Fakuma 2008 – A look at this year’s big event

Fakuma

Location must play a part in that. Friedrichshafen may be in the German state of Baden-Württemberg but it is also close to Bavaria, and the Fakuma show has traditionally attracted a large proportion of its visitors from the many injection moulding companies located in these two states, as well as from the rest of Germany.

And the town’s proximity to the western part of Austria and the northern German-speaking parts of Switzerland ensures these two countries are well represented, too, both in terms of visitors and exhibitors. Even Italy is close enough for many visitors to drive up from the industrial north of the country.

Despite the introduction in 2006 of a dedicated extrusion hall, which some saw as a dilution of focus, the event remains at heart an injection moulding event. “The number one injection moulders fair in Europe” is how organiser PE Schall describes it.

Previous visitors to Fakuma will find that industry rationalisation has brought in some new names, even if the people and products may be familiar. Degussa R"hm’s showing as Evonik marks a change of name. But Demag Plastics Group’s appearance as Sumitomo-Demag and Battenfeld’s as Wittmann Battenfeld marks the changes of ownership that have taken place in the injection machinery sector over the past year.

Arburg puts focus on energy efficiency

All facets of Arburg’s injection moulding technology will be represented at Fakuma, but the over-riding message is one of energy-efficient production.

Four of the injection machines on display will carry Arburg’s “e2” energy efficiency label; two are from the electric Allrounder A series and two from the S series with electromechanical dosage drive.

A 100 tonne electric 470A machine with two injection units arranged in an L-configuration will be producing a component in hard/soft liquid silicone. The pre-moulded part will be moved to the second cavity via a vertically-operated robotic system.

The second 200 tonne electric machine, a 570A, will be producing six labelled yoghurt pots in an overall cycle time of four seconds. The automated IML system will be provided by Waldorf Technik.

A second fast-running, high performance display will be an accumulator-driven Allrounder 630S equipped with a 48-cavity bottle cap mould. And an Allrounder 570S will be at the centre of a production cell processing BMC polyester.

Automotive PBTs head BASF’s display

BASF will launch two new high hydrolytic stability PBTs that comply with the latest United States Council for Automotive Research (USCAR) regulations.

The new Ultradur B4300G6HR and B4330G6HR grades are said to provide good flexural performance at humidity levels of 100% and temperatures of 110°C.

In the automotive sector, the company will show a new Ultrason polyethersulfone application in what it says is the first oil pump designed using involute gears to deliver lubrication on a flexible demand basis.

Manufactured by SHW Automotive and used by PSA, BMW and Porsche, the pump uses Ultrason KR 4113 PESU reinforced with carbon fibres, graphite and PTFE.

New products for the electrical and electronics sector include Terluran BX 13036, a blend of PMMA and ABS claimed to provide improved scratch resistance, high gloss and good colour depth.

Luran CC SAN is now available in a UV-stabilised version for two component processing with Terluran ABS, providing a high-quality top coat for TV frames or telephones.

BCR puts precision in the spotlight

Swiss precision and micro moulder and mouldmaker BCR Plastics will show 100 different parts covering medical, automotive and commercial control applications. The smallest part on display weighs little more than 0.001g and is produced within a dimensional tolerance of ±0.003 mm.

One of the specialties produced by BCR are miniature fixing elements for dental prostheses. It also produces a box for the VECTOdrill ceramic drill produced by Thommen Medical and used in jaw surgery for dental implants.

Other parts on display will include mouldings for single-use electrodes that sit on the retina of the eye as part of the Fabrinal Erg-Jet system.

Single step pelletiser heads BKG’s offering

Bruckmann & Kreyenborg Granuliertechnik (BKG) will show its single step CrystallCut inline underwater pelletising and crystallisation system for PET.

Pelletising and crystallisation of PET is most energy efficient if carried out in a single processing step, says BKG, allowing the residual heat in the polymer to be utilised.

BKG’s pelletising systems cater for production volumes of up to 35 tonnes an hour and are finding particularly strong applications in compounding polyamide and wood plastics composites. In WPC applications, BKG says its pelletising technology can handle higher filler loadings than strand systems.

Dr Boy shows Procan precision control

Dr Boy will focus on precise control with its new Procan Alpha control system, which it claims is particularly effective in sprueless injection moulding applications.

All four machines running on Boy’s stand at Fakuma will be using sprueless moulding techniques. According to Boy, processors do not always appreciate that finishing of mouldings, and regrinding and recycling of sprues, adds to energy costs.

