– New machine function APC (adaptive process management) steps up zero-fault production
Numerous optimizations“The Asian market remains characterized by very strong growth. Companies are increasingly making use of cost-efficient local production. With clamping forces of 350 to 1600 kN, the new CX series offers outstanding value for money and is ideal for high-precision applications with large volumes, for example in the automotive, medical and electronics industries,” explains Christian Blatt, CEO of the KraussMaffei Group in China. The new CX series scores above all with its clean, compact construction, achieved with two-platen technology and innovative detail solutions with respect to speed, automation and energy-efficiency.
Multicomponent technology live at the Chinaplas
Visitors to the KraussMaffei booth at the Chinaplas will be able to experience the benefits of the new CX series live. Here, a CXV 160 is producing two-component parts from hard and soft plastics for the automotive industry, demonstrating economical solutions for multicomponent injection molding. “The issue of function integration or the combination of different colors and materials is advancing rapidly in China. Components with a high-quality feel and functional properties are increasingly in demand,” explains Jörg Wittgrebe, Sales Director China at KraussMaffei. “The new CX series in the lower clamping force range is the perfect extension to our range of multicomponent injection molding machines, enabling us to offer our customers high-quality, tailor-made production solutions.” An LRX linear robot ensures the safe, CE-conformant handling of components. Partners for the exhibit are the Dr. Schneider Group, Sabic Deutschland GmbH, Kraiburg GmbH, Motan Colotronic GmbH and Single Temperiertechnik GmbH.
Compact, fast and energy-efficient
“For plastics processors, these compact dimensions of the new CX series are a major selling point, as they enable space savings of ten to 20 percent compared to the competition, explains Blatt. The compact concept continues in a mobile automation cell with a six-axis robot. A newly developed servomotor-controlled sprue picker with telescoping stroke is also ideal for buildings with low ceilings.
A new valve technology on the new CX ensures speed during production. This interacts optimally with hydraulic switching concepts. All in all, the new CX closes about 15 percent faster than the predecessor model. Customers benefit from greater parts output. Mold changes are fast, too. A bar-pulling function, either manual or automatic makes access to the machine easier when necessary.
The new CX impresses not only with its speed, but also with its energy-efficiency. The intelligent memory management system with accumulator that can be switched off allows power consumption to be reduced by another ten percent. The optionally available BluePower Vario Drive conserves up to 30 percent of energy compared to traditional hydraulic variants, particularly for applications with longer cycle times.
Fewer rejects thanks to APC
The CXV 160 is equipped with the new APC (adaptive process control) machine function from KraussMaffei. This function can be used to immediately compensate for fluctuations in the manufacturing process during injection molding. Processors will benefit from consistently high component quality. The APC function developed and patented by KraussMaffei adjusts the changeover point and the holding pressure profile in each cycle to the current melt viscosity and current flow resistance in the mold. This makes it possible to cancel out deviations in the same shot. This leads to significantly lower fluctuations in the part weight. In this way, fluctuations in the manufacturing process triggered by external factors such as changing temperatures, climate conditions or material batches can be reliably compensated. “The APC function makes the overall operation of the machine easier, especially when starting off or in the event of malfunctions. It is not just experienced specialists who benefit from this; inexperienced operators are also able to work quickly and safely with the new machine functions,” Wittgrebe adds.
The KraussMaffei product brand is internationally recognized for its groundbreaking, multitechnology system and process solutions for injection and reaction molding technology and factory automation. With its standalone, modular or standardized machinery and systems, and a wide, customizable service offering, KraussMaffei is a full-system partner for customers in many industry sectors. KraussMaffei bundles many decades of engineering expertise in plastics machinery and is headquartered in Munich, Germany. For more information: www.kraussmaffei.com
The KraussMaffei Group is among the world’s leading suppliers of machinery and systems for producing and processing plastics and rubber. Its products and services cover the whole spectrum of injection and reaction molding and extrusion technology, giving the company a unique position in the industry. The KraussMaffei Group is innovation-powered, supplying its products, processes and services as standard or custom solutions which deliver sustained added value along the customer’s value-adding chain. The company markets it’s offering under the KraussMaffei, KraussMaffei Berstorff and Netstal brands to customers in the automotive, packaging, medical, construction, electrical, electronics and home appliance industries. Continuing a long tradition of engineering excellence, the international KraussMaffei Group currently employs around 4,000 people. With a global network of more than 30 subsidiaries and more than 10 production plants, supported by around 570 sales and service partners, the company is close to customers around the world. KraussMaffei has been headquartered in Munich since 1838. For more information: www.kraussmaffeigroup.com