P R E S S R E L E A S E Altdorf Germany / August 2016 LWB-Steinl at the K 2016 New machine control, new ergonomically optimized vertical machines and a processing competition At the K-show the German injection molding machine manufacturer LWB-Steinl introduces, as main innovation, the new FlexEvo machine control, which sets new standards in operating logic and process precision. The most important technical innovation is the "Performance" line of vertical machines. Last but not least LWB- Steinl demonstrates their wide scope of rubber molding technology through producing the same molding with to two equal-sized machines but with different equipment levels at different cycle times. New FlexEvo Machine Control After being launched at the K-2016, the completely new FlexEvo operating and programming system will be available for all LWB-injection molding machines. It was developed in collaboration with the Austrian electronics company Bernecker & Rainer and uses their "MAPP -concept (Modular Application concept), which is basically known from mobile phones. The predefined basic program modules cover specific process objects and can easily be adapted to the actual operation by setting individual values, either by changing a function curve via finger touch or entering a numerical value. An organizational app, called Code Box, automatically links the individual program modules to a machine cycle. Individualized cycle sequences can be created via a graphical sequence editor. The module library contains also special sequences as pre-defined, but individually parameterized, sub-programs, such as the mold monitoring system with up to 8 sensor inputs. Beyond the motion modules also process modules are available, e.g. for the measuring and optimizing of the energy consumption. The user interface of the FlexEvo control is a 18.5 inch multi-touch display (Fig.1). It can be operated both directly by touch (even with gloves), as well as through gestures and swipe movements. But not only the
LWB-Steinl at the K-2016 - Page 2 operational comfort had been increased, but also the overall precision. It is the benefit of the new hardware that enables a shorter signal scan-rate from 2 ms (0.002 sec) to 400 microseconds (0.0004 sec), which significantly increases the process accuracy (for example, during the injection process). An additional highlight of the new LWB-control system is its universality and flexibility. Thus, the machine control is configurable without time-consuming adaptations for all machine types, even for special purpose machines. One more important advantage of the modular control concept is the integrated option for the connection to a higher-level production control such as Industrial 4.0. For that LWB- Steinl cooperates with the MES (Manufacturing Execution System) specialists T.I.G. Their software solution "authentig" will be demonstrated at the booth too. Vertical machines with "Performance"-clamping units Following the trend of the steady increase of complexity of injection- and compressionmolds LWB-Steinl has increased the installation space in the clamping units of their vertical machines both with C-frame- and tie-bar clamping units and introduced the new machine line with the version label "Performance". The characteristic feature of the vertical tie-barmachines is their innovative clamping system. Its highlight is the low working height, not requiring a recessed installation in a pit. The "Performance" machines with 4-tie-barclamping-unit are available in the clamp-force range from 160 to 800 tons. Two 300 t Performance -machines with different equipment will be demonstrated in operation (Fig.2) at the LWB-booth. Similarly, the C-frame machines had been revised too, which are available in top-closing version up to 160 tons and upwards-closing up to 250 t clamping force. As a representative example, a top-closing C-Class Performance -machine will be on display. Demonstration of the EFE-potential for the reduction of curing time The EFE-injection system, developed by LWB-Steinl, represents the process technology highlight of the K-show-presentation. It converts, during injection, kinetic energy through controlled generated shear into additional heat energy in the rubber compound. The thus generated temperature increase initializes the vulcanization process faster. That allows for curing time reductions in the range of 30 to 50 percent without compromising on product quality in most rubber compounds. In order to demonstrate the efficiency-potential of the EFE-system, LWB-Steinl demonstrates two 300 ton vertical machines of the latest
LWB-Steinl at the K-2016 - Page 3 "Performance" type with different equipment levels in a performance competition. Machine One is equipped with an EFE-injection unit in combination with a valve-gate cold runner and a machine drive by a dual-servo motor system, while the second machine represents a standard execution with an EFD-injection system in combination with an open cold runnersystem and a drive system with a proportional hydraulics. For comparision both machines will produce the identical rubber part. To put the result first: The differences in productivity are impressive. Vertical C-frame micro-injection molding machine The LWB-machine presentation is rounded off by the smallest vertical machine. It is a microinjection molding machine with 10 tons C-frame clamping unit and 10 cc injection volume. The repeatability for the injection weight is ± 0.005 grams (Figure 3). Since the clamping unit design is based on the tiebarless C-Series machines, the micro machine offers likewise optimum conditions for the addition of automation equipment. The highlight of these machines is besides their precision their compact design. The footprint of the vertical micro machine of only about one square meter integrates not only the machinery itself but also two temperature controllers. CAS demonstrates latest version of the process optimization software Jidoka The North German process developer CAS will present at the LWB-stand his process software Jidoka P 101. It continuously monitors all influences on the quality (batch and process parameters variations) and indicates concrete proposals for process optimization with direct reference to the current process and a specified degree of crosslinking in the rubber part to the machine operator. The software represents the latest status of process intelligence in the form of control algorithms, steadily evolved over many years. The quality achieved is documented by the CAS testing device Jidoka S 101 III, which is on-line interfaced with the molding machine, as a result of a non-destructive quick test of dynamic and static material properties. LWB Steinl at the K 2016 / Hall 14 Stand A 68
LWB-Steinl at the K-2016 - Page 4 Contact and technical details: Peter Radosai Sales Manager for Europe Phone: +49 (0) 871-308 -145 E-mail: peter.radosai@lwb.de.com Press contact at LWB-Steinl: Christina Lebeus E-mail: christina.lebeus@lwb-steinl.de Author: Reinhard Bauer TECHNOKOMM E-Mail: office@technokomm.at About LWB-Steinl The company was founded by Alfred Steinl in 1962. Since its beginning the company has focused on tools and machines for rubber processing. Today, the family-run business continues to be one of the worldwide leaders in the manufacturer of rubber injection moulding machines. The product portfolio includes a complete range of rubber injection moulding machines, from vertical C-frame machines specific for profile bonding to vertical 4-column or plate frame machines, through to horizontal machines with columnar and C-frame clamping units. In addition, the product portfolio includes so-called batch-off plants for compound mixing. The company is headquartered in Altdorf bei Landshut in Germany. It currently employs around 230 people and produces about 500 machines per year. In addition to its production location in Germany, it has operated a production plant in China since 2009.
LWB-Steinl at the K-2016 - Page 5 Figures: Photo: LWB-Steinl Fig.1: All LWB-injection molding machines, whether for the thermoplastic or rubber processing, whether in horizontal or vertical configuration can ordered from the K 2016 on with the new FlexEvo-machine control.
LWB-Steinl at the K-2016 - Page 6 Photo: LWB Steinl Fig.2: Central LWB-exhibit will be the "Performance"-production cell consisting of two machines with different injection and mold technology. They will compete producing the identical rubber part.
LWB-Steinl at the K-2016 - Page 7 Photo: LWB Steinl Fig.3: LWB-Steinl will present at K 2016 the vertical version of the micro injection molding machine with C-frame clamping unit, also with the new, more user-friendly, FlexEvo machine control.