One barrel produces 3-color components

Toshiba Machine Co. America of Elk Grove Village, III., demonstrated on a 100-ton EC Series NII all-electric injection press how a single barrel can produce three-colored molded products.

Toshiba and M.R. Mold & Engineering Corp. of Brea, Calif., developed the liquid-silicone-rubber technology, which involves bringing the servomotor forward and the ejector back.

The three-color, one-shot concept eliminates post-production decorating requirements and use of a second injection unit to add color. M.R. Mold has filed for a patent on the process, said President Rick Finnie. M.R. made the mold of hardened 420 stainless steel.

Fluid Automation Inc. of Wixom, Mich., supplied an M4-5 closed-loop-control flow meter machine. Dow Corning Corp.'s Hemlock, Mich., plant provided its new Silastic liquid silicone rubber grade S40, which is suitable for disposable medical applications, and Gayson Silicone Dispersions Inc. of Barberton, Ohio, handled the additives. Kruse Analysis Inc. of Naples, Fla., used software to simulate the process. Toshiba's V30 controller monitored each step in the process.