Material conveying & Blending system
RW Simon / Labotek Case Study
South West based injection moulding company R.W. Simon Ltd are specialists in designing, developing, and manufacturing thermoplastic mouldings and assemblies for a range of industries. Such as fibre optic termination, biopharmaceuticals, medical and construction.
An important aim for the business is to ensure that they can minimise the negative impact on the environment by ensuring they are not wasting material. Also, with all material costs increasing it ensures they can remain competitive in the market by maximising the materials.
”When moulding some of our own products, we re-introduce the runner and sprue from the moulding process via an automated de-spuing process. On some parts we can re-introduce up to 48% regrind back into the process via the closed loop system we have designed to ensure there is no material being wasted”, advised Declan Tattersall – RW Simon Tooling Engineer.
As part of a close loop system, RW Simon uses Ferlin Gravimetric Blenders to reintroduce the regrind directly into the throat of the barrel. They also have a Labotek “Microscan” central feed system to feed the dosing units the regrind, virgin, and masterbatch materials. All of this is part of a £1.3 m investment that also included 3 off Engel Victory 300 moulding machines.
”This recent investment has increased the number of Ferlin Blenders to 14, all supplied with Labotek single hopper loaders.
With proven onsite reliability and accuracy, the Ferlin Gravimetric Blenders have delivered years of service. With their unique design, they are easy to clean and program, resulting in reduced machine downtime when we carry out material changes.
We were also presented with the option of using Ferlin Bridge software that enables us to monitor material throughput with live updates externally from the Ferlin gravimetric dosing unit.
All of which is backed by the years of suburb after sales support from Labotek GB”, concluded Declan.
Labotek GB Ltd.
+44 (0) 1564 822172
www.labotek.com/uk