System combines thermoforming, molding

organomelt This technology from Engel combines the thermoforming of thermoplastic, fiber-reinforced sheets or tapes with injection molding. The sheets or tapes are formed into preforms or blanks that are then thermoformed, then overmolded within the same mold in the injection molding machine. The tapes are used either singly or in stacks several millimeters thick. The technology is used to produce lightweight composite parts for the automotive and electronics industries.

What’s new? Two automated systems integrated within the organomelt production cell that are used to create the blanks. The first, a tape stacking cell (right), uses robots and a high-resolution camera to precisely stack the tapes into the appropriate layer structure and then spot-welds them together. The second system, called a consolidation unit (inset), automatically performs several steps, including heating the stacks, to prepare them for thermoforming and overmolding.

Benefits Efficient, economical large-scale production. The new systems provide an integrated, fully automated solution for the entire process that is compatible with fast injection molding cycle times. Also, the high-resolution camera measuring system for the stacking cell provides real-time feedback, guaranteeing accuracy.

Engel Machinery Inc., York, Pa., 717-764-6818, www.engelglobal.com