AT526872A1 - Forming machine for producing molded parts - Google Patents

Abstract

Shaping machine (1), in particular injection molding machine, for producing molded parts, in particular composite molded parts from at least one molding compound (7) and an additive (9), with: at least one first mass cylinder (2) and a second mass cylinder (3), at least one connecting line (4) between the at least two mass cylinders, wherein the connecting line (4) directs the flow direction (5) of the plasticizing flow from the first mass cylinder (2) to the second mass cylinder (3), at least one mass hopper (6) for receiving at least one molding compound (7) and/or at least one additive, wherein the at least one mass hopper (6) is connected to the first mass cylinder (2), and at least one addition point (8) for receiving at least one molding compound and/or at least one additive (9), wherein at least one dosing device is connected upstream of the at least one mass hopper (6) and/or the at least one addition point (8), wherein the at least one dosing device connected upstream of the at least one mass hopper (6) and/or the at least one addition point (8) Dosing device is designed to supply the at least one molding compound (7) and/or the at least one additive (9) to the at least one mass hopper (6) and/or the at least one addition point (8), and at least one drying device (17) and/or at least one crystallizer (17) is provided.

Description

The present invention relates to a molding machine, in particular an injection molding machine, according to the features of the preamble of claim 1 and a method with a

such forming machine, in particular injection molding machine.

In the field of molding processes, 2-stage processes are already state of the art. Usually, two or more mass cylinders are used to process molding compounds and thus produce molded parts. In contrast to single-stage processes, this results in a number of advantages, such as a more homogeneous molding compound, which subsequently leads to a

higher quality of the molded parts.

The term 2-stage process of a forming machine is understood below to mean a forming process in which a single forming machine has at least two mass cylinders. Preferably, it is provided that the at least

two mass cylinders are fluidically connected in series.

As concrete examples, in the course of a 2-stage process of a forming machine, two screw presses for continuous extrusion or two mass cylinders, where one of the two mass cylinders represents an injection unit, can be used for

Injection molding can be used.

“Connected in series in terms of flow technology” here means that a plasticizing flow is led from a first mass cylinder to a second mass cylinder. The flow technology connection can connect the at least two mass cylinders directly or indirectly. It can therefore be provided that the plasticizing flow from a first mass cylinder is led directly into a second mass cylinder.

However, it can also be planned that a

components.

Although a 2-stage process must have at least two mass cylinders, the number of mass cylinders involved in the 2-stage process can be freely selected. For example, three mass cylinders can be provided, all three of which are connected one after the other and thus in series in terms of flow technology. However, it is also conceivable that a first mass cylinder and a second mass cylinder each introduce their own plasticizing flow into a third mass cylinder, with the two plasticizing flows of the first and second mass cylinders being combined to form a common plasticizing flow in the third

mass cylinders are combined.

The state of the art includes, for example, US 5 253 994 A. Here, two mass cylinders are used, whereby a recyclate is plasticized in a first mass cylinder, conveyed through a filter in a connecting line and then transferred to a second mass cylinder. In the second mass cylinder, the recyclate can be mixed with a brand-new material and homogeneously plasticized. In this way, a material for a molded part can be made from a portion of recyclate and a portion of

provided with brand new material.

However, the current state of the art results in the following

adverse situation.

By using two or more mass cylinders, the flexibility to influence the overall process is very limited. Due to the high requirements in a 2-stage process, a system designed and ready for a specific 2-stage process

installed forming machine only for a limited

quickly reach their application limits

Although there are several ways to flexibly influence the processes in single-stage processes that run one after the other, such compounding processes result in higher stresses on the

processed materials.

In processes with several single-stage processes running one after the other, the material can, for example, be filtered first. An extruder and a filter can be used for this. The material is then granulated before it is compounded in another single-stage process. After compounding, the material is granulated again and then a

follow the forming process.

Through several single-stage processes running one after the other, the repeated heating, cooling,

Transporting between the individual single-stage processes and/or granulating or crushing the material to be processed

Material can cause considerable damage to the material.

