TCS Entry Into Smaller Machine Market Promising for Processors

BATAVIA, OHIO, June 5, 2009…Milacron’s ServTek group has announced the introduction of new TCS heater systems for small-diameter injection barrels, in effect entering for the first time a major part of the injection molding machine market. The official introduction of the new product will be at NPE 2009, the major industrial trade show to be held in Chicago June 22-26. The new smaller-sized heater system will be demonstrated in operation on a Roboshot 165-ton SiB2000 Series machine in the Milacron booth #24012.

“The demand for our TCS heater products from the small machine market is quite extensive,” according to ServTek’s Ritch Waterfield. “We estimate that injection machines under 400 tons comprise approximately 60 to 70% of the total installed base of machinery in the Americas. Those machines use barrels with diameters under 5.8 inches, which we are now producing for the first time,” he said.

Stable, Accurate Processing for Smaller Machines
ServTek estimates the potential number of new TCS customers using small machines is not only large but also quite demanding, with very tight processing parameters. Smaller machines inherently mold parts with tighter tolerances and the SerTek TCS system, which controls heat to within one degree Fahrenheit, offers major processing advantages, including:

• Less scrap
• Quicker processing
• More accurate parts
• Stabilized processing with uniform temperatures across the entire barrel
• Energy savings:
• A 125-mm diameter screw would generate approximately 75% of the energy required to melt the resin, leaving only 25% of the energy to come from the heater bands
• A 28-mm diameter screw would generate approximately 25% of the energy required, with the balance coming from heater bands.

Earth Friendly Technologies
While the smaller machine market is primarily focused on processing control and accuracy, any coincidental energy savings will drop directly to the profit line. “TCS technology is breakthrough in many ways, including energy conservation, for processors who utilize machines under 400 tons,” said Bob Strickley, Milacron director of marketing. “There are few outstanding developments in the small-size injection machine market that compare to the ServTek TCS system.”

The ServTek TCS system is a proven technology that was first introduced at the ANTEC trade show in Milwaukee in 2007. It offers additional benefits including less heat emitted into air-conditioned manufacturing space, fewer heat-related operator and set up injuries, and no “eddy current“ operating issues. and proven technology.

“ServTek TCS systems are offered only by Milacron and can be found only on Milacron new machines,” said Steve Hayden of ServTek . “We can and will, however, install TCS on all makes and model of used injection machinery—not just our own—and we guarantee an immediate payback.”

At Milacron’s NPE booth, in addition to up-close demonstrations of the ServTek TCS system, experts will be on site to answer questions and will also be making technical presentations about the technology at the Milacron technical arena during the show. Consult the www.milacron.com web site for details.

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First incorporated in 1884, Milacron Inc. is a leading global supplier of plastics-processing technologies and industrial fluids, with major manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe and Asia. Milacron knows what matters in manufacturing, and every day puts this knowhow to work to help customers improve their productivity, cut costs, increase energy efficiency, eliminate scrap and reduce cycle times. This year, Milacron is celebrating 125 years of making a genuine impact on the industries it serves. Visit www.milacron.com for more information.

Contact Bob Strickley, Director of Marketing Milacron Inc. 513-536-2576 or at Bob_strickley@milacron.com.