German machinery maker KraussMaffei Group has increased the clamping force range of its GX series of injection molding machines to 1,300 tons, in part to meet the needs of the growing market of logistics and packaging.
The GX 1300 strengthens the company's foothold in the market to produce pails and crates, according to Brian Bishop, vice president of new machine sales at KraussMaffei.
"There is a decisive benefit of the new size. Applications such as pails or crates can be implemented in a double cavity on one machine, for example," Bishop said in a news release. "The compact design of the two-platen technology also saves valuable installation space."
A modular configuration and application-oriented equipment options also make the machine versatile for processors of automotive parts and technical molded components, Bishop said.
The demand for products like reusable crates is coming from businesses that transport and store a variety of goods.
"For a reusable crate that is meant to survive for many years in a closed transport circuit for food, for instance, sturdy wall thicknesses are required in comparison to disposable crates," Bishop said. "This requires a high material throughput with a short cycle time."
The company says this is where the benefits of its HPS barrier screws offer an advantage. The melt moves forward through two channels. The dyes are evenly distributed to achieve a homogenized melt that allows for streak-free surfaces. This benefit is important for branded products, such as beverage crates.
For large pail production, the GX series also performs well and contributes to sustainability efforts, Bishop said.
"First and foremost, these products require a large capacity and high stability at the same time, as well as minimum material consumption in production and smooth, flawless surfaces," he added.
As an option for speed, the GX series can be synchronized with a precision guide (Guide X) that provides low resistance at high mold load, fast clamping movements, and reduced cycle time for large opening strokes.
In addition, an in-mold labeling process can be integrated for individualized pail decorations.
The GX 1300 also is optionally equipped with an adaptive process control. The machine function provides consistency in the component weight — even if recycled material is used — and reduces scrap.