The object of the present invention is therefore to at least partially eliminate the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a molding machine, in particular an injection molding machine, which is improved compared to the prior art and which is characterized in particular by an increased influence on a 2-stage molding process in

and gentle compounding at the same time. The task

Injection molding machine, must be specified.

This object is achieved by the features of claims 1 and

10.

With regard to the present invention, this is solved by the features of claim 1, namely by providing a molding machine, in particular injection molding machine, for producing molded parts, in particular composite molded parts from

at least one molding compound and one additive, with:

— at least a first mass cylinder and a second

mass cylinder,

— at least one connecting line between the at least two mass cylinders, wherein the connecting line determines the flow direction of the plasticizing stream from the first

mass cylinder to the second mass cylinder,

— at least one mass hopper for receiving molding compound, wherein the at least one mass hopper is connected to the first

Mass cylinder is connected, and

— at least one addition point for at least one additive, wherein

— at least one metering device is connected upstream of the at least one mass hopper and/or the at least one addition point, wherein the at least one metering device connected upstream of the at least one mass hopper and/or the at least one addition point is designed to supply the at least one molding compound and/or the at least one additive to the at least one mass hopper and/or the at least one addition point, and

— at least one drying device and/or at least one

Crystallizer is provided.

become.

A dosing device can be connected to a control and/or regulating unit, wherein the control and/or regulating unit comprises an input unit, a computing unit, a

output unit and/or a storage unit.

The control and/or regulating unit can be designed to control and regulate the metered amount of additive and/or molding compound

be.

The control and/or regulation unit can be operated locally, for example via a control unit, or remotely controlled, for example via a cable connection or a wireless connection to a control device. All technologies such as LAN, WLAN or other network technologies are

conceivable for this purpose.

Depending on the requirements of the molded part to be produced, one or more additives can be added to one or more molding compounds using the dosing device before the molding compounds and additives are homogenized and then mixed through the same

machine can be formed.

Because in addition to the dosing device at least one

Drying device and/or at least one crystallizer

Prevent material damage.

A drying device is a device that is used to

designed to dry molding compound and/or additives.

A crystallizer is a device designed to prevent clumping of molding compound and/or additives.

prevent or at least reduce.

A crystallizer can dry molding compound and/or additives to achieve low moisture levels, whereby the low moisture content of the material leads to less degradation

leads.

Especially when recyclate is used in a 2-stage process, a previous washing process of the recyclate is often necessary. A forming machine for a 2-stage process with a dosing device and a drying device and/or a crystallizer results in an increased influence on a 2-stage forming process at

while simultaneously gentle compounding.

Forming machines can be understood as injection molding machines, transfer presses, presses and the like. Forming machines in which the plasticized mass is

opened mold are conceivable.

Particularly preferably, a forming machine is provided which

intended for injection moulding and/or injection compression moulding.

7752

which is added to a basic substance.

In preferred embodiments, the base material can represent the molding compound and can contain in volume and/or weight percent

measured make up the majority of the mass to be processed.

An additive can be added in various forms, for example in the form of fibres, powder, granules, in particular long glass fibre granules (LGF granules), filaments,

Rovings, fabrics and/or scrims.

An additive can consist of different materials. For example, an additive can contain a reinforcing material in the form of glass fibers and/or carbon fibers. However, it is also conceivable that the additive represents a second molding compound, for example two different types of plastic can be used, with the molding compound representing the first type of plastic and the additive the second type of plastic. The additive can also be another additive such as a pigment.

be.

It is also conceivable that the additive and the molding compound represent the same material. The additive can represent the same material in the form of a recyclate and the molding compound can represent the same material in the form of a new material and vice versa. This is particularly useful when materials such as rPET

be reused and recycled.

The number of additives added is not limited, for example, different additives such as reinforcing materials and other molding compounds can be added during the same

molding process.

and installed later.

Further advantageous embodiments of the arrangement are described in

the dependent claims.

According to a preferred embodiment of the molding machine, it is provided that the first mass cylinder is a plasticizing unit with at least one plasticizing screw and/or the second mass cylinder is an injection unit with

at least one injection screw.

