A self-optimising production process

Based on its many years of experience in the different fields of use of its injection moulding machines, ENGEL has restructured the sizes of the units and optimised their performance data, such as injection pressure, injection speed and plasticising capacity, for current and future requirements. This makes it possible to address the specific needs of users even more exactly in the machine design. All in all, the new units enable more precise injection and higher process stability. Control of temperature and pressure in the barrel contribute to this in equal measure. Temperature control of the feed throat was one focus of development work. The temperature control range was enlarged to safely rule out clumping in the feed zone and absorption of moisture across a wider range of materials. The new concept minimises energy losses both during heating and cooling of the feed through. The main contributor to better controllability of the pressures is the revised piston design.

Furthermore, the long established ENGEL ecodrive servohydraulic has now become a standard feature of the victory and duo machines.

Producing high-quality surfaces with efficiency

Visitors will also be attracted to the stand by a large video wall on which ENGEL will present new developments in the area of process technologies. One focus will be on technologies capable of producing high-quality surfaces with great efficiency. The clearmelt process, for example, uses in-mould coating to produce ready-to-install trim components with very high-quality yet robust surfaces in a single work step. Polyurethane is used for surface finishing since it allows for fast changes between different colours.

The integrated and fully automated DecoJect process, which combines in-mould graining and injection moulding, also cuts down on work steps. Since colour, structure and haptics are achieved through the foil, DecoJect represents an extremely cost effective way to visually enhance injection moulded parts and harmonise surfaces in vehicle interiors - even in the case of small batch sizes.

The application examples on show will clearly demonstrate how innovative process technologies and integrated system solutions can meet even the most stringent quality demands while keeping unit costs competitive.

Source: Engel