Showing posts with label Extrusion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Extrusion. Show all posts

Breathing New Life into Aging Machinery: Reconditioning and Modernizing Your Plastic Injection Molding and Extrusion Equipment

Breathing New Life into Aging Machinery: How to Recondition and Modernize Your Plastic Injection Molding and Extrusion Equipment

Reconditioning of plastic injection mold and extrusion machines is a process that involves restoring or upgrading the machine to improve its performance, efficiency, and lifespan. This process can include replacing worn-out or outdated components, updating control systems, and enhancing the overall functionality of the machine. Key elements to consider for reconditioning are control systems, HMI (Human-Machine Interface), pressure sensors, temperature sensors, and feed screws. Here's a list of items to consider when reconditioning these machines:


  1. Inspection and assessment: Begin by thoroughly examining the machine to identify worn-out or damaged components, as well as outdated control systems and sensors. This assessment will help you determine the necessary upgrades and replacements needed.
  2. Disassembly: Carefully disassemble the machine, taking note of the locations and orientations of each component for reassembly later. Clean each part to remove accumulated debris and contaminants.
  3. Control system replacement: Remove and replace the existing control system with a modern, programmable system that offers improved performance and efficiency. This new system should be compatible with existing hardware and allow for seamless integration with the machine.
  4. HMI upgrade: Replace the old HMI with a modern, user-friendly interface that simplifies machine operation, monitoring, and control. This new HMI should be compatible with the updated control system and provide enhanced visualization and data-logging capabilities.
  5. Pressure sensor replacement: Replace outdated or damaged pressure sensors with new, high-precision sensors calibrated appropriately and integrated with the control system, ensuring accurate pressure measurement and monitoring throughout the injection and extrusion process.
  6. Temperature sensor replacement: Install new temperature sensors that provide accurate and reliable measurements. These sensors should be compatible with the control system and HMI, allowing for real-time monitoring and control of temperature during the injection and extrusion process.
  7. Feed screw replacement: Inspect the feed screws for wear, damage, or reduced efficiency. Replace them with new, high-performance screws designed for optimal material mixing and flow. Ensure proper alignment and installation to minimize wear and improve overall machine performance.
  8. Lubrication and maintenance: Lubricate all moving parts and replace worn-out seals or gaskets. Perform routine maintenance tasks such as filter changes and cleaning to ensure the machine operates smoothly.
  9. Reassembly: Reassemble the machine, ensuring all components are correctly installed and aligned. Double-check connections and wiring to ensure proper communication between sensors, control systems, and the HMI.
  10. Testing and calibration: Power the machine on and conduct a series of tests to verify proper function and performance. Calibrate the control system, sensors, and HMI to ensure accurate readings and control.


With these core steps, you can successfully recondition a plastic injection mold or extrusion machine, ensuring it operates efficiently and reliably for years.


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Plastics Industry Feed Screw Classification White Paper

The feed screw is used in plastics extrusion to force melting plastic resin through a die into a mold to form a desired shape. As screw designs have evolved through the years, there are several generic categories.

Glycon Corporation, the industry leader manufacturer of high performance and innovative feed screws, has put together this white paper describing the classifications of feed screws used in the plastics industry.








AP Corp.
https://a-pcorp.com
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