A clever combination: FiberForm with multicomponent technology
Thanks to the FiberForm process, KraussMaffei has brought thermoplastic lightweight construction to a new performance level and successfully established it in series production. At NPE, KraussMaffei is debuting a FiberForm application in combination with swivel plate technology for multi-component injection molding on a GXW 450-2000/1400. "This combination can be used to create completely new visual and haptic component features for thermoplastic composites in a single process. Thanks to the TPE component, the center armrest produced at NPE has functional parts and visible parts with surfaces that are extremely soft and visually appealing, which increases comfort and visual aesthetics in the vehicle interior," says Caprio. In turn, the use of the composite sheet increases the rigidity and strength of the component. This means that the reinforcing ribs and component itself are made with thinner walls, which reduces their weight.FiberForm combines the thermoforming of composite sheets and injection molding in a single process. This process results in fiber-reinforced plastic components that are particularly lightweight yet feature a high level of strength. They are used primarily in vehicle manufacturing. “Our groundbreaking FiberForm system is second to none when it comes to lightweight production using fiber-reinforced plastic components. Our customers appreciate the high quality, reliability and cost-efficiency when manufacturing fiber-reinforced lightweight components in large quantities and fast cycle times," explains Caprio. Intelligent automation solutions and heating technology optimized for the injection molding process support short cycle times of fewer than 60 seconds.
PX 51-55: High precision in LSR processing
Silicones or LSRs (liquid silicon rubbers) are also on the rise in the USA. The medical technology and automotive industries in particular are becoming increasingly interested in the outstanding physical and chemical properties of the material. However, the material has an extremely low viscosity, especially highly transparent silicone, and it requires especially high precision during injection. The PX 51-55 SilcoSet at NPE features a hydraulic nozzle contact force with an electric injection unit. This combination makes the process safe and precise. Special screw seals on the shaft support this argument. Additionally, the spring-loaded return-flow lock of the screw guarantees reproducible closing behavior when processing low-viscosity material.The PX 51-55 SilcoSet, which will be producing special dosing caps (duckbills) for the medical industry at NPE, is part of the new, all-electric injection molding machine series from KraussMaffei. "The PX series combines the advantages of an all-electric injection molding machine with maximum modularity. Our customers appreciate the high degree of variety and flexibility, both in configuring the right machine, for example, using our wide range of clamping unit and injection unit combinations, and in production or retrofitting," adds Caprio. For example, the PX 51-55 at NPE features larger platens for the next level of clamping force. The larger clearance corresponds to an increased maximum mold weight. This makes it possible to install a larger mold, even at a clamping force of 500 kN. Large clamping units, small injection units – in production, this means that no more space is taken up than what is required for the production order.
