Smart Molding International 1-2023

molding outlook 22 smart_molding international 1/2023 Roctool presented its Eco-Molding initiative at K 2022 with 2 live demonstrations Roctool presented two Livemolding demonstrations on two stands, showcasing the company’s latest initiative “Eco-Mold- ing”, combining innovative textures, recycled materials & Roctool state of the art heat and cool technology. Roctool also showcased multiple applications for various sectors including automotive, beauty, consumer goods & electronics. Roctool team was running sessions during the 8-day show, using var- ious materials and inserts with different textures and effects. Live demonstration of a 2-Cavitymoldwith inter-changeable inserts: This live demonstration on Roctool stand featured an injec- tionmoldingmachine CX110-380 fromKraussMaffei, Roctool’s longstanding show partner, 25kW & 50kW air cooled gener- ators, that are user friendly, compact and lightweight, being ideal for small parts and a micro thermoregulator which were all designed for the Roctool process. The Roctool technology demonstrated the exceptional mold replication directly onto the part surface making it possible to reach uncharted territories of design and func- tionality. Every stand visitor had a chance to experience the enhanced surface quality versus conventional molding with fast cycle times. Some of the unique innovative textures were realized by Standex Engraving in collaboration with Roctool using different types of resins. Live demonstration of a high-quality, thin wall housing part made with recycled materials: Roctool Eco-Molding initiative was highlighted on the ENGEL (Austria) stand, using an e-mac 465/160 injection molding machine. The parts being produced were made from post-consumer recycled plastics from Lavergne (Canada). The unique surface textures were laser engraved by Standex (It- aly), Moldetipo (Portugal) built the mold with INCOE (USA) providing the hot runner system. Roctool technology allowed to mold an ultra-thin wall housing without surface defects. Stable and sustainable: LSR Smart Caps demo highlighted moulding precision At K 2022, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag highlighted its LSR pro- cessing competence, including OPC-UA interface compatibility on mainstream dosing systems, using a fully electric IntElect 180/570-250 injection moulding machine. Live demonstra- tions focused on the sustainability advantages of using a single tool to produce four variants of durable and reusable silicone Smart Cap covers for beverage and energy drinks, food tins and cans. “With this exhibit we are staying true to the com- pany’s Act! Sustainably commitment, supported by constant machine innovation and total processing synergy”, noted LSR expert and newBusiness Development Director of Automotive & Electronics, Rustam Aliyev. In a cycle time of just 35 seconds, the IntElect LSR package produced 12 gram Smart Caps with absolute precision. Due to outstanding process stability, the actual weight of the parts is 0.01 grams accurate. For the first time, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag exhibited with LSR tool specialist and innovator ELMET. Collaborating with the Austrian firm to design the turnkey production cell capable of producing four different LSR beverage and food can cov- ers, ELMET’s all-electric SMARTshot E valve gate cold runner system features servo-driven nozzle needles to boost control and optimise filling behaviour. Material was dispensed via the Smart-Mix TOP7000 Pro dos- ing system. Processing precision was closely monitored, with the weighing cell documenting each individual cap weight to instantly identify any moulding deviations. For traceability, the finished Smart Caps were laser marked. “Combining the high-precision dosing system with the IntElect and the reliable processing control attained by the electric needle valve cold runner, an unprecedented accuracy of the part weight is repeatably replicated,” noted Aliyev. ELMET states that with a footprint of just 45 by 31 inches, its Smart-Mix TOP7000 Pro pump unit is capable of operating at pressures of up to 210 bar (3045 psi), yet is very compact. The result is smaller LSR volumes in the system, therefore in- creasing process reliability and reducing purging volume. All-electric IntElect injection moulding machine by Sumitomo (SHI) Demag (picture: Sumitomo (SHI) Demag) Roctool’s new aircooled technology, lightweight, highly efficient & ultra compact generator (picture: Roctool)