Slideshow: NPE2015 Preview

SigmaSoft Virtual Molding technology from Sigma Plastic Services is designed to evaluate and optimize injection molding processes and molds for increased efficiency, productivity and part quality. The software considers the specific physical and thermal properties of each component of the mold, then uses processing conditions to virtually reproduce multiple consecutive cycles, representing what happens in the molding machine during the manufacturing process.

Millutensil spotting presses feature a specially designed tilting table that allows a mold to be repositioned from 0 to 180 degrees without it having to be removed from the press, as it would on a traditional spotting press. According to the company, this is particularly useful in producing complex components, such as bi-component and bi-color molds.

Slide Products will showcase four mold cleaners that are newly registered NSF P1, including IPA (isopropyl alcohol), a fast-evaporating cleaner that contains no chlorinated solvents and can remove silicone, grease, oil and wax buildup on metal surfaces. It leaves no residue, and thus does not require wiping. NSF is a continuation of the USDA approval program for products used in plastics processing for food applications.

GF Machining Solutions will demonstrate its Laser 1000 5Ax machine, which uses a fully digital process to perform high-precision five-axis texturing and engraving operations for molds with complex part designs. The machine processes 2D and 3D details from a high-quality digital image, reproducing specific textures, engravings, marks or labels in virtually all batch sizes.

Incoe Corp. offers its HEM miniature hydraulic valve gate cylinder, which allows closer spacing of gating points and creates enough space for supply lines as well. This feature is possible because the outlets for the cooling lines can be arranged in four different directions, the company says.

MoldMender micro welders from Rocklin Manufacturing repair plastic injection molds, rubber processing molds, and die-casting molds and steel dies. Typical applications include parting lines, corners/edges, pin holes/scratches and machining errors.

Crest Mold Technology is collaborating on processing demonstrations with developers from Milacron, Single, Contura, ICS Laser, MoldMasters, DME, RJG and Trexel MuCell, as well as material suppliers. Molds designed and built by the company will produce parts in the Milacron booth (W2703) and the Single booth (W8649).

KraussMaffei will debut for the U.S. market its GXH multi-component injection molding machine, which features two injection units arranged in parallel to guide melt directly into the respective mold halves, reducing the number of dead spots in the hot runner. At the show, a GXH 550-1400 will work in combination with an LRX linear robot to produce covers for automobile fog lights using a mold produced by Proper Group International.

Mold Craft will team up with Celanese, Sodick and LPKF to mold a vented processor housing, a complex part that simulates a medical device cover, using laser direct structuring (LDS). Mold Craft created the small, thin-walled part with different surface finishes, special cavity inserts and very tight tolerances. It will be made from Celanese Vectra LCP material, and molded on an LP20EH3 micro injection molding machine from Sodick (W163). LPKF (S16133) engineered the feature-rich design of complex circuitry on the part.