Insert Molding Machine minimizes floor space requirements.
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Press Release Summary:
Vertical C-frame Evolution 280 measures 15 x 7 ft. and has no cage of tie bars around mold area. Available in stationary, shuttle, or rotary-table versions, it is based on 3-sided-access HC platform. C-frame also includes infrared light curtain and tandem variable-volume and fixed-volume pump system. The 280 ton version has maximum daylight of 35 in. and accepts molds to 24 x 36 in. Model 130, with 130 ton size, has maximum daylight of 25 in. and accepts molds to 16 x 23 in.
Original Press Release:
Expanded Evolution line of vertical insert IMMs minimizes floorspace, maximizes mold area access
New 130- and 280-ton versions of proven C-clamp machine require 50% less floorspace and significantly less guarding than comparable spread-frame tiebar machines
CINCINNATI, OHIO, September 2002 - Autojectors, Inc. has upped the tonnage ante - but retained industry-leading small footprint - for its innovative Evolution vertical insert molding machines. The company introduced new 130- and 280-ton machine versions during a recent open house at its new facility within Milacron's Batavia, OH manufacturing plant. "Measuring 15 x 7 ft., our C-frame Evolution 280, designed specifically for vertical applications, has less than half the footprint of comparable tie-bar machines, some of which use a conventional horizontal clamp on-end," says Chris Hall, director of marketing for Autojectors. "The Evolution's C-frame design has no cage of tie bars around the mold area, so it is much more accessible and requires no hard guarding."
The Evolution line now consists of five machine models from 30 to 280 tons for insert molding, overmolding and multi-component molding in a wide variety of industries. Evolution machines are the first vertical IMMs to come standard with user-friendly PC-based control.
Each "true-vertical" Evolution model is available in stationary, shuttle or rotary table versions. The standard two-station rotary table provides option for two-station oscillation and can have up to four lower halves.
The Evolution's tie-barless C-frame design is based on Autojector's proven three-sided-access HC platform. The C-frame gets an "A+" in upper-mold openness and mold space, allowing processors to use larger tooling, streamline mold handling and have easier access to mold cooling and electrical connections. A standard infrared light curtain mounted around the perimeter of the table immediately stops table motion if the light curtain is breached. This reduces obstructive guarding and allows fast single-button start.
A tandem variable volume and fixed-volume pump system eliminates need for an accumulator and provides faster clamping, tonnage adjustability, and unlimited flow for ejection sequences, core pulls and auxiliary functions.
The Evolution 280 model has maximum daylight of 35 in. and can accept molds to 24 x 36 in. (two station). The 130 model has a maximum daylight of 25 in., and can accept molds to 16 x 23 in.
All Evolution machines come standard with PC-based VerteX control, a version of Milacron's patented XTREEM control. VerteX is geared specifically to vertical molding, with on-screen programmable features for vertical processors such as:
o profiled injection sled motion for fastest sprue break cycle;
o ejector setpoints instead of limit switches; and
o automatic hydraulic parting line adjustment.
The VerteX control features a 10.4-in. color back-lit LCD screen with Active Split Screens(TM) and user-configurable Quick-Set Screens(TM). The control provides internal storage for up to 40 mold data files and has floppy drive for additional files. Optional Windows® NT version provides Internet access and networking capability. Digital operation eliminates RF/EMI interference and optimizes accuracy and repeatability.
The Evolution is ergonomically engineered for maximum operator friendliness. The machine-mounted operator station frees-up floor space and can be located in several positions around the table. The open area under the table gives operators the option to sit or stand at the machine. Low table height and minimized distance from mold center to table edge reduces fatigue due to reaching over large table area, while the raised electrical cabinet can be easily accessed for maintenance.
In addition to the Evolution line, HC-model vertical insert machines are also available in four sizes from 150 to 300 tons.
Autojectors, Inc., a Milacron-owned company, is the leading manufacturer of vertical-clamp insert molding equipment. Autojectors vertical insert machines are used worldwide in all major markets, including automotive, appliances, electrical/electronics, medical, and consumer goods.
For more information, phone 1-888-MILACRON (645-2276) or fax 1-800-282-8082. Visit Milacron's home page at plastics.milacron.com for a detailed look at solutions that build productivity through advanced technology.
