Van Dorn Demag Corp. is touting a two-platen design, large-diameter rotary table and worker-friendly ergonomics as the key features on its new line of large vertical injection presses, the Praxis series.
Van Dorn Demag also uses the two-platen clamp on its horizontal Caliber presses. Having two platens instead of three enables the machines to use less floor space and reduces the amount of oil required. The clamp's spread-frame design permits the largest available mold space in its tonnage segment.
The Strongsville equipment maker said the first Praxis machines will have clamping forces of 280 and 380 tons. Eventually, Van Dorn Demag will work down in size, with a total of six models from 60-380 tons.
``We're starting where we see the greatest need, which our analysis showed to be in the 250-ton and higher segment,'' said Glenn Frohring, Praxis product manager. ``There is an increased demand for insert molding, overmolding and multicomponent molding in many market segments, particularly automotive and consumer. We also found that there is a lack of machines with rotary tables, and a number of solutions in that size range use either older machines or converted horizontal presses.''
In other features, an eight-point guidance system ensures parallel platens and maintains the durability of the platens and the clamp, the company said.
On the locking system, dual connecting rods - one connected to the cylinder body and one to the cylinder rod end - engage and disengage the caliper halves.
Van Dorn Demag claims the rotary table can be set up with two or three workstations. Frohring said the design provides a safe working environment for loading and unloading inserts. The machine boasts a low profile, so there is no need to use platforms, and an improved light curtain also boosts safety.
On the injection unit, the Praxis has several ease-of-use features. The rotating ram injection unit can pivot so the unit can swing away from the base for easier maintenance or barrel changes. The centerline of injection can be adjusted. The Praxis 280- and 380-ton models have an injection unit capacity from 8.5 ounces and 15.6 cubic inches to 40.3 ounces and 74 cubic inches.
Praxis molding presses use Van Dorn Demag's Pathfinder controller. The company also makes Newbury-brand vertical presses.
Van Dorn Demag announced the Praxis April 22, during an open house at the 3,500-square-foot technical and training center of its sales agent, Process Solutions Group in Roselle, Ill.
In other news, Van Dorn Demag is rolling out smaller sizes of its two-platen Caliber injection press.
Previously available in 1,100 tons of clamping force and up, the Caliber now comes in a 500-ton model. The company will introduce a 700-ton Caliber later this year and a 950-ton model during the first quarter of 2003.
Van Dorn Demag also said it is offering an option on its Cadence presses to use a vertical injection unit rather than only the traditional horizontal placement. The option is available on Cadence machines from 28-110 tons.
At the factory, Van Dorn Demag can relocate the injection unit to the vertical position without interfering with hoses, fittings or other connections. Installation includes a 45-degree hopper assembly. The company calls the feature the convertible parting line option.