May 19 2009
Eurotherm's MACO Compact control system retrofits enhance the performance of any injection molding machine while keeping costs low. For molders looking to avoid the high costs of total machine replacement, retrofitting outdated existing controls with the MACO Compact system offers a solid return on investment through improved machine reliability, reduced downtime, and better performance overall, re-energizing injection molding machines to work like new.
An analysis of production levels and scrap rates after installing the cost-competitive MACO Compact control system to a 700-ton injection molding machine showed significant ROI based on increased production and reduced scrap in as little as five and one-half months.
"In today's economy, Molders need to be assured that every dollar to improve productivity is well-spent," says Steve Schroeder, Business Development Manager, Plastics. "MACO Compact control system retrofits offer complete machine control with long-term reliability for a fraction of the cost to replace an entire machine. In many cases, the return is high and within months the system can pay for itself through improved product quality and increased productivity, making it an extremely valuable investment, especially in today's ultra-competitive market."
Injection molders who install Eurotherm's MACO Compact control systems can also expect more precise temperature control, RLD diagnostics for improved troubleshooting and web based communication capability. High performance Ethernet communications allow the MACO Compact system to interface with the HMI or other devices, while built-in diagnostics and process monitoring permit shot monitoring, shot-to-shot data storage, "reference/signature" shot and "snap shot" functions.
Every MACO Compact system is available with standard process control features including IMPACT II injection process control. The IMPACT II control feature is an advanced type of closed loop process control that creates a theoretical model of the injection molding process to be used along with hundreds of rules to compensate for deviations, thus allowing the machine to control the process even better than before. Simple set-up and display-board help screens make installation easy and improve overall function.
Another standard option, the iPact with Intellimold uses the patented Intellimold melt pressure control system to bring real-time, automated closed-loop control to the molding process by actively monitoring and adjusting for a steady, evenly controlled injection throughout the process.
As an add-on option, remote diagnostics software allows users to remotely access the MACO Compact machine controller for examination of set points, SPC graphs, and other system information.
Benefitting from Eurotherm's unmatched solutions services, installation of a MACO Compact control system includes the exchange of the existing control system, installation of the operator terminal and controller, and implementation of the standard machine program and screens.