Customized end of arm tooling useful in injection molding

December 7, 2021

Customized End of Arm Tooling Useful in Injection Molding

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Molded part (left) and gripper (right)
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The gripper expands by compressed air to fit the part, for gentle removal
Injection molding can generate parts with amazing complexity but sometimes the production process itself is equally complex. That was the problem that faced Arburg, a German machine manufacturer. To properly remove a new injection molded part with an unusual shape, without marring its surface, they designed a custom gripper for their robotic arm. This end of arm tooling combined a hard housing with a soft membrane, the gripper can expand to fit the part by introducing compressed air into its ducts. The company applied its Arburg Plastic Freeforming (APF) process to manufacture this gripper. This unique ability to combine multiple materials should be applicable for future design of 3D-printed parts with both flexible and rigid properties. Read more about this interesting process here.

December 20, 2021

Industry partnership with Ohio college continues

Milacron Injection Molding and Extrusion, an Ohio based company, has announced their decision to make a large donation of equipment to the Engineering Technology program at Shawnee State University. This donation will be beneficial to the future plastics workforce as it allows students to have hands-on experience with industry specific machinery and technology. The donation included both a 55-ton and 110-ton MTs injection molding machine, conveyors, and dryers. Milacron has had a long partnership with SSU and intends for this donation to be a positive way to give back to their community and “meet the growing need for a skilled workforce in advanced manufacturing,” according to Mac Jones, President of Milacron. Milacron’s partnership with the university has allowed them to establish relationships with and recruit recent graduates, as well as offer scholarship opportunities to students. Read more about this partnership here.
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