The technical data of the MXH 3200 – 101.000/101.000 alone is
impressive: a clamping force of 32,000 kN, a maximum shot weight of
120 kg, a screw diameter of 2 x 265 mm. "A large machine with
these values in this combination is unique on the market. This lets us
underscore our leading position in the development and implementation
of large injection molding machines of the MX series," says Bruno
Schleiss, Managing Director of KraussMaffei Schweiz AG. The products
made on the machine are just as large and complex—pipe fittings with a
diameter of up to 500 mm and a weight of up to 120 kg. These are used
as connecting pieces for the public water supply. "The investment
and implementation of a new injection molding system on this order of
magnitude was certainly a special challenge for us. In addition to the
technical parameters such as a high shot weight and high quality at
every point, the system had to meet other criteria with regard to the
flexibility in selecting materials and geometry. KraussMaffei gives us
a professional, reliable partner at our side with whom we succeeded in
making this challenging project a reality," explains Claude A.
Fischer, Head of Business Unit Utility at GF Piping Systems.
The result of the collaboration is a MXH 3200 – 101.000/101.000 that
has been producing since late 2014. Having a clamping force of 32,000
kN and a shot weight from 5 to a maximum of 120 kg makes it the
largest injection molding machine in Switzerland. An IR KR500 L340
industrial robot ensures reliable handling of the pipe fittings, which
can weigh up to 120 kg. This is another record because—with a maximum
payload of up to 340 kg—this is the largest industrial robot that has
ever been installed on an injection molding machine.
Record machine from KraussMaffei for GF Piping Systems
Apr 20, 2015 10:00 AMGF Piping Systems, a division of GF, specializes in developing and manufacturing piping systems made of plastic and metal. At its main location in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, the company is investing in a MXH 3200 – 101.000/101.000 from KraussMaffei. This injection molding machine, the largest ever to be installed in Switzerland in terms of clamping force and shot weight, began production in late 2014. It manufactures large-volume pipe fittings with a diameter of up to 500 mm.
Large machine with large capacity
Best quality and high shot weights
The size and weight of the pipe fittings as well as high quality at
every point were the customer's central requirements for designing a
suitable MX machine. Large machines of the MX series from KraussMaffei
are ideally suited for these applications: They feature a high melt
quality and shot weight consistency, thereby ensuring continuously
high product quality.
One special challenge was the
high-viscosity polyethylene 100 material to be processed on the large
machine. The solution involves optimized screw geometries and drives
for the plasticizing unit which are specially designed for processing
demanding material. "The controlled melt temperature during
plasticizing prevents the melt from overheating during the
plasticizing, preventing thermal decomposition of the material as a
result. At the same time, a high plasticizing output with outstanding
melt qualities is possible," Schleiss adds.
Maximum flexibility on a large machine
Yet this large machine must do more than just produce large
components with high quality. The customer also wants high flexibility
with regard to material, size and geometry when producing the pipe
fittings. For this reason, the large machine is equipped with two
injection units that can be interconnected as needed. "We offer
our customer, GF Piping Systems, use of a shot weight they can freely
choose from 5 to 120 kg, thereby providing maximum flexibility on a
large machine," Schleiss says. Furthermore, each injection unit
can be operated independently. This results in high
application-specific flexibility in the process control.
The
adapter modules of the plasticizing unit provide additional
flexibility in the production of pipe fittings. For example, GF Piping
Systems can install a smaller SP 33000 injection unit; this makes it
possible to quickly change to production with other materials. What
makes this so special is that the material and melt geometry are
perfectly matched to one another.
The IR KR500 L340
industrial robot used has an additional axis for linear motion (7th
axis), provides additional freedom of movement and more flexibility as
a result, especially when handling heavy components. The special
gripper technology permits precise interaction of removing and
gripping. The multifunctional gripper is designed for the various
nominal diameters of the fittings. A special padding on the jaws
protects the fittings from getting damaged. "The skilled and
close coordination with the persons responsible at KraussMaffei, both
leading up to the project and during the project phase, made a strong
impression on us. The result is an automation solution that is
perfectly matched to our requirements," states Fischer.
Save electricity with the BluePower drive concept
BluePower Servo Drive Technology from KraussMaffei supports
an energy-efficient manufacturing process. For the energy-related
optimization of hydraulic drives, it uses the high dynamics of
servomotors to adapt the rotational speed of the hydraulic system pump
to constantly adapt to the actual requirements. The same dynamics are
used to reduce idling losses to almost zero by reducing the speed,
such as during cooling times and during demolding. As a result, the
energy consumption of the machine can be significantly reduced.
(Quelle: http://www.kraussmaffei.com/en/press-releases/d/record_machine_gf_piping_systems.html)