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SMARTFLOW® SWAP Valves and FasTie quick ejector systems reduce changeover time related to ejector tie-in and water line removal by up to 90%, increasing the uptime of plastics manufacturing machinery for plastics manufacturers.

When it comes to plastics manufacturing, speed is everything. Without the right tools, manufacturers can face lengthy gaps in production during changeovers, and more, decreasing profitability and productivity.

With tools such as SMARTFLOW, SWAP Valves and FasTie quick ejector systems, injection molders can dramatically reduce mold change time for faster, more efficient workflows.

FasTie Quick Ejector Tie-In Systems

A FasTie system quickly “ties in” the mold ejector plate to the press ejection system within an injection molding press, helping to increase the speed of changeovers.

Ejector tie-ins are notoriously difficult without ease of access where ejector tie-in takes place. FasTie systems mount directly to the machine, minimizing mold change time with an easy, cost effective setup. The system is available in three sizes (1-inch, 1-3/8-inch, and 2-inch) and is ideal for most injection molding machines. A FasTie system is accessible and compact, and easily installs into existing molds and ejector plates with no additional machining required.

Traditionally, ejector rods are manually installed in difficult-to-reach areas. With this setup, changeover time can be lengthy, which results in time that the molding machine is not productive. The FasTie system automates the connection between the machine and the mold, alleviating the need for manual ejector tie-in.

Depending on the machine and molds, the FasTie system can save injection molders up to 90% of the time they would otherwise have to spend on tying in their ejector systems.

SMARTFLOW SWAP Valves

SWAP valves are simple and manually selectable valves that supply both cooling water to the mold during processing, and air to purge the water from the mold before a mold change.

These valves tie directly to the water systems that cool the molds and, like FasTie, easily connect to your existing equipment. With SWAP valves, manufacturers don’t have to worry about making a mess when changing over lines that are full of water. Instead, the valves purge the water from the lines prior to unhooking. The entire process only takes 2-3 minutes before all hoses can be disconnected.

SWAP valves bring speed and cleanliness to your manufacturing operations, transforming a task that was once time-consuming and labor intensive into an automated operation. Draining lines can be both messy and unsanitary for the work environment, creating a risk of slip and fall accidents and other safety hazards. With SWAP valves, plastic molders can have peace of mind in a fast, secure and clean operation.

Reducing Downtime from the Ground Up

SWAP valves and FasTie systems can provide up to a 90% increase in efficiency, cutting downtime between changeovers to a fraction of what it used to be.

At Plastixs, we work closely with our clients to ensure the solutions they invest in are tailored to their exact needs. If you’re not sure which tools are right for you, contact us and we can help you identify the best products for your business.

By this point, you probably know that AIRTECT leak alarm systems will detect your nozzle and hot runner leaks early when attached to your multi-zone water manifolds. Doing so results in the following benefits: 

Safer operation

Nozzle and barrel protection

Reduced maintenance spending

Reduced downtime

Peace of mind for unattended machines

Best Practices

How can you ensure that you achieve these benefits? Below are eight best practices when installing AIRTECT leak alarm systems:

The DC power source must be interference free: avoid electromagnetic interference (EMI) from solenoids, servomotors, etc.

Ensure the internal interlock relay contacts need to have a capacity to switch loads of 24V DC at a maximum current of 0.5A

Run the wiring and plastic tubing within the machine enclosure where possible for neat workmanship and to avoid problems

Cut both ends of all sensor tubes neatly to provide a clear inner sensor tube diameter of 0.8mm (for 1.6mm tube) and 1mm (for 2mm tube)

When using expansion manifolds (LA504, LA508 etc), ensure the LA500 or LM2050 has been programmed to accept the manifold/s and that it/they are connected to, otherwise a communication alarm will be displayed and vice-versa if the LA500 or LM2050 has not been programmed and a manifold is connected

Switch electrical power on only after the sensor tube installation is complete and the air supply is energized to allow the “self-teaching” function to work

When using modular systems, mount the manifolds on the base before applying electrical power as all mold leak sensor installations are somewhat different

Work with an experienced partner to ensure all of the above

Get Started Today

Whether you have new molds, problematic existing ones, or need to manage many changeovers, the AIRTECT leak alarm system helps you maintain online production without costly leaks. Contact us and we’ll work closely with you to determine the right size and setup of the AIRTECT to meet your needs.

