Available in five sizes with 55-330 tons of clamp force, all electric S2000i-B offers injection acceleration of 0-300 mm/sec in less than 36 msec. FANUC 310iS CNC control has 62.5 [micro]sec scan time, Windows CE-based operating system, 15 in. full-color touchscreen, and stores up to 300 mold files. Artificial intelligence capabilities include pressure trace, mold protection, metering control that minimizes shot-to-shot variation, and ejector force monitoring with 3-step position control.

May 2006 - The new Milacron Fanuc Roboshot S2000i-B redefines all electric injection molding with many innovative features for plastic processors. Recognized as the leading all-electric machine in its size range, the new standard S2000i-B model features injection acceleration of 0 to 300 mm/sec less than 36 msec, wider tie bar spacing and greater mold capacity. Available in five sizes from 55- to 330-ton clamp force, the Roboshot S2000i-B has a new, faster control that can reduce cycle time while improving all aspects of pressure, position, and velocity control. An optional new direct-connected injection unit can provide 500mm/sec injection speed in less than 30 msec, accelerating with a force of 2.02G, for producing ever-thinner part walls. With its numerous Artificial Intelligence (Ai) capabilities, the Roboshot is ideal for precision, thin-wall parts, as well as lights-out custom molding. "The S2000i-B will be introduced in the Americas at NPE 2006 with 110-ton models in the Milacron, Moldflow and Staubli booths, and a 55-ton model in the UNA-DYN booth" says Bob Strickley, Director of Marketing at Milacron.

The all-electric S2000i-B combines the latest Fanuc servo technology, new moving platen design and new injection pressure load cell with the new FANUC 310iS CNC control. The control is the fastest in the industry with a 62.5 [micro]sec (1/16,000) scan time. All of the artificial intelligence capabilities of the previous generation Roboshot - pressure trace, mold protection, metering control and ejection - have been improved and are now on/off selectable. "The package of new features on this machine cuts both setup and cycle times," said Kent Royer, Product Sales Manager for Roboshot. "The faster control, higher acceleration, faster injection, simultaneous sled-forward and clamp close, standard pre-injection, and simultaneous auto purge and die height setting all contribute to shorter processing times and greater production flexibility."

The mechanical side of the S2000i-B includes a new moving platen design that produces a more equal pressure distribution across the mold face. Tie bar spacing on the 55-ton machine is now 360mm x 320mm (14" x 12.5"). The new Roboshot offers greater processing flexibility with a unique low-tonnage adjustment - down to one ton - via the auto die-height feature. An improved automatic lubrication system for the clamp and injection ends reduces grease usage, while ensuring machine precision with optimum preventive maintenance.

The Fanuc 310is CNC control features a new Windows CE-based operating system and 15" full-color touchscreen that is 50% larger than the previous generation. The control can now store 300 mold files, including a comments field. Three user-selectable screen views include standard, large-print, and a four-screen split. A new virtual keyboard on the display provides "click" feedback to the user. Network factory automation interfacing with Mold 24i software provides tracking of all functions needed for FDA requirements. Other upgrades include the ability to easily create custom sequences using a new custom output signal function with over 310 available signals. The patented on-screen set-up of the 32 custom signals provides the combination of either output or input signals and does not require ladder logic training. Additional enhancements include an increase in the "last change" and alarm logs to 3000, valve gate, vacuum, ejector interlocks and standard dual-core sequencing software.

The control's Flash Memory Card slot allows continuous download of process data in CSV format for analysis using spreadsheet applications or database applications. The memory card can also be used to download screen shots or upload/download mold files and set-up sheets in text or picture files. " The combination of new control with a new high-precision, high-resolution load cell improves velocity-pressure switching, pressure metering and acceleration control," Royer added.

High-performance injection unit

The S2000i-B injection unit has been engineered for greater rigidity and the new low-friction guide-bar-less design used on 55- and 110-ton models is optimized for the higher acceleration loads and faster cycles required for thin-wall molding. A synchronized barrel/nozzle heat-up function offers fast heat-up time, while minimizing black speck problems caused by overheating. Milacron can also provide its WEARSTAR or KLEARSTAR injection packages and other application specific screws and barrels to further enhance performance.