A plasticizing unit is a device with a screw for plasticizing and/or melting a molding compound and/or additives. Such a plasticizing unit can take in the molding compound, usually in the form of granules, via an inlet opening, for example a mass hopper, and discharge the molding compound, usually in the form of a

plasticized and/or melted mass.

In a simple embodiment, the plasticizing unit is a screw extruder with a

Plasticizing screw.

Plasticising screws are rotatably mounted and driven in the mass cylinder. Plasticising screws can also be arranged in an axially displaceable manner in the mass cylinder. The plasticised and/or melted mass can be fed by the rotary movement and/or the axial displacement of the plasticising screw, preferably into a connecting line.

or into another mass cylinder.

increased pressure into a mold.

An injection unit can simultaneously be a plasticizing unit. In such a case, the plasticizing unit or the injection unit contains an injection screw, whereby the injection screw can be arranged in the mass cylinder so that it can rotate and be axially displaced. In other words, the injection screw can be a pusher screw. An injection unit with an injection screw can perform both the plasticizing and/or melting as well as the injection of a molding compound and/or an additive into a molding tool.

realize.

According to a preferred embodiment of the forming machine, it is provided that the at least one addition point for the at least one additive, preferably for fibers, powder and/or granules, particularly preferably for long glass fibers

Granules (LGF granules), whereby the addition point

— in the first mass cylinder, preferably in the area before the transition of the first mass cylinder into the connecting line, and/or

— in the second mass cylinder, preferably in the flow direction of the plasticising stream in the region before and/or after the transition of the connecting line into the second mass cylinder and/or in the flow direction of the plasticising stream in the region of the end of the second mass cylinder, and/or

— in the connecting line between the at least two mass cylinders, preferably in the area before the transition of the connecting line into the second mass cylinder,

is arranged.

There is a need for dosed addition of additives such as

Fibers or powder.

For bulk materials such as small fibers or powders that do not cause pressure build-up, an addition point can preferably be provided initially in the direction of flow, for example in the first mass cylinder and/or in the connecting line. Such bulk materials can come into contact with the plasticized melt or the plasticizing flow through the feeding level of a dosing device. The plasticizing flow can then take the additives, i.e. the bulk materials mentioned, with the additives then being homogeneously fed into the plasticizing flow by one or more screws.

can be incorporated.

The feed point to be used and its position within the forming machine depends on the amount and type of additives to be added. It may be useful to provide several feed points in the forming machine in order to allow different feeding levels of additives and/or the addition of different additives in one or

different forming processes.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, it can be provided that long glass fiber granulate (LGF granulate) is added. The molding compound can be added as a base material in a first mass cylinder via a mass funnel and plasticized. The long glass fiber granulate (LGF granulate) can then be added to the second mass cylinder via an addition point. The screw of the second mass cylinder can be designed to be particularly gentle in order to avoid damaging the long glass fiber granulate (LGF granulate) as much as possible. In this way, significantly longer fiber lengths can be achieved than with

an LGF screw in the single-stage process.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, it can be provided that a mixing screw is provided, wherein

the mixing screw — is arranged in the second mass cylinder and/or — is a plasticizing screw or an injection screw, and/or — has a mixing zone, wherein the mixer of the mixing zone can be used as a shearing part, as a maddock, as a shearing-mixing part and/or

is designed as a toothed disc mixing part.

According to a preferred embodiment of the forming machine, it is provided that a forming tool is provided, preferably wherein the forming tool is an embossing tool

is.

When using an embossing tool as a shaping tool in a shaping machine during an injection-compression molding process, the damage to additives, especially in the form of fibers, granules such as long glass fiber granules (LGF granules), filaments, rovings, fabrics and/or scrims, can be reduced. The reduction of such additive damage can be significantly higher than with conventional injection molding tools.

be significant.

According to a preferred embodiment of the shaping machine, it is provided that the at least one dosing device is a comminution device, wherein the comminution device is connected upstream of the at least one mass hopper and/or the at least one addition point, wherein the comminution device connected upstream of the at least one mass hopper and/or the at least one addition point is designed to

a molding compound and/or the at least one additive to

and the at least one comminuted molding compound and/or the at least one comminuted additive to the at least one mass funnel and/or the at least one addition point

to supply.

