Last Updated on July 27, 2022 by
Injection molding is becoming increasingly popular in the production of a wide range of thermoplastic items. With rapid advancements in injection molding machine technology, such as multi-color models and hydraulic clamping options, these machines are becoming more popular among large-scale producers.
Mold change systems can be used to quickly and efficiently change molds, regardless of how big or tiny they are. Especially to improve the efficiency and production of this equipment.
All mold change systems can be configured with a variety of quick mold clamps, hydraulic pumps, and other relevant accessories to provide the highest potential productivity improvements. Working environment safety will improve considerably as a result of these solutions, while labor expenses will be reduced.
The efficiency of the entire production process determines the competitiveness of an injection molding manufacturer. The key factors for optimizing the whole efficiency of the manufacturing process are introduced in this article.
Table of Contents
Optimization
For the desired flow (turbulent) of water through each node, the pipe architecture is plotted for the piping network and then simulated realistically on computers with the help of software. During simulation, it’s also made sure that back pressure from the heat exchanger doesn’t prevent water from flowing through the mold. Forged gate valve plays an important role in regulating the water flow.
The pump(s), pipe diameter, and cooling tower are chosen and the design is optimized accordingly. New plants and existing plants can both benefit from improved design.
Cooling
Better management of cooling time, which is the most important aspect in the plastic molding cycle and one of the deciding criteria for quality requirements, will greatly enhance production.
In the plastic processing industry, having a reliable and constant cooling system is critical. Water cooling is frequently overlooked, and as a result, energy is wasted because the equipment is located far from the production area. As a result, it is frequently overlooked, and no attention is paid to it unless there is an issue or a breakdown.
Another issue is that cooling lines are frequently extended as the number of machines or capacities rise, without regard for the available cooling capacity.
Maintenance and Durability
The use of a new filter and oil cooling concept in hydraulic machinery results in an enhanced oil lifetime of 40,000 hours and decreased maintenance expenses. Linear platen steering systems help minimize maintenance costs and improve precision (from platen parallelism).
Because of the competitive nature of the plastics sector, businesses such as polymer insulator manufacturers are constantly seeking ways to increase production while lowering unplanned downtime and expenses. While hydraulic oils account for a minor portion of total maintenance spending, they have the potential to boost efficiency and performance in plastic manufacturing operations.
Saving Energy
Energy consumption can be reduced by up to 20% when barrels are properly insulated. Active drive, when combined with variable speed pumps, can save up to 45 percent on longer cycle times while having less of an influence on fast-cycling processes.
Moving from hydraulic to electric drive dosage potentially saves enough energy to pay for itself in less than two years. Integrated energy control provides for energy consumption optimization by comparing alternative machine setups fast.
Rates of Production
It’s all about instilling accountability while also recognizing and rewarding excellence. It’s crucial to have a well-trained and passionate workforce, but you should also have checks in place to identify bottlenecks in your production processes or places where your training may have fallen short.
Making rewards available for team members who continuously surpass objectives or maintain safe work practices without losing efficiency is typically a measurable benefit. Manufacturing companies have reported significant labor cost reductions just by rewarding safe and high-quality work.
Materials and Design
It’s worth remembering that simplifying your injection molding process includes the art of product design as well. Your product design will follow suit if you’re working with pure injection molding. The same may be said for things created with 3-D printers.
While 3-D printing can aid in the creation of intricate geometric shapes and product designs, injection molding necessitates a keen eye for detail. The physical properties of your product should allow polymers to flow smoothly into your mold.
Avoid typical problems like warping, knit lines, sinking, and a range of other faults that waste resources and time by getting this correctly.
Conclusion
You can assist reduce waste to a minimum and making the most efficient use of your supplies, staff, and equipment by remembering these essentials the next time you embark on new product development.
Read More: 5 Questions To Ask Before You Hire An Injection Molding Company
