Product category:
Injection moulding
News Release from: Milacron | Subject: All-electric injection moulders
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 04 September 2006
All-electric injection moulders are
faster
All-electric machines redefine 'standard' injection molding capability with 330mm/s injection at 0.85G acceleration, 62.5 microsec control precision, and faster cycle times.
The new Milacron Fanuc Roboshot S2000i-B redefines all-electric injection molding with many innovative features for plastics processors Recognized as the leading all-electric machine in its size range, the new standard S2000i-B model features injection acceleration of 0 to 300mm/s in less than 36 microsec, wider tie bar spacing and greater mold capacity
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 15 May 2006 at 8.00am (UK)
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Available in five sizes from 550 to 3300kN (55 to 330 tonf) clamping force, the Roboshot S2000i-B has a new, faster control that can reduce cycle time while improving all aspects of pressure, position, and velocity control.
An optional new direct-connected injection unit can provide 500mm/s injection speed in less than 30 microsec, accelerating with a force of 2.02G, for producing ever-thinner part walls.
With its numerous Artificial Intelligence (Ai) capabilities, the Roboshot is ideal for precision, thin-wall parts, as well as lights-out custom molding.
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"The S2000i-B will be introduced in the Americas at NPE 2006 with 110-ton models in the Milacron, Moldflow and Staubli booths, and a 55-ton model in the UNA-DYN booth," said Bob Strickley, director of marketing at Milacron.
The all-electric S2000i-B combines the latest Fanuc servo technology, new moving platen design and new injection pressure load cell with the new FANUC 310iS CNC control.
The control is the fastest in the industry with a 62.5 microsec (1/16,000) scan time.
All of the artificial intelligence capabilities of the previous generation Roboshot - pressure trace, mold protection, metering control and ejection - have been improved and are now on/off selectable.
"The package of new features on this machine cuts both setup and cycle times," said Kent Royer, product sales manager for Roboshot.
"The faster control, higher acceleration, faster injection, simultaneous sled-forward and clamp close, standard pre-injection, and simultaneous auto purge and die height setting all contribute to shorter processing times and greater production flexibility." The mechanical side of the S2000i-B includes a new moving platen design that produces a more equal pressure distribution across the mold face.
Tie bar spacing on the 550kN machine is now 360mm x 320mm (14in x 12.5in).
The new Roboshot offers greater processing flexibility with a unique low-tonnage adjustment - down to 10kN (1 tonf) - via the auto die-height feature.
An improved automatic lubrication system for the clamp and injection ends reduces grease usage, while ensuring machine precision with optimum preventive maintenance.
The Fanuc 310is CNC control features a new Windows CE-based operating system and 15in full-color touchscreen that is 50% larger than the previous generation.
The control can now store 300 mold files, including a comments field.
Three user-selectable screen views include standard, large-print, and a four-screen split.
A new virtual keyboard on the display provides 'click' feedback to the user.
Network factory automation interfacing with Mold 24i software provides tracking of all functions needed for FDA requirements.
Other upgrades include the ability to easily create custom sequences using a new custom output signal function with over 310 available signals.
The patented on-screen set-up of the 32 custom signals provides the combination of either output or input signals and does not require ladder logic training.
Additional enhancements include an increase in the 'last change' and alarm logs to 3000, valve gate, vacuum, ejector interlocks and standard dual-core sequencing software.
The control's Flash Memory Card slot allows continuous download of process data in CSV format for analysis using spreadsheet applications or database applications.
The memory card can also be used to download screen shots or upload/download mold files and set-up sheets in text or picture files.
"The combination of new control with a new high-precision, high-resolution load cell improves velocity-pressure switching, pressure metering and acceleration control," Royer added.
* High-performance injection unit - the S2000i-B injection unit has been engineered for greater rigidity and the new low-friction guide-bar-less design used on 550 and 1100kN (55 and 110 tonf) models is optimized for the higher acceleration loads and faster cycles required for thin-wall molding.
A synchronized barrel/nozzle heat-up function offers fast heat-up time, while minimizing black speck problems caused by overheating.
Milacron can also provide its Wearstar or Klearstar injection packages and other application specific screws and barrels to further enhance performance.
* New artificial intelligence (Ai) capabilities - the S2000i-B models have improved artificial intelligence features which include Ai pressure profile trace, Ai metering, Ai mold protection, and Ai ejector force monitoring.
Ai mold protection based on motor load has been upgraded with easier set-up based on clamp position.
Ai ejector monitoring is upgraded with three-step position control for improved eject protection and greater sensitivity to part fill for detecting both underfilled and overfilled parts.
Ai metering has also been tuned up with a new high-precision algorithm for enhanced control to minimize shot-to-shot variation.
Ai metering 'learns' an ideal recovery cycle, and then modulates screw RPM to achieve repeatability of +/-0.2 sec or less on every cycle Used in conjunction with Ai pressure profile control, part weight variance due to screw-tip leakage or barrel wear is nearly eliminated.
The operator can edit the Ai pressure and metering profiles, and profiles can be transferred from one Roboshot machine to another to 'clone' molding performance.
All Ai features can be selected on/off.
* Wide range of options - the S-2000i-B machines are designed to interface to a wide range of automation and associated auxiliary equipment.
A wide range of options allows exceptional processing flexibility.
To meet the upcoming revised ANSI, NFPA and SPI standards, the S2000i-B machine will be equipped with UL/CSA components, making it one of the most compliant electric machines in the industry.
Sales and service are all provided on a local basis throughout the Americas.
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