Smart Molding International 1-2024

19 www.smart-molding.com molding outlook New technology for predicting sink marks in injection molded parts made of DURACON® POM Polyplastics has developed a technology that uses CAE analysis to predict sink marks (depressions on the surface of the molded product) in injection-molded DURACON® POM components. This innovative technology predicts the risk of sink marks before the creation of molds, which can help to decrease the number of prototypes required, shorten the development cycle, and save energy. In products with intricate shapes, the thickness distribution can lead to sink marks on the surface. In some cases, certain areas of the molded product cannot have sink marks due to dimensional accuracy requirements, sealing surface precision, or design parameters. It is critical to have a method to manage the factors responsible for sink mark formation and their location. Polyplastics has deve- loped a new technology that combines flow and structural analysis to predict sink mark formation during resin curing. By considering shrinkage, elastic modulus, and pressure distribution, the new technique can accurately predict sink marks before the molding process begins. This can reduce development time, costs, and energy consumption. The new technology has been validated with experimental results, confirming its high predictive accuracy. Polyplastics specialists are also testing its capabilities for predicting vacuum void and sink mark formation in various shapes and materials. Additionally, they are developing a solution technology that takes into account fiber orientation, especially for anisotropic materials. Polyplastics uses this technology to help the customers with product development right from the design stage. Milacron showcased M-Series in European debut at Fakuma 2023 Milacron’s product innovation, the M650-6610 injection moulding machine with a screw diameter of 110 mm, was on display in practical use at Fakuma 2023. With tooling from Allit, the machine was producing a storage container with a shot weight of 935 g. The M-Series marks a new milestone in Milacron's product development. The series builds on the company's proven machine technology and sets new standards for medium- tonnage solutions. Powered by a servo motor hydraulic system, the M-Series’ versatility and performance serve to meet the demanding needs of global industries. The servo-hydraulic two-platen machine impresses with clamping forces from 4,500 to 11,000 kN, demonstrating its flexibility for a wide range of applications. Driven by a servo motor hydraulic system, the injection moulding machine offers improved specifications and all-inclusive performance, as well as integrated control. In addition, faster clamp speeds, reliable tonnage assembly, and unsurpassed eject access for quicker mould changes, deliver optimal productivity and space savings. "The M-Series not only demonstrates outstanding performance potential, but also scores with a compact clamp footprint and fast clamping speeds, " said Winfried Stöcklin, managing director of Ferromatik Milacron. Sustainability is at the forefront of the M-Series plastics processing solution that offers reduced dry cycle time, power consumption and less lubrication requirements. Retrieval of the machine’s sustainable, moulded part at the show was executed by the SEPRO robot, model Success 33 TE. This auxiliary solution offers integration of automation technology. Tasks are performed quickly and accurately via a user-friendly control system. The M-Series marks a new milestone in Milacron's product development (picture: Milacron) Comparison of surface sink marks (picture: Polyplastics)