- Clamping force of 32,000 kN, shot weight of 120 kg
- Equipped with two injection units
- Production of pipe fittings with diameter up to 500 mm
- World’s largest industrial robot for injection molding machines
Pipe manufacturer GF Piping Systems has invested in a MXH 3200 – 101.000/101.000 injection molding machine from KraussMaffei at its main location in Schaffhausen, Switzerland. This injection molding machine, the largest ever to be installed in Switzerland in terms of clamping force and shot weight, began production in late 2014. It manufactures large-volume pipe fittings with a diameter of up to 500 mm.
Commissioning of the MXH 3200 – 101.000/101.000 from KraussMaffei, the largest injection molding machine in Switzerland, at GF Piping Systems (source: KraussMaffei)
Clamping force of 32,000 kN, shot weight of 120 kg
The MXH 3200 – 101.000/101.000 features a screw diameter of 2 x 265 mm, clamping force of 32,000 kN and a maximum shot weight of 120 kg. The products made on the machine are large and complex: pipe fittings with a diameter of up to 500 mm and a weight of up to 120 kg are produced which are used as connecting pieces for the public water supply.
One special challenge was the high-viscosity polyethylene 100 material to be processed on the machine. The machine is therefore equipped with an optimized screw design and drives for the plasticizing unit which are specially designed for processing this demanding material.
Equipped with two injection units
As GF Piping Systems also wants high flexibility with regard to material, size and geometry when producing the pipe fittings, the injection molding machine is equipped with two injection units that can be interconnected as needed. A shot weight between 5 to 120 kg can be freely chosen, providing a high degree of flexibility. Each injection unit can be operated independently.
The adapter modules of the plasticizing unit provide additional flexibility. For example, GF Piping Systems can install a smaller SP 33000 injection unit which allows to quickly change to production with other materials.
World’s largest industrial robot for injection molding machines
An IR KR500 L340 industrial robot is employed for the handling of the pipe fittings, which can weigh up to 120 kg. With a maximum payload of up to 340 kg this is the largest industrial robot that has ever been installed on an injection molding machine, according to the company.
The IR KR500 L340 robot has an additional axis for linear motion (7th axis) in order to provide additional freedom of movement and more flexibility, especially when handling heavy components. A special gripper technology permits precise interaction of removing and gripping. The multifunctional gripper is designed for the various nominal diameters of the fittings. A special padding on the jaws protects the fittings from getting damaged.
