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Up-to-date information on KraussMaffei launches and presence at UK and European trade shows. This information is hosted on the KraussMaffei Germany site, and will pop up in a new window |
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LSR moulding goes Electric in the UK
Forward thinking Camberley-based TCB-Arrow Ltd have recently placed the first order in the UK for an all-Electric machine to mould Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR). TCB-Arrow MD Murray Humphries commented: “After careful consideration we have chosen an 80 tonne Kraus Maffei EX machine to compliment our existing LSR moulding capability. The all-electric machine will be housed in a new purpose built cleanroom for medical parts. We are really excited with our latest investment and the opportunities it creates for us.” TCB-Arrow provides component and assembly solutions in thermoplastic and elastomer materials to the medical, aerospace, automotive, defence and general manufacturing sectors. They invested in liquid silicone rubber (LSR) processing capability over five years ago. This strategy has proved highly successful, and the latest investment further strengthens their position as a technical solutions provider for customers.
Key to the performance of the EX series, says Krauss Maffei, is a “dynamic clamping concept” using the company’s patented Z-toggle, with minimal moving elements – fewer than half the number of articulations of a conventional knee toggle system. Krauss Maffei claims an “almost ideal” clamping profile, combining rapid motion with minimal ramp-up and dissipation times for the clamping force. Hence, says Krauss Maffei, dry-cycle times are minimised, and injection speed is maximised with high precision. For the plasticising and injection unit, Krauss Maffei has adopted a direct drive to the screw, powered by high-torque motors. According to Krauss Maffei, even the standard model can reach an injection speed of 300 mm per second. Again, the number of moving parts has been minimised. Another coupled direct drive actuates the plasticiser. The two drives are configured coaxially and have a “strikingly simple” design, wholly encapsulated and without gears. Krauss Maffei cites the drive design as guaranteeing “consistently high shot weights and highly reliable production”. With each axis on the EX series having its own electric drive, so that the unit and the ejector can be operated in parallel, the mould can be opened during the plasticising phase. This shortens cycle times even further, says Krauss Maffei. The electric drives of the EX machines operate regeneratively, with braking energy returned to the electrical supply. Depending on the part being produced, says KraussMaffei, EX power consumption may be up to 50% less than for a hydraulic machine. All EX drives are water cooled. Krauss Maffei claims that this increases their load-bearing capacity during long holding times, and that high drive efficiency “substantially reduces cooling water consumption”. The cooling water is used twice – to cool both converters and drives. Depending on the part being produced, up to 70% less water may be used than with hydraulic machines according to Krauss Maffei. For cleanroom operation, as at TCB-Arrow, Krauss Maffei notes that the EX’s water-cooled drives generate no dust or air turbulence. Efficient cooling contributes to the stability of ambient conditions in the air-conditioned rooms. According to KraussMaffei, EX machines can readily be upgraded to automated production cells, and their large platens offer plenty of scope for future developments in mould technology. Overall, Krauss Maffei commends its EX series machines as offering high availability with minimal, straightforward maintenance and servicing, plus a machine design that is energy saving and highly productive.
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