KraussMaffei controlled uniform injection volume can now be used for granular thermoset plastics, BMC/SMC and liquid or solid silicones. #monitor

The phenolic oil pump adjusting ring was molded by Baumgarten, Germany using APC plus last year.

KraussMaffei now offers APC plus adaptive process control for thermoset injection molding. Previously only applicable to thermoplastics, APC plus aims to maintain the consistency of the shot weight despite changes in materials and environmental conditions. The software measures the viscosity according to the predicted injection volume and adjusts the injection switching point and holding pressure of the current injection. The name "Plus" differs from the previous generation of APC in function. It includes a database of materials such as melt density and melt compression rate, which is essential for consistent cavity filling and pressure holding.

Now, APC plus can be used to mold free-flowing thermosetting plastics such as granular phenolic resin, melamine, urea, unsaturated polyester and epoxy resin molding compounds, as well as polyester BMC/SMC and liquid or solid silicones. KraussMaffei said that due to the high fiber/filler content (up to 80%), batch-to-batch differences are more pronounced than thermoplastics, and there is no check valve to prevent pre-curing in thermosets, so adaptive control is more important for thermosets. necessary. bucket. Due to the high filler content and low molding temperature, the compressibility of thermosetting compounds is much lower than that of thermoplastics. Therefore, the machine operator cannot see the smallest deviation from the start of filling.

The thermosetting capability of APC plus was verified by the German molder Baumgarten Automotive Technology Co., Ltd., which helped develop new features. Baumgarten has used APC plus to form a phenolic oil pump adjusting ring (pictured) in a three-shift operation for a year, and it is reported that it has been able to significantly reduce waste.

The new technology, which will debut at NPE next month, will warn when preventive maintenance is needed before equipment failure interrupts production.

A new process control method can detect changes in melt quality and viscosity during the injection phase and balance them in the same injection.

If you are interested in lightweight composite materials, IML, LSR, multiple injections, in-mold assembly, barrier co-injection, micro molding, variable temperature molding, foam, energy-saving presses, robots, hot runners and tools, they are all effective here .

© 2021 Gardner Business Media, Inc. Privacy Policy [Login]