IMM Cells Display Communications, Energy Measurement and Energy Recovery

Wittmann is utilizing five injection molding machine work cells in a new red color to showcase its latest molding, robotic and auxiliary technologies. Every cell feature the company’s 4.0 Technologies, including Plug and Produce, Wittmann Digital, all-new Control Room, Remote Access, and OPC UA communication and data collection. In addition, every machine in the booth relays energy usage via Wittmann’s proprietary IMAGOxt software. Energy is recovered in all the SmartPower and EcoPower molding machines, thanks to kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) technology. On the process side, Wittmann’s HiQ Flow program is being deployed to minimize scrap and improve part quality.

A large-tonnage MacroPower servo-hydraulic machine with an electric metering motor is molding a sunroof bezel from Axiom, applying hybrid-grade recycled content PP from TotalEnergies and running regrind from the process. The new Feedmax Clean with dust/fines separation is conveying material from the G-Max XL granulator to the G34 Blender, removing dust during conveying, which is managed from the M8 central conveying controller. The press is applying Wittmann HiQ Flow to account for any changes in resin viscosity. Process cooling comes via a Tempro Plus D L250 temperature control unit (TCU) and a 20-ton, air-cooled Coolmax chiller. A WX153 Robot is removing parts and, in partnership with Keyence, show how QR codes and other important data can be printed directly onto the part.

A 3-shot SmartPower servo-hydraulic 400 is utilizing Wittmann’s Cellmould technology on the outer layer of a cup to mold the 1-cavity “family mold” cup and lid from a Haidlmair tool, using Borealis PP resin and color, and a WX142 robot. Auxiliaries include Aton Plus 120 VS dryer with a 3-hopper Silmax compact cart. This cell features Wittmann’s Net5 conveying platform, as well as a Tempro Plus D 250 TCU, WFC120 water manifold, Coolmax 15-ton air-cooled chiller and Dosimax color feeders.

In LSR, A SmartPower 120 is running beverage caps/covers from Nexus, using a 4-cavity family mold and Momentive silicone. Parts are removed by a W918 robot, and auxiliaries include the Coolmax 5-ton, air-cooled chiller and Tempro Plus D L250 TCU.

In micromolding, 2-shot MicroPower 15 is molding a speaker membrane from Starlim Spritzguss, using PBT and LSR, with a Micro Dryer and Micro Plus D TCU also in the cell. Finally, a SmartPower 4.0 demo cell features Wittmann 4.0 on the latest generation SmartPower servo-hydraulic machine, with Wittmann’s B8X controller, and new multiconnector for screw and barrel assemblies, plus a W918 robot, two Tempro Plus D TCUs, one G14 Blender and one Aton Plus Dryer.

“Control Room” Debut

There are also two freestanding robot cells, both showcasing the new Control Room, which debuts at NPE2024. Wittmann says the Control Room can be used to view and control several Wittmann auxiliary products within its work cell, operating on the R9 robot pendant as well as a PC.

In addition, the new Sonic 131 robot shows off its acceleration and speed via demos, while a WX142 Robot is being used to demonstrate the latest QuickNew Teach Program generator, which Wittmann says makes programming complex injection work quicker and easier.