At Fakuma 2021 — a trade fair for plastics processing held in in Friedrichshafen — the stand of Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences (also known as h_da) saw the official handover of a new Arburg Allrounder plastic injection moulding machine to the Institute for Plastics Technology (ikd).

The new machine is a hydraulic Allrounder 370 S with Multilift H robotic system for processing thermoplastics as well as LSR (liquid silicone rubber) and thermosets. The automated system enables moulded parts to be removed from the moulds and set down.

Potholders made from LSR were produced at Fakuma using a mould from Emde and material from Momentive. Simulations of the moulding process were created in conjunction with Sigmasoft, and the mould featured infra-red temperature sensors integrated into the mould. The viscosity of the LSR material was measured inline with a ‘rheometer nozzle’.

The Institute for Plastics Technology at h_da acquired this machine for teaching and research activities. With its modular configuration, the Allrounder’s injection unit can be arranged in various operating positions. Moreover, the machine is equipped with Arburg’s ‘assistance packages’, which support set-up, production start-up, process optimisation, programming freedom, monitoring and servicing.

Also included are a productivity package with AES (Arburg energy saving system), an additional option extension for injection compression moulding, and a connection to the ‘premium version’ of the ArburgXworld customer portal.

Furthermore, the Arburg host computer system (ALS) and various pieces of peripheral equipment are connected via OPC UA interfaces so that the entire manufacturing process can be digitally controlled. It is also possible to connect an external large screen for teaching students.

A total of four Allrounders are currently in use at ikd. Bardo Palmberg, head of the injection moulding laboratory at the Institute for Plastics Technology Darmstadt, said Arburg’s technology is promoted extensively by h_da and ikd — both at in-house events and joint trade fair appearances.

“We are delighted that we now have the latest machine technology at our disposal, thanks to the purchase of the Allrounder. What we value most about our cooperation is Arburg’s flexibility in every respect — not only in machine and processing technology but also in the areas of innovation and joint research. Always having the latest machines available is of course crucial for a teaching and research institution like ours.”