ENGEL – Faster Mould Set-Up, More Efficient Production
Increased productivity in the injection moulding process translates to lower unit costs, a stronger competitive position, and more profit. Optimising product changeover times is right at the top of the agenda to achieve this goal. But this is a complex topic.
Many different measures can help to save time, and not all of them are equally suitable for every operation. Add to this the fact that the shortage of skilled workers often slows down optimisation projects. ENGEL supports processors with customised training offers help to find the right measures and efficiently implement them.
A survey conducted by ENGEL among its customers clearly shows the massive time-saving potential that mould set-up holds. 73% of all injection moulding processors surveyed say that they take more than an hour to change products, and more than half of the respondents need to set up moulds at least once a day. “With the right measures, machine downtime caused by mould changes can be reduced by 50 to 80 percent,” says Mario Wilke, consultant and trainer at ENGEL headquarters in Austria.
ENGEL offers a wide range of technologies for simple and fast mould changes. This includes magnetic clamping platens and quick couplings, intelligent assistance systems, the famous mould changing system for complete automation of the set-up process, and training offers that support the optimisation of the product change strategy.
Setup wizard saves time and reduces the risk of error
ENGEL consultancy starts as early as in selecting the appropriate training package. Three different courses are available, each tailored to the different requirements of the processors, the conditions in the company and the know-how of the production staff. Basics, Advanced and Expert differ regarding the depth of knowledge taught and the mould change methods covered. While Basics introduce the topic and demonstrates the potential of using a pilot machine in the ENGEL training centre, the two more advanced courses take place on-site at the processor’s facility. Together, the mould set-up processes are analysed, and the various methods for product change optimisation are evaluated.
Starting with magnetic rapid clamping systems and multiple couplings, through mould positioning and preheating, to using a Setup wizard in the Expert course. In all three courses, ENGEL collaborates with Stäubli and other partner companies. This means that participants are given valuable information and practical tips beyond the scope of the injection moulding machine.
“Given the shortage of skilled workers, Wizard-based mould set-up is increasingly shifting into the processors’ focus,” as Wilke emphasises. “Standardised menu-driven mould changes save time and reduce the risk of errors.”
The Setup wizard is a checklist that interactively guides the machine operator through the steps required for the mould change. To the extent possible, the Setup wizard handles the program steps automatically. Manual steps need to be confirmed on the control unit. This empowers less experienced employees to set up moulds safely and without errors. For experienced mould set-up teams, the Setup wizard further boosts efficiency.
Processor benefits from in-depth injection moulding know-how of trainer
One key component of the ENGEL offering is the training of employees who support the implementation of optimisation measures at the processing facility.
In all phases of product change optimisation, the processor benefits from the ENGEL trainers’ in-depth understanding of injection moulding. “This sets us apart from many other seminar providers on the market who do not focus on the injection moulding industry,” as Wilke emphasises. “We make sure that our customers leverage the injection moulding production cell to the max – and with as little overhead as possible.”
ENGEL is offering the new product change optimisation courses in Austria, Germany and Switzerland. The courses are available in other countries on request.
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