Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and to a method for controlling and operating a production cell including at least a part of the peripheral equipment associated therewith. Machine sequences based on machine control components that are part of a domain model are established, managed, and executed using a domain language. For a free configurability of machine control components, it is proposed to select a machine control component from a set of predetermined component types, to allocate an admissible technology from a set of technologies to a machine control component, wherein for each technology of a component type a logic is stored, which comprises and defines the interfaces required for the machine control component and the technology, and to connect the connection interfaces of the machine control component to hardware inputs and outputs of existing connections of the production cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and to a device for extracting air in an injection molding device. The device comprises an extraction hood having a housing, in which one or more extraction ducts are provided, wherein the extraction hood can be disposed in the region of the injection nozzle of an injection unit, the housing at least partially encloses the injection nozzle of the injection unit, and air can be extracted from the region of the injection nozzle via openings (38) or ducts (34), and a ventilation device connected to the housing of the extraction hood (16) for flowing. According to the invention, the extraction hood and/or the ventilation device can be adjusted for implementing different extraction intensities in at least two operating modes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a plastic container having a container wall provided with a barrier foil, comprising the following steps: forming a foil body from a barrier foil, the shape of which corresponds to at least part of the container wall of the plastic container to be produced, arranging the foil body in an injection mold, applying a first plastic layer onto a first side of the foil body that corresponds to an inner side or outer side of the plastic container, and applying a second plastic layer onto a second side of the foil body that corresponds to an outside or inside of the plastic container, and to a plastic container comprising a container wall having a barrier foil, wherein the barrier foil is arranged centrally between an inner side and an outer side of the plastic layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for controlling a linear motion axis, particularly of the injection screw (43) or a melt piston for an injection molding machine. Said device comprises a hydraulically driven piston (45) having a piston chamber (A) and a rod chamber (B). According to the solution proposed by the invention, at least one process phase is controlled/regulated by means of two parallel proportional valves, an injection valve (1) and a metering valve (2). The two proportional valves can be connected in parallel or in combination. The control/regulation of the driven piston (45) preferably uses digital technology. An enormous reduction in energy consumption and smooth transitions between the process phases are achieved with a hydraulic linear drive.

Abstract: An auxiliary device and a method for finishing and calibrating preforms that are removed from a multiple tool in an unstable shape, the calibration process being performed with compressed air immediately after removing and withdrawing the preforms from the multiple tool. Nipples that can be inserted into the preforms are provided with expandable press rings or sealing rings in order to seal the interior of the blow-molded part of the preforms. The compressed air is introduced via the nipples, the sealing process being performed by radially expanding the press rings or sealing rings in analogy to the closing process of thermoses, thus protecting the preforms from adverse forces. The sealing point can be randomly selected in the transition zone from the threaded part to the blow-molded part of the preforms. The interior of the blow-molded part is optimally sealed without affecting the form stability and dimensional stability of the preforms.

Abstract: An auxiliary device and a method for finishing and calibrating preforms that are removed from a multiple tool in an unstable shape, the calibration process being performed with compressed air immediately after removing and withdrawing the preforms from the multiple tool. Nipples that can be inserted into the preforms are provided with expandable press rings or sealing rings in order to seal the interior of the blow-molded part of the preforms. The compressed air is introduced via the nipples, the sealing process being performed by radially expanding the press rings or sealing rings in analogy to the closing process of thermoses, thus protecting the preforms from adverse forces. The sealing point can be randomly selected in the transition zone from the threaded part to the blow-molded part of the preforms. The interior of the blow-molded part is optimally sealed without affecting the form stability and dimensional stability of the preforms.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for controlling a linear motion axis, particularly of the injection screw (43) or a melt piston for an injection molding machine. Said device comprises a hydraulically driven piston (45) having a piston chamber (A) and a rod chamber (B). According to the solution proposed by the invention, at least one process phase is controlled/regulated by means of two parallel proportional valves, an injection valve (1) and a metering valve (2). The two proportional valves can be connected in parallel or in combination. The control/regulation of the driven piston (45) preferably uses digital technology. An enormous reduction in energy consumption and smooth transitions between the process phases are achieved with a hydraulic linear drive.

