To coincide with the 27th International Colloquium Plastics Technology, the Institute of Plastics Processing (IKV) in Industry and the Skilled Crafts at RWTH Aachen University put a new electric Allrounder 270 A injection moulding machine from Arburg, Lossburg, into operation in March 2014. At the heart of this system is a micro injection moulding unit, the plasticising cylinder of which has been developed jointly by Arburg and the IKV.The innovative plasticising unit, a so-called "inverse screw" is characterised by its special geometry. In distinction to conventional three-zone screws, the thread turns necessary for plasticising and melting the material are incorporated in the cylinder.
Micro injection moulding machine with new plasticising unit
The necessary relative movement is generated by means of an internal rotating piston. As the forces acting upon the piston are lower compared to plasticising screws, a significantly more compact plasticising system can be implemented, which is ideal for use in micro injection moulding.In addition to a reduced dwell time of the melt in the plasticising cylinder, the injection process can be controlled more effectively due to the smaller piston diameter. The mass fluctuations can thereby be reduced and the repeat accuracy of the injection cycle improved considerably. This has a positive effect on the achievable part quality.
