High response hydraulics speed multi-shot moulding

Designed for all types of multi-component technology, a multi shot injection moulding machine uses a high-response hydraulic system.

Leading supplier of injection moulding machinery, Sandretto, is exhibiting its new multi shot injection moulding machine, the Serie Nove Multi, at Plast 2003, Italy's international plastics exhibition in Milan from May 6-10, 2003.

The new Sandretto has been designed for all types of multi-component technology and it deploys a high-response hydraulic system.

Terry O'Reilly, Sandretto UK managing director, stresses the cost-competitiveness of the latter feature: 'There is much current talk about all-electric moulding machines these days, but not much of it follows through to the actual cost-per-moulding.

At Sandretto we maintain an open mind and a watching brief on all-electric technology.

We estimate, however, that an all-electric machine currently costs the moulder at least 20% more than non electric.

O'Reilly says that 'this extra cost - over a modern hydraulic machine - cannot be justified, either in terms of higher productivity or indeed higher quality.

And neither can the extra cost be justified in terms of power savings.

The key is that the increased purchase price makes no difference to the volume or the quality of the mouldings produced.

O'Reilly concludes: 'I suspect that the processor's customer will not choose to pay more for the product simply because of the type of machine that the moulding was produced on!' The 1650kN locking force Sandretto Nove Multi has an additional injection unit which can be mounted in any one of three different positions, with screw diameters from 33mm to 80mm.

The compact design saves space on the factory floor and the injection unit rotates for easy maintenance.

It is fitted as standard with quick-release heater band connections, thermocouples and carriage ram, in conjunction with a bayonet system on the barrel.

The mould clamping forces range from 1300 kN to 4850 kN.

The closing unit of the Serie Nove Multi is based on a toggle clamp system.

The locking unit consists of T slotted platens and a five-point double toggle system, which uses nitrided steel pins, and chromium plated precision ground tie bars.

This structure offers precision alignment, long-service and minimum maintenance.

The moving platen is supported by self-lubricating platen feet and uses platen support bushes with wipe seals to ensure a clean parts drop zone.

Terry O'Reilly notes that now is a good time for UK manufacturers to invest in production equipment.

'The Chancellor has recently increased the number of UK businesses that are able to claim tax relief on investment in plant and machinery and the new threshold facilitates most of the trade and independent moulding sector in the UK.

I am convinced that most plastics processors are well aware of the need to renew their plant and machinery in order to ensure an efficient and continuing future.

Sandretto exhibits at Plast 2003, Milan, Italy, May 6-10, as part of the Cannon Group,Hall 19 Booth C11/D13.

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