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    1. Injection Molding

    Arburg control features optimize molding process

    July 24, 2020
    Arburg Inc.
    Arburg's Gestica controls offer real-time monitoring that facilitates more efficient production.
    Arburg's Gestica controls offer real-time monitoring that facilitates more efficient production.

    Part 3 of a series on optimizing control systems.

    Arburg continues to enhance its Gestica control system. Its latest developments are the filling assistant and the plasticizing assistant features. 

    The filling assistant calculates the process parameters based on the part simulation to quickly and safely produce good parts.

    Related stories: Usability, artificial intelligence guide Engel's controller developments; Milacron controllers leverage data, iMFLUX capabilities; Haitian targets Industry 4.0 with controllers; Sumitomo emphasizes user-friendliness; Training helps Nissei customers maximize potential; Wittmann Battenfeld's B8 limits downtime, improves quality

    The plasticizing assistant reads the actual condition of the plasticizing unit while in production. It can quickly assess and optimize material processing via data exchange with the cylinder. This turns the cylinder, a key component of the injection molding machine that contains the plasticizing unit and screw, into a “smart” device, the company said. A memory chip on the plasticizing unit exchanges data with the control unit. 

    Arburg Inc.
    Arburg's Gestica controls offer real-time monitoring that facilitates more efficient production.
    Arburg's Gestica controls offer real-time monitoring that facilitates more efficient production.
    The plasticizing assistant reads the data on the chip and automatically calculates parameters such as dwell times and  throughput. This means that material preparation can be quickly evaluated and improved, the company said. Data stored by the plasticizing assistant makes predictive maintenance possible and improves troubleshooting for service technicians.

    The Gestica control unit processes data from both the filling and plasticizing assistants.

    Bruce Adams, senior staff reporter

    [email protected]

    Contact:

    Arburg Inc., Rocky Hill, Conn., 860-667-6500, www.arburg.com

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