PWDS, 3DX "Deformable Die" - Blow Moulding, Radial wall thickness control system
Key features
WEIGHT SAVING - Up to 10% material saving by programming out unnecessary sections. With achieveable material savings of 10% on 'L' ring drums, payback under 12 months is very typical.
FASTER CYCLE TIME - Cooling significantly improved by reducing the slow cooling sections
STRONGER CONTAINERS - Internal Stresses reduced due to uneven cooling
As experts in parison programming systems, it was only a matter of time before we would produce blow moulding, radial wall thickness control systems. Originally called PWDS by the inventor Harald Feuerherm, the system comprised of a flexible steel die (aka bushing) squeezed into a series of shapes as the parison emerged. This gave a much greater degree of wall thickness control and became almost mandatory for complex shapes such as automotive fuel tanks. It is also extensively used on U.N. drums and jerry cans.
Our 3DX system uses the same principle as the original PWDS. However, with the benefit of fresh thinking, new steel alloys and integrated electronics, we feel that our product has many advantages over the original PWDS. Our 3DX system can be supplied with new machines or retrofitted to upgrade your existing machine to a state of the art radial wall thickness control system with a performance enhancing deformable die.
New Machine or Retrofit
If retrofitted, we don't care what make of machine, or head design you have. All we ask is that the machine is capable of producing good quality parts that generally meet your requirements. Our 3DX blow moulding, radial wall thickness control system with its 'deformable die' ring will then optimise the radial wall thickness to reduce container weight and optimize thickness distribution.
How does the System Work
The heart of the system is a die ring made from a special grade of steel, heat treated for optimum flexibility, and then subjected to an ion implantation process. The rings shape is dynamically altered by two or more servo cylinders. These are controlled by a unit very similar to a conventional parison programmer.
The cylinders can squeeze and stretch the ring and by programmer settings the ring can also exhibit a ‘shifting’ action. The net result is the control you need to radially program the parison thickness. This system works in synchronism with your existing parison programmer.
Points to Note
1. Flexible ring treated with latest ionimplantation
process gives longer life and improved crack resistance
2. New hydraulic
cylinder design enables users to remove and remount cylinder without calling
for expensive specialist help
3. Special thermal isolation system
protects servovalve and cylinder from head heat without creating a ‘cold
spot’ on the die
4. Cylinder incorporates ‘drain glands’ to channel any
leakage back to tank. This considerably increases the time between seal
change service
5. Latest Moog ‘Direct Drive Technology’ servovalve is
much more accurate and reliable than traditional servovalves
6. Choice of parison programming systems, popular slide type controls or touch screen
7. Hydraulic interlock to prevent damage to the flexible ring on accidental
cold starts
8. Installation, and service from BMC Controls whose
engineers have over 20 years experience supplying hundreds of Moog
parison programming systems.
FAQ
Does the 3DX system include a programming system?
No, it doesn’t, but as agents for Moog for over 20 years, we can help you select the best control system for your application
What is the smallest flexible ring that can be produced ?
Theoretically there is no lower limit, but the amount of possible deformation reduces with diameter to the point that no useful deformation can be achieved.
Who uses deformable die ring systems?
Producers of most containers with ‘UN’ certification because the system enables requirements like ‘drop test’ to be achieved at minimum container weights. Containers like 25 lt jerry cans and ‘L’ ring drums are perfect examples of the most popular applications for deformable die ring systems. The system also gives the critical wall thickness control needed to produce complex technically shaped parts like automotive fuel tanks.
Are the cylinders built to withstand high temperatures?
Yes, not only do our cylinders incorporate the latest high-temperature seals, we
have also fitted ‘drain glands’ to send any leakage back to tank. This means
that the small leaks that start with initial seal wear do not cause a problem.
We have also taken the trouble to insulate the cylinder from the source of heat
which further reduces seal problems and oil being ‘cooked’ in the servovalve.
Can different profiles be applied to each side of the ring?
Yes, but this is normally only necessary for asymmetrically shaped mouldings e.g. car fuel tanks. The control system requires two channels of profile generator.
Can the 3DX be fitted to any type of blow moulding machine?
Yes, however the results you ge t from deformable die ring systems can be affected by the head design. The system is not intended to fix a faulty head, nor can it improve material mixing or improve the quality of the parison. It can only work with what it is given, but it will do what it is designed to do—to dynamically vary the wall thickness of the parison to achieve better material distribution on the moulding.
Will it fit my machine?
Probably, call us on 01242 604040 to discuss
Click here for OEM details