Abstract: A machine-side ejector assembly for an injection molding machine having a mold mounting plate includes an ejector plate which is movable relative to the mold mounting plate, and a rotatable shaft having one end received by the ejector plate. An indexing plate is connectable to the rotatable shaft, with a rotary drive, disposed on or in the ejector plate, for rotating the indexing plate via the rotatable shaft.

Abstract: A plastics processing machine, particularly an injection molding machine, with an operating unit, a machine controller, and a subsystem having its own dedicated control unit is described. The machine controller and control device each generate a screen display and can be operated via the screen display. The operating unit is connected or can be connected for data transmission to both the machine controller and the control unit. Both of the machine controller and the control unit can be monitored and controlled by reproducing the original screen output from the machine controller and the control unit on the display screen of the operating unit, where new information can be entered. The information entered on the display screen of the operating unit is then transmitted back to the corresponding controller or unit associated with the reproduced screen display where the information was entered.

Abstract: A mold clamping unit includes a mold height adjustment system having a length-adjustable threaded connection, comprised of a threaded spindle and a spindle nut which supports a platen of a molding tool, for stroke transmission and transmitting a locking force in clamping position. A clamping mechanism, which locks the spindle nut in relation to the threaded spindle and is selectively releasable for length adjustment of the threaded connection, includes a clamping nut, connected in fixed rotative engagement with and coupled for slight axial displacement in relation to the spindle nut, and an actuator, switchable between an active position, in which the spindle nut is braced with the clamping nut by a tightening force so that the platen is urged against the spindle nut, and an idle position, in which the actuator is released and which can be implemented irrespective of a stroke position of the drive mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for performing the clamping force relaxation in a clamping unit of an injection molding machine. During set-up of the injection molding process, one or more real pressure curves of the mold cavity pressure during the cooling phase are determined and a set-point curve is derived therefrom, which is stored in the machine control unit. In dependence upon the product properties and material properties the seal point is established on the pressure curve. Furthermore, the relaxation speed of the clamping pressure of the clamping unit is determined and it is specified, in dependence upon the seal point and relaxation speed, at which pressure on the reference curve the clamping force relaxation is started. During the cyclic operation of the injection molding machine the actual pressure during the cooling phase is determined and the pressure force increase is performed when the actual pressure has reached the set-point pressure that was specified during set-up.

Abstract: A nozzle contact device for guiding and clamping the injection nozzle for an injection unit of an injection molding machine onto an injection mold includes a linear drive for moving the injection unit back and forth, and a guide carriage which can be driven by the linear drive, with the guide carriage being articulated to the injection unit. The invention is characterized in that the axis of rotation of the articulation between the guide carriage and the injection unit extends horizontally, and that this axis of rotation and the injection axis are arranged on planes which are parallel to each other, preferably on the same horizontal plane. Rotary joints or flexural joints can be provided. In addition, the rear part of the injection unit, in particular a screw mechanism can be height-adjustable. As a result, the nozzle contact force is introduced into the injection unit in the absence of a bending moment. No tilting is caused between the injection nozzle and the sprue bush of the injection mold.

Abstract: An injection molding machine includes an injection unit and a clamping unit. The injection unit includes a barrel and a plasticizing screw which is supported in the barrel for rotation and movement in axial direction. A first direct drive causes the plasticizing screw to rotate in order to plasticize thermoplastic material, and a hydraulic drive causes the plasticizing screw to move axially in order to effect an injection stroke. The hydraulic drive includes a hydraulic accumulator system which is comprised of a variable capacity pump in combination with a hydraulic accumulator. The clamping unit includes a toggle mechanism for moving a movable platen in relation to a stationary support platen, a spindle mechanism for operating the toggle mechanism, and a second direct drive for operating the spindle mechanism.

Abstract: A control apparatus for controlling a machine, especially an injection molding machine, includes a bus board providing communication connections between different units, a wiring board, and a separate process module. The process module includes one or more process boards providing a base range of input/output (I/O) connections for the machines to be controlled. The process module can be directly connected to the bus board and the wiring board by means of a plug of second or third type, and thus produces a bridge, i.e. a connection, between the bus and wiring boards, thereby reducing wiring required between these boards At least one control module, which assumes the control tasks for the machine, can be plugged into the bus board by means of a plug contacts of first type.

Abstract: In a method for making long fiber-reinforced molded plastic parts, a continuous stand-reinforced melt is injected into a mold, after the latter has been closed, causing the mold to open until a predefined compression gap has been reached. The injection of long fiber-reinforced melt into the mold is continued and the mold is closed again. After permitting the long fiber-reinforced melt to cool down, the mold is opened and the end product removed. In this way, fibers can be introduced in a comparatively gentle manner into the mold and distributed therein, and fiber breakage and formation of surface marks are largely prevented.

Abstract: An injection assembly for an injection molding machine includes a plasticizing screw defining an axis, a housing, and a drive train, which is accommodated in the housing, for moving the plasticizing screw in an axial direction and for turning the plasticizing screw. The drive train includes an injection drive having a screw mechanism with a threaded shaft moveable in direction of an injection stroke, with the plasticizing screw being rigidly connected to the threaded shaft, and a rotary drive having a drive element, with the plasticizing screw being connected to the drive element such that the plasticizing screw is able to turn with the drive element and able to move in axial direction.

Abstract: A pressure measuring device for an injection molding machine having a plasticizing screw operated by a rotary drive and an injection drive includes a load detector having a deformation zone which forms part of a transmission member of the injection drive and is of reduced cross section, and a sensor. The deformation zone elastically deforms in response to a driving force acting on the transmission member, with the sensor measuring a change in shape of the deformation zone.

