AUTOMA SPA
Via Chiesaccia
40056
Crespellano, Bologna
Subject: APEX machines
Description: The new design concept implemented on APEX machines has involved the addition of many new technical features compared to existing Automa families of products and – above all – compared to competitor offering.
The mould carriage slides horizontally on ball recirculation guides and sliding blocks.
Mould platens are mounted on ball recirculation guides and sliding blocks in APEX AT500 and APEX AT700 machines, whereas smaller size machines retain the well-proven geometry of traditional Automa mould carriages.
All structural elements of mould carriages – cross-beams, levers, platens, etc. – are constructed from a special aluminium alloy to reduce the inertia of traversing units and achieve optimal movement speeds.
Great emphasis has also been placed on machine appearance, with great care for detail in all mechanical components and top quality finish.
Models of the APEX series through to the AT500 machine feature a one-piece frame that eliminates the need for on-site wiring connections across the two machine sections to facilitate installation.
All machines feature a compact footprint, much smaller than existing Automa series and competitor products.
APEX machines can accommodate three different types of product take-out grippers so as to better meet the needs of each specific application.
On AT300, AT400 and AT500 machines, guards can be opened fully to provide all-round access to machine internals both when installing the moulds and for ease of servicing.
Frame elements have been kept clear of machine front to make access easier and more convenient for operators.
Special emphasis has been placed on ergonomics.
All AT300, AT400 and AT500 models are available both in a fully hydraulic version and in the All Electric version, without any significant differences in mould carriage design.
In this regard, noteworthy is the new, electrically operated mould closing system using a brushless motor that drives an over gear with automatic thickness compensation for the event mould thickness deviates from nominal value.
This system is an international Automa patent and makes the total clamping force available at the time the two mould halves contact each other, so that the polymer does not cool down before it is sheared off.
This system provides significant benefits not only over conventional electrically operated machines, but also compared to hydraulic systems, as it delivers clamping force faster and at just the right time, while slowing down mould closing movement during the last portion of travel to provide greater accuracy.
This ensures accurate deflashing and superior sealing even when processing a parison featuring small wall thickness and high stretch ratios during the blowing process.
This system does not require any particular adjustments to adapt the machine to mould thickness as is the case with the less flexible mechanical systems adopted by most manufacturers in the industry.
The over gear is also available with a bumping attachment that provides an inertia load during the last portion (3/5 mm) of the mould closing travel, so as to facilitate deflashing with large cutting areas and particularly hard polymers.
This equipment is also protected by an international patent.
All APEX machines feature an electronic control system comprised of a PC for industrial applications and a proprietary software developed from scratch in-house by Automa engineers for guaranteed superior control accuracy.
The software is based on the Windows NT operating system and the operator interface has been specifically designed for the utmost user-friendliness, with intuitive controls and procedures.
The machines use the Can–BUS communication system.
The blow pin insertion unit is actuated by a hydraulic cylinder controlled by a P/Q control proportional valve.
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