The additional energy, it says, is used in regrinding the sprue but also in additional resin processing costs.

Boy machines on the company’s stand can be seen moulding LSR baby bottle teats, an ABS ice scraper overmoulded with TPE, measuring cups with internal threads and Frisbee discs.

Ceast features smart rheometry solutions

The new Ceast SmartRHEO 5000 is a bench-top capillary rheometer with a maximum force range of up to 50kN that addresses demands for a compact instrument with full rheological characterisation. It features PVT and thermal conductivity ancillary devices, plus the VisualRHEO software modules to support research, quality control and process simulation.

Also new is the 7028 melt flow tester, a technologically updated model that now includes touch-screen computer controls and an improved automatic multi-weight testing system. A series of standard masses can be applied in any sequence; software collects the data and calculates the flow rate ratio or shear sensitivity.

Other equipment includes Impactor II, a new impact pendulum, and the new Modular HDT/Vicat tester. This is the latest development in terms of heat deflection temperature, Vicat softening temperature and creep tests, with up to six independent test stations.

Engel demonstrates energy saving Duo

Austrian injection moulding machinery producer Engel will show the new Duo 500 pico version of its established Duo series 2-platen machines.

The compact dual platen design of the 500 tonne clamp Duo 500 pico is said to contribute towards the machine’s high energy efficiency while making a 2.6 seconds dry cycle time available. The machine will be demonstrated moulding a 20-inch monitor frame.

Engel now makes use of braking energy recovery on its five-point toggle E-max series machines. A 100 tonne version of the series will mould an electronic component at Fakuma.

A 180 tonne version of the established e-Motion series equipped with an Engel ERS 21 linear robot will mould a packaging part while a 55-tonne version fitted with a St?ubli TX40 articulated arm robot will produce a vaccine receptacle.

Evonik challenges metal with latest PPA

Vestamid HTplus is the latest addition to Evonik’s family of engineering resins. The semicrystallilne polyphthalamide (PPA) polymer is targeted at metal replacement applications where high temperature performance is required, along with good dimensional stability and mechanical strength.

A key potential application area for the new HT grade is in automotive fuel system components, such as pumps and filter housings, where the company claims that component cost reductions of up to 50% can be achieved.

Ewikon launches side-gating nozzle

A new hot runner nozzle for direct side gating of parts in compact multi-cavity moulds is being launched by Ewikon.

HPS III-MH nozzle allows gating with a heat conductive lip insert directly onto the part’s surface. This avoids cold slugs in the gate and guarantees a high quality gate vestige.

The installation system for tip insets is new, allowing for easy integration in a standard one-piece mould insert and creating a cost-efficient design. The tip inserts are installed from the parting line of the mould in the final assembly step after the nozzle body and manifold have been installed.

A flanged end-cover closes the nozzle and guarantees, in combination with the special geometry of the tip inserts, a friction-locked and leak-proof connection.

Fanuc demonstrates medical production

Two Roboshot electric drive injection moulding machines will be in action at Fakuma.

A 50 tonne model will be fitted with a four-cavity mould for connector production and a 100 tonne version will be making medical components from a 48-cavity tool.

The machines will be operating with an emphasis on the energy saving and high part quality that can be achieved through use of Faunc Roboshot Europe’s Backflow Monitor and Precise Metering Control systems. Both models also have improved mould protection.

Backflow Monitor flags up leakage during injection but, more importantly, contributes to high productivity and part quality by keeping weight variations to a minimum within an extremely tight band. The system also highlights when wear is occurring on key components such as the check ring that rotates with the tip of the screw.

FDM launches gravimetric dosing system

Feeding, dosing and blending systems maker FDM will show a compact gravimetric dosing system (GDS) for handling up to 11 components and a new batch dosing system for handling granulated and ground polymers.

The GDS system is claimed to offer stable performance in a space saving design that can be adapted to almost any machine configuration. The GDS system can handle up to eight components and deliver outputs of 2,000kg/hr, making it suitable for central installations.

Ferromatik lays out its latest Selection

Ferromatik Milacron

will show two new injection moulding machine series, the Elektra Selection and the Base-Tec lines.

The company says that the Selection (50, 70 and 110 tonnes) has the same level of basic equipment as the established Elektra series, but with a limited number of options that takes starting price down to E55,500. A 110 tonne Selection machine will mould electronic parts on the stand.

The new Base-Tec hydraulic model covers the 40-110 tonne range. Based on the company’s established K-TEC series, it is made in China to Ferromatik specification and carries an entry level price of E34,800. A 60 tonne model will run at the show.