Abstract: In a method of compression molding thermoplastic material, a compression gap is set between half-molds of a mold having fixed and movable platens for respective attachment of the half-molds. After setting the compression gap, the mold is closed and the platens are locked by moving locking elements into respective receiving elements. Injection of plasticized material then commences into a cavity formed between the half-molds when the mold is closed. The mold then opens as a result of pressure generated by the injected plasticized material until a distance between the half-molds corresponds to the compression gap. Subsequently, the mold undergoes a closing movement through application of a clamping force, thereby compressing the plasticized material.

Abstract: A plastics processing machine, particularly an injection molding machine, with an operating unit, a machine controller, and a subsystem having its own dedicated control unit is described. The machine controller and control device each generate a screen display and can be operated via the screen display. The operating unit is connected or can be connected for data transmission to both the machine controller and the control unit. Both of the machine controller and the control unit can be monitored and controlled by reproducing the original screen output from the machine controller and the control unit on the display screen of the operating unit, where new information can be entered. The information entered on the display screen of the operating unit is then transmitted back to the corresponding controller or unit associated with the reproduced screen display where the information was entered.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for injection molding a multi-component mixture, in particular liquid silicone rubber; a starting material, containing at least two components and, optionally, at least one additive, is conveyed from a storage and metering assembly through a mixer for mixing the starting material, to a reservoir at an amount which is a multiple of an amount required for an injection molding cycle. The mixed starting material is transferred in increments from the reservoir to an injection unit of an injection molding machine. When the reservoir is emptied to a predetermined level a multiple of the amount of starting material required for the injection molding cycle is fed to the reservoir.

Abstract: A clamping unit for an injection molding machine includes a drive mechanism for moving a moving platen of the injection molding machine in at least one direction. The clamping unit has a clamping cylinder for movably receiving a clamping piston which defines a piston chamber in the clamping cylinder, and a compensating cylinder for movably receiving a compensating piston which defines a compensating chamber in the compensating cylinder. The piston chamber of the clamping cylinder and the compensating chamber of the compensating cylinder are fluidly connectable by a direct, controllable connection so that fluid can shuttle back and forth between the clamping and compensating chambers during opening and closing of the clamping unit.

Abstract: A mold clamping unit includes a mold height adjustment system having a length-adjustable threaded connection, comprised of a threaded spindle and a spindle nut which supports a platen of a molding tool, for stroke transmission and transmitting a locking force in clamping position. A clamping mechanism, which locks the spindle nut in relation to the threaded spindle and is selectively releasable for length adjustment of the threaded connection, includes a clamping nut, connected in fixed rotative engagement with and coupled for slight axial displacement in relation to the spindle nut, and an actuator, switchable between an active position, in which the spindle nut is braced with the clamping nut by a tightening force so that the platen is urged against the spindle nut, and an idle position, in which the actuator is released and which can be implemented irrespective of a stroke position of the drive mechanism.

Abstract: A plastics processing machine, in particular injection molding machine or extruder, includes at least one component represented by a clamping unit, feed and metering apparatus, plasticizing unit, injection unit, or separate injection apparatus, and characterized by specific parameters for carrying out at least one working or process step. A control device is connected to the at least one component and configured to control the at least one component, with the component-specific parameters being useable in the control device for control of the component. Provided for the component is a separate memory device in which the component-specific parameters are stored and can be transmitted to the control device prior to or upon startup of operation of the component.

Abstract: An electric drive apparatus includes at least one electric motor having a rotor and at least two driven shafts which are disposed in coaxial relationship and driven at different rotation speed during operation of the electric motor. The driven shafts are constructed for separate connection to the rotor. Interposed between the rotor and at least one of the driven shafts is a gear mechanism in the absence of any direct interaction of the gear mechanism with the other one of the driven shafts.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for continuous casting of metallic materials in a semi-solid state is disclosed. A solid metallic material is processed by heating the material in a first container with an inductive heater to a temperature above the solidus temperature. The processed metallic material is then transported to a storage container, from there to an injection unit and subsequently to a casting tool.

Abstract: An injection unit for an injection molding machine includes a barrel and a plasticizing screw received in the barrel. An electromotive rotary drive causes the plasticizing screw to rotate and is supported for joint movement with the plasticizing screw in relation to the barrel in direction of an injection stroke. The plasticizing screw and the rotary drive are moved by an electromechanical injection stroke drive to execute the injection stroke. A linear guide is connected to a machine bed for guiding a longitudinal movement of the injection stroke drive and the plasticizing screw. Misalignment of the coaxial disposition of the plasticizing screw, the rotary drive and the injection stroke drive is eliminated by providing a housing shell which is torsionally stiff and moveably accommodates the rotary drive, wherein the plasticizing barrel and the injection stroke drive are connected by the housing shell in a tension-proof manner and supported via the housing shell on the linear guide for longitudinal movement.

Abstract: An electromotive adjustment drive includes an electric drive having a single motor with a rotor having a magnetic pole assembly, and a stator interacting with the rotor and having a magnetic pole assembly. The rotor is operatively connected to a member, such as a plasticizing screw of an injection unit, and is constructed for movement along a travel path, whereby one of the magnetic pole assemblies of the rotor and the stator is extended in relation to the other one of the magnetic pole assemblies of the rotor and the stator by a portion corresponding to the travel path. A spindle drive is positioned between the rotor and a motor housing and has a first transmitting element which is operatively connected to the rotor, and a second transmitting element which supports the first transmitting element. A plurality of switching elements is constructed for selective operation of the electric drive as a rotary drive or as injection drive.