Arburg Inc., based in Newing-ton, Conn., has fixed-vertical versions of the Allrounder 221 M injection molding machine available with 28 and 40 tons of clamping force. ``This is a new area for us in this particular small machine,'' said Ed Matola, vice president of sales/marketing.
The fixed-vertical machine has a movable upper platen. With the clamp fixed in the vertical position, the bottom platen can remain stationary for accurate positioning of inserts, Matola said. The downward-acting moving platen then clamps the insert into position while the encapsulating material is injected through the parting line.
``These machines are for insert molders of all kinds, from automotive to medical to electric,'' Matola said.
Unlike the standard Allrounder 221 M, the fixed-vertical version is only for insert molding. Arburg used standard components to manufacture the fixed-vertical machines, Matola said.
``It was a natural progression of machines; we just went to a smaller size,'' he said.
Other features include a shot capacity of 0.52-2.05 ounces, a fully programmable hydraulic core pull, hydraulic ejection on the stationary platen and air-blast ejection on the moving platen. As well, the Multronica open- or closed-loop control system on the Allrounder 221 M is based on an eight-bit multimicroprocessor configuration, the company said.
Two 28-ton presses have been sold to Dualex Division of Depco International Inc. which insert molds elastomeric window gaskets around General Motors window panels. Dualex also molds other automotive components such as body side molding and electrical plug sets.
Matola declined to reveal prices for the new models.
Arburg Inc. is the North American sales and service subsidiary of Arburg Maschinenfab-rik of Lossburg, Germany. It claims to be the largest manufacturer of small and mid-size injection molding machines. Arburg offers injection molding machines ranging from 17-220 tons.
Tel. (860) 667-6500; fax (860) 667-6522.