Also new at at the high end is a special XL version of the hybrid drive CAP-TEC caps and closures moulding machine range that was first introduced in 2006. This is now aimed at any packaging application and comes as a long stroke version with 200, 300 and 400 tonne clamping forces and Ferromatik’s GreenLine energy saving system. A 200 tonne XL machine will be on show.

FIT shows gains from sintered inserts

FIT (Fruth Innovative Technologien) will display examples of its direct metal laser sintered mould inserts, which are claimed to provide new levels of performance and flexibility in injection mould construction.

A key benefit of the technology is its ability to position cooling channels close to the moulding surface. This “close-contour” technology is claimed to result in a more controlled temperature profile and fast component cooling.

FIT is able to supply inserts of up to 250mm by 250mm by180mm. It uses a martensitic tool steel type 1.2709, which can be hardened to 52 HRC.

Gneuss filters its latest ideas

Polymer melt filtration specialist Gneuss Kunststofftechnik will show the latest version of its MRS devolatilising extruder. The company’s display will also include the latest innovations in its rotary melt filtration systems and screenchangers.

Groche shows latest screw coatings

Groche Technik, which specialises in the supply of screw components, is now producing parts with a special tungsten carbide-based coating that is said to at least double the product’s life.

The new coating is said to provide superior wear resistance and non-adhesive qualities, and is temperature resistant up to 600°C.

The company will also show a newly-designed non-return valve said to guarantee all material is completely melted prior to injection.

Single stage granulator for large items

Hellweg Maschinenbau will show its latest MG450/300BR granulator, which enables single stage shredding of large solid start-up lumps and similar items.

The MG 450/300 BR features a stable welded design that is said to ensure quiet running even under conditions of heavy load. The one-piece rotor provides the stability to transfer high torques, while the “peeling cut” principle prevents the blades digging into the plastic.

The machine features a 300mm rotor providing a working width of 450mm and is well suited to shredding of polyolefins and engineering plastics, according to Hellweg.

Hennecke presents Microline systems

Polyurethane machinery specialist Hennecke will show further developments of its high pressure dosing machines with a focus on its Microline equipment for precise dosing of the smaller quantities typically used in the automotive industry.

The minimum output performance of around 5 g/s is said to make the equipment suitable for high grade automotive interior components such as gear knobs, cable sleeves or even small back foamed parts.

Microline features include frequency controlled motors, component temperature control and an intuitive control system with a touchscreen operator’s panel.

Koch Technik navigates material handling

Ancillaries supplier Koch Technik will show its fully automatic Navigator material conveying system, EKO dry air driers, Graviko dosing system, mobile machine-side KKT dryers and a new double stirrer.

Navigator is able to supply as many as 40 different materials to 40 plastics processing machines and can be integrated within existing systems without requiring modification to its basic design concept.

The ?ko drying system enables drying of sensitive materials without thermal degradation in the material hopper and is said to achieve up to 40% energy saving.

A new software extension now shows the dew point over a 24-hour period, so that effective utilisation of the drier can be assessed.

Further development of the KKT machine-side dryer provides easier filling and greater manoeuvrability in confined spaces. And the new double stirrer provides more effective agitation in bulk containers through a combination of both sliding and rotating movements.

Kraiburg launches performace TPE family

The latest generation of TPEs on show from Kraiburg TPE includes its new high performance product, developed in cooperation with Lanxess for applications in the automotive industry.

The new grades provide resistance to temperatures of up to 170°C and to media such as motor oils, fuels or greases. Kraiburg says the materials are capable of replacing traditional rubbers in a range of sealing applications, as well as in hoses, tubing, wire and cable.

Krauss-Maffei cuts entry cost to electric moulding

Krauss-Maffei will give its all-electric AX injection moulding machine series – which uses drive technology from Toshiba of Japan - its first public exposure at Fakuma.

Available in clamp sizes ranging from 50 to350 tonnes, the AX machines are designed for processors operating in the electronics, medical and packaging markets. They are said to be more affordable than the company’s existing EX series – which will be retained –while providing lower operating costs, versatility, compact footprint, and easy integration with automation equipment.

KM injection moulding machine business managing director Karl-Heinz Bourdon says production cells based on the AX machines will take up 75% of the space needed for conventional cells.

Bourdon says investment cost is around 20% more than a standard all-hydraulic machines.

“But it is the low operating cost that is of interest today, particularly with rapidly increasing energy prices,” he adds.

