Smart Molding International 1-2026

31 www.smart-molding.com molding technologies • Rack-and-pinion design for greater energy efficiency and long-term durability. • Heavy-duty reliability to run 24/7 at short cycle times, with low energy consumption. Sustainable by design; long life time of mould and machine. New standard in precision micro injec on molding at K 2025 At K 2025 in Düsseldorf, MHS (Mold Hotrunner Solutions Inc.), a Westfall Technik company, premiered – with live demonstrations – its revolutionary M3 micro injection molding machine, equipped with patented ISOKOR® Technology. The M3 represents a breakthrough in high-volume production of direct-gated, precision micro parts, all with zero waste and unmatched consistency. Engineered for complex components under 200 milligrams – and as small as 10 milligrams or less – the M3 eliminates cold runners to reduce cycle time and conserve material. Despite its compact, standardized des i gn , t he M3 o ffe rs f l ex i b l e manufacturing options. A modular base tooling system supports interchangeable inserts, core pulls, side actions, and ejectors to accommodate sophisticated part geometries. The integrated 8-drop valve gate hot runner remains fixed during mold changes, simplifying operation and maximizing uptime. Supporting a wide range of engineering thermoplastics, including PEEK, LCP, and PEI, the M3 is built for performance, reliability, and versatility. At the heart of its performance is the ISOKOR® three-stage molding process, which revolutionizes micro part production: 1 . Me l t Comp re s s i on – P re - compression occurs in the screw. 2. Hot Runner Storage – Further compression and energy storage in the hot runner. 3. High-Velocity Injection – Rapid viscoelastic expansion fills the mold cavity in milliseconds. This process produces denser, more isotropic parts with minimal shrinkage and internal stress. The entire system is equipped with high-resolution sensors monitoring temperature, pressure, position, and time, ensuring full traceability and repeatability. The M3’s controlled melt path starts with granule conditioning in an integrated dryer, followed by gentle screw melting, and final heating in the hot runner – protecting sensitive materials from degradation. A cascade pressure profile and stable melt delivery ensure consistent part morphology. • Key performance highlights: • <3-second dry cycle time. • Electromagnetic force-based, clamp- free mold interface. • Electric linear motor with sensor- driven mold movement. • Supports up to 32 cavities, including two-component and dual-part molding • Inline quality inspection, part separation, and robotic handling integrated within the cell. • Cleanroom-ready design, with optional HEPA filtration and optical inspection.