Injection moulding machine manufacturer and automation expert Engel, headquartered in Austria, is supporting the training and further education of specialists in the plastics industry in Belgium. Educational institution PlastIQ has taken delivery of two injection moulding machines with comprehensive inject 4.0 packages. Both future and experienced injection moulding experts are trained.
An Engel victory 330/80 tie-bar-less machine was commissioned at PlastIQ's Circular Material Center in Kortrijk. Another e-victory 310/80 tie-bar-less injection moulding machine is located at the T2 Master Campus in Genk. Both PlastIQ and Engel Benelux offer training courses at the two locations. While the PlastIQ courses primarily focus on the injection moulding process, the courses organised by Engel deal with the CC300 machine control unit, automating injection moulding processes and maintaining Engel injection moulding machines and robots.
Cooperation with PlastIQ sees Engel Benelux further expand its training offerings in the region. Engel operates its own training centres at its sales and service office in Oostakker, Belgium, and at its Dutch subsidiary in Houten.
Communicating the potential of digitalisation in a tangible way
The two training machines supplied to PlastIQ are each equipped with an Engel viper linear robot and intelligent assistance systems from Engel's inject 4.0 programme. PlastIQ is responding here to advancing digitalisation in the plastics industry to familiarise training participants with state-of-the-art injection moulding technology.
For example, fluctuations in the process parameters, such as those that can result from a change in the material batch or changes in the machine environment, can be simulated in order to tangibly convey the potential of smart assistance systems.
In addition to training and advanced training, the two Engel injection moulding machines are used for research and development projects with partner companies and other institutes. It is the mission of PlastIQ to network training and industry, to strengthen the level of qualification in plastics technology and to inspire young people to consider a career in the plastics industry.
