The following news briefs were gathered at NPE 1997, held June 16-20 in Chicago.
Remu SpA introduces 2 injecton presses
Italian injection press maker Remu SpA announced two new models at NPE, the PK, for packaging, and the small-tonnage EP.
Remu of Brescia, Italy, is known for its large-tonnage injection molding machines, in clamping forces up to 6,600 tons. But the new machines enable Remu to supply a complete range of presses. The new models will be available in early 1998.
EP machines will come in clamping forces of 65-450 tons. The moving platen rides on an adjustable set of roller bearings. EP presses will have a simple closed-loop controller. Remu's PK machines also use roller bearings to carry the moving platen. Other features include accumulators on all hydraulic functions, servo valves to control the injection process and a swivel injection unit.
In the United States, Remu is represented by Remu Inc. of Corona, Calif.
Techne Technipack opens U.S. center
In May, Techne Technipack Engineering Italia SpA opened its North American division in Chicago near O'Hare International Airport.
The center will distribute blow molding equipment made in Italy. With three employees, Techne North America Inc. has sales, parts and service and plans to expand. The division will showcase the machines exhibited at NPE.
The 4000S, shown for the first time in the United States, is Techne's smallest extrusion blow molding machine. One has been installed in Italy and another in Turkey. It molds containers up to 5 liters and features in-line production, saving floor space and energy. The six-cavity machine uses a microprocessor control system equipped with a modem.
The other machine, the 4000 Twin, has 10 cavities and features data-gathering and in-line fault tracing. It has energy-efficient pumps and motors and a monoblock in-line design with trimming/deflashing inside the machine and oriented container discharge, the company said.
Techne had sales of about $25 million last year. The Bologna, Italy, firm has 530 machines operating worldwide.
Paulson simulates press setup, running
Paulson Training Programs Inc. introduced the Paulson Simulator, which recreates the setup and running of an injection press.
Unlike previous systems, the Simulator combines theory and practice to give feedback on the effects of control changes on how the machine operates. Instead of a simple good part/bad part answer, the Simulator gives detailed responses. At any time, the molder can see results of prior five cycles and assess progress toward eliminating part defects.
``We're building a bridge between process knowledge and realistic molding experience,'' said Craig Paulson, general manager of the company in Chester, Conn.
Paulson Training Programs also has added extrusion and extrusion blow molding modules for its CD-ROM-based multimedia training courses. The interactive courses feature animation.
Promax exhibits two-platform models
Promax Plastics Machinery Inc., which sells injection presses made by Dongshin Hydraulics Co. Ltd. in South Korea, introduced a line of two-platen presses at NPE — the Pro-Dima Series.
Pro-Dima machines come in clamping forces of 715-5,500 tons. The two-platen system uses direct-locking clamping. The clamp moves the mold forward at low speed and pressure until the mold surfaces barely touch. Locking nuts then move forward and are secured against the tie bars. The clamp cylinder supplies clamping force.
Pro-Dima machines are 20-25 percent smaller than standard toggle presses, the company said.
Clamping force is concentrated at the center of the mold, minimizing platen deflection.
Dongshin makes the machines in Pusan, South Korea. Promax is based in Compton, Calif.
Allen-Bradely, RJG make mold monitor
Allen-Bradley Co. Inc. and RJG Technologies Inc. have developed a product that monitors mold pressure, in the type of partnership the controller supplier wants to foster.
Measuring mold cavity pressure accurately can help a controller determine the key transfer point in the molding cycle from mold fill to pack and hold.
The cavity pressure module runs on Allen-Bradley's Pro-Set 200 injection molding controller. It will be available in October.
Development of the product linked expertise of the two firms.
RJG President Brad Watkins said his firm specializes in helping molders understand and improve the injection molding process. RJG of Traverse City, Mich., has increased its activity in process monitoring, but does not want to get into the machine-control field.
Allen-Bradley of Mayfield Heights, Ohio, also is a specialist.
``We're not plastics processors, we're control people,'' said James Coburn, director of application programs and market and business development for the company's Automation Group.
