Tie bars monitored via space technology
Primech Inc. is bringing ultrasonic load monitoring — originally developed for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's space shuttle program — to injection molding with its Bolt-Check.
The instrument replaces dial-indicator methods for checking the adjustment of tie bars. Bolt-Check can measure all four tie bars in about 10 minutes. There is no need to take the press out of service, Primech said. The company is based in Lincoln, N.M.
Tel. (505) 653-4187, fax (505) 653-4189.
Software calculates costs for extrusion
SofCalc Inc. of Key Biscayne, Fla., has launched PlasCalc, a computer software program that creates quotes for extrusion and coextrusion of blown film, cast film, profiles, tubing and other processes.
Based on the type of product, the software converts accounting information, such as raw materials, variable costs, fixed costs and other costs, into a price quote that includes technical specifications.
PlasCalc also maintains a database of customers, vendors, consignees, raw materials and products.
Also included is an amortizer, measurement converter, global list of telephone area codes and a glossary of industry terms.
Tel. (305) 392-5489, fax (305) 361-5310.
Simulation program updated for Windows
Polydynamics Inc. of Hamilton, Ontario, has issued a new version of its T-FormCAD software for simulation of thermoforming and injection blow molding, for Windows 95 and Windows NT.
The new software, T-FormCAD 5.0, is compatible with HyperMesh software from Altair Computing Inc. of Troy, Mich. HyperMesh allows existing computer-aided design files to generate finite element meshes.
Tel. (905) 570-0200, fax (905) 570-0909.
Cimatron introduces mold-design software
Burlington, Ontario-based Cimatron Technologies Inc. has developed computer software for designing molds from standard mold bases and components, called MolDesign.
MolDesign allows mold makers to handle the entire job with Cimatron products for computer-aided design/manufacturing. Designs are created in minutes, using on-screen menus that indicate mold construction, individual plate thickness and standard components required.
Any changes are reflected immediately in the corresponding plates and components throughout the design. Each part automatically is labeled and tied into a bill of materials.
Tel. (905) 639-0802, fax (905) 639-9315.
Metering unit works for presses, extrusion
Auxiliary equipment supplier Comet Automation Systems Inc. has introduced the Color Exact metering unit, a screw-type feeder designed for precise, at-the-throat metering of color concentrates and plastic regrind.
Comet developed the metering unit for injection molding, but said the device can be used on extruders simply by changing a switch on the printed circuit board.
Dayton, Ohio-based Comet said the metering screws and sleeves can be changed easily.
The auger feeding units are easy to remove.
Tel. (937) 296-9166, fax (937) 296-9069.
Deviation reduced between machines
Cincinnati Milacron Inc. has developed new setup and testing software that the company claims produces exceptional machine-to-machine consistency within a given size range.
The software is called Machine Validation Tool. Milacron's Plastics Machinery Group in Batavia, Ohio, is implementing MVT gradually across its product line.
Barr Klaus, director of injection molding product management, said MVT has reduced by four or five times the deviation between injection molding machines for dozens of performance characteristics, such as the time taken for the molding cycle, fill, screw decompression, clamp close and clamp open.
The software allows identical molds to run in same-sized machines with few or no setup differences, so molds do not have to be ``married'' to one machine. Quicker setups and mold changes also will result, Milacron said.
MVT also gives a ``fingerprint'' of the performance of each new machine, so that after the press runs a few years, a service technician can test it, compare results with the original data and restore the machine to ``as-new'' performance, if needed, Klaus said.
Tel. (513) 536-2000, fax (513) 536-2441.
Pad printer offers 3-color capability
The new TPU-250 pad printer from Teca-Print USA Corp. can print three colors and offers a choice of multiple inking configurations using either a covered ink well or the Teca-Print rotating sealed-cup design.
Optional features include an automatic pad cleaner and two-color pad shuttle, according to the Bellerica, Mass.-based firm.
Tel. (508) 667-8655, fax (508) 670-6023.
Cooler also stabilizes barrel temperature
Killion Extruders, part of Davis-Standard Corp., has upgraded its standard Rapid Cool feature by introducing Intelligent Rapid Cool.
At machine shut-down, Rapid Cool cools the extruder to reduce degradation of high-temperature or thermally sensitive polymers. Intelligent Rapid Cool features a standby mode in which, after initial cooling, the unit stabilizes barrel temperature below the polymer's melting point. The stabilization also allows the extruder to be restarted quickly.
Killion is in Cedar Grove, N.J.
Tel. (201) 239-0200, fax (201) 239-3061.
AC Technology offers Dr. C-Mold on Web
The doctor is free, now.
AC Technology North America Inc. said its Dr. C-Mold computer software now is available for a free, 30-day trial period.
AC Technology said Dr. C-Mold quickly and easily predicts how changes in key processing variables will affect processing.
The Louisville, Ky.-based company said Dr. C-Mold can be downloaded onto any personal computer from the C-Mold Information Center on the Internet at http://www.cmold.com. Windows 95 or Windows NT is required to operate the software.
Tel. (502) 423-4350, fax (502) 423-4369.