Abstract: The novel invention relates to a method and an apparatus for controlling one or more machines or a production cell with repeatable sequences using a machine controller, and to an operating unit in the form of a man-machine interface (MMI). The novel invention proposes making at least some of the operative control inputs for machine movement using haptic keys which can be programmed for their function and are applied to a screen and/or tactile touchscreen keys which can be seen and sensed, for example with an edge which can be sensed, with a respective associated screen field. The operator is thus provided with a guide function for operation, whether by the fact that he haptically senses the keystroke, for example via snap domes, or by the fact that he only tactually feels an edge around the screen key.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for installation and removal of the plasticizing screw (1) of a piston or drive end (11) of a screw drive system of an injection molding machine by means of a clamp coupling (10). The screw drive system is designed for a controlled linear and rotary movement of the plasticizing screw (1). The coupling is realized via clamping means which are preferably in the form of mechanical clamp coupling (10), wherein the rotary driving power and the screw return force are transferred via frictional engagement, and the axial injection force is transferred via an end stop. The installation and removal operation is supported by being controlled by the screw drive system. The plasticizing screw (1) can also be coupled or decoupled via a releasable compression connection implemented as a heat-shrinkage connection or as a hydraulic tension system (23), wherein the plasticizing screw (1) is introduced during coupling to the end stop.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for finishing and calibrating preforms (10) which are removed from a multiple injection tool in an unstable shape, and proposes an air cooler integrated into the water cooled cooling sleeves (21) for the outer side of the open end face of the preform (10). Particularly in the case of special preform varieties, the areas which are unsupported in the cooling sleeves (21) can be pre-strengthened on the outside, from the beginning of the transfer from the open molds (8, 9) to the removing and cooling sleeves, respectively, by means of a cooling which uses cooling air or low-temperature air. With the novel solution, the highest quality can be assured, in particular with respect to dimensional stability and the absence of pressure points under load, by means of a calibration in the cooling sleeves (32) and the treatment in the area of the aftercooling.

Abstract: An auxiliary device and a method for finishing and calibrating preforms that are removed from a multiple tool in an unstable shape, the calibration process being performed with compressed air immediately after removing and withdrawing the preforms from the multiple tool. Nipples that can be inserted into the preforms are provided with expandable press rings or sealing rings in order to seal the interior of the blow-molded part of the preforms. The compressed air is introduced via the nipples, the sealing process being performed by radially expanding the press rings or sealing rings in analogy to the closing process of thermoses, thus protecting the preforms from adverse forces. The sealing point can be randomly selected in the transition zone from the threaded part to the blow-molded part of the preforms. The interior of the blow-molded part is optimally sealed without affecting the form stability and dimensional stability of the preforms.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an injection-molding machine with modular structure. In the solution proposed, to optimize logistics, in particular transport, the design and the construction of at least the mould-clamping mechanism side (7) and the injection system side (8) of the machine are modular. There are central unitary mounting and coupling interfaces (13 and 14 or 15, 15?, 15?) by way of which a mould-clamping module (1), a system module (16) and a drive module (17) are connected. The three modules can be selected freely from appropriate ranges of mould-clamping modules and system modules and drive modules.

Abstract: The invention relates to an injector unit and a method for the control of the injection process into the cavities of injection moulding tools. The novel solution permits the injection of thin-walled injection moulding pieces (76, 77), with both electrically- and hydraulically-driven injector screws. One of the most important features thereof is the active selection of the opening time of the locking system at an optimal pressure in the compression chamber, preferably in the region of the upper half of the compression. The volumetric transfer flow is thus significantly improved in thin-walled injection moulding pieces (76, 77). Above all the melting pressure in the tool, the flow speed and the useful flow path in the cavities are increased.

