THIN WALL MOULDING | INNOVATION
er 720 A, with a clamping force of 2,900 kN and a new size 1300 injection unit, to demonstrate that high-quality injection moulding technology can be a viable alternative to thermoforming for produc- ing cups. The machine also achieved high injection volume flows and injection speeds of up to 400 mm/s due to high-precision servo motors from sister company AMK. In addition to the Ultimate option for high-speed and sophisticated processes, Arburg now provides the option of two other performance levels for its Alldrive series. Premium and Comfort variants offer injection speeds of up to 260 and 200 mm/s respec- tively and, while the latter is comparable to standard hydraulic machines in terms of performance, the former has additional equipment for special process- es and up to 15% shorter dry cycle times. The exhibit used a four-cavity mould to produce thin-walled IML cups from PP by means of ICM with a flowpath/wall thickness ratio of 380:1. Four moulded parts, each weighing 12g and with a wall thickness of only 0.37 mm, are produced in a cycle time of 3.95 s. For its part, Trexel produced cost-effective, individual, returnable thermal cups on an electric Allrounder 520 A with Gestica control system and MuCell package. The cups can be used repeatedly, are lighter than the common disposable alterna- tives made of paper, and use significantly less material. The application was developed in a co-operative project between Arburg, Bockatech, Borealis (material), Trexel (MuCell foaming), Roboplas (IML automation) and MCC Verstraete (IML labels). A cup weighing 14g and holding 430 mm is produced in a cycle time of around 5.5 s. The PP base material is enriched both chemically with a blowing agent and physically with nitrogen through the MuCell process and this homogene- ous solution is injected through a hot runner with a needle-type shut-off nozzle. The single-cavity mould then opens and the part foams up. An innovative, patent-pending solution for stack mould systems in thin-wall injection moulding has been developed by hot runner specialist Oerlikon HRSflow. The new Xp series of valve gate nozzles are designed to withstand high filling pressures up to 2,200 bar and enable fast injection and cycle times in a stable process with high part weight consistency. Assembly is simplified and highly efficient thanks to a plug-and-play installation. This hot runner system, which enables the use of smaller injection moulding machines, allows perfectly symmetrical systems with up to 8 plus 8 drops to be supplied, with a minimum pitch between cavities of 65 mm and between nozzle
www.injectionworld.com
and inlet of 120 mm. Materials companies are also offering solutions for injection moulders of packaging. Fast-growing Oman-based enterprise OQ has recently introduced Luban HP2151T, a high-flow reactor (60 MFI) grade PP homopolymer targeting thin wall packaging. Luban HP2151T is said to deliver a multitude of
benefits. Firstly, it provides a more sustainable solu- tion for rigid food packaging manufacturers, requiring up to 15% less energy to convert, and cutting up to 8% of CO2 emissions during the moulding phase. Secondly, its higher flowability combined with increased stiffness and top load performance allow packaging designers to use less material. It is designed for transparent packaging and offers up to 25% lower haze as well as improved gloss and fresh look over benchmark products. Last but not least, the advanced nucleation system in its formulation means less warpage and rapid cooling. Luban HP2151T was developed in response to
several industry demands and trends. Consumers are increasingly seeking packaging solutions with improved aesthetic appeal and lower environmen- tal footprint, while moulders require materials offering increased productivity and lightweighting potential. Looking ahead, OQ is set to strengthen its thin wall packaging solutions further with additional Luban family launches. The electronics thin-wall moulding market is the
target for a new product from materials supplier Avient. Last September, the group announced the addition of new laser weldable PC grades to its Edgetek portfolio of specialty thermoplastics. The new formulations are intended for applications in small appliances, personal care products, consum- er electronics, healthcare devices, and industrial electronics. They can help manufacturers produce highly reliable, and flash-free welds in thin-wall parts with increasing geometric complexity and improved aesthetical standards.
CLICK ON THE LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION: �
www.berryglobal.com �
www.sabic.com �
www.netstal.com �
www.engelglobal.com �
www.bmb-spa.com �
www.wittmann-group.com �
www.arburg.com �
www.hrsflow.com �
https://oq.com/en �
www.avient.com
March 2023 | INJECTION WORLD 21
Above: The new Xp series of valve gate nozzles has been devel- oped by hot runner specialist Oerlikon HRSflow for thin wall packaging
IMAGE: OERLIKON HRSFLOW
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
