A perfect example for the efficient production of high-quality plastic parts using injection molding is a turnkey system based around an Allrounder More 2000. With the "two-component eyeglasses" application, Arburg (stand W 3743) will be demonstrating at NPE 2024 its renowned wide-ranging expertise in multi-component injection molding, liquid silicone rubber (LSR) processing, automation and networked production. Exciting for trade visitors: At the partner stands of Kistler (W3321), Shin-Etsu (S26055) and Adler (S31151), further components will be manufactured so that the eyeglasses can be supplemented with temples, lanyard and case.

The production of ready-to-use two-component eyeglasses provides an impressive demonstration of Arburg's extensive expertise and portfolio, which not only includes machine and process technology, but also robotic systems, control and digitalization.

An Allrounder More 2000 with 220 tons (2,000 kN) of clamping force and two electric injection units will be producing two-component eyeglasses at NPE 2024. Source: Arburg

Two-component eyeglasses as a hard/soft combination

The Allrounder More machines are Arburg's special series for multi-component injection molding. They offer lots more space for molds, rotary units, media connections and a usable ejector stroke as well as numerous optimized features for greater ease of use and simple maintenance. Precision is ensured by a highly dynamic electric toggle-type clamping unit with energy-efficient, liquid-cooled servo motors.

At NPE 2024 held in Orlando, Florida, during May 6 to May 10, an Allrounder More 2000 with 220 tons (2,000 kN) of clamping force and two electric injection units will process optical LSR and thermoplastic (PA). The two-component eyeglasses are produced in a 1+1-cavity mold in a cycle time of around 85 seconds. First, the vertical injection unit molds the frame made of PA. An index unit then rotates the pre-molded part into the second station. There, a horizontal injection unit adds the soft LSR lens. Part handling is performed by a Yaskawa six-axis robot.

Central Gestica control system

As well as the two injection units in sizes 0.2 oz and 2.3 oz (Euromap 400 and 100), the central Gestica machine controller also programs a Yaskawa industrial robot "powered by Arburg" directly with speed and ease. Temperature control devices and other peripheral equipment can also be integrated. This includes the LSR dosing unit from Elmet, which communicates with the Gestica via OPC UA and the Euromap 82.3 interface. This simplifies programming, as well as monitoring, storage and evaluation of process data.

Turnkey system "Engineered by Arburg USA"

With the fully automated application on show at the trade fair, Arburg Inc. will also be showcasing its turnkey expertise for the North American market. The experts at Arburg in the U.S. work closely with the company headquarters and contribute comprehensive specialist knowledge in order to find creative solutions and implement complete turnkey solutions tailored precisely to the specific requirements of the customer. This increases part quality, process reliability, availability, ability to create value and production efficiency. As a general contractor, the subsidiary looks after not only the implementation and installation, but also advance planning and service for its customers' complete production cells.

Further eyeglasses components on partner stands

Of particular interest to trade visitors is the practical implementation of the idea to manufacture additional components completing the glasses at three partner stands at NPE 2024:

• An electric Allrounder 370 E Golden Electric will produce matching eyeglasses temples made of ABS at the Kistler stand (W3321). Part handling will be performed by an Integralpicker V. Visitors will also be able to have the temples personalized with their own name.
• Complementary lanyards made of LSR will be produced on an electric Allrounder 470 A at the Shin-Etsu stand (S26055).
• At the Adler stand (S31151), another electric Allrounder 470 A will be producing a matching glasses case made of PP.