Technologies
Techmire is at the forefront of manufacturing innovation, offering a range of advanced technologies designed to enhance efficiency, precision and quality. Our machines incorporate state-of-the-art features such as Multi-Slide technology for complex part geometries, a user-friendly computer-based system for streamlined operation, the process parameters and shot monitoring system (PPCS) for real-time data analysis, and closed-loop control of the injection system for precise material delivery. These technologies work together to deliver exceptional performance and ensure consistent, high-quality products.
Multi-Slide
This technology offers numerous advantages, including the ability to produce complex part geometries with high precision and consistent quality across parts. Equipped with 4 to 6 slides, it ensures excellent consistency from one part to the next, enables rapid die changeovers, and allows in-die degating with automatic separation of parts from runners in many cases. The process also produces flash-free castings, rapid cycle times and low tooling costs. In addition, it minimises or eliminates the need for secondary operations, resulting in significant savings in materials, energy and labour.
Our Multi-Slide hot chamber machines are used primarily for zinc, copper, magnesium, lead and other low-melting-point alloys that do not readily attack and erode metal pots, cylinders and plungers. The injection mechanism of a hot chamber machine is immersed in the molten metal bath of a metal holding furnace. The furnace is attached to the machine by a metal feed system called a gooseneck. As the injection cylinder plunger rises, a port in the injection sleeve cylinder opens, allowing molten metal to fill the injection sleeve cylinder. As the plunger moves downwards, it seals the port and forces molten metal through the gooseneck and nozzle into the die cavity. After the metal has solidified in the die cavity, the plunger is withdrawn, the die opens, and the casting is ejected.
Computer-based system
The Techmire control system incorporates a graphical user interface, providing ease of part programming, machine set-up, program storage and retrieval, integrated access control, and an error messaging system with online “help”. The control system software is proprietary to Techmire.
Remote diagnosis of any machine difficulties can be undertaken via VPN and a network card.
Process parameters and shot monitoring system (PPCS)
The Techmire process parameters and shot monitoring system (PPCS) enables the machine operator to set specific values for over 25 critical production parameters (e.g., temperatures, injection speed, and fill time). Each process parameter can be programmed with upper and lower control limits.
The shot monitoring element of the PPCS is an excellent diagnostic tool for operators and process engineers. Graphs of shot profiles can be reviewed in real time on the machine controller or at a remote station linked to the controller via a network.
These critical parameters can be automatically transferred to a database on a remote computer. The data can be transferred after each injection or once per day.
If an out-of-tolerance condition is detected, the PPCS can be programmed to take a number of actions, such as triggering an alarm, stopping the machine, or directing the components produced to a separate bin for later inspection. (The machine has a directional palette for this purpose.) All out-of-tolerance injections are logged with their respective parameters for subsequent analysis.
Closed-loop control of the injection system
A closed-loop injection control system is available on all Techmire machine models. The system enables real-time control of the injection process from start to finish, resulting in stable system performance and premium part quality.
Three (3) variable velocity profiles can be programmed for use during the cavity filling phase, and two (2) variable pressure profiles for use during the compaction phase. The switch-over point from velocity mode to pressure mode is pre-selected based on injection cylinder displacement and pressure.
All real-time control system settings for any given mould can be saved on the hard disk of the PC controlling the machine, together with mould sequence and PPCS settings. This greatly reduces the time required for repeat mould set-up.
In addition to improving part quality, the closed-loop system significantly reduces the “hammer effect” at the end of injection, thereby minimising flash.
