Sustainability in molding: LS Mtron system combines virgin, recycled materials in one part

The clarion call for a more sustainable plastics industry is something every company across the value chain must address. For its part, Korea’s LS Mtron has created its sandwich injection molding solution to blend virgin and recycled materials while maintaining high-quality appearance and structural integrity.

Among the many machines LS Mtron will demonstrate at NPE 2024 is the company’s LSG 900HPMC. PMC stands for Piggyback Multi Component machine, and it can mold surface layers of virgin material along with recycled materials in the core layer. 

By injecting two or more different materials or colors into a single mold cavity, LS Mtron’s multicomponent machines create complex and functional products with enhanced aesthetic value and reduced assembly cost.

The midsize LSG-H series of IMMs, available with clamping power of 500 to 1,100 tons, is designed to use less energy, with fast dry cycle times, large plasticizing capacity, low-noise operation and 0.07% weight deviation. The LSG 900HPMC specifically features:

• Mold closing speed of 1,000 mm/sec (improved from 650 mm/sec)
• Mold opening speed of 983 mm/sec (improved from 566 mm/sec)
• Plasticizing capacity of 3.95 to 5.54 ounces per second depending on screw type
• Screw speed of 110 to 125 rpm
• Clamping force of 937 tons

At NPE, this hydraulic machine will demonstrate molding of an interior part for the Hyundai Motor Group. The 13.23-ounce skin will be made of PP plus talc 10%, while the 6.52-ounce core will be made of PP plus GF 10%. Total cycle time for each part will be 54.1 seconds. 

“As LS Mtron expands its molding leadership around the world, particularly in North America, we fully understand and embrace that leadership position not only in producing superior parts with robust machines, but for showing the way forward toward a circular plastics economy,” stressed Peter Gardner, president of LS Mtron Injection Molding Machine USA. 

“Our PMC concept demonstrates how our injection molding machines can be customized to combine disparate materials — virgin and post-use — to keep plastics in the value chain instead of in the landfill. And there’s no better illustration of how far we can go than by incorporating recycled materials into robust automotive parts that must endure the rigor of the road.”

The design and function of the LSG 900HPMC is testament to LS Mtron’s unique capabilities and perspective: The company says its machines are “made for molders by molders.” LS Mtron not only makes injection molding machines (IMMs) but is also a molder of automotive, electronics and appliance parts for other LS-owned companies.

Born as a spinoff of South Korean tech giant LG, LS Mtron has grown to become one of the world’s top 10 IMM suppliers, producing more than 3,000 machines every year. To showcase that growth, LS Mtron will demonstrate its range of solutions at NPE 2024 in a 13,500-square-foot booth — the largest exhibit space at the event dedicated exclusively to IMMs. 

“We committed to a significant presence at NPE to affirm our commitment to growth in North America — particularly with our new strategically located Texas facility, which will keep an inventory of IMMs,” Gardner explained.

With more than 2,000 IMMs installed in North America, many for automotive parts production, LS Mtron is giving NPE attendees a broad look at why its impressive machine portfolio has gained traction among big-name OEMs. Leading global brands relying on LS Mtron equipment include Hyundai, Kia, Ford, GM, Tesla, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, VW, LG, Samsung, Visteon, Delphi, Mahle and many others. 

Visit LS Mtron at booth w1101 at NPE 2024. For more information about LS Mtron and its molding machines, visit www.lsinjectionusa.com or call 800-843-1672.