Source: www.mdmwest.com
Phoenix Proto and Toshiba Machine have partnered together in order to create a unique demonstration of a fully automated work cell for the 2011 MD&M show in Anaheim California. This work cell will be on exhibit February 8-10.
The highlights of this exhibit are an Aluminum Mold that has a highly polished Class A2 finish with a living hinge component. Running the Aluminum Tool will be Toshiba's Injection Molding 110 ton press; along with Toshiba's own controller integrated into a Yushin robot.
A - Side Cavity Aluminum Tool - Class A2 Surfaces
Toshiba Machine, located in Elk Grove Village, Illinois is displaying in booth 3701 their new all electric EC110SX series Injection Molding machine. Running within the machine will be an Aluminum independent mold designed and created by Phoenix Proto, which was created in just 2 weeks and has expectations of running over 1,000,000 parts.
Phoenix Proto which is located in Centreville, Michigan also designed the pill box part that will be given away at the MDM show. Phoenix Proto specializes in creating production quality Aluminum Tooling that
on average runs 30% faster than traditional Steel Tooling.
The grade of Aluminum is Hokotol supplied by Clinton Aluminum for this demonstration to show the durability of Aluminum Tooling. Clinton Aluminum is located in Clinton, Ohio. Hokotol has excellent dimensional stability, thermal conductivity, and machinability. Due to unique properties, this particular material was also polished to a very high gloss level before any coatings were applied.
The Aluminum mold was coated with a Nibore® process. This coating boasts a 54rc hardness and is engineered for a superior lubricity for easy release. The cavities were then polished to a Class A2
Diamond finish. The Nibore® process was completed by Bales Mold Service in Downers Grove, Illinois.
Currently the mold has a cold runner system design with 2 sub-gates. The Aluminum mold has an integrated RJG cavity pressure sensor. This device monitors any deviations in the process which reduces cost and helps improve quality while reducing scrap. RJG is located in Traverse City, Michigan.
2 Weeks - Living Hinge - Polypropylene - Class A2 Surfaces
The high gloss pill box is created from Polypropylene supplied by PolyOne (Avon Lake, Ohio). This injection molded part features a living hinge, grain and Class A2 surfaces on both the A and B side of the mold. Shown at the right is a picture of the molds A side cavity. Show to the right is a picture of the finished product.
Yushin America, out of Cranston, Rhode Island is supplying the robot being used to remove the pill box from the Toshiba Machine. The robot controls will be combined with the Toshiba’s new V50 controller.
This is an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in seeing for themselves the excellent qualities Aluminum Tooling has that makes it a perfect choice for production quality parts. We hope to see you there and look forward to everyone's questions regarding Aluminum Tooling and how they can best implement it in their organization to realize the greatest value and benefits.
The Following Companies Made This Demonstration Possible:
Learn more about the MD&M West Show and to Sign Up for the Technical Conference / Tradeshow.
