KraussMaffei revamps all-electric PX injection molding machines

The new PX series is being relaunched with clamping forces ranging from 90 tons to 225 tons. The original PX series machines were introduced nine years ago.

Stech said the series features a new structural design with optimized arrangement of individual components, new servo-drive technology with electric ejector, and a modular, space-saving enclosure. 

Like previous models, the new series retains large tie-bar spacing to accommodate complex and heavy molds, wider support of the moveable clamping plate for plate parallelism, and linear guide for efficient movement. 

Main axes and the ejector are servo-electric for improved performance and energy reduction. An optional compact, servo-hydraulic auxiliary unit is available. 

Mold cooling and temperature controls, as well as hot-runner controls, have been optimized. 

The new MC7 control system is web-based with intuitive operation, according to Stech. It eases setup, operation and maintenance and increases everyday production efficiency, he added. 

The MC7 meets the future requirements of the Europe Union’s Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), which provides increased protection against cyberattacks.

In addition to the redesigned PX series, KraussMaffei demonstrated new chopped fiber processing (CFP) technology, which enables direct, fiber-friendly compounding of PP and chopped glass fibers in the injection molding process for the first time.  

The new technology is different in that instead of using pre-compounded long glass fiber granulate, separate dosing of PP and glass fiber is possible. Stech said both components can be fed with the molding machine’s conveyor system, homogenized in the cylinder and gently processed by the new CFP screw. 

This processing system eliminates fiber clusters that can occur during processing, so material costs are lower. 

The company said the technology allows processors to individually dose and mix polymers and fibers to develop their own formulas, which can be a competitive advantage. 

The system is retrofittable on KraussMaffei molding machines, and an ROI of one year is possible. 

The CFP process is expected to have a wide range of applications, particularly in automotive, aerospace and technical consumer products. 

Other highlights from KraussMaffei included: 

• The introduction of the BrightStar Electric Press, specifically designed for press lamination and automatic edge-folding applications used in the automotive industry. The modular press has a new electric drive and an innovative heating system that enables precise temperature control for heat-based adhesives. It comes in clamping forces of 5.5 tons, 11 tons and 22 tons. There is also a less expensive version called BrightStar Lite with 5.5 tons of clamping force.  

• A new RimStar iQ dosing machine with a redesigned HMI interface that makes dosing easier to control for less-experienced operators. The unit is designed for eventual autonomous operation, according to KraussMaffei. The iQ dosing system monitors and makes automatic adjustments to compensate for outside influences. 

• The expansion of its additive manufacturing line with the new powerPrint Flex and printCore extruder variations. The company said these modular systems offer maximum flexibility, high productivity and excellent print quality for industrial applications such as mold making and functional end components. KraussMaffei demonstrated the powerPrint Flex in combination with the new printCore extruder in an industrial robot cell. The powerPrint Flex has a vacuum table with 16 heat zones. 

Contact: 

KraussMaffei Corp., Florence, Ky., 859-283-0200, www.kraussmaffei.com