The plastics processing lab in the Jack Burke Research and Economic Development Center at Penn State Behrend has taken delivery of a 101-ton Zhafir Zeres injection molding machine with 3.21 ounce shot size (ZE 900/210). The consigned press is electric with integrated hydraulics for core pull, ejectors, carriage movement and optional valve gates. The team at Penn State Behrend took delivery of the ZE 900/210 on July 9.
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The Zeres molding machine will be in operation in time for fall undergraduate classes, Plastics Training Academy classes, tutorials and conferences. “We’re aware of the challenge the plastics industry faces in recruiting next-generation engineering talent. Providing access to current injection molding machine technology is one way we can help address this issue,” said Glenn Frohring, one of the owners of Absolute Haitian. “We have proudly maintained a relationship with Penn State Behrend going back to 2008, when we first consigned a machine to their program,” he said.
“Penn State Behrend’s B.S. in Plastics Engineering Technology is one of only four accredited plastics engineering technology programs in the United States. The college’s plastics processing lab is the largest and best-equipped undergraduate educational facility of its type. “Relationships with suppliers such as Absolute Haitian are what set our educational experience apart. We appreciate that they have enabled us to provide this unique experience," said Brad Johnson, engineering lecturer.
MuCell and iMFLUX Partnership
Special options on the ZE 900/210 include processing capability for MuCell microcellular foaming technology from Trexel and software for iMFLUX low-constant-pressure injection molding. The Penn State Behrend lab has consignment agreements with Trexel and iMFLUX for the deployment of these technologies in the lab. Absolute Haitian has partnered with Trexel and iMFLUX in the past for commercial applications. “Our goal was to expose students to the latest advancements in the commercial world of injection molding, so it made sense to partner with Absolute Haitian, Trexel and iMFLUX on this consigned machine,” said Johnson. “Our staff has several research projects lined up featuring these technologies focused on varying materials and part geometries. We’re excited to get those projects underway.”
