Thermoforming Spotlight

Enclosed Machining Center

This DMS Enclosed Overhead Gantry Machining Center includes a generous 12’ x 5’ table with removable partition, that when configured in a short bridge format (shown) creates a high production Dual-Cell Trim Center as well as a scalable Mold & Pattern machining center.

When configured as a Long-Bridge Model (DMS 5O5- 12-5-36L) this machining center provides full unobstructed front-load access to the entire 12’ x 5’ workspace using a forklift or crane. The smart design of the machine can accommodate from 36” to 60” of Z-Axis travels while still shipping easily by truck or oceanic container from their factory to your manufacturing floor.

Whether you’re machining honeycomb, composites materials, aluminum, wood patterns, or plastics; this DMS Machining Center can be customized and configured to meet a wide range of manufacturing processes.

Features and options include: Fagor controls drives and motors; continuous C-Axis; heavy duty heads with liquid cooled spindles; multi-position tool changers; tool length setters; auto head alignment verification; automatic doors; remote operator panels and high speed machining options. Additional table sizes for long and short bridge models are available in 60” x 60”, 96” x 60” and 120” x 60”.

For additional information, contact Ed Hilligrass, Diversified Machine Systems, Inc., 2310 Executive Circle, Colorado Springs, CO 80906, 719- 226-5066, Fax: 719-226-9810, E-mail: info@dmscncrouters.com, Web: www.dmscncrouters.com.

Thermoformer Line

MAAC Machinery, a market leader in the manufacturing of sheet-fed thermoforming machines, releasing several new features and options to their MAAC and Comet thermoforming machine lines. New quartz oven technology is providing for faster cycle times and up to 50% energy savings when compared to prior technology. More advanced control systems now allow control of all machine parameters for quick set ups and precision repeatability. New quick change utility packages, quick mold change systems, and several advancements in specialty clamping systems are further allowing for faster set ups, more machine time, and the ability to produce products more efficient and more cost effective.

MAAC has also released new equipment offerings for the growing composite and foam based material markets. In particular, markets such as automotive, aerospace, medical and anything where weight reduction, sound absorption, and higher strength are becoming a demand. These machines are geared toward higher pressure applications utilizing matched mold processing and sometimes using multiple layers of different materials. This new lineup of machines is geared with faster platens and indexing, highly sophisticated infrared heating ovens and typically automation that will allow decorative coverings to be added.

For additional information, contact Michael P. Alongi, MAAC Machinery Corporation, 590 Tower Boulevard, Carol Stream, IL 60188, 800-588-MAAC/630-665-1700, Fax: 630-665-7799, E-mail: sales@maacmachinery.com, Web: www.maacmachinery.com.

Robotic Trimming System

KMT Robotic Solutions’ newest robotic routing system, the RoboTrim® DRT-802, gives plastics and composites manufacturers the ability to quickly and cost effectively process parts up to 8’ x 8’ x 3’ in a more compact work area. This new DRT (Dual Rotating Table) system utilizes a rotating table mounted to each side of a two position indexing wall. Each rotating table has a part holding fixture mounted to it, which allows the system operator to load or unload parts on one side of the wall while the robot is trimming on the other side. The rotating tables operate in coordination with the robot as it is trimming, which allows large parts to be processed by a single robot in a more compact work space.

Also available to further increase the throughput of this system is a dual robot configuration. Adding the second robot can, in some cases, halve the time required to trim the part.

“This new KMT system is making our plastics and composite customers more competitive,” said KMT Robotic Solutions General Industrial Sales Manager, Paul Schuch. “The RoboTrim DRT-802 system is the big brother of the RoboTrim DRT-502 system that KMT introduced in 2008. Since then we found a market need for this new Dual Rotating Table system capable of processing even larger parts. Our customers are particularly pleased with the safety aspects of this design which keeps the operator separated from the rotating spindles.”

The DRT-802 in its standard configuration comes with a single KMT AccuTrim® R-110 robot and two servo controller rotating tables capable of coordinated motion with the robot. The R-110 can utilize up to a 13 hp spindle with automatic tool change and can trim parts up to 8’ x 8’ x 3’ high. In some cases, parts with larger lengths can also be processed depending upon the other dimensions of the part. The system can optionally be configured with a second R-110 for higher throughput.

For additional information, contact Roberta Zald, KMT Robotic Solutions, Inc., 1255 Harmon Road, Auburn Hills, MI 48326, 248-829-2800, Fax: 248-829-2750, E-mail: roberta.zald@kmtgroup.com, Web: www.kmtrobotic.com.

New Proprietary Sheet

KYDEX, LLC, a worldwide leader in specialty thermoplastic sheet manufacturing, announced the launch of KYDEX® 311 and KYDEX® 351 MB. Created in response to customer requests for superior product at competitive prices, these materials are symbolic of KYDEX’s industry-leading culture of innovation. In keeping with KYDEX’s green initiative, both products contain reclaimed content as a result of an environmentally friendly, closed-loop manufacturing process.

“Innovation is key to our success at KYDEX,” explains Jim Medalie, President of KYDEX, LLC. “We are extremely proud of our ability to solve a simple problem – high-quality thermoplastic materials at a competitive price – with a revolutionary process.”

