COMPACT, LIGHTWEIGHT ACTUATORS FOR THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY

For generations, machine builders chose hydraulic cylinders for injection molding applications. However, today, when it comes to creating precise, clean actuation, electromechanical actuators are becoming much more popular. Exlar’s GSX, GTX, and TTX actuators offer a compact, robust, precise electromechanical actuator ideal for core pulling, mold locks, or gate valve applications within plastic injection machines. 

Producing higher quality parts as fast as possible is what drives profitability.  In a typical molding machine, after the molded product is complete, the mold still has to be cycled, the core removed, the product ejected; each step requiring motion in the machine.  The slow response of hydraulic systems extends the molding process time, reducing production throughput.  Switching to an electric solution allows these processes to run faster and be programmed to run in parallel, further reducing cycle time. 

Introducing electric actuators can increase processing speed over hydraulic cylinders, but also can improve process repeatability and control.  Increased control of the actuation system reduces variation in the molding process, therefore improving part quality while reducing additional quality checks and unnecessary scrap. 

Plastic Injection MoldingPlastic Injection Molding Machine 

Other benefits of using Exlar actuators in plastics industry applications include:

  • Longer Tool Life – Electric actuators can be programmed to decelerate just before the molds close together, preventing high-energy impacts seen with hydraulics that can damage tooling
  • Increased Flexibility – Make different parts on the same machine with a simple tool change and basic modification to the programmable motion profile
  • Increased Efficiency – Exlar customers in the molding industry have reported energy savings greater than 50% when switching from hydraulic systems
  • Improved Safety – Elimination of hydraulic oil prevents slippery spills on the factory floor
  • Less Environmental Impact –Electromechanical actuators reduce potential health and safety risks caused by hydraulic fluid leaks as well as reducing noise levels in the workplace
  • Reduced Setup and Changeover Times – Shorter machine commissioning times are achieved with improved set-up precision and changeovers only require a simple program change

Related Applications

Injection Moulding - Injecting molten material into molds quickly and cleanly has evolved over years. Today’s manufacturing processes require speed and repeatability with as little downtime as possible. Exlar electromechanical actuators have the power density and precision to produce consistent and high volume plastic parts. 

Core Pull - Core pull allows a void to be put in the product parallel to the clamp. While the camps are held tight with Exlar actuators, pins create the hollow. Once the molten plastic is poured the core or pins are pulled and the mold opens. 

Locking Molds into Place - A movable holder plate carries out the mold closing/opening operation on the toggle station pictured here. An Exlar electric actuator provides the smooth and efficient force needed.

Opening and Closing of Gate Valves - Better control over the opening and closing of the gate valve helps to eliminate imperfections in your part. An electromechanical actuator from Exlar allows you to adjust the speed and stroke to effectively control the flow of molten plastics. 

Recommended Products

Success Stories & Articles

Industrial - Exlar, Case Studies
Exlar offers several families of all electric, servo linear actuators designed to fit and mount in the same space as hydraulic cylinders.
Industrial - Exlar, Electric Actuation Articles
In machine design, there are numerous areas in which design engineers must decide about whether to use pneumatic or electric devices. The advantages of electric actuators are explored here.
Industrial - Exlar, Success Stories
Exlar’s Tritex II AC electric rotary actuator offered the perfect motion control solution for Hamer’s net weigh scale.
Industrial - Exlar, Case Studies
The customer was looking to improve the control, accuracy and cleanliness of their hot runner system so it could be applied in food processing and clean room applications.
Industrial - Exlar, Electric Actuation Articles
Whether for vacuum cleaners, hearing aids, or blood filters, engineers who design the tool systems for injection molded plastic parts face challenges, how fast, how accurate, how long, and how much
Industrial - Exlar, Case Studies
Converting to the Exlar GTX products resulted in a significant increase in machine productivity, both in terms of increased throughput and reduced machine maintenance / downtime.
Industrial - Exlar, Electric Actuation Articles
At Osgood Industries, the preferred device actuating the pistons driving the pumps that deliver yogurt into their containers is a linear roller screw actuator with servo motor.
Industrial - Exlar, Success Stories
The success of Exlar's Tritex II and GSX actuators on the "hot sides" of plastic injection molding machines at a German OEM are highlighted here.
Industrial - Exlar, Electric Actuation Articles
Roller screw actuators have several advantages over hydraulic or pneumatic actuators for many applications, especially those involving heavy loads and fast cycles.
Show Resources

Brochures & Catalogs

Industrial - Exlar, Brochures/Catalogs
Industrial - Exlar, Brochures/Catalogs
Industrial - Exlar, Brochures/Catalogs
Industrial - Exlar, Brochures/Catalogs
Industrial - Exlar, Brochures/Catalogs
Industrial - Exlar, Brochures/Catalogs
Industrial - Exlar, Brochures/Catalogs
Industrial - Exlar, Brochures/Catalogs
Industrial - Exlar, Brochures/Catalogs
Industrial - Exlar, Brochures/Catalogs
Migrating to electric roller screw actuation can improve energy efficiency, increase speed, reduce downtime, and improve lifespan making Exlar the right choice for injection molding applications.
Show Resources

Videos & White Papers

Industrial - Exlar, Product Videos
Learn how we build our actuators
Industrial - Exlar, White Papers
Hydraulics have been widely used for decades. Hydraulic leaks, inefficiency, and inaccuracy are just a few reasons people are transferring technologies.
Industrial - Exlar, Product Videos
Exlar® actuators from Curtiss-Wright are an industry leader in electric actuation. Our research, pride, and creativity shine in this short video as we highlight our top product lines.
Industrial - Exlar, Product Videos
Our product animation for the FTX Series highlights product features and options available and shows you what makes the FTX an exceptional choice for a variety of industrial applications.
Industrial - Exlar, Product Videos
Our animation highlights the features and benefits of Exlar GTX Series Actuators.
Industrial - Exlar, Product Videos
Ever wonder about the benefits of changing your system from hydraulic cylinders to electric actuation. We have the information you need.
Industrial - Exlar, White Papers
Putting together a motion control system that meets your requirements for speed, accuracy, and flexibility can often be a challenge. Find out what decisions need to be made to optimize your system.
Show Resources

Find more resources in our InfoCenter

This site uses cookies to improve our service, you can find out more here - for the best web experience please accept cookies

x