Utility

UTILITIES:

Irrespective of the discipline of operations, “Utilities” or “service equipments” form the back bone of a manufacturing system as these equipments contribute to the proper functioning of the main machinery.

In a molding industry, supporting equipments that assists the process are:

• Raw material handling equipments. (Hopper Loader, Blenders, Dozers, Dehumidifiers, Hopper dryers, Ovens etc.,)

• Recovery Equipments. (Grinders, Granulators etc.,)

• Mold Temperature Controllers & Hot runner Controllers

• Part Handling equipments (Robots, conveyors, sprue separators etc.,)

Similarly, the service line equipments that support the system of operation are:

• Cooling towers as to supply cooling water recycled.

• Softeners as to maintain the quality of the cooling medium

• Chillers for supply of chilled water to molds and Mold sweat preventor

• Air compressors for supply of air

• Hoists for handling of molds, machine assembly etc.,

Why we need a cooling system?

In every manufacturing process, repeatability is the key factor for productivity. Consistency of the process parameters is essential for the repeatability. These process parameters are influenced by various factors and temperature (of oil, mold) is one of the major factors that influence the process parameters. As to maintain a consistent temperature, a cooling system is essential. We control the temperature of Hydraulic oil (used in the machine), hopper throat area and molds in our process.

The effects due to lack of sufficient cooling system:

If the temperature of hydraulic oil is not maintained (recommended value is 47°C to 50°C), pressure differences would occur because of drop in viscosity resulting in inconsistency of process parameters. Over heating of oil would also damage the oil condition, the seals, result in leak and loss of oil etc.

Similarly, if the hopper throat is kept hot, the plastic granules enter into the barrel begins to...