One of the new machines is the company's second all-electric, 220-ton SE-HDZ from Sumitomo (SHI) Demag. The other is a 130-ton SE-EV series machine, also from Sumitomo (SHI) Demag. The SE-EV all-electric injection molding machines "redefine precision, energy efficiency and molding stability with a variety of innovative features supplied as standard," said R&D.

One such standard feature of the SE-EV's z-molding capabilities is Z-molding, which provides molding precision with low-pressure filling and reduced clamp force. It is designed to help molders achieve zero-defect molding and optimal machine performance, said R&D. The new 130-ton machine was topped with a new Yushin Servo Netliner robot.

In addition to the two new presses, R&D Plastics added a SparkMVP automatic dimensional measurement system with precision fixed lens optics. The robotic inspection system was added to keep up with continued growth on the molding floor. The new SparkMVP "excels at measuring small parts with fine features. Its interchangeable front objective lenses allow selection of the magnification and field of view to best suit the measurement at hand." It features high-resolution fixed lens optics, one to 10 times interchangeable objective lenses, one or two times factory-configurable back tube, and a through-the-lens (TTL) laser for depth and surface-profile measurements.

The Spark MVP's optical system provides a constant working clearance and no offset between the optical center line and TTL laser, reducing the need for stage movement and providing overall faster measurements.

"We had a 17-minute reduction in inspection time for one eight-cavity mold," noted Rod Roth, President of R&D Plastics. "The new inspection time is three minutes."