Making injection molding more sustainable and efficient

Material and energy savings are a goal of many companies. In addition to the obvious cost savings, the reasons for this also include the conservation of resources and a sustainability strategy. At the same time, a reduction in component quality must not be risked. In injection molding, gas injection technology offers a simple and very efficient way to combine these objectives for thick-walled components.

Cavity in the component
The principle of the process is simple. In the injection molding process, a gas is injected into the cavity of the tool filled with plastic melt, creating a cavity in the component. This saves material and the resulting part is considerably lighter. This weight reduction can also save additional resources, depending on the field of application. The process also allows for high component quality, since the gas bubble that is created allows the holding pressure to be applied without loss, thus ensuring high-quality surfaces and reduced shrinkage over large parts of the component. The even pressure of the gas can also significantly reduce the risk of sink marks. In addition, there is potential for significantly reducing the cycle time for thick-walled components, thus ensuring more cost-efficient production. This contributes to energy savings or even to achieving the same output with fewer machines. For many years, this technology has been used in a wide range of applications, from automotive interiors to coat hangers.

Wide target group
For this reason, SKZ has organized a workshop in cooperation with the WITTMANN Group to teach companies how to use this technology and to train experts to recognize and apply the technology’s potential. The target group is therefore relatively broad – the training is not only aimed at machine operators, but should also inform product developers about the potential. “In addition to plastics processors and toolmakers, we particularly invite product designers and design engineers, because the savings potential can be fully exploited if the manufacturing process is taken into account as early as the product development phase,” emphasizes Domenico Scavello, Area Sales Manager and Airmould expert at WITTMANN.

Registration now open
The Wittmann Group’s patented Airmould system is also used in practical applications at the machines in the SKZ technical center. “Of course, we also want to convey the practical components, as this, on the one hand, illustrates what has been learned and facilitates application in production,” explains Robert Held, Group Leader of Training in Injection Molding and Additive Manufacturing at SKZ. The course series starts in December 2024 and registration is now open at SKZ.

Further information about the course
Learn more about WITTMANN