ENGEL Applies e-max Benefits to LSR Applications

ENGEL has added its vast experience in liquid silicone rubber (LSR) injection molding to the speed, productivity and energy savings of the all-electric ENGEL e-max machine for a system that is unparalleled in the industry.

ENGEL, a world leader in the design and manufacture of injection molding machines and part-handling automation systems, introduces at NPE2009 a liquid silicone rubber (LSR) injection molding application on its popular all-electric e-max 200/110 US injection molding machine. The LSR application is a 16-cavity silicone boot, with mold supplied by GW Silicones, in the ENGEL exhibit (#S24000) at NPE2009, June 22-26, 2009.
ENGEL pioneered LSR technology more than two decades ago, and was the first to introduce an LSR application to all-electric injection molding, and at NPE2009 introduce this versatile technology to the ENGEL e-max.
The all-electric ENGEL e-max injection molding machine provides direct benefits to LSR molding that most competitor all-electrics do not, such as servo-drive control for all movements (no hydraulic required for carriage or ejector movements.)

“The servo-drive on the e-max injection unit offers a precise and repeatable switch-over position and speed control,” said Steve Broadbent, LSR Project Engineer. “On the injection carriage you gain precise control of nozzle stroke and speed, as well as contact force. And on the ejector strokes, the servo-drive offers the precise speed, pressure and position control necessary for demolding delicate silicone parts.”

The longer stroke of the e-max toggle clamp offers precise position control for venting and coining applications in LSR. In addition, the e-max’s tiebar strain gauge offers actual clamp pressure reading as well as closed loop clamp pressure control.

Features of the LSR control include:
• vacuum monitoring
• pneumatic valve gate control
• interface for a programmable demolding device
• mold heat zones with optimization
• programmable air valves

Introduced in North America in 2008, the ENGEL e-max offers the highest levels of performance, precision and flexibility in a cost-effective package that fits in a small industrial footprint. Available in sizes from 55 to 200 US tons and fitting in a space as small as 12 x 4 feet (for the 55 ton machine), the e-max is designed to ENGEL’s stringent quality and reliability standards.

 “ENGEL was one of the first machine manufacturers to be involved in LSR injection molding,” said Steve Braig, President & CEO Engel North America. “The flexibility, speed and productivity of the ENGEL e-max make it the ideal machine for LSR applications.”