2-platen technology

KraussMaffei builds 2-platen injection moulding machines - the clamp unit has a fixed and a moving platen. The drive cylinders that move the clamp are either integrated in the tiebars or outside them. The clamp of a KraussMaffei 2-platen machine is around 30% shorter than a conventional 3-platen clamp, helping to free up production floor space.

Cavity

The hollow, shaped space in the mould which is filled with the melt to produce the product. Moulds can be single- or multi-cavity.

Clamp force

An injection moulding term describing the force required to hold the mould halves together against cavity pressure, while the melt is injected. Clamp force varies depending on the part being produced; it is calculated by multiplying the surface area of the part by the material-specific cavity pressure.

Clamp force ranges

The size of an injection moulding machine is defined in terms of its clamp force (kilo Newtons/kN) or its tonnage (metric tonnes). Machines are divided by kN or tonnage into the categories small, medium and large.

Compounding

Process whereby thermoplastic material, in pellet or powder form, is plasticized in a twin-screw extruder and mixed with filler, reinforcing material and process aids to create a compound with specific properties.

Extruders

Machines with a rotating screw, or screws, that melt and mix thermoplastic polymers, fillers and other additives. The resulting compound is extruded in a continuous process, shaped by being forced through a die and then cooled and cut to length. Typical extruded products include profiles, pipe and sheet.

Mixing heads

The mixing head is the key element in a reaction system. Isocyanate and polyol, the two components of polyurethane (PU), are pumped into the mixing chamber of the mixing head where they are homogenized utilizing kinetic energy and then discharged into the mould.

PET preforms

PET (polyethylene terephthalate) preforms are injection moulded and then subsequently heated and blow moulded to produce PET bottles, typically used for mineral water and soft drinks.

Polymers and polymeric materials

Technical plastic materials, consisting of combinations of macromolecules with organic groups, synthesized in chemical processes. Polymerization is the process whereby smaller molecules (monomers) link up to form large molecules. Technical polymers can also be created by changing the structure of naturally occurring macromolecular substances.

Polyurethane (PU)

Crosslinked polymer produced by combining liquid isocyanate and polyol (in a mixing head) and allowing them to react together.

Screw

Key component of the plasticizing unit of an extruder or injection moulding machine. Screws vary widely in design and construction. As it rotates, the screw's job is to melt and homogenize the polymer material, and, in the case of an extruder, to thoroughly mix the additives into the polymer. In both extrusion and injection moulding, the plasticizing and homogenizing performance of the screw or screws has a decisive influence on overall machine performance and product quality.

White goods / white appliances

A general term for household appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, and electric hobs and ovens.