Omega Plastics was recently challenged with a project that required high precision/very tight tolerances, a very expensive resin, along with requiring a very small shot size. Their existing, traditional, molding equipment presented a serious concern, especially regarding the issue of material residence time.
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Traditional Injection Molding mechanical process Issue |
Through diligent research, Omega’s Molding Specialists’ discovered a piece of equipment that, on paper, seemed to deliver a process that resolved the project concerns.
Sodick offers a unique approach to injection molding by separating the plasticizing of resin from the actual injection process using what they call their 2-Stage Plunger Injection System or “V-LINE®” Injection.
After a visit to Sodick’s manufacturing facility, Omega’s Molding Specialists were sold on the GL30A and the press was added to Omega’s ‘Cleanroom’ inventory.
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Sodick’s “V-LINE®” injection approach uses the screw tip for the positive shut-off of resin instead of a traditional floating check ring, thereby prohibiting any backflow of material which results in loss of injection pressure as well as a source of material contamination and high maintenance. |
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The GL30A is Sodick’s flagship machine for critical tolerance parts that require extreme precision with both material preparation and injection dosing accuracy. Using the two-stage plunger injection molding system, molders are provided with an ‘Exact Dosing’ capability.
The following are several key advantages Omega has gained since adding the GL30A:
• The extreme acceleration of the plunger enables “downsizing” of runners and improve on the overall process.
• Accuracy / repeatability and “stable molding” when using the GL30A. Small process “strike zones” are target applications for this machine.
• Push the Limit with Thin Wall Applications
o Up to 1,500 mm/sec (59”/sec) speed
o Up to 343 MPa (49,750 psi) pressure
• Small Shot Size from 2.0cc (0.07oz)
o High dosing accuracy combined with an ultra-repeatable process
o Quick response in injection acceleration & deceleration
o Accepts standard size pellets
• Optimum Injection Unit Size
o High temperature heaters – standard
o Wear resistant screw and barrel – standard
o Optional large clamp with small injection
o Optional bigger screw with smaller plunger
o Shot usage from 10% of total shot or less
The GL30A is also equipped with 788 F high temperature heater bands, standard, because it is common to run many engineering grade materials like PEEK, PEI, PPS, LCP, etc.
About Sodick Co. Ltd.
As a leading precision injection mold machine manufacturer, Sodick continues to pave the way in providing premier injection quality and repeatability. Our proprietary technology relies on a continuous plasticizing heat profile, constant material viscosity, as well as steady filling volume and holding pressure.
Through the development of our V-LINE Two-Stage Plunger design and our wealth of experience as a leading EDM manufacturer, this exclusive technology is THE solution for precision molding requirements.
Based out of Kaga, Japan, Sodick Co. Ltd began the design and development of the V-LINE Plunger Injection Molding Machines in 1988 and continues to this day. Sodick continues to push the limits of molding applications as the only manufacturer with the exclusive V-LINE Two-Stage Plunger technology.
Offering both Horizontal Injection Molding Machines from 10 to 650 tons and Vertical Injection Molding Machines from 3 to 150 tons, Sodick offers solutions for thermoplastic, micro molding, insert molding and LSR-Silicone applications for a wide range of industries.
