Great possibilities from big machines

Arburg recently extended its clamping force range to 730 US-tonnes (6,500 kN) with its hybrid Allrounder 1120 H, which celebrates its American premiere at NPE 2018. The large machine in the new design featured the visionary Gestica control system.  

 

“This expanded size of the Allrounder machine will be another critical step to our success and growth in the US market,” according to Friedrich Kanz, President & CEO of Arburg, Inc., Rocky Hill, Connecticut.  With US moulders demanding for larger machines, Arburg has expanded its machine range significantly - e.g. the clamping force range increased by 30%.  

 

The new large machine offers customers even more possibilities. The basic specifications include a clamping force of 730 US-tonnes (6,500 kN), 44.09 inch (1,120-millimetre) distance between tie bars and 41.33 inch (1,050-millimetre) maximum opening stroke, providing more space for larger moulds. The hybrid Allrounder 1120 H combines the speed and precision of an electric toggle-type clamping unit during mould movements with hydraulic power and dynamics during injection. Also, the new design of the large Allrounder 1120 H focuses on both aesthetics with its modern colour scheme and shape as well as on high functionality and ergonomics. The objective was to facilitate setup and the work sequences on the large machine.  

 

A main feature of the machine is the innovative Gestica control system which has the same look and feel as smart mobile devices. Its operation is even more intuitive and efficient thanks to the operating gestures. With the "Easyslider" operating element, movements can be controlled with ease and precision during setup and are displayed via variable-color LEDs. Acceleration and deceleration can be controlled "with a swipe of the finger" along a bar at the edge of the screen. Further highlights include the 16:9, high-resolution, full-HD screen and industrial multi-touch technology.

 

The hybrid Allrounder 1120 H is also integrated in a sophisticated turnkey system to Arburg's  expertise in the automation and turnkey sector. As a primary contractor, Arburg supplies customised systems designed by the Arburg Inc. experts, who work closely together with the turnkey specialists at the German parent factory.

 

Arburg’s hybrid Allrounder 1120 H features a clamping force of up to 730 US-tonnes (6,500 kN)  

 

Precise process control 

The Milacron-Fanuc Roboshot 500, the largest tonnage Roboshot ever is ideal for packaging application. For over 30 years Milacron has sold and serviced its reliable, precise, all-electric Roboshot machines and with the availability of the largest tonnage Roboshot machine ever, the new Roboshot 500 model has an increased tonnage option up to 550 US tonnes (558 metric tonnes) and is great for larger moulds with tie bar spacing of 36.2 inches (91.94 cm). The larger machine continues to possess Roboshot standard strengths such as industry-leading reliability, precise process control, high-speed injection and consistent repeatability.

 

In addition, Milacron Maxima Performance (MPs) 600wp is built in the highly successful Maxima two-platen platform tradition. The Maxima Performance addresses the market demands for higher performance, lower energy, precision, and flexibility. This enhanced platform is available from 500-1100 US tons (450 to 1000 metric tonnes) and delivers 33% faster dry cycle times and 35% lower energy consumption. The Maxima Performance offers the widest platens in each tonnage; a precision grease-less clamp guided on linear bearings, and integrated auxiliary controls. This high-value injection moulding machine combines the advantage of a precise and accurate two-platen mechanism with the advanced, user-friendly Mosaic+ controls. This platform delivers the next level of performance for two-platen designs. The Maxima Performance 600wp will be outfitted with Milacron’s “Core Back/Reverse Coining” technology package where the part is filled then the clamp is opened to a predefined position. Milacron has developed a process that precisely controls the open position and maintains squareness which is critical to maintaining part tolerances and allows gas (Mucell) through to the centre of the part without breaching the surface. The process of injecting a gas expansion (Mucell) allows for reduced part weight without sacrificing the structural strength and dimensional accuracy of the part. This process was developed with automotive lightweighting applications in mind.

 

 Milacron’s Maxima Performance offers the widest platens in each tonnage.

 

Wittmann Battenfeld has been focusing on IoT (Internet of Things) and AI (Artificial Intelligence) with its industry-leading Wittmann 4.0 technology.   The company’s Wittmann 4.0 technology features the high-speed EcoPower Xpress injection moulding machine, the new X Series robot, a TCU featuring the new SpeedDrive technology, amongst others.    

 

The EcoPower Xpress is a high-speed, all-electric machine model primarily geared to the requirements of the packaging and thin wall industry. The highly dynamic drive axes for injection as well as closing and opening of the EcoPower Xpress are designed for fast movements and ultimate control accuracy. Moreover, extremely high energy efficiency is achieved by using servo drives. The EcoPower Xpress is Wittmann Battenfeld’s newest, high speed injection moulding machine.  

  

Wittmann Battenfeld has also made new advancements in its robot technology. At the NPE 2018, robots are included on every work cell of the company’s exhibit. The centrepiece of the company’s robot offerings is the X Series robots, which was unveiled for the first time at Fakuma 2017. The robot is functionally and technologically unmatched in the industry, with standard features that can outclass even the custom packages of older models. IRNA