CHICAGO (Aug. 7, 5:50 p.m. EDT) — MGS Manufacturing Group Inc. of Germantown, Wis., demonstrated at NPE an all-electric portable injection molding unit that a processor can add to a press instead of buying a new multishot machine.
A processor can gain a second or even third shot by installing the unit on a single-shot machine, said John Hahn, MGS vice president of engineering.
MGS markets the technology under its Universal Multishot Systems brand. Pricing starts at $70,000.
Useful in molding microsize parts, the electric units can produce shot sizes of 0.168-0.554 ounce and operate with reciprocating screws measuring 11-20 millimeters. Hahn said the 11mm version is the world's smallest reciprocating screw.
Also in Chicago, the firm showed a hydraulic insert molding machine with integrated tooling and clamp. Clamping forces can range from 5-90 tons. MGS began selling the machine in late 2005, Hahn said.
MGS also introduced a vacuum unit it said can eliminate trapped gas and reduce part burns, voids and short shots. Positive pressure features include a vacuum release at the beginning of the mold opening and an air blast that aids in part release at ejection.
In March, MGS and PlastiComp LLC of Winona, Minn., agreed to retrofit as needed any UMS press with PlastiComp's direct in-line Pushtrusion proc-ess.
In November, MGS and Taiwan's Greenpoint Group started a joint technical exchange under which Greenpoint takes MGS technology and adapts it to Greenpoint equipment.
MGS employs 720 and, in addition to its main Germantown site, has Illinois facilities in Libertyville and Antioch.