Because the dosing device is a comminution device, the at least one additive can be reduced to a desired size during the controlled dosing.

Be crushed into larger pieces and added to the plasticizing stream.

According to a preferred embodiment of the forming machine, it is provided that the comminution device is a cutting device, wherein the cutting device is

is trained,

— at least one additive, in particular fibres, filaments,

Rovings, fabrics and/or scrims, to cut and/or

— to feed the at least one cut additive, in particular fibres, filaments, rovings, fabrics and/or scrims, to the addition point in a metered manner and/or

— to produce at least one dimension of the at least one cut additive in a variably adjustable manner, in particular fibres, filaments, rovings, fabrics and/or

To cut the scrim to variable lengths, and/or

— to cut with a rotating knife roller.

When producing composite molded parts from at least one molding compound and at least one additive, it may be desirable to specifically reduce the additives to a certain size before adding them to the plasticizing stream. Since it is difficult, for example, to acquire additives such as fibers with a certain dimension, in particular an individually desired length, a comminution device for the individual selection of additive sizes, in particular fiber lengths, can be used.

be advantageous when dosing.

The size of the additives within a composite molded part, such as the fiber length in fiber composite molded parts, can have a significant influence on molded part properties such as

strength, density or other molding properties.

In a preferred embodiment, it can be provided that a composite molded part reinforced with glass fibers requires a certain length of glass fibers in order to achieve a certain strength. To achieve this, the glass fibers can be cut before being added to the plasticizing stream. In order to add glass fibers of a certain length as an additive to a molding compound, a metering device can be used which, in addition to metering, also enables the additive to be crushed, in particular cut. For example, a cutting device for fibers, rovings or the like can be used for this purpose. Such a cutting device can be, for example, a fiber chopper from the company Van der Mast.

be.

The dosing device can additionally have a crushing device and/or simultaneously a

represent a shredding device.

In a preferred embodiment, it can be provided that with the aid of a suitable sensor, the lengths of the additives, in particular the fiber lengths, are measured not only after the nozzle of the forming machine but instead and/or additionally within the forming machine, in particular within the

forming tool, can be measured. According to a preferred embodiment of the forming machine

It is intended that at least one degassing point

is provided, whereby the degassing point

— in the first mass cylinder, preferably in the area before the transition of the first mass cylinder into the

Connecting line, and/or

— in the second mass cylinder, preferably in the flow direction of the plasticising stream in the region before and/or after the transition of the connecting line into the second mass cylinder and/or in the flow direction of the plasticising stream in the region of the end of the second mass cylinder, and/or

— in the connecting line between the at least two mass cylinders, preferably in the area before the transition of the connecting line into the second mass cylinder,

is arranged.

Depending on the materials used for the molding process, it may be necessary to degas the plasticized molding compound and/or the additive. It may be advantageous to have several degassing points and/or the possibility of

to provide degassing.

According to a preferred embodiment of the forming machine, it is provided that at least one filter, preferably

between the at least two mass cylinders.

A filter can be provided, particularly for recycling applications. This can be located between the plasticizing screw and the injection screw and/or at another location within the forming machine. A filter can be installed either continuously or

operated discontinuously.

A combination of filters with degassing points and addition points can be used in a preferred embodiment

be particularly interesting for recycled PET (rPET).

According to a preferred embodiment of the molding machine, it is provided that the drying device and/or the crystallizer is connected upstream of the at least one mass hopper and/or the at least one first mass cylinder, wherein the drying device connected upstream of the at least one mass hopper and/or the at least one first mass cylinder and/or the crystallizer connected upstream of the at least one mass hopper and/or the at least one first mass cylinder is designed to dry the at least one molding compound and/or the at least one additive and to supply the at least one dried molding compound and/or the at least one dried additive to the at least one mass hopper and/or the at least one first mass cylinder, preferably wherein the at least one drying device and/or the at least one crystallizer

has a stirring device.

Depending on the materials used for the forming process, it may be necessary to dry them before further processing. For example, when using crystalline PET, amorphous PET and/or heavily soiled PET, a washing step and a subsequent

Drying may be necessary.

