KM process paints LFI parts in the mold
Munich, Germany-based KraussMaffei AG is offering a new in-mold painting process, for turning out high-gloss polyurethane parts made by long-fiber injection molding.
A paint layer is sprayed directly onto the mold surface. Next, a spray mixing head applies a barrier coating on top of the paint. The LFI layer is poured into the mold, the mold is closed and clamped shut.
Harita Seating Systems Ltd. is using the new painting process making tractor engine covers at its factory in Hosur, India.
In KraussMaffei's LFI process, the reinforcing glass fibers are wetted with the polyurethane in the mixing head itself.
The company's U.S. operation is in Florence, Ky.
Tel. 859-283-0200, fax 859-283-0290.
Supervision connects presses via e-mail
Negri Bossi USA Inc. has introduced its Supervision software, which allows customers' injection molding machines to communicate machine status via e-mail.
The software can e-mail machine alarms to any e-mail address. Also, the alarms can be transferred as a text message on the customer's e-mail server, so the message can be sent to multiple users.
Anyone with a text-capable cell phone can be notified immediately of any change in the status of the Negri Bossi press, anywhere in the world. The message can appear in the language designated by the customer.
Negri Bossi USA is in Newark, Del.
Tel. 302-737-8001, fax 302-737-8878, e-mail [email protected] negri bossi.com.
PlantStar's system tracks part assembly
Syscon-PlantStar, known for its production and process monitoring systems, has launched a shop-floor assembly tracking system.
The PlantStar assembly system can be used with the SnapShot, Portrait and Panorama level monitoring systems, or as a stand-alone module. Product assembly is tracked by station and by operator.
The customer can design the assembly station layout on the screen. Features include the ability to create a bill of materials requirement for each product. Work orders also can be imported from other order processing systems. Materials can be requested, allocated and even returned to stock.
Syscon-PlantStar is based in South Bend, Ind.
Tel. 574-232-3900, fax 574-287-5619.
Ampac gets Vega 610 for pouching upgrade
Ampac Flexibles has installed a new Vega 610 pouching machine from Mamata Machinery Pvt. Ltd. at its plant in Cary, Ill.
Mamata, based in Ahmedabad, India, makes the Vega series of flat-bed universal machines, wicketers and pouch makers.
With the machine, Ampac Flexible's Cary plant has increased its range of pouches from simple three-side seal flat pouches in limited sizes, to unlimited sizes, without the need for new tooling. The Vega 610 also produces stand-up pouches and plowed-in bottoms with zippers and tear notches. The servo-driven pouch maker can run at speeds of 1,500-5,000 cycles an hour.
Ampac Flexibles is the flexible packaging division of Ampac Packaging LLC of Cincinnati.
Mamata USA Inc. provides sales and service in Montgomery, Ala., for the Indian manufacturer.
Tel. 630-801-2320, fax 630-801-2322.
InfraWeld targeting automotive headliners
Extol Inc.'s InfraWeld uses infrared energy to weld plastic components to the surface of an automotive headliner - an alternative to using hot-melt adhesive in retaining head-impact-criteria components, wiring harnesses and other items on the B surface of headliners.
To prevent marking on the highly aesthetic A surface, the InfraWeld relies on tightly controlled positive air pressure to achieve the force required to executive strong, consistent spot-welds instead of a ``punch'' or other device to compress and bond the semimolten surfaces.
Extol of Zeeland, Mich., said it makes welding equipment, custom machinery and automated assembly equipment, and also does system integration.
Extol's partners in the headliner assembly method are TrimQuest LLC of Grand Rapids, Mich., which makes overhead systems and polyurethane headliners, and Oakwood Group of Dearborn, Mich., which developed Safety Plastic sheet with thermoformed, cone-shaped depressions for auto applications.
Tel. 616-748-5053, fax 616-748-0555, e-mail [email protected]
Danaher controller is extruder retrofit
West Controls Solutions and PMA, both divisions of Danaher Sensors and Controls Corp., are offering a retrofit controls upgrade for extruders.
The easy-to-install controller comes with a touch-screen operator interface and integrated programmable logic controller. Color graphics show all temperature zones, pressure, drives, heating current and melt temperature.
Other standard features include trending, preset timer for temperature zone heating, cold-start prevention recipes, and an Ethernet connection for remote monitoring. Danaher Sensors and Controls is based in Gurnee, Ill.
Tel. 860-235-4248, e-mail paul [email protected]
Brown, DJS produce three-tier line for lids
Brown Machine LLC, which makes thermoforming equipment in Beaverton, Mich., is working with Homer, Mich.-based packaging automation firm DJS Systems Inc., to integrate a servo-actuated trim press with a three-tier lid automation and packaging line.
Brown said this marks the first successful triple-row integration of this type for thermoforming.
``Up until now, most lid production has involved packing by hand,'' said Jim Robbins, Brown Machine's vice president of market. ``This partnership offer customers a significant, cost-effective alternative and a tremendous labor reduction.''
Brown supplied the trim press; DJS, the automation system.
The DJS automation uses a servo pusher system to contain the stacked lids through the transfer process. A two-axis robot arm grasps each tier of lids independently and positions them into an indexing conveyor. The lids are transferred to bagging and boxing stations - all at very high speed.
Tel. 989-435-7741.
PAC 50 film winders offering new design
Davis-Standard LLC's Blown Film Systems unit in Somerville, N.J., has upgraded its PAC 50 series of surface winders, with a compact hydraulic system using high-speed digital electronics to give lay-on process control.
That reduces blocking at the core.
The new design also has a device to bring the core up to speed before transfer, giving smoother starts on thin, high-speed webs. Another addition: an integrated shaft hoist system so operators can easily return the shaft to the transfer position without lifting it.
Tel. 908-722-6000, e-mail kellerr @bc-egan.com.
Evacuation system moves regrind, TPEs
Size Reduction Specialists Inc. offers an SRS evacuation system that moves resin and other granulator material in a steady stream at a predictable, high rate of speed.
The firm in East Lansing, Mich., said evacuation system eliminates bridging in collector bins and the need for a vacuum loader. It is especially good when regrinding and moving thermoplastic elastomers, according to SRS.
Tel. 517-333-2605, fax 517-333-8870, e-mail [email protected]
Yamaha introduces small Scara robots
Yamaha Robotics of Edgemont, Pa., has introduced a line of small Scara robots with arm lengths ranging from 500-1,000 millimeters. They boast compact mounding bases and a low height.
The robots all have a payload of 44 pounds. A new design couples a spline nut with the R-axis reduction gears, boosting axis rigidity to reduce the high-load moment of the cycle time and reduce vibration.
Tel. 610-325-9940, fax 610-325-9946.
Nachi 7-axis robot works in tight areas
Novi, Mich.-based Nachi Robotic Solutions Inc. said its Presto MR20 robot has a seven-axis design, to support a payload of up to 66 pounds.
Seven axes, instead of six, allow the robot to closely emulate the motions of a human arm, allowing it to perform more complicated work IN tight work areas.
The wrist torque is two times that of comparable sized robots, Nachi said. The MR20 boasts a horizontal reach of about 50 inches and a repeatability of plus or minus one-tenth of a millimeter.
Nachi said the robot is ideal for machine tending, material handling and case packing.
Tel. 248-305-6545, fax 248-305-6542.
