By John Osborne, UT staff
Munich, Germany-Krauss-Maffei Kunstofftechnik GmbH has developed an electric mould carrier which it claims will improve the productivity of polyurethane processing plants.
The machinery maker claims that the product's "extremely robust and low-maintenance electric drive systems compare very favourably with other mould carrier concepts. With no hydraulic drives, operation is energy efficient and clean. Easy access and freedom of movement for the operator are part of the system's excellent ergonomics."
Currently, the main application for electric mould carriers is backfoaming vehicle instrument panels. Krauss-Maffei is currently working to expand the application range to other large-area PUR parts.
According to Krauss Maffei extra mobility with the electric mould carriers makes the operator's job of inserting blanks or skins in the moulds far easier. "It also improves part removal ergonomics. Each of the two platens is driven by two electric motors to avoid unbalanced drive torques," said Krauss-Maffei's statement.
Krauss-Maffei said that shorter cycle times help to improve mould carrier performance, and "robust, reliable drive systems that minimize downtime and increase system availability."
The electric mould carrier is opened and closed by a robust belt drive capable of high-speed movements. Krauss-Maffei claims that this design is "insensitive to shock and vibration." Maintenance is lower than for other drive types, such as toothed belts, chain drives or circulating spindle drives, the firm adds.
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