INJECTION MOLDING: Automation and Integration At K Show
There were new presses of all stripes aplenty at K 2010, but the “wow” factor was supplied by automated work cells and integrated manu-facturing systems performing multiple operations before, during, and after molding.
There were new presses of all stripes aplenty at K 2010, but the “wow” factor was supplied by automated work cells and integrated manufacturing systems performing multiple operations before, during, and after molding. Here’s a selection of some of these eye-catching exhibits. For a more complete picture of the show news, see also our September K Preview. And upcoming articles will cover more show news in hot runners, robots, and controls.
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UNUSUAL INTEGRATION
As reported last month, Engel and KraussMaffei operated two of the most elaborate integrated cells at the show, making organic hybrid composites. They involved preheating, forming, and overmolding a woven-glass/nylon composite sheet. KM also compounded the long-glass overmolding compound on its IMC injection molding compounder. In Engel’s case, the final product was laser trimmed outside the mold. In KM’s cell, the robot took the net-shape part to a quality check station and then put it on