Water manifolds are well known for helping maintain the optimal temperature of injection molding and other manufacturing equipment, but many are unfamiliar with layout and assembly options. Here’s what you need to know about custom manifold assemblies. 

Water manifolds cool injection molds as well as semiconductor, x-ray, MRI, servers, welding, furnaces, lasers, and other equipment by distributing fluids where needed. 

While common throughout many industries, there are many variables that impact the efficacy and function of your manifold. This guide covers the most common challenges and how to overcome them with customization.

Overcoming Common Manifold Challenges

The layout and assembly of prefabricated fluid distribution systems come with numerous manifold issues that are covered by the guide:

System design

Material selection

Manifold size

Connection type

Circuit isolation / regulation

Fluid monitoring

Manifold layout

Supply Chain

The next challenge is sourcing parts and scheduling their assembly. The custom manifold guide covers best practices relating to lead times, managing your company’s resources and tooling, sealants, dry fit-ups, and pressure testing.

Use an Experienced Custom Manifold Partner

Designing and assembling a custom manifold can be a laborious and complex undertaking. Outsourcing to an experienced and reliable partner can alleviate the stressors of in-house implementation. 

A trusted partner will guide you through the process of determining your needs and establishing the correct design parameters, such as: 

Inlet and outlet sizes 

Temperature and pressure specifications 

Material selection 

Sensor requirements 

Connections based on flow and hardware required 

System fluid compatibility

Plastixs brings decades of experience designing, fabricating and assembling custom manifolds for clients across many industries. Our team regularly partners with industrial OEMs with turnkey custom manifold services that include whatever combination of the following you need:

Pressure and flow consultation during equipment design

Material and component selection

Parts sourcing

Fabrication and assembly

Prototyping and testing

Shipping 

To learn more about custom manifold assemblies, download our comprehensive guide or contact us to learn more.

While a distributor supplies products, a true partner will work with you to solve your problems, maximize uptime and give you time back.

Sourcing the right products is more than about finding the right distributor, but with so many suppliers, it can be hard to know which one is right for you.

If you already know what you need, then you need someone that you can count on to get you products fast, cost-effectively and communicate any issues along the way so they can be proactively resolved.

If you’re not sure what you need, it’s important to work with someone that has strong industry and product expertise so they can help you identify the right specifications and get you the best products that meet them – and can even build custom, end-to-end solutions if no off-the-shelf product exists.

A materials handling partner can help you with all of the above while a distributor simply executes transactions. They may be able to offer a somewhat lower price because they don’t invest their time trying to solve your problems or adding value.

Plastixs Brings Three Decades of Materials Handling & Injection Molding Experience

We ensure your production cells perform at their full potential by supplying unique components, accessories and supplies—guided by 30 years of expertise—that tie these systems together, increase productivity and prevent small issues from creating big problems.

Our customers depend on us to identify the right solution and get it delivered on time, no matter what, which is why we have customers for life.

Our team of industry veterans understand the ins and outs of injection molding, material handling and manufacturing of industrial products. We know the problems you face, and the right solutions to help optimize and streamline your production. Our company’s mission centers on:

Problem solving and prevention

Competitive pricing

Expert technical assistance

Custom solutions and prototyping

Delivery that meets your deadline

Solving problems that reduce/prevent downtime

Boosting your productivity and profitability

Finding ways for you to save time and headache

Reach out to us if you’re ready to work with a partner you can count on to maximize uptime and give you time back – share your production and material handling problems with us so we can start helping you solve them.

March 24, 2020

Plastixs will be staying open to meet the needs of our customers who operate manufacturing facilities in the important sectors that include medical, semiconductor, science, food packaging and the military. We are committed to continuing to serve our customers, many who have requested in writing, that we continue to supply important materials and services during this COVID-19 pandemic.

We are in constant contact with all of our suppliers and we are trying to mitigate the impact of any delay in the supply chain. Most importantly, we do not anticipate any interruption in routine business functions, order processing, technical or customer support.