Arburg will show a completely encapsulated stainless steel clamping unit designed for cleanroom operations at PLASTEC West (Anaheim, CA, Feb. 12-14), which is held in conjunction with MD&M West.
The unit will be producing 2-ml syringe barrels in 6.5 seconds at booth 3959 in Hall B. A fully electric Allrounder 520 A will be equipped with a 32-cavity mold from Schöttli. The 165-ton press will operate with a size 400 (8.2-oz) injection unit.
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| 32-cavity mold from Schöttli. (Arburg) |
Arburg says that the encapsulated stainless steel clamping unit is necessary to meet the highest hygiene requirements of ISO 13485, as well as the specifications of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Good Manufacturing Practices directives.
"The stainless steel surfaces can be cleaned much faster and are insensitive even to the aggressive agents commonly used during sterilization," Arbrug said in a pre-show press release. "Moreover, the raised machine base, which is covered on the injection side, as well as the nickel-coated mounting platens with covered bores are advantageous in terms of cleaning. The resulting reduction in downtimes also ensures greater efficiency in production."
A cleanroom module with air ionization above the machine's clamping unit helps keep the work area as free of particles as possible. The module generates a high level of air circulation via a pre-filter and HEPA filter, as well as neutralizing electrically charged molded parts. Liquid-cooled drives and control cabinets are standard at Arburg and also aid low-emission production.
FDA/NSF H1-compliant lubricants are used. Accordingly, the Allrounders meet the clean room requirements of ISO classes 5 to 7.
Other partners contributing to the exhibition application are Nexeo Solutions (polypropylene from Borealis), TEC Engineering Corp. (conveyor belt) and Dry-Air Industries (material handling).
