TECHNOLOGY | ENERGY MANAGEMENT


Right: Milacron says the newest Fanuc Roboshot Alpha S-iB all-electric machines incorporate new servo drive technology that is 10-15% more energy efficient than competing models


converter to capture and return braking energy for the moving platen or injection unit and send it to the power supply grid. The approach replaces use of a regenerative resistor component, which is designed to capture the braking energy as thermal energy and hold it within the electrical cabinet of the press. The increased cabinet temperature required use of a cooling fan or air conditioner, which is eliminated with the updated approach. LS Mtron is also developing artificial intelligence technologies that look at improving initial process settings and part weight control during production to reduce the time and raw materials consumed, while using the weight data to minimise the occurrence of part defects. Its Smart Weight Control will automatically adjust process param- eters in real time to calibrate for product weight fluctuations. Its M-GA AI moulding assistant learns the process environment to improve productivity. Milacron rolled out the new Fanuc Roboshot


Alpha-SiB series of all-electric machines in 2021 featuring an updated controller and standard features that were options on the previous Fanuc Roboshot Alpha-SiA models. The fully electric series continues a partnership with Fanuc of Japan and features that company’s high performance servo motors and amplifiers. The Fanuc Roboshot line incorporates four servo motors, with each governing a main axis of motion. The servo motor drive technology offers low energy consumption which is 10-15% better versus a comparable all electric machine and 70% less energy-consuming compared to a hydraulic unit of similar clamping tonnage. The new line features an advanced servo drive system that meets EN201 and ANSI standards


and allows for the Jam Bar to be removed. The new Alpha-SiB line comes in five clamp tonnages (55, 110, 140, 165 and 240 tonnes) with smaller injection capacity models available in multiple sizes for high precision moulding applica- tions. The new series includes a higher performing control panel, the Panel iH Pro, which delivers 2.6 times higher resolution compared to the Alpha S-iA controller. The controller has a 21.5-in full HD (1,920 x 1,080 pixel) screen which runs the Win- dows 10 IoT based operating system. The control- ler has improved graphics and a new screen layout, including Multi-screen and Multi-Sub Data viewing areas. Other features include quicker set-ups and data viewing, and a help function with an improved response via swipe and pinch functions. The new line also comes with Roboshot Linki2,


its updated product and quality management software that allows the user to view its entire moulding network from any machine. “Using Modbus and SPI communications, we’ve devel- oped capabilities that will reduce human error in operation and allowing for the creation of custom shut-down sequences using the Roboshot custom- ised I/O feature using ADD/OR logic,” says Kent Royer, Milacron’s Technical Product Manager for Roboshot. I/O is expanded for improved automa- tion/sequencing. The new generation machines include increased


standard injection pressures, increased standard injection velocity/rates, longer standard tie bars on select models, 3-stage air ejection and expanded screw diameters. Other features are increased mould stack height, precision clamp force control for consistent venting and reduced mould wear. Arburg announced several new software


Above: Arburg has added software features to its Gestica control system that help the moulder operate more efficiency, like its aXw Control EnergyAssist function to optimise energy usage


18 INJECTION WORLD | June 2022


features to its Gestica control system that increase ease of use and efficiency. The four smart ArburgX- world (aXw) Control assistant functions incorpo- rated into the Gestica control allow the control system to know some aspect of the environment the machine is operating in. Its new aXw Control EnergyAssist function is


www.injectionworld.com


IMAGE: ARBURG


IMAGE: MILACRON


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