App for mobile devices replaces privacy slider

After entering a few parameters, e-calc automatically provides the values required for the material- and component-dependent design of injection molding machines.

With a new app for mobile devices, Engel now offers its customers even more support. After entering a few parameters, e-calc automatically provides the values needed for the material- and component-dependent design of injection molding machines, as well as important setting data, ensuring that the injection molding machine is optimally suited for the respective application.

The material data are stored in the software. Based on this, e-calc guides the user step by step to the result. The optimal values for the required stroke volume, the occurring filling pressure, the resulting clamping force, as well as the screw speed and cooling time are calculated.
Until now, the company supported its customers in machine design with a data slider, which does not perform the necessary calculations for the user. Even a small calculation error can lead to an inefficient design of the injection molding machine. The app offers an added level of security here. Even less experienced plastics processors can find the most suitable machine in the shortest possible time with the help of the software. Additionally, the machine setter benefits during ongoing operation for process adjustment. This requires neither a calculator nor manual entry of material data.

Always on hand – always up to date
"The smartphone is always on hand. This constant availability was decisive for us to develop an app for the first time," emphasizes Dr. Georg Steinbichler, Head of Research and Development Technologies at Engel Austria. "Our goal is to continually simplify the application of Engel injection molding technology despite increasing functionality diversity."

The material data of representative thermoplastics, which were previously summarized compactly on the slider, have been stored in the app. These include, for example, mass, tool, and pre-drying temperatures and times, flowability and wall thickness factors, thermal conductivities, and demolding temperatures, permissible screw speed limits, enthalpy values, and reference values for processing shrinkage. Additionally, the new software includes a glossary of technical terms.

Communication with the customer further simplified
"We see great potential in app technology for our customer service as well as long-term for our training sector," emphasizes Wolfgang Degwerth, Head of Customer Service Division at Engel Austria. "With e-calc, we further simplify communication between our company and our customers and enter a completely new era of service. e-calc is among the first apps developed for the injection molding industry."

The Engel app e-calc is available in the stores of providers in German and English for Android smartphones. Versions for iOS and Windows Phone are in preparation.