WITTMANN USA, a manufacturer of injection molding machines, robots, auxiliary equipment and more, is launching new innovation and technology at NPE2024: The Plastics Show (May 6-10; Orlando, FL). With more than 55,000 attendees expected, NPE2024 is the largest plastics event in the Western Hemisphere promising a unique “Made for You” experience that surpasses previous NPE‘s.
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EcoPower with robot and auxiliaries |
NPE attendees can find at WITTMANN USA’s booth the place to see numerous machines running, as is the tradition with the company’s show presence. This year’s NPE WITTMANN booth is featuring five injection molding machine work cells (all in a new red color), fully integrated with the latest robots and auxiliaries. A key component is that 4.0 Technologies are in every cell: Plug and Produce, Wittmann Digital, ControlRoom, Remote Access, OPC UA Communication and Data collection, and the list goes on.
“WITTMANN USA plans to demonstrate why ‘It’s all WITTMANN.’ is not just statement; it’s a way of life,” said Sonny Morneault, WITTMANN USA VP-Sales. “From Wittmann 4.0 Connectivity to Sustainability to Circular Economy to Energy Efficiency, WITTMANN is truly the only plastics processing equipment supplier in the market that doesn’t just talk about this, we do it every day. Our goal is to show the plastics industry that we are the leader in the growth of innovation and what its positive impact can have on the environment, the economy, and our everyday lives.”
Sustainability Focus
In keeping on track with a Circular Economy mindset, sustainability is integrated throughout the WITTMANN’s dynamic booth including:
- KERS Energy Recover System in all SmartPower and EcoPower molding machines.
- Process Technology, such as HiQ Flow, that helps minimize scrap and improve the customer’s part quality.
- New Feedmax Clean material separation loader ideal for recycled plastic, removing 80% of dust and fines.
- On every machine in the booth, an energy measurement is carried out using the Wittmann Digital proprietary software IMAGOxt.
- Complete line of auxiliaries including dryer, conveyers, blenders, temperature controllers and granulators to help customers enable a closed loop process.
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Feedmax Clean material separation loader |
Injection Molding Machine Work Cells
WITTMANN’S work cells are always a highlight of any trade show and this year’s NPE2024 booth is a can’t miss stop. Here’s a brief summary of the work cells and technology being featured:
1. The MacroPower large tonnage servo hydraulic machine with electric metering motor features the innovative WITTMANN HiQ Flow with regrind technology and is molding a Sunroof Bezel from Axiom, using Hybrid grade recycled content PP from TotalEnergies. Also running is a WITTMANN WX153 Robot.
Auxiliaries (including granulator for regrind) contain the new G-Max XL Granulator; Gravimax G34 Blender and Feedmax B Series Loaders. The conveying is being operated from the M8 Central Conveying Controller.
The new Feedmax Clean is conveying material from the G-Max XL to the Gravimax G34 Blender, while removing the dust content during conveying. Also includes the Tempro plus D L120 and Coolmax 20ton Air Cooled Chiller.
The WITTMANN WX153 robot, in partnership with Keyence, is showing how the robot and automation can print QR codes and other important data directly on the part.
2. The SmartPower servo hydraulic 400 3-shot machine is featuring Cellmould on the outer layer of a cup and is molding the 1-cavity “family mold” Cup and lid from Haidlmair, with PP + color from Borealis. Also running is a WX142 Robot. Auxiliaries featured are the Aton plus 120 VS with a 3 hopper Silmax Compact Cart. This displays WITTMANN’s Net5 conveying platform, ideal for controlling material conveying within a workcell.
Also included is:
- The Tempro plus D 120 TCU
- WFC120 water manifold for realizing and controlling flow through individual cooling channels on the mold
- Coolmax 15ton Air Cooled Chiller
- Dosimax Color Feeders
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Sonic 143 robot |
3. SmartPower 120 is showcasing LSR technology and mold beverage caps/covers from Nexus, featuring a 4-cavity family mold and LSR material from Momentive. Also running is the W918 Robot. Auxiliaries include Coolmax 5ton Air Cooled Chiller and Tempro plus D L120 TCU.
4. The MicroPower 15 2-shot is featuring Micro molding with liquid silicone rubber (LSR), where it is molding a speaker membrane from Starlim Spritzguss GmbH, using PBT & LSR material. Auxiliaries include Micro Dryer and Tempro plus D Micro TCU.
5. The SmartPower 4.0 demo cell is featuring Wittmann 4.0 on the latest generation SmartPower servo hydraulic machine, with WITTMANN developed B8X controller, and new multiconnector for screw and barrel assemblies; a W918 robot; two Tempro plus D TCUs; one Gravimax G14 Blender and one Aton plus Dryer.
Material Handling
The material handling section of the WITTMANN booth is showcasing the Tempro plus D 200. This brings WITTMANN’s water TCU offering up to 200° C, from the previous maximum temperature of 180° C. WITTMANN’s goal is to be able to shift more customers away from oil as a process medium, and into water.
Other highlights include:
- Feedmax Clean – this is WITTMANN’s first dust/fines separator.
- Drymax plus – this brings the Drymax lineup of portable dryers into the world of Wittmann 4.0.
- WITTMANN is showcasing and demonstrating the Material Traceability, Material Lot Control, and Error-Proofing software options for the M8 Central Conveying Control
Robot Cells
There are also two Robot Cells, both showcasing the New ControlRoom, which have made its debut at NPE2024. The WITTMANN ControlRoom can be used to view and control several WITTMANN Auxiliary Products within its work cell. This can operate on the R9 TeachBox as well as a PC.
Other highlights are including:
- The new Sonic 131 is showing off its acceleration and speed with exciting demos.
- Robot Control Demo WX142 with R9: A WX142 Robot is being used to demonstrate the latest QuickNew Wizard program editor. While the R8 control is the QuickNew’s heritage, the R9 control takes this way beyond its predecessor. Programming complex IMM work cells has never been quicker or easier.
