Program Guides Operators Through Injection Molding Process

KraussMaffei has introduced smartOperation digital service to enable easier machine operation, with increased process stability and greater production efficiency. In particular, the company says machine operators without in-depth prior knowledge of injection molding technology can benefit from smartOperation.

KraussMaffei describes smartOperation as an intuitive machine function that separates process settings and the actual operator interface. The machine operator is guided through the production process via simple instructions. KM says this ensures a standardized, optimized production process.

After the initial set-up of the process by an expert, the setting pages are locked with the ability to intervene severely limited. From this point on, the production can be controlled with only two buttons: a green button for the start of production or the next step and a red button for the previous step or the end. In this way, the machine operator is guided step by step through the process with simple work instructions.

“With the operating buttons — starting up, shutting down — operation of the system is implemented in five defined stages,” a KM spokesperson told Plastics Technology. “The whole process has to be set up first, than it can be easily ran by operators without full knowledge of the process or the machine’s functionalities.”

The smartOperation machine function is available for all KraussMaffei injection molding machines with an MC6 control system and can also be retrofitted to existing machines. The spokesperson said the latest MC6 version and a 21.5- or 24-in. control panel are required. “If older machines are not equipped with that panel a retrofitting is possible without any issues,” the spokesperson said. “If the machine is already equipped with that kind of panel, retrofitting is ‘only’ a software update.”

Included as part of the smartMachine digital portfolio, the smartOperation machine function joines APCplus and dataXplorer. To celebrate the company’s 185th anniversary, KraussMaffei is offering its customers the option of installing smartOperation free of charge when they purchase a KM press. The anniversary promotion started on May 1 and is valid for 185 days.