High-performance injection molding machines with Verve on the home stretch

Servohydraulic Two-Plate Injection Molding Machine, FORZA FA550T, ©LK IMM

Fully electric injection molding machine ELETTRICA EL130T, ©LK IMM

Servo-hydraulic two-plate injection molding machine, FORZA FA550T. ©LK IMM

Luigi Tondi, Sales & Business Development Director of LK IMM Europa (LK s.r.l.), Travagliato (BS), Italy: "Our injection molding machines are designed for the highest demands regarding performance, accuracy, and environmental protection, whether for automotive, optics, or medical technology, and all industries that cannot exist without top-quality standards. We work closely with renowned partners and our customers." In Hall 13, at stand B 45, a FORZA F550T (5,500 kN clamping force) – with a single-cavity tool – produces polypropylene containers (460 grams) in cycle times under 20 seconds. The fully electric ELETTRICA EL130T (1,300 kN) demonstrates its pure power in high-speed production of very precise connector blocks (2.2 grams in ABS per part) for the toy industry with a 16-cavity hot runner tool. The cycle time is specified at less than 10 seconds. The injection molding machines (SGM) intended for technologically ambitious industries feature maximum process-relevant measurement and control technology from Germany and neighboring countries. Consequently, users can rely on control and regulation technology that meets current requirements for high reliability, safety, and comfort. A German hydraulic pump technology in use in the FORZA ensures high efficiency and precision. Remote maintenance is a matter of course, carried out via KePlast ServiceNet. The entire injection molding machine program from LK IMM is designed for Industry 4.0. Production can be controlled/regulated and tracked with the KePlast EasyNet 4 system.

The fully electric ELETTRICA EL130T (clamping force range 1,000 to 3,500 kN) is entering cleanroom technology – for three-shift production of precision parts for medical devices, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, optics, and electrical/electronic industries. "The documented zero defect rate is always in focus," says Luigi. To achieve this, the SGM is equipped with a range of valuable features: The comfortably designed process control offers rapid access to thousands of manufacturing parameters, which – once 100% optimized – can be reactivated at any time for subsequent production. This guarantees absolute repeat accuracy, provided the plastic raw material has the same recipe.

The highly efficient fully electric drive aligns with international performance standards and the latest technology. The key advantages include good stability, quick response, energy savings (95% yield) for environmental protection, very high repeat accuracy, and ease of operation. Without hydraulic oil or oil residues, without sealing problems, and without noise, it is perfectly suitable for use in cleanroom production facilities. The "carbon footprint" of this advanced SGM is remarkably modest.

Moreover: parallel movements – via individual servo motors – reduce cycle times. Synchronous multi-axis movements, ejector, and measurement functions bring the dry cycle of the smallest ELETTRICA to less than two seconds. Highly sensitive load cells for injection pressure monitoring and high-frequency control processors enable quick response to stabilize the regulation of the injection/filling process and the back-pressure phase. The overall benefit for the user: higher productivity with lower unit costs.

The functional expandability of the Elettrica, combined with the ergonomic design concept, aims for efficient operation and straightforward maintenance. The control panel can be rotated in multiple directions for better accessibility. An open platform operating system is available for intelligent networking, user-friendly programming, and comfortable automation.

At K 2022, the exhibition program also features the two-plate system FORZA F550T. This series of advanced SGM is available with clamping forces from 4,500 to 70,000 kN. With the full range of offerings, LK IMM meets the requirements in established markets and growth regions for "fast and from the start" high-precision solutions with the lowest possible energy consumption and an attractive price-performance ratio – especially in the automotive, food & packaging, medical/pharmaceutical, optics, white goods, electrical/electronic, household appliances, and toy industries. In the heavy SGM segment, the economical production of containers, large-volume parts, transport boxes, and pallets plays a significant role. The machine is designed as a particularly compact unit. Due to its multifunctional process capability, it better meets the demands – for example, in automotive component manufacturing. It delivers excellent performance in all cycle phases – even during startup. The use of servo pump technology and electric drives results in energy savings while maintaining high injection performance and accuracy.

Andreas Bexte, LK IMM’s partner for Germany: "Raising customer interest and closing deals is a partnership based on competence: offering durable, reliable, and economical products with the highest level of European quality, providing comprehensive service, and respecting customer wishes – this has become possible through direct dialogue with designers, manufacturers, and component suppliers."