NPE Preview: More to come

This issue of MPW went heavy on extrusion equipment expected to be shown at next month’s NPE show, but the June issue will lean towards injection molding, without shorting other processes. Here just a very brief preview of what molders can look forward to in June:

• Molders visiting the Arburg stand will be presented with six exhibits as the manufacturer highlights its performance spectrum and its competence in cost-efficient, high-tech solutions. “ At the NPE2009, our focus is on the performance of the fully-electric Alldrive series, the integration of robotic systems in the field of complex production cells, and also the advantages of the central Selogica control system,” says Friedrich Kanz, manager of Arburg’s U.S. operations, describing this year’s trade fair appearance

• With each of the machines on its stand displaying power usage, Austrian injection molding machine supplier Engel will make energy a focal point in Chicago, as it hopes to “electrify” NPE2009. After introducing the two-platen duo pico machine model at Fakuma last Fall with a fully hydraulic set up, Engel will show a 500-ton model with its ecodrive technology at NPE2009, saying the drive package provides energy savings of up to 60% over a conventional fully hydraulic machine in that size range.

• For injection molding machine, tool, and hot runner supplier Husky Injection Molding, “it all starts with the part” at NPE2009, and those parts start in the mold. On the basis of that theme, Husky will show an expanded “full-featured” range of its Altanium temperature controls. The system can control two to 24 zones, with full functionality, including an improved interface, portability, diagnostics, and an optional networking feature.

On the machine or system side, Husky will launch a purpose-built line for closures. Called HyCAP, the system at the show will run a 72-cavity closure mold with a sub three-second cycle. The company will also represent its polyethylene terephthalate (PET) technology, with a HyPET 300 system running a 72-cavity preform mold in under six-second cycles. The company says its High Performance Package (HPP) improves cycle times by 15% by making 13 total improvements to the entire cell, targeting everything from the dryer to post-mold cooling. Elsewhere at NPE2009, automation supplier CBW (Booth S32031) will run an inmold labeled (IML) thin-wall barrier package for salsa in a five-to-six-second cycle (S36009).

• Like many processing machinery manufacturers, KraussMaffei views NPE as an apt opportunity to showcase the energy-savings potential its machines offer processors. The manufacturer’s AX injection molding machine series, for example, is said to offer up to 60% greater energy efficiency and a 25% smaller footprint than comparable modern hydraulic machines. All-electric and in clamp force sizes ranging from 50-350 tonnes, these toggle presses are called operator friendly and owner friendly too, with prices pushed down and delivery times short.

• Hot runner manufacturer Mold-Masters says it will take a new program of equipment to NPE, purpose-built to address specific customer needs in the closure, medical, multi-material, and PET markets. These products have been purpose-engineered to provide rapid color change and fill balance, fast molding cycles, tight pitches, low energy consumption, and high levels of reliability. All will be covered by the company’s 10-year warranty program.

• Injection molding machine manufacturer Boy is getting very small with its newest range of presses, the XS, available initially with 10 tonnes of clamp force in both standard and vertical configurations. The new machines take up just 0.81 m² of floorspace (0.63 m² for XS V vertical model).

• Negri Bossi is introducing to the market its Janus series of hybrid injection molding machinery, with a VJ320-2100 Janus machine to be in operation at NPE, according to Bill Duff, national sales manager for Negri Bossi USA. The company already offers hydraulic, hybrid and full electric presses, but says this new series combines the best of both motion technologies. The Janus series will be offered in eight clamp sizes from 160-900 tonnes and with shot capacities from 3.8 oz to more than 225 oz.

• Long one of the leaders in manufacture of micromolding machinery, Wittmann Battenfeld is introducing a new generation of its Microsystem machines, with the new line offering two clamping forces, two sizes of injection units and the addition of various modules. The new production cell will be based on the existing Microsystem 50, which will be shown at NPE2009 and offered until the next generation is available for purchase. —[email protected]