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Plastics

Plastics

For generations, machine builders chose hydraulic cylinders for injection molding applications. However, today, when it comes to creating precise, clean actuation, electromechanical actuators are becoming much more popular. Exlar’s GSX, GTX, and TTX actuators offer a compact, robust, precise electromechanical actuator ideal for core pulling, mold locks, or gate valve applications within plastic injection machines.

COMPACT, LIGHTWEIGHT ACTUATORS FOR THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY

For generations, machine builders chose hydraulic cylinders for injection molding applications. However, today, when it comes to creating precise, clean actuation, electromechanical actuators are becoming much more popular. Exlar’s GSX, GTX, and TTX actuators offer a compact, robust, precise electromechanical actuator ideal for core pulling, mold locks, or gate valve applications within plastic injection machines.

Producing higher quality parts as fast as possible is what drives profitability. In a typical molding machine, after the molded product is complete, the mold still has to be cycled, the core removed, the product ejected; each step requiring motion in the machine. The slow response of hydraulic systems extends the molding process time, reducing production throughput. Switching to an electric solution allows these processes to run faster and be programmed to run in parallel, further reducing cycle time.

Introducing electric actuators can increase processing speed over hydraulic cylinders, but also can improve process repeatability and control. Increased control of the actuation system reduces variation in the molding process, therefore improving part quality while reducing additional quality checks and unnecessary scrap.

Plastic Injection Molding Machine

Other benefits of using Exlar actuators in plastics industry applications include:

  • Longer Tool Life – Electric actuators can be programmed to decelerate just before the molds close together, preventing high-energy impacts seen with hydraulics that can damage tooling
  • Increased Flexibility – Make different parts on the same machine with a simple tool change and basic modification to the programmable motion profile
  • Increased Efficiency – Exlar customers in the molding industry have reported energy savings greater than 50% when switching from hydraulic systems
  • Improved Safety – Elimination of hydraulic oil prevents slippery spills on the factory floor
  • Less Environmental Impact –Electromechanical actuators reduce potential health and safety risks caused by hydraulic fluid leaks as well as reducing noise levels in the workplace
  • Reduced Setup and Changeover Times – Shorter machine commissioning times are achieved with improved set-up precision and changeovers only require a simple program change

Related Applications

Injection Moulding - Injecting molten material into molds quickly and cleanly has evolved over years. Today’s manufacturing processes require speed and repeatability with as little downtime as possible. Exlar electromechanical actuators have the power density and precision to produce consistent and high volume plastic parts. 

Core Pull - Core pull allows a void to be put in the product parallel to the clamp. While the camps are held tight with Exlar actuators, pins create the hollow. Once the molten plastic is poured the core or pins are pulled and the mold opens. 

Locking Molds into Place - A movable holder plate carries out the mold closing/opening operation on the toggle station pictured here. An Exlar electric actuator provides the smooth and efficient force needed.

Opening and Closing of Gate Valves - Better control over the opening and closing of the gate valve helps to eliminate imperfections in your part. An electromechanical actuator from Exlar allows you to adjust the speed and stroke to effectively control the flow of molten plastics. 

Success Stories & Articles

Electromechanical vs Pneumatic Actuators

Submitted by sindhu on August 10, 2024
Industrial - Exlar, Electric Actuation Articles
Electromechanical vs Pneumatic Actuators
In machine design, there are numerous areas in which design engineers must decide about whether to use pneumatic or electric devices. The advantages of electric actuators are explored here.
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How To Create Nothing – Faster

Submitted by thejasvini on September 10, 2024
Product Inner Page Resources Tag
Industrial - Exlar, Electric Actuation Articles
How To Create Nothing – Faster
Whether for vacuum cleaners, hearing aids, or blood filters, engineers who design the tool systems for injection molded plastic parts face challenges, how fast, how accurate, how long, and how much
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Linear actuator simplifies machine building

Submitted by thejasvini on September 19, 2024
Industrial - Exlar, Electric Actuation Articles
Linear actuator simplifies machine building
At Osgood Industries, the preferred device actuating the pistons driving the pumps that deliver yogurt into their containers is a linear roller screw actuator with servo motor.
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Roller Screw Actuators: Benefits, Selection and Maintenance

Submitted by thejasvini on November 14, 2024
Ground and Naval Defense Resources Content Type
Industrial - Exlar, Electric Actuation Articles
Roller Screw Actuators: Benefits, Selection and Maintenance
Roller screw actuators have several advantages over hydraulic or pneumatic actuators for many applications, especially those involving heavy loads and fast cycles.
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Videos & White Papers

Choosing Electric over Hydraulic Actuation

Submitted by thejasvini on July 9, 2024
Content Type
Ground and Naval Defense Resources Content Type
Industrial - Exlar, White Papers
Choosing Electric over Hydraulic Actuation
Hydraulics have been widely used for decades. Hydraulic leaks, inefficiency, and inaccuracy are just a few reasons people are transferring technologies.
The Tritex EVA Flyer gives a brief overview of the product.The Tritex EVA Flyer gives a brief overview of the product.
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FTX Series Animation

Submitted by sindhu on August 20, 2024
Content Type
Ground and Naval Defense Resources Content Type
Industrial - Exlar, Product Videos
FTX Series Animation
Our product animation for the FTX Series highlights product features and options available and shows you what makes the FTX an exceptional choice for a variety of industrial applications.
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GTX Product Animation

Submitted by sindhu on September 27, 2024
Content Type
Ground and Naval Defense Resources Content Type
Industrial - Exlar, Product Videos
GTX Product Animation
Our animation highlights the features and benefits of Exlar GTX Series Actuators.
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Motion System Causing You Pain?

Submitted by thejasvini on October 9, 2024
Content Type
Ground and Naval Defense Resources Content Type
Industrial - Exlar, White Papers
Motion System Causing You Pain?
Putting together a motion control system that meets your requirements for speed, accuracy, and flexibility can often be a challenge. Find out what decisions need to be made to optimize your system.
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Brochures & Catalogs

FTX Series Catalog

Submitted by thejasvini on November 13, 2024

GTX Product Brochure

Submitted by neha on December 16, 2024

GTX Series Catalog

Submitted by neha on December 18, 2024