In a preferred embodiment, it can be provided that at least one measuring device is provided, wherein the at least one measuring device measures the temperature, the pressure and/or the viscosity of the plasticizing stream, preferably wherein the at least one measuring device is arranged between the at least two mass cylinders

is arranged.

Particularly preferably, a rheometer can be provided to determine the quality of the material and to facilitate decisions during the molding process. A rheometer can

Carry out measurements inline and/or online.

Furthermore, protection is sought for a method for producing molded parts using a molding machine according to the invention,

especially an injection molding machine.

Further details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description of the figures with reference to the drawings in

The following explains it in more detail. It shows:

Fig. 1: Schematic of a forming machine for a single-stage process;

Fig. 2 and 3: different schemes of a forming machine for a 2-stage process;

Fig. 4 and 5: Schematics of a forming machine for a 2-stage process with a dosing device;

Fig. 6 to 8: Schemes of a process for compounding in the single-stage process and subsequent shaping in the single-stage process;

Fig. 9 to 16: different schemes of a forming machine for compounding and subsequent forming in

2-stage process.

Although various embodiments are given below, these should not be considered as limiting. The components shown, such as feed points, embossing tools, crushing devices, cutting devices, degassing points, filters, measuring devices, mixing screws and

Plug screws can be freely selected in number, position and

Embodiment within a forming machine for a

2-stage process can be combined.

Like the above-mentioned components, the dosing device and the drying device and/or the crystallizer can also be freely designed within a forming machine for a 2-stage process. In contrast to the above-mentioned components, their number is limited in that at least one dosing device together with at least one drying device and/or at least one crystallizer within a forming machine for a 2-stage process

is intended.

Fig. 1 shows a diagram of a forming machine 1 for a

Single-stage process.

Fig. 1 shows a forming machine consisting of a mass cylinder 2 and a forming tool 10. The mass cylinder 2 has an injection screw 13 and a

Mass funnel 6.

The molding compound 7 can be fed via the mass funnel 6 into the mass cylinder

2 are added. The molding compound 7 is formed by the influence of

Pressure and temperature plasticized and homogenized and by the rotating injection screw 13 in the direction of the

molding tool 10. Following the plasticization and homogenization of the molding compound 7, the molding compound 7 can be fed into the molding tool

introduced, preferably injected.

The forming machine 1 and the associated

Forming tool 10 can be used as a conventional

Injection molding machine with injection molding tool. However, it is also conceivable that an injection compression molding machine with a compression tool is provided, in which the molding compound 7 is introduced, preferably injected, into the not completely closed but sealed compression tool. Once the filling process with the partial filling of the compression tool has been completed, the compression tool can be completely closed, whereby the complete closing corresponds to a compression stroke and thus the

final shaping.

For Fig. 1 and for all other figures, in addition to the already described variants of a conventional injection molding machine and an injection compression molding machine, other

Embodiments are conceivable.

Fig. 2 and 3 show different schemes of a

Forming machine 1 for a 2-stage process.

The forming machine 1 in Fig. 2 has the first mass cylinder 2, the second mass cylinder 13 and the forming tool 10. The two mass cylinders 2, 3 are connected to each other via a connecting line 4. The first mass cylinder 2 has a plasticizing screw 12. The

second mass cylinder 3 contains an injection screw 13.

It can be provided, as in Fig. 2, that the first mass cylinder 2 is a plasticizing unit with at least one plasticizing screw 12 and/or the second mass cylinder 3 is a

Injection unit with at least one injection screw 13.

A molding compound 7 can be added via the mass funnel 6, which is plasticized and homogenized by the two mass cylinders 2,3. The molding compound 7 is thereby

Screws 12,13 from the first mass cylinder 2 in the direction of the

second mass cylinder 3 and from the second mass cylinder in the direction of the forming tool 10. Thus, the molding compound 7 flows from the mass funnel 6 in the flow direction 5 to the

Forming tool 10.

The molding machine 1 additionally has an opening which serves to degas the plasticized molding compound. It is

This is therefore a degassing point 15.

