Arburg at the MSV 2017: high performance for the optical industry and additive functional parts

• Arburg to demonstrate sophisticated applications in injection moulding and additive manufacturing
• LSR processing: high-performance electric Allrounder producing flexible magnifying glasses from liquid silicone rubber
• Additive manufacturing: freeformer producing multipiece part from ABS standard granulate

"There is huge demand for high-quality and automated injection moulding solutions at the moment. We will be demonstrating Arburg's standing as the right partner, including and particularly for special high-tech applications, using the example of a sophisticated optical application based on an electric injection moulding machine from the high-performance Alldrive series", stressed Dr Daniel Orel, Managing Director of the Arburg subsidiary in the Czech Republic. "We will also be demonstrating the current state of Arburg Plastic Freeforming for industrial additive manufacturing of functional individual parts and small volume batches, an area where we see great potential for the future in our market. With our product portfolio and innovative process technology, we cover an enormous range for production-efficient manufacturing of plastic parts. In addition, our experienced technicians offer outstanding support and service."

Processing of liquid silicone rubber into flexible magnifying glasses

An electric Allrounder 470 A with 1,000 kN of closing force and LSR screw suitable for use in clean rooms will be used to produce flexible and transparent magnifying glasses from liquid silicone rubber (LSR). The high-performance machine features a 4-cavity mould with needle-type shut-off nozzle and cold runners from Rico. The highly transparent Lumisil LR 7600 from Wacker has a hardness of 60 Shore A. Unlike highly transparent thermoplastics like PC or PMMA, the LSR material does not discolour and remains colourless even in the presence of heat and sunlight. The fully electric dosing system is supplied by 2KM. The cycle time is 40 seconds, while the moulded part weight is 5.5 grams.

At the MSV 2017, a high-performance electric Allrounder from the Alldrive series will be producing flexible and transparent magnifying glasses from liquid silicone rubber (LSR).

Alldrive high-performance series

The electric Allrounder Alldrive has an energy requirement which is up to 50 per cent lower than for hydraulic standard machines. Servo drive energy recovery during braking also contributes to this saving. Short cycle times are achieved with the aid of the standard, servo-electrically driven independent main axes. Play-free, direct-acting spindle drives ensure maximum repeat accuracy and part quality. Low emissions thanks to liquid-cooled, encapsulated servo-electric drives are a further benefit. Convenient operation of the production sequence is ensured by means of the universal Selogica control system.

Additive manufacturing: Functional parts made from original materials

Using 3D CAD data as a basis, functional parts are produced from inexpensive qualified plastic granulates using Arburg Plastic Freeforming (APF). At the MSV 2017, a freeformer will be demonstrating an example of additive manufacturing of clamping jaws with star grip from qualified ABS standard granulate (Terluran GP 35). A metal nut will be clipped into the star grip for screw connection and manual securing. The build time for the part is around three hours for a layer height of 0.2 millimetres.

At the MSV 2017, a freeformer will be producing a clamping jaw with star grip from qualified ABS standard granulate (Terluran GP 35) using additive manufacturing. A metal nut will be clipped in for screw connection and manual securing.

The freeformer is equipped with two discharge units as standard. This allows it to process an additional component in order to manufacture a part in different colours, with special tactile qualities or as a hard/soft combination, for example. Support material can alternatively be used as a second material for realising complex part geometries like undercuts or ribbed structures – in the application on show at the trade fair, this will be alkaline-soluble Armat 21. This support material, which has been available from Arburg since May 2017, is easy to process and thermally stable. It has very good droplet formation and adhesion properties, as well as excellent edge definition with respect to the build material.

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