With the new size of the clamping force of 11,000 kN, KraussMaffei expands the range of the GX series by focusing on packaging and logistics applications. The latest member of the GX series has the well-known two-storey space-saving design, the GearX and GuideX clamping elements, the modular configuration and a wide range of equipment options, such as the energy-saving BluePower servo drive.
With an example from the packaging industry, KraussMaffei demonstrates at the exhibition its competence. On a GX 1100-12000, Buckets of polypropylene with a capacity of 20 liters each are injected in two cavities and decorated by in-mould-labeling (IML). The shot weight is about 1,500 grams with a cycle time of just 14 seconds. The available speed option ensures very fast injection speeds (up to 700 mm/s depending on the injection unit) as well as fast clamping movements. The dry cycle time is shorted by almost half a second. The benefit comes clear when calculating with 8,000 production hours a year – in total almost 130,000 buckets can be produced with the speed option. The HPS barrier screw for polyolefins that is used here allows for particularly fast melting and high shot weights thanks to the high L/D ratio of 26. The HPS barrier screws deliver a plasticizing performance up to 40 % higher than the conventional high-performance screws from KraussMaffei. Digital services control and monitor the entire manufacturing process of the IML buckets. The APC Plus machine function ensures extreme consistency in component weight and thus high product quality by controlling the changeover point from injection pressure to holding pressure, as well as the holding pressure level, from shot to shot. Additionally, the dwell time of the polypropylene in the plasticizing unit is monitored for the first time, which ensures a high material quality. The DataXplorer, in turn, provides a detailed view of the depth of the process by storing up to 500 signals every 5 milliseconds as continuous graphs—for instance, signals from the machine itself or special signals such as the mould cavity pressure. The digital information from the injection moulding process and the information from the automation and peripherals flows converge in a new data collection point, which enables the customer to control and monitor its production flow specifically. Connection to an MES system is also possible. The GX 1100 at the trade show is the first KraussMaffei machine equipped with the Smart Operation control option of the product brand Netstal. Presented at the Fakuma 2018, the function allows for a separation between the application development and the later operation of the machine in production. The user benefits from a simplified operation and further increases in the efficiency of its production system.
