HEADLINE PRODUCTS

Husky Introduces New Hot Runner Solutions

Husky Injection Molding Systems, which is exhibiting at EuroMold 2006 as this issue of the TPN is released, recently introduced a variety of new hot runner products.  The Husky exhibit features numerous product displays focused on hot runner technologies. Among the new products recently introduced: 

• Medical nozzle – Husky’s new U350 VG nozzle is designed for a nozzle bore diameter of 16 mm to produce parts with excellent gate quality with plunger stem closing. The nozzle is ideally suited for closures and medical devices, as well as for applications with restricted gate access.

• Closure nozzle -- A redesigned UltraFlow mixing tip that offers the industry's fastest color changes, ideal for closures and other applications that require frequent color or material changes. It is the only system that truly mixes the melt just before it enters the cavity.

• Packaging nozzle – New UP (Ultra Packaging) nozzle, which is purpose-built for thin-wall molding applications, can deliver fast cycles and can handle 2,800 bar of pressure and throughputs of up to 300 grams/second.

• Single cavity valve gate – Next-generation technology delivers a wide operating window as well as increased reliability compared to conventional gating.

• Split Sprue Bar – Split Sprue Bar (SSB), ideal for 2, 3 and 4 level stack molds. SSB delivers a clean, no-drool solution for easy part removal or robot access, and features a stem-to-stem shut-off to eliminate stringing and drool.

Progressive Components Expands Line of Date Stamps & I.D. Inserts

Progressive Components, currently exhibiting at Euromold, has expanded its offering of Date Stamps and I.D. Inserts so that it is now the widest range available in the industry. 

“Molds have become increasingly more mobile, whether they are exported from North America, Europe or Asia,” stated Glenn Starkey, president of Progressive Components.  “This makes the availability of standardized parts all the more necessary.  Perhaps most of all, date stamps are an item that can cause a complete halting of production if replacement parts are not readily available – especially at year end when they are needed most.” 

To further complicate year-end service, there is a multitude of standards on the market.  Progressive has expanded worldwide coverage of various standards so that, rather than “one size fits all”, Progressive’s line now includes: 

• Multi daters in two styles and five sizes to eliminate annual replacement time;

• New ‘RF’ Series that remains flush during operation while enabling installation of the date ring to be secured from the parting line;

• In addition to the industry’s largest selection of retrofit plugs, new configurations are available including the AM/NZ standard and Raised Lettering;

All Date Plugs feature laser etched supplier info to eliminate searching for replacements at year’s end.    

Mastercam X2 Delivers New Toolpaths and Increased Power

Mastercam takes a leap forward with the release of Mastercam X2. Building on the powerful Mastercam X platform, Mastercam X2 delivers new high speed toolpaths that produce extremely fine finishes and extend tool life. It also incorporates new advanced multiaxis toolpaths that enhance machining strategy control and provides tools for programming complex multiaxis parts. These advanced toolpaths use a “smart” interface that customizes itself to the selected machining strategy, making it easier for the user to tightly control the machining process. Advanced gouge checking options offer many different strategies to avoid potential collisions.

Mastercam X2 also features powerful new tool options to make engineering changes easier. Mastercam’s File Tracking function helps manage files by identifying files that have changed, while Change Recognition identifies specific changes in files. It can detect modifications to Mastercam, SolidWorks®, Solid Edge, AutoCAD, and other CAD files, and can mark affected operations if their source geometry has changed in any way. Once the affected geometry is updated, the user can automatically update any additional toolpaths that use that geometry.