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LS Mtron (U.S. headquarters Peachtree Corners, Ga.) has launched the ONE* MuCell line of injection molding machines, which come equipped with Trexel’s MuCell microcellular foam technology. LS Mtron’s South Korean parent company signed an agreement with Trexel to license its MuCell technology in 2019. 

The ONE* MuCell line consists of 10 models of injection molding machines ranging in clamp force from 550 to 3600 tons. Key features include the core back function, where the volume of the mold is increased once the foamed resin has filled the cavity, causing the foam to expand, and servo valves for precision position control. Specifically, a company spokesperson told Plastics Technology that each hydraulic block has a mounted servo valve.

Addition features include KEBA controller, digital position sensors, and a specially designed screw for MuCell foaming with a 23:1 L/D ratio. LS Mtron told Plastics Technology that there are position sensors on the clamping unit, tie bars and injection unit. The digital position sensor mounted on the injection unit controls the servo valve for the most accurate back pressure. The tie bars’ digital position sensors are used control the core back function.

The company says these machines are capable of standard non-foam molding without modification, with the MuCell technology managed by a separate controller.