It is a molding machine 1, in particular an injection molding machine, for producing molded parts, in particular composite molded parts from at least one molding compound 7 and an additive 9, with:

— at least a first mass cylinder 2 and a second

Mass cylinder 3,

— at least one connecting line 4 between the at least two mass cylinders 2,3, wherein the connecting line 4 determines the flow direction 5 of the plasticizing stream from the first mass cylinder 2 to the second

Mass cylinder 3 directs,

— at least one mass hopper 6 for receiving molding compound 7, wherein the at least one mass hopper 6 is provided with

connected to the first mass cylinder 2,

— at least one addition point 8 for at least one

Additive 9 and

Fig. 3 shows a forming machine 1 for a 2-stage

Process similar to the forming machine 1 of Fig. 2.

What has been said so far about Fig. 2 applies analogously to Fig. 3. For those embodiments that represent forming machines for 2-stage processes, what has been said so far can be applied

be assumed as long as the same components are shown.

For this reason, the following figures only

Differences named.

In Fig. 3, the connecting line 4 does not go directly into the beginning of the mass cylinder 3, but opens in the flow direction 5 approximately after a quarter of the length of the

Mass cylinder 3 in this.

In other words, the second mass cylinder 3 is extended at the point where the connecting line 4 is led into the mass cylinder 3, against the flow direction 5 of the plasticizing stream. In this extension of the mass cylinder 3,

the degassing point 15.

It is pointed out at this point that the positions on the mass cylinders 2, 3, which represent a transition between the mass cylinders 2, 3 or between a mass cylinder and a connecting line 4, are neither limited in particular with regard to the embodiments disclosed here nor in general with regard to embodiments not disclosed here. Such positions can be

Each location of the existing mass cylinders must be provided.

Fig. 4 and 5 show diagrams of a forming machine 1 for

a 2-stage process with a dosing device.

As shown in Fig. 4, the second mass cylinder 3 can have a feed point 8. This can be designed as a funnel

designed similarly to the mass funnel 6.

It can be provided that at least one dosing device 23 is connected to the at least one mass hopper 6 and/or the at least one addition point 8, as shown in Fig. 4

shown, is connected upstream, wherein the at least one

at least one mass hopper 6 and/or the at least one addition point 8 upstream dosing device 23 is designed to feed the at least one molding compound 7 and/or the at least one additive 9, as shown in Fig. 4, to the at least one mass hopper 6 and/or the at least one

Addition point 8.

As shown in Fig. 4, it can further be provided that the at least one dosing device 23 is a comminution device 11, wherein the comminution device 11 is connected upstream of the at least one mass hopper 6 and/or the at least one addition point 8, wherein the comminution device 11 connected upstream of the at least one mass hopper 6 and/or the at least one addition point 8 is designed to comminute the at least one molding compound 7 and/or the at least one additive 9 and to feed the at least one comminuted molding compound 7 and/or the at least one comminuted additive 9 to the at least one mass hopper 6

and/or to the at least one addition point 8.

As shown in Fig. 4, it can further be provided that the shredding device 11 is a cutting device,

wherein the cutting device is designed to — cut at least one additive 9, in particular fibers, filaments, rovings, fabrics and/or scrims, and/or — the at least one cut additive 9, in particular fibers, filaments, rovings, fabrics and/or scrims,

Addition point 8 and/or

— to produce at least one dimension of the at least one cut additive 9 in a variably adjustable manner, in particular to cut fibers, filaments, rovings, fabrics and/or scrims to a variably adjustable length, and/or

with a rotating knife roller 14.

The additive can be moved towards a knife roller 14 via circulation rollers 19. When the knife roller 14 comminutes the additive 9, preferably cuts it, the comminuted additive 9 can be dosed piece by piece into the addition point 8. As indicated in Fig. 4, the pieces of the comminuted additive 9 fall into the funnel of the addition point 8. The dosage can be controlled by the conveying speed of the circulation rollers 19 in combination with the knife roller 14 and/or by the cutting process, in particular the cutting size of the comminuted additive pieces 9. A timing and/or synchronization of the dosed amount of additive 9 with the amount of

plasticized molding compound 7 is also conceivable.

