TECHNOLOGY | HOT RUNNERS


Above: The updated HMI 4.0 for the control unit of FlexFlow hot runner systems can show a mould cards archive, which allows


selection of an existing data set or new recipes


packaging with a 2+2 cavity, involving transparent parts. Future developments will include further energy and resin saving measures, as well as improved part quality. Hasco has developed the Vario Shot Xgate, a new


interchangeable needle-valve pre-chamber for its Vario Shot nozzle range. The company says that the wear resistant Vario Shot Xgate simplifies mainte- nance of the injection moulding tool and significant- ly reduces costs. The life of the gates is extended considerably and guarantees good moulding quality over millions of injection cycles. The easily changed pre-chamber with a compact, easy-to-produce tight fit offers precise needle guidance with pre-centring and is also highly resistant to abrasive and chemi- cally aggressive materials. Individually geared to specific applications, the two new variants of the Vario Shot Xgate offer solutions for either amorphous or semi-crystalline plastics. The gate area and contact surfaces can be varied for application-specific temperature control. The needle valve pre-chamber supplements the Vario Shot range, which is noted for its compact dimensions, optimum temperature control, simple servicing and modular design. More than 1,000 nozzle variants enable many demanding applications, from gating on lower distributor manifolds up to high-end needle valve solutions. The wide selection of nozzle lengths with runner and individual nozzles offers an increased level of freedom in mould design, says the company. Oerlikon HRSflow has revised the software for the control unit of its FlexFlow hot runner systems. The company says that the updated HMI 4.0 now makes operation even more intuitive and convenient. Systems with different nozzle types can be integrated and several


38 INJECTION WORLD | November/December 2022


parameter sets can be saved per mould. Extended possibilities have been added to control each servo motor individually for nozzle needle positioning and to monitor process stability. In addition, specific user accounts for individual access authorisations can now be set up and managed. Due to the web connection, access to the control unit is possible regardless of location. According to the company, HMI 4.0 now offers the possibility to control multiple servo motors individually and with specific data. This also enables the handling of systems with mixed nozzle dimensions. For this purpose, the system uses specific mould cards for each tool equipped with the FlexFlow hot runner technology. All the information required by the control system can be uploaded to these cards, including recipes, the number and configuration of servo-electric nozzles. Storing the individual recipes also facilitates changing the working mode of the mould, which is mainly relevant for family tool operations. Even parameters for purging cycles can be integrated. These mould cards can be downloaded on a USB stick to transfer them to another control unit or to save them as a backup. To facilitate individual programming and to


make it even more intuitive, an image of the respective moulded part can be stored on the corresponding card. Individual gating points can be correlated to the respective hot runner nozzle. Double-clicking on them allows for disabling or enabling certain functions and checking the status of the motor. Moreover, the user can manage the operation parameters of each motor to optimise the performance of the related nozzle indepen- dently. A cycle list page provides master diagrams for individual moulding recipes. Overlaying the appropriate diagram for a specific task with the


Left: The new Xp nozzle series from Oerlikon HRSflow enables face-to-face assembly in compact stack moulds


www.injectionworld.com


IMAGE: HRSFLOW


IMAGE: OERLIKON HRSFLOW


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