Brampton, Ontario, Canada: StackTeck Systems Ltd., a global manufacturer of high-volume production molds for thin-wall packaging, closures, medical, and mold bases, will be showcasing its first thinwall TRIM (Thin Recess Injection Molding) running with the MuCell process. This MuCell microcellular process is introducing the P-Series which allows for use of ultra-fast cycle times for the first time.
At the Trexel booth W-551, visitors can view a 1×4 IML TRIM MuCell cup running in a 220T Milacron Ferromatik machine with IML (In Mold Labeling) automation supplied by Ilsemann.
Microcellular molding is the controlled use of gas injected into the melt stream via the molding machine. This process creates uniform micro-bubbles in a “foaming” action to disperse the plastic evenly within the cavity walls.
Some benefits of the use of this technology include:
| · Reduced resin consumption · Less clamp tonnage · Thin to thick wall flow · Material where needed for function versus flow · Lower melt viscosity | · Eliminate rib sink marks · Improved dimensional stability · Reduced or no part warpage · Can help in difficult-to-fill areas · Increased L/T |
TRIM and MuCell have benefits that complement one another. TRIM enables part light-weighting up to 30-40% while requiring increased clamp tonnage; whereas MuCell reduces clamp tonnage in a similar proportion. Additionally, the microcellular approach brings additional light-weighting, beyond the benefits of TRIM. This show mold is an excellent demonstration for MuCell, as the TRIM panels at just 0.008 inches (0.2mm) thick represent one of the thinnest injection molded parts in a usable packaging format.
