automation | IMD
sensor foils. “In this manner we were able to implement this unique new IML/IMD technology from PolyIC in a custom-tailored form using a practice-tested cell concept. An important aspect for users, who naturally place great value on maximum fl exibility and availability”, says Hausmann. The system, which is based on a Systec 210-430 moulding machine, uses a single cavity mould from Emskirchen, Germany-based HBW-Gubesch producing a multi-touch PMMA display within a decorative frame. A feed unit from Kurz is installed on the clamping side of the mould space to insert a backing foil carrying a decorative coating of an individual image from above the mould into the cavity. This foil, which is also produced by Kurz, is positioned precisely in the mould during the tool closing operation.
Above: IML and IMD were combined to produce this multi-touch
PolyIC display in a single
moulding step – IML for
function, IMD for decoration
freedom. Sumitomo Demag worked with PolyIC and Kurz and a number of process and automation specialist partners to design a modular production system for combination of the IML/IMD processes based on a 210 tonne hydraulic Systec moulding machine. These partners included HBW-Gubesch Kunststoff-Engineering for the injection moulding tool, SAR Electronic for robot- supported automation, Max Petek for the clean room equipment, and Kist Maschinenbau for UV foil curing and cleaning. The PolyTC production process developed by
Sumitomo Demag is a novelty, but the modular system concept realised for production of the multi-touch display is based on IML/IMD installations supplied to the automotive industry, according to Markus Hausmann in Sumitomo Demag’s technical marketing department. IML/IMD combinations are becoming common in the car industry, he says. Volkswagen, for example, uses 13 IML/IMD units for components in the Golf VII at its production site at Braunschweig in Germany. This system concept has now been expanded to include magazine feeding and handling of the PolyTC
At the same time as the decorative foil is being positioned, a suspended six-axis TX90 robot from Stäubli removes the PolyIC pre-cut functional foil label from the IML magazine and places it on the injection side of the mould tool. The foil is fi xed precisely in the mould to a tolerance of ±0.2 mm and is retained in place by means of a vacuum. The mould is then closed and the PMMA injected through a fi lm gate to produce the display panel. Mould temperature regulation is achieved using a
Variotherm tool tempering unit from GWK. The Systec machine is also equipped for transparent plastics processing with a multi-layer screw feed and a four-piece coated non-return valve , which ensures high melt quality and appearance. During the injection moulding process, the
decoration on the IMD foil separates from the backing and attaches itself to the front of the moulding while the IML functional foil is back-moulded to form the rear of the display. Electronic connection is provided by fl exible fi lm contact elements integrated within the PolyTC foil. In this manner, a transparent multi-touch display with a high quality decorative frame is produced in one shot. To ensure proper function of the display the entire
From left to right: Placing of the PolyTC IML label on the injection side of the tool; Positioning of the decorative foil; Removal of the fi nished touch sensitive display
30 INJECTION WORLD | July/August 2013
www.injectionworld.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60