Fakuma 2014 review | Product news
Engel launches e-Pic entry level automation
Engel introduced a novel new pick-and-place automation option for moulders looking for a space saving and cost-effec- tive option for simple part removal duties such as extraction, conveyor stacking and sprue cutting. The e-Pic robot combines
linear movements with a swivel arm that accesses the mould space from above. According to the company, the servo-motor driven system has been designed to provide the best combination of perfor- mance and economy – it claims it consumes half the energy required for a Carte- sian robot of the same size. It can also operate inside the standard machine safety guarding on machines with integrated conveyor. According to Engel chief
technology offi cer Dr Stefan Engleder, an important contributor to the speed and effi ciency of the unit is the use of weight-optimised compo- nents. The company has
Solvay raises performance limits
Solvay Specialty Polymers unveiled a 30% glass-rein- forced AvaSpire polyaryleth- erketone (PAEK) grade claimed to provide improved mechanical performance and easier processing compared to current (PEEK) products. AvaSpire AV-652 offers
designed the swivel arm as a thermoplastic composite component produced in a combination of continuous carbon fi bre reinforced thermoplastic PA sheet over-moulded with a short carbon fi bre reinforced PA resin.
Engleder said this compos-
ite solution is its preferred option but is currently being evaluated against an alumini- um alternative. “We have made the fi rst parts but we are still trying to optimise the process,” he said. “The e-Pic will launch
in March and by then we will know if it will be possible.” The e-Pic is designed for
horizontal and vertical part removal on machines up to 220 tonnes. Load capacity is 2kg. The robot can be used on Engel moulding machines as well as equipment from other manufacturers. All electronics are integrated, so no external cabinet is required, and programming is via a touch panel. Integration with Engel’s CC300 machine controller is supported.
www.engelglobal.com
10% to 15% greater strength and stiffness compared to current 30% glass-fi lled PEEK grades, the company claims. It also achieves better mechanical tough- ness with impact resistance values 20-30% higher than those of glass-fi lled PEEK with a similar glass loading and melt fl ow.
Modulus is said to be
improved over the range from room temperature to 200°C, with a 70% improve- ment over 30% glass-rein- forced PEEK at tempera- tures in excess of 160°C. AV-652 is aimed at injection moulding applica- tions.
www.solvay.com
RocTool takes surface quality to new level
Heat-cool moulding technology company Roctool partnered with microcellular moulding specialist Trexel, metal
engineering group GF Agie Charmilles and injection machine maker Engel to demonstrate production of thin wall, lightweight parts with enhanced surface reproduction. Heat-cool, or variotherm, moulding is well known for its ability to eliminate surface blemishes in
challenging parts and 22 INJECTION WORLD | November/December 2014
Roctool has previously demonstrated the system producing high gloss surfaces when used with Trexel’s Mucell microcellular moulding process, which typically results in a striated surface fi nish. This application – an
automotive centre console fascia moulded in PC/ABS - stretched the process further to reproduce fi ne surface detail
from the mould surface produced using Agie Charmilles 3D laser etching technology. The part, which was moulded on a 550 tonne Engel Duo machine and showed no sink marks or weld lines, incorporated fi ne surface details, large glossy areas, and varying wall thicknesses.
www.roctool.com
www.injectionworld.com
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