Torrington, Conn. — Torrington-based Wittmann USA (W3043) will show injection molding innovations, work cells and new technology at NPE2024.
Five press work cells in a new red color will be fully integrated with the latest robots and auxiliaries as part of a theme: It's all Wittmann.
Industry 4.0 technology related to plug and produce, Wittmann digital, controls, remote access, OPC Unified Architecture communication and data collection will be a part of each cell.
"Wittmann USA plans to demonstrate why 'It's All Wittmann' is not just statement; it's a way of life," Sonny Morneault, Wittmann U.S. vice president of sales, said in a news release. "From Wittmann 4.0 connectivity to sustainability to circular economy to energy efficiency, Wittmann is truly the only plastics processing equipment supplier in the market that doesn't just talk about this, we do it every day."
Morneault pointed to Wittmann also offering all of the auxiliary equipment needed for closed-loop recycling, such as dryers, conveyers, blenders, temperature controllers and granulators.
"Our goal is to show the plastics industry that we are the leader in the growth of innovation and what its positive impact can have on the environment, the economy and our everyday lives," Morneault said.
The work cells and technology being featured by Wittmann include:
• The MacroPower large-tonnage servo-hydraulic machine with electric metering motor running with a Wittmann WX153 robot. The cell will mold a sunroof component. The auxiliaries include the new G-Max XL granulator; Gravimax G34-brand blender and Feedmax B series loaders.
The new Feedmax Clean will convey material from the G-Max XL to the G34 Blender while removing the dust content during conveying. The robot, in partnership with Keyence, will show how a robot and automation can print QR codes and other important data directly on a part.
• The SmartPower servo-hydraulic 400 3-shot machine, which will be part of an exhibit featuring Cellmould lightweight technology on the outer layer of a cup to be molded with the lid in one cavity from polypropylene with color while also running with a WX142 robot.
• A SmartPower 120 will showcase LSR technology, molding beverage caps with a W918 robot. The machine also will run with the W918 robot and auxiliaries, such as a chiller and temperature control unit.
• The MicroPower 15 2-shot, which will feature micromolding with LSR to produce a speaker membrane.
• A SmartPower 4.0 demonstration cell, which will feature Wittmann 4.0 on the latest-generation servo-hydraulic machine, as well as the Wittmann developed B8X controller, new multiconnector for screw and barrel assemblies, a W918 robot and more.
To address sustainability, all SmartPower and EcoPower series machines have the kinetic energy recovery system in which recovered energy is stored for later use under acceleration.
Also, Wittmann offers process technology, such as HiQ Flow, which helps minimize scrap and improve part quality.
Then, there's the new Feedmax Clean material separation loader, which is ideal for recycled plastic, removing 80 percent of dust and fines, as well as energy measurements to be taken using Wittmann digital proprietary software called IMAGOxt.
At NPE2024, Wittmann also will have two robot cells, both showcasing the new Wittmann Control Room, which will make its debut at the trade show. The cells will use the technology to view and control Wittmann auxiliary products within them.
Other highlights will include the new Sonic 131 robot demonstrating acceleration and speed as well as the latest QuickNew Teach Program generator.
At the material handling section of the booth, Wittmann will showcase the Tempro Plus D 390, which brings the company's water temperature control unit offering up to 392° F from a previous maximum temperature of 360° F.
Wittmann's goal is to be able to shift more customers away from oil as a process medium and into water.