and pinned top plates enable fast changeovers. Customization options allow the station to adapt to a wide range of molds and automation strategies.