DIGITAL MANUFACTURING | TECHNOLOGY


settings for motor characteristics. Drive mode selection helps reduce the production of defective products without the need for complex operations. Toyo also added – as standard – its meltcon


automatic resin viscosity adjustment program software, which adjusts the melting state of resin from the perspective of the resin’s viscosity – which can vary due to environmental changes. Meltcon changes heater conditions until viscosity param- eters operate within limits. Other additions to the System800 SE controller include a new check ring wear diagnosis function. In addition, a peripheral machine-linked operation management function synchronises peripheral equipment to the moulding machine in a way that makes it possible to regulate the operation of the moulding machine based on signal inputs from devices outside the machine. By using spare input ports and constructing a new interface, linked operation can be made with peripheral devices, said Hiroyuki Yamakawa, general manager of the sales engineering department. Toyo has also enhanced its industrial IoT options.


Its T-Vision option, for instance, uses a camera with an AI processor installed onto the injection press to detect defects through colour image analysis. T-Station Lite offers integrated management of multiple machines by connecting up to 32 mould- ing machines through an Ethernet connection to a single PC to monitor production efficiency, opera- tion rates and production quality. T-Remote Web connects 32 machines to one PC using a WiFi connection. Here, the plant manager receives an image of the actual control screen of a machine, and can change the machine setting from a tablet, cell phone or PC. There is no need to install apps on the tablet. Remote screen operation is also possible on an Android, iPad or iPhone device, Toyo said.


Smart move Netstal says that its Smart Operation concept – which anchors specific production processes into an injection moulding machine’s control system – has helped a moulder to increase sales. The customer makes dental components and, during production, needed to stop the injection moulding machines regularly in order to lubricate the moulds. This meant an application technician had to be called each time, leading to multiple delays – and production losses. Smart Operation gave the customer an opti- mised solution. By adding specific production processes to the control system, a guided opera- tion was created that can be carried out by mainte- nance personnel – without errors – after brief


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instruction. The customer has equipped several machines with Smart Operation – and reports a six-figure increase in turnover, by eliminating many short waiting times. Now, plant maintenance staff independently access the machine, stop produc- tion, lubricate the tool and return the entire production cell – including the removal robot and packaging system – to production status. Smart Operation can be initiated at the touch of


a button. A total of four ‘smart buttons’ are avail- able, with a colour code on the main screen indicating which buttons can be used to continue. The buttons light up in the corresponding colours. For example, red for ‘stop cycle mode’ or green for ‘start cycle mode’. If certain work steps are also required – such as ejecting the injection unit – this is displayed as an instruction. Execution must be confirmed before the next step can be continued. Netstal says the principle is as intuitive as a


coffee machine that indicates when the coffee grounds container needs to be emptied, or a descaling programme needs to be carried out. Users benefit in several ways: implementing


clearly defined processes protects capital goods from improper operation and cuts the risk of operating errors; repair costs are reduced; and system availability increases. Netstal recommends adding Smart Operation to new machines. It can be retrofitted to existing machines – with Axos 7 and Axos 8 – at any time.


Ecology calculation KraussMaffei has developed a tool that calculates the economic and ecological impact of a machine, digital service product or a lifecycle service product visible over its product lifecycle. In this way, it says the Lifecycle Value Calculator


November/December 2024 | INJECTION WORLD 15


Above: Netstal says its Smart Operation


helps optimise operating processes and increase production efficiency


IMAGE: NETSTAL


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