Tandem Molding System boosts automotive parts output

DUSSELDORF - Husky has made some key enhancements to its automotive-focused Tandem Molding System. In a recent production run for a Tier I supplier, the Tandem system demonstrated its benefits in door panel applications.

The Tandem system is integrated with Husky’s Quadloc machine and allows for the simultaneous operation of two standard, single-face molds in one machine. The system provides a unique solution for improving productivity and part economics for many automotive applications. It is ideal for the cost-effective, high volume production of identical or similar parts.

The new Tandem system features several enhancements over previous generations, including:

• Dissimilar opening strokes – A new design of the harmonic linkage allows for the simultaneous operation of two molds with different shutheights and dissimilar opening strokes.

• Additional daylight – The hot runner that distributes the melt to both molds is now integrated in the center carrier. Eliminating the former bolt-on hot runner plate provides additional daylight for mold installation.

• Speed – The center carrier is now supported by low-friction roller bearings, minimizing the power and time for acceleration.

• Flexibility – A redesigned sprue bar-guiding sleeve provides more flexibility. No length adapters are required when switching production to a mold with a different shutheight.

• Faster mold changes – All services are now centralized on top of the center carrier, and a standard magnetic quick-mold-change option is available.

• Modularity – The injection unit base design is now the same as standard machines, allowing the machine to be easily reconfigured or converted.

The door panel production test was done on a Husky QT1350 system, which is being shown at K 2004. Key production data and results of the system include:

System specifications

• Machine – Husky Quadloc QT1350 RS155/135 (13500 kN clamping force)

• Robot – Husky TMA-R Dual

• Molds – Visteon

• Parts – Left and right door panels for the Renault Mégane

• Weights – 2 x 910g

• Material – PP Dow C706-21NA

• Cycle time – 45 seconds

• Required clamp tonnage – 9000 kN

Production results

• Excellent shot-to-shot repeatability

o 0.34% deviation in part weight.

• Good decompression behavior

o Minimal sprue bar drool of 5 g/h all contained within the purge area.

• Good nozzle/mold seal-off with no leakage

• Low space requirement

o Almost 50% less footprint compared with two standard systems

• Lower machine cost, part cost, higher output per capital.

The Tandem system is part of Husky’s fresh approach to innovative injection molding solutions for the automotive industry. The company has developed some key new technologies and has renewed its commitment to providing customized solutions to customers who value innovation.

“Husky continues to focus on targeted solutions that can make significant improvements in customer productivity,” Jeff MacDonald, Husky’s Vice President, Automotive, said. “Our Detroit Technical Center, for example, has conducted more than 150 individual application tests with customers over the past 12 months. Husky is also rolling out similar automotive-focused capabilities at its Technical Centers in Luxembourg and Shanghai.”

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Notes for editors

About Husky

Husky Injection Molding Systems (www.husky.ca) is a global supplier of injection molding equipment and services to the plastics industry. With one of the broadest product lines in the industry, customers use Husky equipment to manufacture a wide range of products in the packaging, technical and automotive industries. The company has more than 40 service and sales offices, supporting customers in more than 100 countries. Husky’s manufacturing facilities are located in Canada, the United States, Luxembourg and China. The company’s common shares (HKY) are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and are included in the S&P/TSX Composite Index.