Precise micro injection moulding of delicate 0.002-gram components

An electric Allrounder 270 A, which can be equipped with a micro injection module, a robotic system and a clean-air hood, is suitable for the injection moulding of micro-components with shot weights of less than 0.01 grams. (Photo: ARBURG)

At Fakuma 2026, an electric Allrounder 270 A is producing complex 0.002-gram microfilters with intricate structures. (Photo: ARBURG)

– Electric Allrounder 270 A: A precise, fast and energy-efficient high-performance machine
– For the smallest shot weights: Size 5 micro injection module with an 8-millimetre injection screw
– Sprueless: Four microfilters, each weighing 0.002 grams, with complex geometry

At Fakuma 2026 Arburg (Hall A3, Stand 3101) will be demonstrating how shot weights of less than 0.01 gram can be processed with a high level of process reliability. Four microfilters each weighing 0.002 gram and featuring complex geometries are produced without any sprue before being set down by mould cavities. This process uses a production cell centred around an electric Allrounder 270 A, equipped with a micro injection module and a Multilift Select 4 linear robot system.

Micro injection moulding is a very demanding process because of the small sizes involved and, in many cases, due to the complexity of the components. An injection moulding machine needs to be capable of producing these articles, which weigh just a few milligrams, in series in a high-precision process maintaining tight tolerances.

Production cell for precise micro-injection moulding

An electric Allrounder 270 A with a clamping force of 300 kN and a micro injection module will be demonstrating at Fakuma 2026 a reliable process for achieving shot weights of just 0.008. The 4-cavity mould from Toolcraft and the hot runner from Günther Heißkanaltechnik are also optimised for micro injection moulding. Together with the Multilift Select 4 linear robot system, this provides a flexible, turnkey solution for the reproducible production of micro-components. In a cycle time of around seven seconds, four micro-filters made of POM, each weighing 0.002 grams, are produced. Since the process produces no sprues, production is efficient in terms of materials as well as costs. The robotic system, with a load of four kilograms and an Arburg gripper, sets down the micro-components on a conveyor belt, separated by cavities. To prevent static build-up, the parts are blown off with ionised air by the gripper component. An ionising bar on the conveyor belt prevents any further build-up of static charge.

Micro injection module for very low shot weights

The Euromap size 5 micro injection module is versatile and has been optimised to deliver precision control of short travel strokes while also maintaining high filling dynamics. It can process standard granule sizes and is therefore suitable for all common materials.

To process these plastics in accordance with the first-in, first-out (FIFO) principle, an 8-millimetre injection screw is combined with a second 15- or 18-millimetre plasticising screw for melting. This means that the material is fed forwards continuously from the feed point to the tip of the injection screw. The injection screw features a non-return valve, and it operates on the screw-piston principle. This enables even the lightest of shot weights to be achieved with high precision and short travel strokes.

Electric machines – precise and energy-efficient

In the high-performance machines of the Alldrive electric series, play-free, direct-acting spindle drives ensure fast, simultaneous movements and precision, thereby delivering high reproducibility and part quality. High levels of energy efficiency are achieved through a combination of precision servo-electric drives braking energy recuperation. Compared to conventional hydraulic machines, these electric Allrounder machines are characterised by an energy requirement that is up to 50 per cent lower. In addition, their enclosed, liquid-cooled drives operate quietly, they prevent dust build-up and air turbulence and are therefore ideally suited for use in clean production environments.