The company will show a 100 tonne AX machine equipped with an LRX50 robot at the show. It will launch the range with three models, with the full range available by the end of next year.

KuZ promotes its processing expertise

Kunststoff-Zentrum in Leipzig (KuZ Leipzig) will show its innovations in polyurethane processing and two-component micro moulding.

A newly developed system for production of micro sized optical components will be seen in action, complete with a fully automatic handling system with integrated video monitoring of moulded part surface quality.

A Formica Plast micro moulding machine forms the core of the optical moulding system, which is suitable for part weights in the 10-160mg range.

Simple loader integration from Maguire

A central vacuum loading control system that combines networking simplicity with localised receiver controls will be displayed by Maguire Europe.

Easy to set up and operate, the new FlexBus CANbus (FBC) system can be installed for one or two receivers. It requires just a single cable to connect a vacuum pump to the individually controlled receivers.

The network instantly recognises and communicates with each added receiver and, because connections typically are plug-and-play, the system can be easily modified or enlarged.

Moldmasters launches MeltDisk system

Moldmasters will come to Fakuma with its new Melt-Disk sprue system with integrated heating, which has been designed for efficient moulding of small parts while maintaining compatibility with its existing hot runner systems.

The main component is a disc-shaped nozzle body that can be provided with between two and eight gates.

Using Melt-Disk it is possible to design moulding tools with up to 192 cavities in an extremely compact form. According to Moldmasters, the system offers flexibility in gating layout, and freedom from leakage.

Also new from the company is the Melt-Start software, developed alongside Melt-Disk as an integral component of the company’s TempMaster series temperature control units.

Moretto targets energy in latest designs

Centrepiece on the Moretto stand will be the company’s new MPK PET Krystallizer, which the company claims will provide new levels of efficiency in operation.

Available in 12 different sizes with volumes ranging from 50 dm3 to 6,000 dm3, the new units provide simplified start-up with no need to empty the feed hopper, while a new mixing blade design improves mixing performance and cleaning.

A filter system is provided as standard to remove fines from the material feed, which can otherwise result in yellowing. This is said to be functional down to a particle size of 10 microns and deposits it in a suitable bin.

A Siemens PLC-based control system enables setting of tailored treatment profiles.

Moretto will also be showing examples from its Flowmatik and X-Technology dryer lines. Flowmatik is a centralised option for use with up to 32 hoppers; X-Technology units are intended for standalone configurations.

Motan shows off Metrolux dryers

Motan will have a full product line on display at Fakuma, including its new Metrolux A80 – a small drying system available with selectable drying bin combinations and an integrated conveying system for feeding several processing machines.

Other drying equipment on show will include the Luxor Micro, which weighs just 5 kg and measures only 41 cm high, and the Luxor A light dryer. The latter is a highly efficient system designed with CANbus technology to provide a high degree of flexibility – including the ability to configure systems from the operating panel with no programming.

In the mixing and dosing line, Motan will feature its Minicolor G dosing station for masterbatch or additive dosing using loss-in-weight metering.

Electrics take centre stage for Netstal

Swiss injection moulding machinery producer Netstal will demonstrate production on an Elion 1200 all-electric machine of a thin wall in-mould labelled (IML) cup in clear transparent PP with a cycle time below three seconds

The part will be produced in a two-cavity mould from Caulonque, using a handling system from Ilsemann, a Motan material supply system and GWK cooling.

The other all-electric machine on the Netstal stand, an Elion 500, will mould a sieve in a Ticona POM grade using a 24-cavitiy mould from Weisser & Griesshaber. Tool temperature control is provided by HB-Therm, while Motan equipment is again used for material supply.

Novosystems shows latest colour pump

Liquid colouring specialist Novosystems will launch its WB4000 pump at the show.

The unit can be fitted with different pump heads to cater for injection moulding, extrusion or polyurethane processing applications.

According to Novosystems, there is increased interest in liquid colouring systems due to the cost savings that can be achieved along with greater colour consistency.

The WB4000 can provide data output via cable, Bluetooth and wireless local area networks (WLAN) so that recipe information can be remotely entered on a Palm device or central PC. Software is available from Novosystems to handle a maximum of 50 pumps.

PlasmaTreat has surface modification covered

Steinhagen, Germany-based supplier of atmospheric pressure plasma technology PlasmaTreat has a joint stand with Ceracon and will demonstrate two technologies applied to a single part in a pilot production cell.

The FIPFG (Formed in Place Foamed Gaskets) and mould transfer technologies both require pre-treatment with atmospheric pressure plasma to ensure secure bonding between two otherwise uncombinable materials, PP and PU foam. The Openair systems are integrated in-line with production processes.

