At NPE: Coinjection, LSR/TP Overmolding, PET Preforms & New Two-Platen Presses

You can’t miss booth W2703—it’s the biggest at the show (and at any NPE ever). There, several new injection machines and interesting technology demonstrations are on display by Milacron LLC, Batavia Ohio. Coinjection is the theme of two exhibits. One involves production of barrier cans of PP/EVOH/PP (photo) on a Ferromatik 280 press utilizing Kortec (now Milacron Co-Injection) technology. This Klear Kan system molds a barrier layer less than 1 mil thick that covers more than 99% of the part and can be controlled precisely in up to 96 cavities, Milacron claims. The can is retortable at up 130 C. At the show Milacron molded Klear Kans in four cavities in less than 8 sec.

 

In a second coinjection cell, a new Ferromatik 580 press molds 5-gal pails with 50% PCR (post-consumer recycle) in the center in under 15 sec. The new machine comes in nine sizes from 120 to 650 metric tons and is preconfigured for multi-component, mono-sandwich, cube, and coinjection capabilities. Electric, hydraulic, and hybrid drive options are available.

 

Another multicomponent demonstration utilizes a Fanuc Roboshot 150 overmolding LSR onto nylon to produce an automotive diaphragm. The system employed a new version of E-Multi auxiliary injection unit designed for LSR with a special screw and barel and ability to provide 22,000 psi injection pressure at 180 mm/sec injection speed. The mold from Roembke was mounted on a Varian turntable.

 

Meanwhile, a new press line, the Maxima Performance series, is a further development of the Maxima hydraulic two-platen platform. The new version (450 to 1000 m.t.) delivers 33% faster dry cycles, 70% lower energy consumption, the widest platens available in each tonnage range, and a precision greaseless clamp guided on linear bearings. Control of auxiliary equipment is integrated into the new Mosaic+ machine controller, which will become the global standard Milacron presses. Built on the previous Mosaic platform, it offers new features and options, fewer buttons, more intuitive user interface (21-in. touchscreen, and increased programming flexibility. Users can see auxiliary screens, such as mold temperature control, at the same time as the primary control screen.

 

Something else new from Milacron is Milacron’s entry into the PET preform market with the M-PET 300 servo-hydraulic press (photo) said to offer low energy consumption, leading-edge speed, and new options for post-mold handling—all at an attractive price/performance ratio. The system combines Milacron’s resources in machines, robots, hot runners, and molds into a single solution—though it can run other tooling as well.

 

Milacron is also demonstrating the ability to combine light weight with Class A surface by using MuCell foam technology from Trexel together with variotherm heat/cool alternating temperature control on a Magna T servo press.