The success of KYDEX® 311 immediately led to the development of KYDEX® 351 MB which features the added benefit of Microban® antimicrobial protection. Microban® inhibits the growth of bacteria that can cause stains, odors and product deterioration. An integral part of the sheet, it won’t wash or wear away, keeping the surface fresher between cleanings for the entire life of the product.

The materials share many high-performance features: cost competitive with fire-resistant ABS (FR-ABS) formulations; impact resistant; excellent fabrication qualities with good part definition; thicknesses from 1.5mm (0.060”) to 8.9mm (0.350”); less hygroscopic than FR-ABS (typically do not require pre-drying); excellent resistance to a broad range of corrosive chemicals and cleaning solutions; UL® recognized Std 94 V-0/5V; available in a wide range of colors; color-matched, co-extruded top layer with a black-colored substrate for dark colors and an off-white-colored substrate for light colors. Suggested applications include exhibits and displays, medical products, store fixture components and machine housings

For additional information, contact Ronn Cort, KYDEX, 6685 Low Street, Bloomsburg, PA 17815, 570-387-6997, E-mail: info@kydex.com, Web: www.kydex.com.

Thermoformable Sheet

Premier Material Concepts (PMC) offers choice materials for custom thermoforming applications, including Exultra™ soft touch TPO sheet for interior applications and rigid high gloss TPO materials for exterior fairings and styling components.

The advantages of TPO over other resins include strength, durability, dimensional stability and recyclability. PMC’s TPO sheet materials ensure improved cold temperature impact performance and excellent chemical resistance for dependable, long-lasting results. The TPO products that PMC manufactures are UV stable, eliminating the need for a protective weatherable cap. With a CLTE (Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion) 50% that of ABS, ductility to -30° C and higher HDT (Deflection Temperature), buckling between mating parts is reduced, meaning TPO parts won’t crack, fade or degrade.

PMC TPO sheet materials have been designed for improved thermoforming melt strength, reducing scrap and increased processing throughput.

Unlike ABS/Vinyl, TPO products are recyclable, resulting in lower material costs and environmental consciousness.

PMC offers TPO products in a variety of textures and surface finishes to suit your custom needs. Decorative ABS, HIPS and acrylics are also available.

For additional information, contact Kristin Larmore, Premier Material Concepts, 2040 Industrial Drive, Findlay, OH 45840, 877-BUYPMC6/419-429-7017, E-mail: klarmore@rowmark.com, Web: www.buypmc.com.

Thermoformable Long Glass Fiber Composite

Ensinger’s Penn Fibre Division now offers thermoformable long glass fiber (LGF) polyolefin based composite sheet under its Pennite™ glass reinforced sheet product line. Thermoformable Pennite LGF Composite sheet has been produced in glass loadings ranging from 20-35%. These long glass fibers improve the sag characteristic of the sheet and import better physical properties than what is seen in short glass fibers.

Penn Fibre General Manager, John Cowperthwait, said,“We produce short glass fiber products in crystalline resins such as nylon, PEEK, PPS, and amorphous polymers such as Ultem™ PEI all the time. What we did not know was whether we could get this into a sheet with the fiber intact, and whether the sheet would be thermoformable using conventional thermoforming equipment.” Testing by Maryland Thermoform, Baltimore, MD, verified that the LGF formed surprisingly well. Tammy Sagastume, Sales Manager for Maryland Thermoform, said “We had real doubts about its ability to form due to the obvious stiffness and fiber length. But trials of .125 thick Pennite™ Composite sheet indicate we can certainly make parts from it, and we already have a lot of interest in a variety of applications that can take advantage of these properties.”

OEMs value the improved strength and stiffness, as well as improved impact, creep, and fatigue resistance relative to short glass fiber (SGF) compounds, particularly as metal replacement for automotive products. Applications in the automotive markets include: cross car beams; battery trays, instrument panel substrates, fender supports, face shields, seat backs, fan shrouds, load floors and bumper beams.

Due to high production volumes in automotive, thermoforming has not been the process of choice. However, for markets that have lower volume production needs, thermoforming offers much lower fixed investment in terms of tooling and equipment cost. These markets include: golf carts, snowmobiles, mobile homes, RVs, motorcycles, construction, truck and bus, aircraft, marine, or anywhere the composite’s stiffness, strength and lower weight are important.

For additional information, contact Mark Kreisher, Ensinger-Penn Fibre Division, 2434 Bristol Road, Bensalem, PA 19020, 800-662-7366, Fax: 215-702-9552, E-mail: mark@pennfibre.com, Web: www.pennfibre.com.

New & Used Equipment

PlastiMach Corporation is a stocking dealer of used thermoforming equipment since 1975. Most of their latemodel inventory can be inspected in their New York or Chicago warehouses. They also represent all major manufacturers of new thermoforming machinery, including rotary and single station equipment. They can help you select the right machine for your application and budget with over 75 years of experience in the thermoforming and routing industry.

The CNC Router Store division of PlastiMach is dedicated to providing a selection of new and used CNC routers to the plastics industry. They carry routers from manufacturers such as Thermwood, Motionmaster, Komo, Multicam and others. The CNC Router Store just added their CNC Technology Center in Indiana. They now have the ability to demo and test some of their used machines in house. They provide a comfort level for the used buyer that never existed before.

For additional information contact PlastiMach Corporation at 800-394-1128, Fax: 845-267-2825, E-mail: tammy@plastimach.com, Web: www.plastimach.com.