Medical technology is a field that requires high standards of quality, safety, and efficiency. Adapters are essential components that connect various devices and instruments in medical applications, such as infusion pumps, syringes, catheters, and sensors. These adapters need to be produced in large quantities, with precise dimensions, and with different materials and designs.
To meet these challenges, Arburg, a leading manufacturer of injection molding machines and systems, has developed the Allrounder 470 H, a hybrid machine that combines an electric clamping unit with a hydraulic injection unit. The Allrounder 470 H is part of the Hidrive series, which was launched in 2023 and features new hybrid machine technology that reduces costs, energy consumption, and cycle times.
The Allrounder 470 H is designed to be a turnkey solution for producing adapters for medical technology. It is equipped with a 2+2-cavity family mold from Changshen, a Chinese company that specializes in medical molds. The mold produces two different types of adapters from polycarbonate (PC) in a cycle time of around 25 seconds. The adapters are then removed from the mold, separated from the sprues, inspected by a camera, and deposited separately by cavity. A test sample can also be placed in a sample part drawer and sent for quality control.
The handling tasks are performed by a Flexlift 10+2 linear robotic system, which is only available in Asia and was developed by Arburg specifically for the Asian market. The Flexlift 10+2 has a low height and a telescopic design, making it suitable for confined spaces. It also has powerful servo motors that ensure fast, precise, and vibration-free movements.
The Allrounder 470 H is controlled by the Gestica system, which is a user-friendly and intuitive interface that allows the operator to monitor and adjust the machine parameters. The Gestica system also integrates smart assistants and robotic systems, enabling a high level of automation and integration.
The following table summarizes the main features and benefits of the Allrounder 470 H:
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Hybrid machine technology | Combines the advantages of electric and hydraulic machines, such as energy efficiency, precision, power, and dynamics |
| Hidrive series | Offers three performance variants (Comfort, Premium, and Ultimate) and a wide range of options for customization |
| Arburg servo hydraulic system (ASH) | Reduces the oil requirement by around 35% and improves the energy footprint |
| Family mold | Produces two different adapters in one cycle, increasing the productivity and flexibility |
| Flexlift 10+2 linear robotic system | Handles the molded parts with speed, accuracy, and stability |
| Gestica control system | Provides a user-friendly and intuitive interface for machine operation and integration |
The following table shows the specifications of the Allrounder 470 H:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Clamping force | 1,000 kN |
| Injection unit | Size 290 |
| Screw diameter | 25 mm |
| Injection pressure | 2,500 bar |
| Injection volume | 59 cm³ |
| Mold height | 250 mm |
| Opening stroke | 500 mm |
| Distance between tie bars | 470 x 470 mm |
The Allrounder 470 H is a perfect example of how Arburg can realize turnkey systems in China and Asia, in collaboration with local partners. The system is a typical customized solution for the Asian market, where the demand for high-quality and cost-effective medical technology products is growing. The system is also a showcase of Arburg’s expertise and innovation in injection molding and automation.
Arburg will present the Allrounder 470 H at Chinaplas 2024, the leading trade fair for plastics and rubber in Asia, which will take place in Shanghai, China, from April 23 to April 26. Visitors will be able to see the system in action and learn more about its features and benefits.
