Fakuma: New LSR Dosing System and All-Electric Cold Runner

LSR injection molding technology supplier Elmet will introduce the new SMARTmix TOP 7000 Pro dosing system and all-electric SMARTshot E cold runner system at Fakuma (Oct. 12-16; Friedrichshafen, Germany; hall A5, booth A5-5306).

Elmet describes the new SMARTmix TOP 7000 Pro dosing system as an all-round update of its predecessor, the TOP 5000 P. The new dosing system has a footprint of just 45 by 31 in, while still being able feed material from 200 liter (53-gal) drums. The completely revamped pump unit now has fewer components, and despite being capable of operating at pressures of up to 210 bar (3045 psi) the new unit’s slimmer design is significantly more compact. Elmet says this means that a smaller volume of LSR is present in the system, which increases process reliability and reduces purging volume. The lower number of components facilitates cleaning and maintenance, while the reduced number of seals and the selection of optimized, FDA-compliant seal material reduce downtime.

The detection of follower plates and plate position is fully automated, and the optimized and recently patented follower plate design enables material utilization of up to 99.6%. Instead of slide rails, full-surface slide plates are used for drum changing, which can be accomplished from three sides. The operator interface has been updated and process reliability is further increased by the fixed, more readily accessible positioning of the material outlet, which has been decoupled from the pump unit. This takes the load off the hoses leading to the injection unit.

The new interface plate can support the many options available in dosing technology, allowing them to be retrofitted after delivery without the system having to be rewired. In response to customer requests, the wheels can now be fitted as an option. An optional premium connectivity package ensures worldwide access to the system via a web portal or associated app. In addition, a support request including a status report, which facilitates remote assistance by Elmet, can also be initiated directly from the system.

New All-Electric Cold Runner System

Also new is Elmet’s SMARTshot E valve gate cold runner system. In this system, the needle is moved and positioned by a compact servomotor. This allows needle opening to be adjusted in the µm range with positioning accuracy of 0.002 mm, allowing injection into up to 16 cavities to be balanced with considerably greater precision than possible with the previous pneumatically or stepping motor actuated versions. The cold runner also has a small nesting spacing of a minimum of 44 mm (1.7 in). Further easing installation are the wear-free miniature industrial connectors and optimized cable management with a cable duct that can be removed as a single assembly without the need for a qualified electrician. The system features an 18.5-in color display.