Sodick will introduce metal 3-D printer, injection molding machines at NPE2018

The new OPM250 metal 3D printer

Sodick and its injection molding machine division Plustech Inc. will introduce the OPM250 metal 3D printer along with new vertical and horizontal injection molding machines at NPE2018.

The OPM250 is a single-process machine that combines laser metal sintering and high-speed milling within the same workspace, allowing users to create finished 3D-printed molds with a single machine.

Sodick’s additive technology reportedly improves mold-cooling channels and cycle times and streamlines mold design, significantly reducing the number of components necessary to create a complete mold.

Four new vertical and horizontal injection molding machines also will be on display at the booth.

The new MS100 100-ton electric injection molding machine features a toggle-design clamping mechanism, which contributes to faster cycle times and energy savings.
During the show, the MS100 will run a conformal cooling mold made using the OPM250 printer.
The molded part is a printer ink cartridge housing.
The demo will enable visitors to learn about the benefits of 3D-printed cooling channels that reach closer to the surface of the mold, providing more even cooling, and reducing deformation and shortening cycle times.

The LP20VRE 20-ton vertical injection molding machine with rotary table is designed for short cycle times processing difficult micro overmolding applications.

At NPE2018, Sodick will produce an eight-cavity micro-molded filter part on the machine.

Sodick is also partnering with Beaumont Technologies at the event, running daily on-site demos to highlight its next-generation Meltflipper test tool.

The tool gives a direct comparison of parts molded with and without Meltflipper in the same shot.

The balance on one side versus the other will be monitored through pressure traces using Sodick’s new cavity-pressure monitoring system, connected accessories and data logging system.

It will be demonstrated using Sodick’s GL60A Global Platform 60-ton horizontal molding machine in an automated cell.

The new horizontal, 30-ton GL30A-LP micro-molding machine will also be featured at NPE2018, but at the Technoject booth (W3883), where it will run a Heitec narrow-pitch, valve-gated mold.

All four injection molding machines feature Sodick’s V-Line system, which separates the plasticization and injection processes.

This two-stage plunger system enables consistent measurement and injection, and is suited for miniature and micro precision components, tight tolerance applications and advanced polymer applications.

Mould&Die World magazine © 2024 All Rights Reserved