Wittmann Battenfeld aims for general-purpose market with new SmartPlus series
By Karen Hanna
Not everyone needs all the options and capabilities of an all-electric machine. For those molders, Wittmann Battenfeld is now offering its new servo-hydraulic, general-plus SmartPlus machines, which represent a more economical alternative to the machines in its all-electric SmartPower series, on which they are based. Like the SmartPower machines, the SmartPlus machines have a kinetic energy recovery system.
Wittmann Battenfeld plans to launch the new series soon with the market release of the series’ smallest size — a 66-tonner — and the display, in October at Fakuma, of its largest — a 198-tonner.
The new machines features the company’s new B8X control system, which enables shorter response times and improved repeatability rate for parts.
They are designed for standard applications that don’t require the full range of options and flexibility provided by the SmartPower series.
The company says it can deliver the SmartPlus with short turnarounds.
At Fakuma, Wittmann Battenfeld plans to exhibit a SmartPlus 180, a 198-ton machine, with a Size 750 injection unit. Working alongside a Gravimax G14 gravimetric blender, Primus 26T robot and Easy Cell safety enclosure, the machine will produce lawn mower hubcaps from a mix of virgin resin and recycled PP. It will be equipped with the company’s HiQ Flow software to compensate for the effects of temperature and batch fluctuations, along with a new maintenance-conditioning system, CMS-Light, which has been specially designed to work with smaller-sized machines.
In addition, all machines in the company’s booth will feature IMAGOxt software, an additional, energy-consumption-tracking module for TEMI+, the company’s MES.
The company plans to release its SmartPlus machines commercially over time, starting with the smallest and progressing in order to the largest. The series will include machines with clamping forces of 66, 99, 132 and 198 tons.
Karen Hanna, senior staff reporter
khanna@plasticsmachinerymagazine.com
Contact:
Wittmann Battenfeld Inc., Torrington, Conn., 860-496-9603, www.wittmann-group.com
