ENGEL
Worldwide licence for future-oriented “MuCell” microcellular foam process
The Austrian injection moulding machine manufacturers Engel Vertriebsgesellschaft mbH (A-4311 Schwertberg) and the American technology group Trexel Inc (Woburn, MA, USA) have entered into a worldwide licence agreement for use of the “MuCell” microcellular foam process for injection moulding. This broadens the existing agreement, concluded in mid-1998, which applied to North America. The new agreement marks the response to the very high level of demand. As the OEM, Engel is securing access to one of the most promising thermoplastics developments in processing technology terms. End users obtain their process licence direct from Trexel.
According to Engel and Trexel, the “MuCell” process, first presented at K ´98, is suitable for a range of injection moulding applications. Evenly-distributed and uniformlysized microscopic cells are created during the process, with the aid of supercritical CO2 and N2. Since the cells are generally between 5 and 50 µm in diameter, thin walling is possible too.
Trexel claims that, with the MuCell process, design engineers can use weight and material-saving foamed polymers for products where conventional foamed plastics would be unacceptable. Engel speaks of considerable reductions in processing temperatures, filling pressure and flow force. A considerable productivity increase can be achieved in plastics processing, since the number of cavities can be increased without raising the clamping force. Cycle times are also improved, and cavity filling made more precise. Holding pressure can be reduced or eliminated altogether. Engel will be offering a MuCell option for all its current series and, at a later stage, a MuCell retrofit package will be available for injection moulding machines already delivered.
Trexel has concluded a similar agreement with Uniloy Milacron (Manchester, MI 48158, USA) exclusively for structural foam systems. Uniloy is intending to equip its entire range of machines, from 400 to 2500 t, with the MuCell units. A retrofit unit for existing plants is also planned.
READER SERVICE: Additional detailed information via the Internet: http://www.trexel.com
According to Engel and Trexel, the “MuCell” process, first presented at K ´98, is suitable for a range of injection moulding applications. Evenly-distributed and uniformlysized microscopic cells are created during the process, with the aid of supercritical CO2 and N2. Since the cells are generally between 5 and 50 µm in diameter, thin walling is possible too.
Trexel claims that, with the MuCell process, design engineers can use weight and material-saving foamed polymers for products where conventional foamed plastics would be unacceptable. Engel speaks of considerable reductions in processing temperatures, filling pressure and flow force. A considerable productivity increase can be achieved in plastics processing, since the number of cavities can be increased without raising the clamping force. Cycle times are also improved, and cavity filling made more precise. Holding pressure can be reduced or eliminated altogether. Engel will be offering a MuCell option for all its current series and, at a later stage, a MuCell retrofit package will be available for injection moulding machines already delivered.
Trexel has concluded a similar agreement with Uniloy Milacron (Manchester, MI 48158, USA) exclusively for structural foam systems. Uniloy is intending to equip its entire range of machines, from 400 to 2500 t, with the MuCell units. A retrofit unit for existing plants is also planned.
READER SERVICE: Additional detailed information via the Internet: http://www.trexel.com
30.06.1999 Plasteurope.com [17971]
Published on 30.06.1999