Polyone focuses on colour and TPEs

In addition to a display of its latest colourants, additives and engineered materials, PolyOne will be featuring products based on special TPE technology from GLS Corporation, which it acquired in January this year.

An expanded and enhanced TPE portfolio now covers 356 grades. Specialties include LubriOne self-lubricating compounds, OnCap termite- and rodent-repellent additive concentrates and PicoTint liquid colours, and patent-pending solutions for use with PC, PMMA, SAN, ABS and PETG.

Three new entrants in the bio-based category include OnCap BIO Anti-fog T, based on 100% renewable resources for improving shelf appearance of film packaging, and OnCap BIO Impact T, a transparent impact modifier masterbatch for polylactic acid (PLA).

Rapid launches 100 Series granulator

Fakuma will see the launch of the newly-developed 100 Series from Rapid Granulator, together with the latest addition to the range of ‘open-hearted’ granulators, the 600 Series.

The 100 Series is a completely new line of slow speed, screenless granulators with integrated metal detection for machine-side applications. It is designed particularly for hard and brittle materials. The portfolio includes eight models, the smallest for handling sprues and small parts such as reject gear wheels up to the largest for components like car bumpers and dashboards. All models are equipped with ‘soft coupling’ to absorb stresses and prevent gearbox and motor damage.

The 600 Series is the company’s biggest ever. It has a rotor diameter of 600mm and is available in three widths: 900mm, 1,200mm and 1,500mm.

Reifenhauser makes WPCs a priority

Extrusion machinery maker Reifenhauser will focus its stand display on wood plastic composites (WPCs) production using its Bitruder counter-rotating intermeshing twin screw extruders.

With screw diameters from 71 to 133mm and output capacities from 120 to 650kg/h, Bitruder units are able to deliver the gentle plasticising and excellent homogenisation required to compound PP-based WPCs at high output rates, says the company.

Reifenhauser will also highlight its latest energy saving technologies for cast film and thermoforming sheet lines, including a new copper cooling roll designed to improve thermal transfer efficiency. This means the user can opt for higher cooling fluid temperatures, reducing energy consumption without sacrificing yield.

Sacmi shows new large Negri

A new model from Negri Bossi’s Canbel Red Devil full-electric range will be on show on the Sacmi Group stand, the 850 tonne VE850, the largest machine in the series.

This range has a patented injection system that uses two motors to distribute screw movement in a balanced way and eliminates the need for smaller auxiliary motors. The two motors combine to provide maximum power during the injection and screw release operations.

At the heart of the system is a ball screw with two opposite half-threads combined with two helical gears that connect it to the two motors. The various process stages are achieved by adjusting the combination of rotation direction and speed of the motors.

Sacmi company Oima will show a 220 tonne model from the Stratos KP series specifically designed for the packaging industry. Equipped with a high tourque plasticising motor, it will be operating with a multi-cavity mould.

Intermittent cooling demonstrations by Single

Temperature control equipment specialist Single will show its systems designed for the Variotherm intermittent tool temperature control system.

The company’s Ecotemp system now links conventional small temperature control units electrically and hydraulically into one system that interrupts the mould cooling during the injection stage, so that the tool wall heats up, followed by especially intense cooling.

Together with moulder Sauer Product, Single will also present its alternating temperature technology (ATT) as a system solution for Variotherm temperature control of injection and compression moulding tools.

Single says practical tests with reference customers this year using mostly one or two small temperature control units on one tool have shown that Ecotemp can achieve double-digit percentage reductions in cycle times, without detriment to moulded part quality.

Stork packs punch in latest S+ line-up

Focus of the Stork Plastics Machinery display will be its S+ injection moulding machines, accumulator driven models developed for fast cycle production of rigid plastic packaging.

The company will show a 200 tonne Stork S+ 2000-1450 machine equipped with profile platen system to reduce friction during mould movement while keeping the mould area free of potential lubricant contamination.

The machine will be equipped with a side entry take-out system and will produce a flower pot using Sabic’s newly developed Flowpact FPC55 polypropylene.

This is a new fast cycling PP grade claimed to provide a good balance between stiffness and impact strength in thin wall packaging, container and closure applications.

Sumitomo-Demag name gets first outing

Sumitomo-Demag will be exhibiting for the first time under the new company name and will place the focus of its display on energy saving with its electric machine designs.

