AT Precision, a division of Active Technologies designs and manufactures Low Pressure Injection Moulding solutions from equipment, automation and material supply.
Streamlining Python Development: A Guide to a Modern Project Setup
AT Precision presentation on Low Pressure Injection Moulding
1. Hethel Engineering Centre
Chapman Way, Hethel
Norwich, Norfolk UK
NR14 8FB
t: +44 (0) 1953 859 133
e: info@atprecision.co.uk
atprecision.co.uk
BUSINESS INTRODUCTION
2. Mould Solutions
A process innovation positioned between
casting and injection moulding technologies
Injection
moulding
low pressure
hot melt
moulding casting
temperature
3. LPIM Processing Solutions
Why Active Technologies?
When working with Active Technologies, you get the
benefit of working with a development team
spanning
• Component Design Knowledge
• Material Selection advice
• Creativity in mould process knowledge and material
combinations to meet specific application requirements
• Equipment supply
o Development of equipment to meet specific
manufacturing needs and capacity requirements
• Tooling Supply
o Valuable tooling input
4. LPIM Processing Solutions
Why LPIM? and Why it makes financial sense
Low Pressure Injection Moulding offers;
• Simple switch-on, switch-off technology
• Low pressure protects sensitive electronics
• Design opportunity, create structure from protection
• Clean, simple to use process, cycle times typically 30 seconds or less
• Strong adhesion to a wide range of substrates, in particular plastics
such as Nylon, ABS and PVC
and makes financial sense because;
• Reduces manufacturing costs significantly
• Makes low volume, high quality part manufacturing profitable
• ROI or PFI usually easy to calculate
• Low through life cycle support costs
• No end of lifecycle disposal time-bomb
5. LPIM Material Solutions
Innovative Materials
• A range of thermoplastic, copolymer, hot melt adhesives wet to the
substrate surface and making the part watertight, typically IP67
• Derived from natural, renewable resources, contains no toxic
compounds
• Process temperatures from 180 °C to 230 °C
• In-service temperatures for material range from – 55°C to +240°C
• Thermoplastic copolymer materials can be over-moulded in
engineering grade polymers or elastomers
5
7. Processing Solutions
Low Pressure Injection Moulding (LPIM) System
• Field-proven, all-electric technology delivers outstanding
durability and value.
• These melt units are ideal for all-electric dispensing via a mould
tool or manual/handgun packaging operations.
• Choose from tank capacities of 4, 10, 16, 25, 50 and 100 litres.
• Economize using fixed-speed AC drive and gear pumps with low and high output rates.
• Simplify daily operation using intuitive graphic operator interface, system status at-a-
glance and continuously updated temperature monitoring.
• Reduce wear and tear on equipment with low-pressure operation.
• Select 2-, 4-, or 6-gun operation and expand as your production needs change.
• Enhance performance of hot melt adhesives. Leading Zone Concept prevents any
control zone temperature from exceeding the leading zone temperature, causing all
zones to reach set point temperature simultaneously.
• Reduce adhesive spilling and waste with large, accessible tank opening.
• Access all components quickly and easily using large, removable side panels.
• Connect to a personal computer via RS 232 port for melter diagnostics, setup and
programming.
8. Processing Solutions
LPIM Indexing Table
Description Low Pressure Over Moulding equipment
Manual Load, Automatic mould rotary based low pressure mould system
Other design variants available on request
Control System PLC
Typical product
Cycle Time Product/Shot size specific, 10-40s typical
Volume >1M components / year
Locations used Mexico, China and Slovenia
8
Proven equipment technology
9. Processing Solutions
A DIVISION OF
Solo II LPIM Mould System
Description Low Pressure Over Moulding equipment
Manual Load, manual slide index for use with the low pressure mould system
Other design variants available on request
Control System Electronic
Typical product
Cycle Time Product/Shot size specific, 10-40s typical
Locations used NEW Product launching Q4-11
Solo II : Horizontal Bolster Solo II : Vertical Bolster
9
Product designed to meet market requirements
10. Tooling Solutions
Full Tools Supplied (Bolster and Inserts)
• A range of tool bolster sizes and material types are
available
• Tool design and development is offered as part of the
engineering service solution
11. Processing Solutions
Electric Dual Process Moulding system features
• Field-proven, all-electric technology delivers
outstanding durability and value.
• These mould systems are ideal for all-electric
dispensing via a mould tool
• Ultra-quiet machine eliminates the need for hydraulic or
pneumatic connections by using electric servos for
motion control.
• Full-colour, graphical HMI touchscreen provides a user-
friendly interface for machine setup & operation.
• A configurable injection profile allows up to 5 injector
speed and acceleration changes, plus a packing stage
that can be enabled or disabled by the operator.
• Recovery can occur either before or after injection,
making the machine perfect for creating test specimens
12. Processing Solutions
Electric Dual Process Moulding System
• Servo technology provides precise speed & position control
• Velocity is held within 0.02%
• Position is held within 0.001"
• HMI touchscreen for setup, control, and monitoring
• Temperature control and monitoring
• English or Metric units selectable for data entry &
display
• Auto or manual modes
• Optional packing stage
• Built-in safety features prevent operation that may damage
machine
• Integrated chiller for feed throat and bearings
• Uses self-clamping V-mould technology (other mould
designs can be integrated)
• Optional data collection saves information about each shot -
perfect for engineering development environments.
• Allows placement near assembly areas to avoid having to
"batch mould"
• Can be easily integrated into a product assembly line
13. • Undertake process development by:
• Investment in People
• Investment in Equipment
• Build partnerships to adapt technologies for new process challenges:
• Polymer and Adhesive manufacturers
• Material processing equipment manufacturer