A.S.K. Plastics Inc., a Philadelphia firm known for large-part molding, has upped its capacity with a new, 1,500-ton Cincinnati Milacron press. The buy gives A.S.K. a total of 20 injection presses, with clamping forces of 200-1,500 tons, said Dan Kelly, vice president of sales. The Milacron VT-1500, which is equipped with robotics, was an investment of $850,000. A.S.K. is using it to mold laundry tubs, planters and hardware items at its 100,000-square-foot plant in Philadelphia.
``It's one of the biggest machines in this area,'' said Andrew D. Vartanian, president.
The company's business, which is regional, has doubled since Vartanian stepped into the lead role three years ago, Kelly said. Large custom parts, such as highchairs and car seats for children, and materials-handling containers, have fueled that growth. He estimated sales at $18 million a year.
Also new is a three-dimensional modeling system for part design and mold making, which A.S.K. installed in its 6-month-old engineering department. It is pursuing ISO 9001 certification. The company employs 100.
Custom molder A.S.K. Plastics Inc. bought a 1,500-ton Cincinnati Milacron injection molding machine. The press can deliver up to 23 pounds of resin per shot.
