Functional integration made easy
07.11.2016
Functional integration and the combination of various colors and plastics, such as thermoplastics, elastomers, and polyurethanes, are possible with the new GX series multi-component injection molding machines from KraussMaffei.
Functional integration made easy
- NPE to showcase US premiere of new KraussMaffei GX series multi-component injection molding machines
- Five variants offer customized solutions for the North American market
- New integrated rotary table reduces cycle time
Functional integration and the combination of various colors and plastics, such as thermoplastics, elastomers, and polyurethanes, are possible with the new GX series multi-component injection molding machines from KraussMaffei. KraussMaffei is using the NPE (West Hall, Level 2 Hall A, Booth W903) as the occasion to launch the latest variants on the US market, reinforcing its leading position in multi-component injection molding. Live at the trade show booth, a GXH 550-1400/1400, in combination with a LRX linear robot, will produce covers for fog lamps.
KraussMaffei is the global leader in multi-component injection molding. "With the Multinject technology based on the CX, GX, and MX series, we cover small, mid-size, and large clamping force options from 350 to 55,000 kN," says Paul Caprio, President of the Krauss-Maffei Corporation in the USA. With a total of five variants of the GX twin-platen injection molding machine, KraussMaffei is now completing its portfolio of injection molding machines in the medium clamping force range. The new GXH, GXL, GXV, GXW and GXZ provide ideal conditions for multi-component injection molding. Another highlight is the new integrated turntable. A servo-electric drive unit ensures especially fast rotations, parallel movement and precise positioning.
Preventing dead corners in the hot runner
Depending on requirements and product the customer can select suitable positioning of the injection units and the optional turntable. The H in GXH stands for the symbolic arrangement of two or more injection units in parallel. "Using the horizontal arrangement, the melt is guided directly into the respective mold-half. This way, so-called dead corners in the hot runner are reduced," says Caprio. Additional advantages of injection units arranged in parallel are the simplified mold design and space-saving design of the entire machine. Typical end applications of GXH are found in the manufacture of technical and optical vehicle components. 2-component screw-cap closures for the packaging industry can also be produced efficiently. Advantages of the GearX locking mechanism and the GuideX guide shoe developed by KraussMaffei are apparent in fast cycle times with minimal energy consumption.
The L in GXL on the other hand stands for the lateral horizontal positioning of the second injection unit. Thanks to the modular design of the GX series, small and large shot weights can be implemented. Third in the group is the new GXV with vertical positioning of the second injection unit, which allows access to the main injection unit. The V injection unit can be moved entirely out of the clamping unit area for the mold change to substantially improve accessibility. The distinguishing feature of the GXZ is a new piggyback structure with parked position. When exchanging the main injection unit, this results in shorter times for changing the plasticizing unit. The GXW stands for the SpinForm swivel plate technology and offers twice the output (more cavities). This way, large and complex components with functional integration can be produced almost effortlessly.
The new multi-component injection molding machines of the KraussMaffei GX series enable a wide processing spectrum. Not only two, but up to four different components can be processed and combined. "The requirements for multifunctional components consisting of three or more materials continue to increase. The modular configuration of additional injection units make 3- or 4-color machines an easy possibility. All units are controlled centrally by the KraussMaffei MC6 control system," Caprio adds.