Page 55 - Plastics News May 2023

TECHNOLOGY

Mold-Change Time Targeted with Training, Technology

njection molding machine and auto- onstrates the potential using a pilot a checklist that interactively guides
Imation supplier Engel offers an array machine in the Engel training center, a machine operator through the in-
of technologies to simplify and speed the two more advanced courses take dividual steps required for the mold
up mold changes, including magnetic place on site at the processor’s facility. change. To the extent possible, the
clamping platens and quick couplings; Together, the mold set-up processes Setup wizard handles the program
intelligent assistance systems; and the are analyzed, and the various meth- steps automatically, with manual steps
famox mold changing system for au- ods for product change optimization confirmed on the control unit. For
tomating the set-up process. In addi- are evaluated. Starting with magnetic less experienced employees, this al-
tion, the company is now providing rapid clamping systems and multiple lows them to set up molds safely and
three different training courses that couplings, through mold positioning without errors, while for experienced
are tailored to customers’ different and preheating, to the use of a Setup mold set-up teams, the Setup wizard
requirements on the basis of the con- wizard in the Expert course. In all further boosts efficiency.
ditions in the plant and the know-how three courses, Engel collaborates with Engel is offering the new product
of the production staff.
Stäubli and other partner companies. change optimization courses in Aus-
Basics, Advanced and Expert courses In the face of the skilled worker short- tria, Germany and Switzerland. The
differ in terms of the depth of the cur- age, Engel notes that standardized courses are available in other coun-
riculum and the mold change meth- menu-driven mold changes not only tries on request.
ods covered. While Basics provides save time but can reduce the risk of
an introduction to the topic and dem-
errors. The Setup wizard works as

PLASTICS NEWS 55
May 2023