In a preferred embodiment, it can be provided that a shaping tool 10 is provided, preferably wherein

the forming tool 10 is an embossing tool.

The forming machine 1 in Fig. 5 is very similar to that in Fig. 4, whereby in Fig. 5 the dosing device 23 is a

Plug screw 25 is.

As shown in Fig. 5, it can be provided that the at least one dosing device 23 is a stuffing screw 25, wherein the stuffing screw 25 is arranged upstream of the at least one mass hopper 6 and/or the at least one addition point 8, wherein the stuffing screw 25 arranged upstream of the at least one mass hopper 6 and/or the at least one addition point 8 is designed to pre-extrude the at least one molding compound 7 and/or the at least one additive 9 and to feed the at least one pre-extruded molding compound 7 and/or the at least one pre-extruded additive 9 to the at least one mass hopper 6

and/or to the at least one addition point 8.

A plug screw 25 is understood here to be an auxiliary unit which, for example in the form of an extruder, can feed molding compound 7 and/or an additive 9 to one of the mass cylinders in the 2-stage process. This can serve on the one hand for metering and/or on the other hand for material discharge from an opening which, for example, is used for ventilation or

to prevent degassing.

Fig. 6 to 8 show diagrams of a process for compounding in a single-stage process and subsequent shaping in the

Single-stage process.

Fig. 6 shows a twin-screw extruder. An extruder for plasticizing and homogenizing a molding compound 7/7, possibly with an additive 9, can also have only one screw, as in Fig. 7

shown, or even have more than two snails.

The molding compound 7 can be added via the mass hopper 6 at one end of the twin-screw extruder 20. The molding compound 7 can then be extruded to the other end of the twin-screw extruder 20. As shown in Fig. 6, the additive 9 can be added via the addition point 8 approximately in the middle of the twin-screw extruder 20.

be added.

It is pointed out at this point that the positions of the described components such as dosing devices, addition points, embossing tools, crushing devices, cutting devices, degassing points, filters, drying devices, crystallizers, measuring devices, mixing screws and stuffing screws are neither specifically with regard to the embodiments disclosed here nor in the

Generally, taking into account any information not disclosed here

The positions of the described components can be at any point of the existing mass cylinders and/or at any point of the existing connecting lines and/or in each of the existing mass cylinders and/or in each of the existing

Connecting cables must be provided.

During the extrusion process, the plasticizing stream can be conveyed to the comminution device 11. The comminution device 11 can produce a cut molding compound 22 from the plasticized molding compound 7 and the additive 9, which is collected in a container 21.

can be.

Fig. 7 shows another extruder 20 with a mass cylinder and, in contrast to Fig. 6, with only a single screw for

Plasticizing the molding compound 7 and the additive 9.

As shown in Fig. 7, the molding compound 7 and the additive 9 can be added to the extruder 20 via the mass hopper 6.

become.

Before the plasticizing stream is further processed via a comminution device 11, as in Fig. 6, the plasticizing stream can flow through the filter 16 to remove impurities

from the plasticized melt.

Fig. 8 shows a forming machine 1, comparable to that in Fig. 1, consisting of a single mass cylinder 2 and

a forming tool 10. The crushed molding compound 22, which is extruded by an extruder 20

from Fig. 6 and/or 6 can be obtained, as in

Fig. 8, are fed to the forming machine 1.

A method for compounding in a single-stage process and subsequent shaping in a single-stage process has the disadvantage that the material is subjected to great stress. On the one hand, a comminution process is necessary to provide the molding compound 22, which consists of the initial molding compound 7 and the additive 9, and a subsequent transport to the molding machine 1. On the other hand, the molding compound 7, 22 and the additive 9 must be heated up and cooled down twice, with repeated heating, plasticizing and cooling

can have a negative effect on the material properties.

Therefore, efficient and gentle compounding is advantageous, in which process steps are saved and materials are subjected to less stress. This can be achieved by processes in

2-stage process can be achieved by carrying out compounding and shaping with one machine. Suitable machines are shown schematically in Fig. 9 to 16.

shown.