The new all-electric IntElect is derived from the same modular concept as the hydraulic Systec and the hybrid fast-cycling El-Exis machines and will be shown as a fast-cycling 100 tonne version with a 64-cavity injection mould.

A 200 tonne El-Exis fast cycling hybrid machine will be seen in a fully automatic in-mould labelling (IML) application producing two labelled food packs with integrated handles every seven seconds.

The company will also show an 18 tonne all-electric SE18DU from the Sumitomo machine line, producing a filigree medical micro-brush weighing 0.16 g.

To demonstrate the energy-saving potential of the machines, the stand will use an energy management system from Siemens to show the energy consumption of the machines and production centres on a large-screen display during the day.

Crosslinkable PA heads TechnoPlast display

One of the key exhibits on the stand of Italian compounder TechnoPlast will be its TechnoMid PA6 or PA66 VN, a radiation crosslinkable polyamide grade intended for injection moulding applications.

Parts produced using this new grade provide a considerably higher incandescent wire resistance than parts moulded in conventional PA, says the company. The materials are also suitable for use with lead-free soldering at up to 280°C and short-duration high-temperature exposure up to around 450°C.

The company will also show some special low odour grades of long fibre-reinforced PP for automotive interior applications such as seat frames and instrument panel carriers. The latest addition to the company’s TPO (EPDM/PP) compound line will also be shown. Providing improved weather resistance and elastic properties, the new grade has been specified for the spoiler lip for the VW Golf VI.

Trexel shows latest moulding inovation

The latest developments in the MuCell microcellular foam moulding process will be on show on the Trexel stand, including its Series III system for high precision parts and Variotherm surface optimisation technology.

Mucell Series III is designed for use on smaller injection machines with screw sizes of up to 40mm diameter. It is claimed to enable users to improve dimensional stability, reduce cycle times by up to 30%, and cut material usage by up to 12%.

The Variotherm technology, which uses steam or water to heat the mould prior to the injection of resin and then replaces the steam with cold water once the part is filled, will be demonstrated on a mould manufactured by Hofmann Werkzeugbau.

The technology is claimed to produce MuCell parts with “piano-surface” like levels of quality.

Waldorf Technik runs latest IML automation

Automation specialist Waldorf Technik will provide details of one of its most recent in-mould labeling (IML) systems, which will be demonstrated in operation on the Arburg stand at the show.

The IML system provides 360° label application for decoration of yoghurt cups, inserting the foil dynamically into the six cavity tool on the 200 tonne injection machine to a positional accuracy of a few hundredths of a millimetre with a robot handling time of around 1.3 seconds.

The company will be promoting its Highflex packaging concept, which provides the benefits of a bespoke automation system with the flexibility required to meet customers’ frequently changing product geometries.

Windsor presents JSW machine line-up

Windsor Kunststofftechnologie will be presenting the JSW line of medium range injection moulding machinery, which extends from 550 to 1,000 tonnes and will be represented at the show by a 650 tonne unit.

The J650AD has a 92mm screw diameter and injection volume of 3,100cm3, representing a shot weight in polystyrene of 2,783g. It will be used for manufacturing lightweight stock boxes.

The company will also show a JT40RAD-55V vertical turntable machine. At the show it will be demonstrating automatic plug manufacture.

Wittmann exhibits full ancillary range

Wittmann will show a Tempro plus C temperature controller that can switch between direct and indirect cooling, as well as dosing equipment with novel squashing valve technology for improved precision.

In terms of automation products, the W813 robot will be shown with a telescopic part removal axis, the W702 sprue picker has been provided with vibration dampening, and a W733 UHS ultra high-speed robot has been introduced.

Other exhibits include the new ESC40 PDC drying conveyor and a more compact C2 version of the company’s Sumo granulator.

The company has also increased the network control capacity for the eMax central conveyors to a maximum of 24 units.

IML features on Wittmann Battenfeld stand

Wittmann Battenfeld

will show its TM Xpress 270 toggle clamping machine equipped with an IML system applying “butterfly” labels to 750ml square containers on an overall 4.7s cycle time.

It will also demonstrate a packaging application, a TM Xpress 210 machine fitted with a four-cavity mould and roll-fed IML labelling is being demonstrated on a 3.9s cycle time.

An HM110 machine moulds a penholder with a Stemke refrigerant cooling system, while an HM240/1330H/210S moulds an integrated seal on a PP part using an IFW mould.

An EM 110/300 all-electric drive machine will be moulding liquid silicone rubber (LSR) dishwasher valves in a 16-cavity mould from Elmet in cycle time of 23s.

For more show information:

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