The process of choosing the right screw and barrel combination for your plastics application is a critical part of the success or failure of any particular machine unit, and this cannot be overstated. However, most people may not realize that this selection process is often wrong or even incomplete. And in this process, Injection Molding Screw Barrel is very important.
Unfortunately, it is more frequent than you think. Hard numbers can be a bit elusive, because most companies are unlikely to track this particular metric. Just ask any experienced salesperson, and they are likely to think of 5 stories to prove it. It may not be as bad as it used to be in the industry, but in many cases, the barrel and screw are sometimes a secondary topic when buying a machine.
why is that?
When buying a new machine, manufacturers usually pay more attention to the complete list of machine performance, control, clamping speed, dry cycle speed, and other general features and advantages. This is not to say that they are wrong to focus on clamping speed and performance. This is actually crucial because time is money. However, it can be said that the choice of screw and barrel was only thought of after many years in the industry.
Again, it's not as bad as it used to be. However, as companies use more and more engineering resins, the pressure to increase productivity and eliminate waste has prompted the aforementioned companies to expand their focus on the selection and selection of screws and barrels. In the past 10 years, as the industry continues to see changes in the composition of plastics/resins used in products, the pressure to increase productivity has become more complicated. With the continuous development and progress of plastics and resins, people are paying more and more attention to choosing the right components for the screw and barrel components to deal with the new nuances of each material.
If the fixture end of the machine is perfectly adjusted, but you do not provide high-quality melt and mixed materials to the mold, then the quick fixture will only help you make bad parts faster.
So what should be paid attention to when choosing the right barrel and screw?
It is fair to say that many sales conversations about technical issues, including choosing the right screw and barrel, begin with "it depends." To say the least, the differences and diversity in industry segmentation, materials and even general applications are lengthy. Considerations such as machine size, the possibility of screw wear, heat, cycle time, melt temperature, color mixing, recovery time, and more variables can lead to a rather complicated equation.
Understanding the challenges of the application is the first step. Now, in addition to the shameless plug of Milacron’s fairly deep background and decades of industry expertise on the issue of “understanding the challenges of almost all plastic applications,” it’s worth noting that there is a strategic manufacturing partner that can guide you through The process; can save you in the long run. The second step is the design of the screw.
Did you know: The actual design of the screw, not the metallurgy, the larger the screw diameter, the more important it is. In some cases, they have a greater influence on the melting process than heating belts. Therefore, the design of smaller screws involves more material decisions related to wear, and then the conversation becomes a metallurgical or coating issue.
Generally speaking, in the choice between screw and barrel, the important ratio should fall on screw and non-return design/selection and metallurgy.
Therefore, if you are still scoring, choosing the right screw and barrel is essential for any application. But when should this key component be clarified in business conversations? In fact, it was not discussed early in the assembly of the new machine. You are unlikely to find it at the top of the new machine conversation, but it should follow.
Usually, you will find that the topic of screw and barrel is discussed in the aftermarket. Even if the machine has been running for a long time, many molders forget to pay attention to updated or improved screw and barrel technology. Continuous improvements in screw and barrel dimensions, coatings, and metallurgy have proven to improve efficiency, performance, and general material handling, rather than the potential costs and changes associated with end effectors. So Single Screw Extruder Screw Barrel is also concerned
Plastic molders are considering updating old machines with brand new equipment, or even just want to modify some existing machines; be sure to check your screw and barrel to get some much-needed performance and productivity
