With the PX 320, a single production step creates a complete ten-inch HMI display (human-machine interface) with integrated electronics, black decorative frame and scratch-proof coating. For this purpose, a six-axis robot inserts the IML film (IML = InMold Labeling) with printed conductor paths on the nozzle side. In addition, on the ejector side, an IMD film (IMD = InMold Decoration) with single-image decor runs through the mold, transferring its paint with design layer and UV-hardening top coat to the component. Beside the IMD film for the HMI display, another film runs through the mold and provides a second cavity with another decor. This is possible thanks to the IMD SI DUO film feed from the company Leonhard Kurz, which is the first worldwide to be able to position two single-image decors independently of each other with a hundredth of a millimeter accuracy, for which a patent is pending. The second decor presented at Fakuma shows dead-front surface aesthetics, which comes to life only with backlighting and then reveals operating symbols, for example.

As with the IMD SI DUO, the additional process is also completely integrated into the very compact manufacturing cell. On the conveyor belt, UV lamps ensure the hardening of the scratch-proof layer (at Fakuma, this function will be deactivated for safety reasons), followed by a laser station, which first removes flakes and flash and then cuts the sprue and provides a waste box. Industrial robots with sophisticated gripper technology operate in minimal space for this function. A cleanroom hood from the company Max Petek Reinraumtechnik above the clamping unit provides the technical cleanroom and ensures a dust-free mold chamber in order to prevent inclusions, which would render the components unusable. A further advantage of the new PX 320 at Fakuma: The cell is a mobile unit and can be rapidly docked to other machines by means of mechanical fixture points. This increases flexibility in production, as the machines can be simply operated for components with or without IMD technology.

Positive market for all-electric machines

“The market for all-electric injection molding machines is developing very positively, especially in Europe and the USA. Manufacturers appreciate the high precision and dynamics, as well as the low energy consumption. With the new PX series, KraussMaffei has set new standards regarding the precision and flexibility of the all-electric injection molding machines, with which we will continue this growth long-term,” said Dr. Hans Ulrich Golz, President of the Injection Molding Machinery segment of the KraussMaffei Group. With the new PX 320 and PX 25, KraussMaffei is expanding the clamping force range at both ends, and will present a complex application case of each at Fakuma.