Abstract: The invention relates to a manufacturing inspection method for the cyclic production of injection-molded parts in multi-cavity casting molds involving a row-by-row monitoring of the injection-molded parts after they are removed from the casting molds, said monitoring being effected by sensors, particularly, photoelectric barriers. The invention also relates to an inspection device used during the cyclic production of injection-molded parts in multi-cavity casting molds involving a row-by-row monitoring of the injection-molded parts after they are removed from the casting molds, said monitoring being effected by sensors, particularly, photoelectric barriers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel method for producing precision parts, especially flat optical data carriers. According to the inventive method, the embossing procedure is program-controlled on the basis of the path function of an electromechanical or hydraulic drive of the driven mold half. When a servomotor is used, the internal path signal thereof can be directly used for calculating the path function or for operating the program control. The novel method allows for a complete speed control of the embossing phase. All factors that can be mechanically influenced from the exterior are detected in more detail for the conditions before and during the embossing phase, thereby allowing for an optimum precision and reproducibility.

Abstract: The novel solution provides a closing part comprising an electromechanical drive for a CD injection molding machine having a working stroke and a servicing stroke. The entire mold closing unit is characterized by the combination of a short-stroke crank mechanism which is operated by an electric motor and which is provided for the working stroke and of a central electromotive column-type nut drive for the servicing stroke. According to the invention, synchronous motors or asynchronous motors are used with corresponding servo boosters to realize servo axles. The central column drive is used as a control element of the closing force control, together with a force sensor for detecting the closing force, as an actual value transmitter and as a control device.

Abstract: When the mold of plastic injection molding machine is locked, the closing force (K) is measured at the knuckle joint system during a predetermined number of operating cycles (Z). A mean value is computed from these actual value measurements (Si) and if it is within a predetermined tolerance zone (T) around a set-point value (So), no control intervention takes place. But if this mean value is outside of the tolerance zone (T) but in a control zone (R) limited by alarm limits (A), a control intervention takes place by stepwise changing the installed height of the mold until the actual value measured after each operating cycle is again within the tolerance zone (T). The measurement is repeated over another operating period (B); if those measurements stay within the control zone (R), a new mean value is computed only at the end of this operating period and a corresponding decision is made whether or not a control intervention should take place.

Abstract: A plasticizing and injection group of mechanisms is detatchably secured on the injection side tool holder through a press-on and shift assembly. Releasable attachment occurs by automatically engageable and disengageable couplings each having a head, arranged at the end of an axially movable connecting element, e.g. of a piston rod of a press-on and shifting device. Slides engage the piston rod from behind a protuberance thereof slide back and forth crosswise to the connecting element. The slides are controlled by a central control unit of the machine. To perform maintenance work, the coupling is disengaged, and for better accessibility of the injection nozzle, the plasticizing and injecting group is moved away from the tool holder and can be pivoted out of the injection axis. Any manual work for releasing the attachment of the connecting element on the tool holder is eliminated.

Abstract: The spraying equipment is arranged at a station provided with means for opening and closing the die, e.g. at a preheating station of a plastic injection molding installation. The equipment comprises a spray arm with nozzles, movable, e.g. hydraulically in horizontal and vertical directions, which arm is connected to a spray medium supply. This supply as well as the drive of the spray arm, is automatically controlled via the computer of the injection molding installation in such a way that with the die open, the spray arm is automatically moved into operating position between the die parts and is manufactured in accordance with the tool data picked up by the computer. After completion of the spraying the arm is retracted into an inoperative position outside the die. Operating personnel is superfluous.

Abstract: An injection molding machine assembly for use with an operating injection machine comprises a tool unit mounting support adjacent the injection machine, a plasticizer and ejection unit mounting support adjacent the mounting support for the tool unit. Each support has associated with it a coupling element for connecting the associated tool unit or plasticizer and ejector into an operative condition or into a standby heating condition, for example. In addition there is a magazine which has at least one additional support for either or both of a tool unit and an ejection and plasticizing unit. An ejector and plasticizer is advantageously provided on a mounting support as well as in a magazine support. In addition a tool unit is provided on the mounting support or in the magazine support.