WEB EXCLUSIVE: Micromolding—The next generation

After a strong, and we mean strong reaction from the micromolding community, Wittmann Battenfeld not only will continue to supply its one-of-a-kind, all-in-one, all-electric micromolding system called Microsystem 50, but it will also be introducing the next-generation Microsystem this fall at the Fakuma show in Friedrichshafen, Germany (Oct. 14-18). The new Microsystem will be available in two clamping forces, two injection unit sizes, and with new (but as yet unspecified) cellular modules.

What's more, company sources say that they have created a new micromolding division dedicated to the design modification, application support, marketing, and completion of the new Microsystem, based on customer requirements. Martin Ganz, who has been associated with the Microsystem since its initial introduction, will head the new division.

The Microsystem's two-stage injection allows “even the tiniest part weights to be realized with a high degree of accuracy,” according to the company. It is engineered to consistently produce sprue-free parts weighing less than 100 mg reportedly at a cost 30-50% less than a conventional molding press.

According to Wittmann Battenfeld, the German Federal Research Ministry says that nearly 700,000 jobs in Germany alone are directly connected with micro system technology. And it estimates that global sales for the micro industry will grow to about $200 billion by 2010. For more information, contact Battenfeld of America (South Elgin, IL; www.battenfeld-imt.com).