When it comes to size, KraussMaffei’s newest MX machines rule

With the commission of the MX 5500, its largest injection molding machine ever built to date boasting 5500 tons of clamping force, KraussMaffei has reached a new milestone.

The Munich-based plastics machinery supplier built the gargantuan MX 5500 - 75000/75000 for Weber GmbH & Co. KG in Rhenish Haan, working closely with the company to achieve a successful system solution. The machine has been producing large-volume waste containers for the global market at Weber since October 2014. To expand capacity and to ensure flexibility, the company also purchased another big machine: an MX 4500 - 75000.

Weber needed the two new large machines for the production of large waste containers—containers with a volume of 660 to 1100 liters, which required the purchase of new molds. "The manufacturing of large volume containers for waste disposal requires the use of large molds. The high shot weights and long flow paths require high clamping forces," explained Helmut Guntermann, managing director at Weber. "The new injection molding machines must also produce locking forces of at least 4500 or 5500 tons. The new KraussMaffei machines offered us the best option for our requirements."

Weber had purchased machines from KraussMaffei in the past, and was therefore familiar with the level of quality and service it could expect. Nor was the company disappointed; as Guntermann pointed out: "KraussMaffei not only stayed within standards when designing the machines, but also provided the perfect response to our specific requirements. That was a clear benefit."

According to KraussMaffei, the machines are optimally configured for operation with process reliability using heavy molds of up to 150 tons. The machinery maker pointed to details such as the solid design of the machine bed and the mold fixing platens as well as the lengthened and widened sliding shoes. "An added bonus was the guide for the tiebars in the movable mold plate across the entire opening width of the clamping unit," KraussMaffei commented in a press release.

Large machines of the MX series are principally characterized by the hydro-mechanical twin-platen clamping unit developed by KraussMaffei. It is particularly compact in design, fast in production and low-maintenance in operation. The locking system is designed for short cycles with precise positioning. Thanks to platen parallelism, the mold is protected and high part quality is ensured.

"Furthermore, the MX series scores points with its high melt quality and superb shot weight consistency," adds Klaus Wimberger, Head of Design Engineering at KraussMaffei.

The new MX 5500 and MX 4500 are both equipped with additional automation solutions, specifically an LRX 1000 linear handling unit (X stroke of 3000 mm).