KraussMaffei
KraussMaffei commissions the largest injection moulding machine to date, the MX 5500 with 5500 tonnes of clamping force, at Weber GmbH & Co. KG
KraussMaffei has launched into 2015 by proving that bigger can sometimes be better with the successful commission of the first large injection moulding machine with a clamping force of 5,500 tonnes.
Since October of last year, the MX 5500 - 75000/75000 at Weber GmbH & Co. in Rhenish Haan has been producing large-volume waste containers for the global market. The scope of delivery also included another large machine from KraussMaffei - the MX 4500 - 7500 - hardware the manufacturer admits has been masterminded "for the very big stuff".
Weber's investment in these two mammoth machines was aimed at purchasing new moulds and thereby attaining greater capacity and greater flexibility in manufacturing. Indeed, large waste containers with a volume of 660 litres - 1,100 litres are pencilled for production. Naturally, such large vessels require large moulds.
Managing Director at Weber Helmut Guntermann explained "The high shot weights and long flow paths require high clamping forces. The new injection moulding machines must also produce locking forces of at least 4500 or 5500 tonnes. The new KraussMaffei machines offered us the best option for our requirements."
In addition to the technical advantages of the MX series, the details behind the implementation showcase the value of the machines. These details include the solid design of the machine bed and the mould fixing platens, as well as the lengthened and widened sliding shoes. An added bonus was the guide for the tiebars in the movable mould plate across the entire opening width of the clamping unit. In short, these technical details provide the best conditions for operation with process reliability using heavy moulds of up to 150 tonnes.
The titans of the MX series are principally characterised by the hydro-mechanical twin-platen clamping unit developed by KraussMaffei. It is particularly compact in design, fast in production and low-maintenance in operation. The locking system is designed for short cycles with precise positioning. Thanks to platen parallelism, the mould is protected and high part quality is ensured.
"Furthermore, the MX series scores points with its high melt quality and superb shot weight consistency," added Klaus Wimberger, Head of Design Engineering at KraussMaffei.
For the design and implementation of the new large machines for Weber, the KraussMaffei Design Engineering department worked closely alongside decision-makers at Weber, resulting in a successful system solution.
"KraussMaffei not only stayed within standards when designing the machines, but also provided the perfect response to our specific requirements. That was a clear benefit," Guntermann stated.
KraussMaffei's many years' experience with large machines already present among Weber's machinery inventory proved its value to the customer. The new MX 5500 and MX 4500 are both equipped with state-of-the-art automation solutions, specifically an LRX 1000 linear handling unit (X stroke of 3000 mm).