Smart Molding International 1-2023

molding outlook 19 www.smart-molding.com New fusion series G3 hot runner system At K 2022 in Düsseldorf Mold-Masters presented the new Fusion Series G3 hot runner system. Fusion systems are shipped completely pre-assembled, pre-wired, plumbed and tested for fast, one-step installation. Mold-Masters FusionG3 system in- corporates several major enhancements (over the previous FusionG2 system) that helps optimize mold design and simplify/speed up installation. These enhancements include: 1. Reduced nozzle bore cut-outs 2. Protective nozzle sleeves (optional) 3. More compact actuators (PN and HY) 4. Quick change valve pins 5. Room temperature installation Fusion Series G3 nozzles feature more compact nozzle bore cut-outs to help minimize tooling requirements and are avail- able in customizable lengths up to 1,000mm. Fusion nozzles incorporate field replaceable heater bands and gate seals to ensure molders can respond and fix issues quickly on-site to minimize downtime. Most gate seals are interchangeable be- tween G2 and G3 so customers are able to convert to the new system in many cases without any special retooling. New optional protective nozzle sleeves help prevent damage to the nozzle heater and thermocouple wiring during installation. Protective nozzle sleeves do not impact cut-out dimensions. The new compact actuators minimize stack heights with cut-outs that are the same or smaller than G2. Anti-rotation and valve pin disconnect are now standard features. Compact actuators are available as either hydraulic or pneumatic. The position of air/hydraulic lines and cooling lines can be rotated to be set perpendicular or orient- ed different to one another to al- low easier access when space is limited. FG3 actuators are also designed to accept Mold-Masters new Qu i c k Change Valve Pins. Quick change valve pins feature an inno- vative new design that allows users to remove the actu- ator or valve pin inde- pendently from one an- other which simplifies and speeds up maintenance. Quick change valve pins can also be re-worked in the field (steel safe). FusionG3 also has the advantage that it is engineered to be installed and uninstalled at room temperature. It can be pulled directly from the shipping box and placed into the mold. This helps to significantly reduce installation time, eliminate extra equipment such as a temperature controller and improve safety conditions during installation, assembly and removal. Mold-Masters Fusion Series G3 hot runner systems are covered with an available industry-leading 5-year warranty. StackTeck was ready to talk innovation at K Show 2022 Static displays in StackTeck booth featured the latest tech- nologies with plastic parts and steel components. Some of these included PET Preform molds highlighting cooling and post mold cooling technologies, servo driven technology for different applications, co-injection, multi-material, specialty coatings, KoolTrack™, TRIM™ (Thin Recess InjectionMolding), IML and closure technologies. Show attendees were able to learn more about StackTeck latest design of a 5 piece collaps- ing core technology which was used recently to produce the very first injection molded plastic can in the industry. Jordan Robertson, VP Business Development and Market- ing stated: “We are very pleased to have the opportunity to be back at the K Show and continue a dialogue with our customers about our latest developments. We are constantly pushing the envelope to add more to our portfolio of mold technologies, which are driven by our desire to offer more sustainable options and real advantages to our customers.” Here are several developments, demonstrated at the show: For preforms, PiCOOL™ is one of StackTeck’s patented technologies that has been engineered to enhance the pro- ductivity of PET preform molding, offering a significantly re- duced preform exit temperature, and shorter cooling time to StackTeck customers looking to improve preformmolding operations. For packaging applications, StackTeck’s newest and im- proved 5-piece collapsing core is a technology offered to customers looking for plastic part design freedom. In certain applications large undercuts are required that can be enabled using the collapsing core approach while maintaining fast cycle times. Light weighting continues to be one of the top priorities at StackTeck and its TRIM™ technology has been evolving since its creation. It has now expanded to larger applications like industrial pails, focusing on how much thinner parts can be made, and how much more weight can be saved. These are tangible advantages that are passed on to customers look- ing for sustainable solutions in the industry, with substantial carbon footprint benefits. StackTeck’s new developments, demonstrated at the show (picture: StackTeck) Mold-Masters new fusion series G3 hot runner system (picture: Mold-Masters)