ASYST likes tiebar-less machines, adds five Engels

“The ability to assign a tool based on the required clamping force rather than tie bar spacing is one of the main reasons we have built our business using ENGEL tie-bar-less machines,” says Andy Santos, ASYST plant manager. “We have run molds in our 150-ton press that other companies have had to put in 250-300-ton presses because of tiebar constraints.”

ASYST currently operates 15 fully automated tiebar-less Engel hydraulics ranging from 25-330 tons, along with a 90-ton vertical press. All their machines are equipped with downstream automation systems including sprue pickers, vision inspection, ultrasonic welding and testing. All the new spex machines are also equipped with integrated ER-USP sprue pickers. The automation systems are designed, engineered and built by full-service automation company ASYST Automation.

Cited among advantages of tiebar-less machines are the cost-effectiveness of running larger molds in machines with lower clamping force, faster tool changes, and barrier-free access for robots. The new spex machines are also equipped with ecodrive.

ASYST employs 58 at its 42,000-sq-ft facility, and runs a range of materials including glass-filled nylon, acetal, TPE, PP, and PBT. While mainly operating as a captive molder for automotive, ASYST is now expanding business into custom molding in consumer products, medical and electronics.

The company will be transferring knowledge and expertise from sister company EJOT in Europe to enhances capabilities in multicomponent and overloading.