KraussMaffei's smallest becomes top of the class

- New CX series features many optimizations with regard to energy efficiency, productivity, and space
requirements
- New sprue picker is the most space-saving solution on the market

Cost-effective and flexible

From hydraulics to control software to automation, almost every component in the tried-and-true CX machines in the small clamping force range was subjected to testing and numerous improvements were defined. "The CX series is already a successful product line. Our goal was to align this series more consistently with customer needs. Plastics processors should have the option of producing plastic with outstanding cost efficiency and flexibility," explains Dr. Hans Ulrich Golz, President of the Injection Molding Machinery segment of the KraussMaffei Group. The new CX in the series of small machines up to 1600 kN has now become top of the class thanks to a large number of individual innovations. "We were in fact able to technically implement all of our customer requirements: 10 percent less energy, 15 percent faster, 30 percent quieter, oil volume reduced by 20 percent, and 25 percent greater efficiency thanks to automation and faster set-up times means 100 percent added value for the customer," says Dr. Golz. Additional highlights specifically for small machines include the new sprue picker, the ejector coupling and the BluePower Vario Drive concept. Like all machines from KraussMaffei, the new CX is equipped with the new Adaptive Process Control system (APC), which can immediately compensate for fluctuations in the injection molding process. 

Space advantage: two-platen design and new sprue picker

The two-platen design of the CX takes up less installation area than longer three-platen models. In addition, a cantilevered clamping unit provides enough space underneath for mold temperature controllers and conveyor belts. The extremely compact manufacturing cell is also ideally suited for use in locations such as cleanrooms. The new servo sprue picker from KraussMaffei's automation division also features a very compact and stable design. The telescoping stroke makes the picker particularly well suited for use in low halls. It forms one unit together with the machine, providing the most space-saving solution on the market as a result. The detached sprue is stored within the standard machine's housing. This means that a side expansion in the form of a protective fence is not necessary. This way, four machines can be installed in the same installation area instead of three. The servomotor enables the sprue picker to operate extremely fast and saves on maintenance time and expensive compressed air compared to wear-prone pneumatic drives. The MC6 control system and the optimized parked position for the mold change round out the user-friendly features.

Rapid tool changes

A newly developed ejector coupling from KraussMaffei makes it easier to change molds and is capable of compensating for small axis offsets between the mold and ejector. An optional bayonet quick mold clamping system enables particularly short mold set-up times. In addition, KraussMaffei offers manual bar-pulling devices for mold changes, as well as automatic barpulling devices for frequent changeovers. "This provides our customers with customized solutions for a fast mold change. In order to produce in a costeffective manner, contract manufacturers in particular must have the ability to react quickly and adapt the manufacturing process as easily as possible," adds Jochen Mitzler, Head of Strategic Product and Technology Management at KraussMaffei.  The standard CX, as well as the new CX, already provides more space for molds. The customer has option of selecting different platen sizes and distances. This makes it possible to enlarge the mold area by another 40 percent. Additional advantage: For some applications, the machine can even be sized smaller than before. The complex design of molds for multicomponent injection molding machinery often makes them too large for the machine size that has sufficient clamping force. "The 13 percent wider platens enable such applications to be produced on a CX 130, while the competition needs a 160-ton machine. The 20 percent benefit for efficiency is plain to see: a reduced machine hourly rate and lower operating costs," explains Mitzler.  

New time calculation and the best consumption values

The new CX clamps about 15 percent faster on average. This is achieved thanks to optimized interaction between the new valve technology and hydraulic switching concepts. Service access was substantially improved by the new click function of the cover for the most important hydraulic components. Moreover, the new cover is also soundproof and reduces noise emissions by 30 percent. This not only creates pleasant working conditions, but also makes it possible to mesh injection molding production and assembly workstations closely together. In addition, the new CX reduces power, oil, and masterbatch consumption. The drive concept has been energy-optimized and requires ten percent less electricity than before thanks to smart battery management with a disconnectable battery. The BluePower Vario drive option, a variable-speed asynchronous motor, improves efficiency and reduces idling capacity. The longer the cycle times, the greater the savings—up to 30 percent compared to the traditional hydraulic variant. The oil volume was reduced by 20 percent. 

Ideal, even for small shot weights

Thanks to special adapters for the plasticizing unit of the CX series, the machine can easily be adjusted for smaller shot weights. The adapter concept enables the adaptation of up to two injection unit sizes. Plastics processors benefit from this new flexibility and can, for example, eliminate the use of large, expensive sprues and save resources. The tried-and-true high-performance screw also conserves material. Its good homogenization performance means that the color masterbatch amount can be reduced by up to 30 percent, which—at prices as high as 20 euros per kilogram—easily adds up to a few thousand euros per year.