Arburg focuses on production efficiency at Fakuma 2015

Arburg presents "production efficiency" as its main topic at Fakuma 2015 with the focus on "Industrie 4.0 - powered by Arburg". The eight Allrounders and three Freeformers on Stand 3101 in Hall A3  demonstrate innovative applications and processes, such as multi-component injection molding of buttons from two silicones (LSR) for the automotive sector and handles for Gardena garden saws, the innovative Profoam process for foamed lightweight parts in vehicle interiors and efficient practical examples of micro injection moulding, packaging and medical technology. One highlight is the individualization of mass-production parts by combining injection molding and additive manufacturing, including networking with Industry 4.0 technologies.

Focusing in particular on applications for the packaging industry, Arburg presents a Packaging version of the hybrid Allrounder 820 H with a clamping force of 3,700 kN and a size 1300 injection unit for the first time at the Fakuma 2015. The high-speed machine produces PP folding baskets for fruit (dimensions 175 x 175 x 85 mm) in a cycle time of around 5.8 seconds. An electric two-component Allrounder 470 A with a clamping force of 1,000 kN and two injection units in L-position (sizes 170 and 30) will manufacture buttons for car interiors from liquid silicone rubber (LSR).

Another two-component application will be demonstrated on a hydraulic Allrounder 570 S with a clamping force of 2,000 kN and size 400 and 170 injection units. For the medical technology sector, an electric Allrounder 470 A with a clamping force of 1,000 kN and a size 170 injection unit will use an 8-cavity mold from Männer to demonstrate the production of y-shaped connectors for infusion therapy in a cycle time of around twelve seconds. The highlight of this application is the lateral injection via a hot runner using a needle-type shut-off nozzle and the demoulding of PMMA parts, each weighing 0.8 grams, from three sides.

Arburg is presenting the new Profoam foaming technique as an example of efficient lightweight construction. A hydraulic Allrounder 630 S with a clamping force 2,500 kN and a size 1300 injection unit will produce a movable housing for use in car interiors.

Arburg combines an Allrounder injection molding machine and the Freeformer for additive manufacturing as part of a fully networked and automated production line. Based on the example of the individualization of high-volume parts, this is an impressive demonstration of how Industry 4.0 ranges far beyond the injection molding sector. This application represents a milestone in additive manufacturing, marking the first time that the Freeformer has been automated, personalizing injection molded office scissors with 3D lettering in an additive process.

At the Fakuma 2015, a Freeformer additively manufacture a "Nautilus gear", combining the part production and assembly steps. The ABS component, consisting of two intermeshing asymmetrical gears and a bridge piece, is produced in a single step in a build time of around two hours. The gears are immediately functional as soon as the supporting structure has been removed in hot water and no assembly is required.