PETS and DME introduce first joint product: The electric valve gate systemPETS and DME introduce first joint product: The electric valve gate system

Strategic alliances are a good way to leverage complementary products, services, and customers. Now that DME and Plastic Engineering & Technical Services (PETS) have partnered, the alliance is introducing its first product.

The first product introduced by the new DME/PETS strategic alliance is a patented Electric Valve-Gate system suited for high-precision cleanroom molding applications, such as those commonly found in the medical arena. The patented Electric Valve-Gate offers valve-pin movement of six in/sec and closing force greater than 35,000 psi—more than competing products, says DME.

The PETS Electric Valve-Gate can be paired with the company’s Electric Valve-Gate Sequencer that offers real-time section views of each valve gate, and the capability of digitally positioning each valve pin independently in 0.001-inch increments.

DME and PETS are currently developing a High-Cavitation Temperature Controller that will include a real-time graphical user interface (GUI) capable of precisely controlling up to 128 zones. It will offer many user-friendly features, including staged startups to minimize heater burnout, accelerated quick color changes, and automatic temperature lowering to minimize resin degradation. It is scheduled for release this fall.

The strategic alliance between DME and PETS is a “distribution partnership” because of DME’s extensive distribution channel. “We’re not involved to date with developing the technology, but because DME will be out in the field with customers, we’ll be getting the feedback and providing input and influence on future technology,” says Bob Starr, director of marketing for DME.

DME and PETS will also be working with select high-end, high-cavitation molders to ensure that the Electric Valve-Gate, High-Cavitation Temperature Controller, and other products currently under evaluation for development and/or further refinements continue to meet their real-world requirements. —Clare Goldsberry