Fig. 9 to 16 show different diagrams of a forming machine 1 for compounding and subsequent

Shaping in a 2-stage process.

What has been said so far about Fig. 2 to 4 applies analogously to Fig. 9 to 16. For this reason, only

Differences named.

Fig. 9 to 16 differ, among other things, in the positions of the addition points 8, at which one or more additives 9 are added to the molding compound 7, and/or in the positions and/or the number of degassing points 15, at which the molding compound 7 is degassed, possibly with an additive 9.

can be.

It should be noted that in preferred embodiments, the at least one addition point 8 can be provided for the at least one additive 9, preferably for fibers, powder and/or granules, particularly preferably for long glass fiber granules (LGF granules), wherein the addition point 8

— in the first mass cylinder 2, preferably in the area in front of the

Transition of the first mass cylinder 2 into the

Connecting line 4, and/or

— in the second mass cylinder 3, preferably in the flow direction 5 of the plasticizing stream in the region before and/or after the transition of the connecting line 4 into the second mass cylinder 3 and/or in the flow direction 5 of the plasticizing stream in the region of the end of the second mass cylinder 3, and/or

— in the connecting line 4 between the at least two mass cylinders 2,3, preferably in the area before the transition of the connecting line 4 into the second mass cylinder 3,

is arranged.

It should be noted that in preferred embodiments it can be provided that at least one degassing point 15 is provided, wherein the degassing point 15 — in the first mass cylinder 2, preferably in the area before the transition of the first mass cylinder 2 into the

Connecting line 4, and/or

— in the second mass cylinder 3, preferably in the flow direction 5 of the plasticizing stream in the region before and/or after the transition of the connecting line 4 into the second mass cylinder 3 and/or in the flow direction 5 of the plasticizing stream in the region of the end of the second

Mass cylinder 3, and/or

— in the connecting line 4 between the at least two mass cylinders 2,3, preferably in the area before the transition of the connecting line 4 into the second mass cylinder 3,

is arranged.

It should be noted that the number and the embodiments of the mass funnels, addition points and/or degassing points in Fig. 9 to 16 do not apply to the illustrated embodiments

are limited.

The dosing devices 23 in Fig. 9 to 16 can be designed as extruders. However, they can also have any other shape, depending on the type and amount of the desired

Additives 9.

The dosing devices 23 in Fig. 9 to 16 can, comparable to the embodiment in Fig. 4,

Shredding device 11.

As shown in Figs. 11, 12 and 14 to 16, it can be provided that at least one filter 16, preferably

between the at least two mass cylinders 2,3.

As shown in Figs. 14 to 16, it can be provided that at least one measuring device 18 is provided, wherein the at least one measuring device 18 measures the temperature, the pressure and/or the viscosity of the plasticizing stream, preferably wherein the at least one measuring device 18 is arranged between the at least two

mass cylinders 2,3.

As shown in Fig. 13 and 14, it can be provided that a mixing screw 26 is provided in the second mass cylinder 3.

The mixing screw 26 can perform the functions of a

Plasticizing screw 12 and/or an injection screw 13

fulfill.

The mixing screw 26 has a mixing zone 24. The mixing screw 26 and/or the mixing zone 24 can be designed in different ways, for example as a shearing part, Maddock,

Shear mixing part or toothed disc mixing part.

A mixing zone is the area of the screw in which special mixing elements are provided on the screw, which increases the mixing performance. This is particularly important for homogeneous mixing of additives. It can be along a

Give the snail more than one mixing zone.

As shown in Fig. 16, it can be provided that at least one drying device 17 and/or at least one crystallizer 17 is provided, wherein the drying device 17 and/or the crystallizer 17 is connected upstream of the at least one mass hopper 6 and/or the at least one first mass cylinder 2, wherein the drying device 17 connected upstream of the at least one mass hopper 6 and/or the at least one first mass cylinder 2 and/or the crystallizer 17 connected upstream of the at least one mass hopper 6 and/or the at least one first mass cylinder 2 is designed to dry the at least one molding compound 7 and/or the at least one additive 9 and to supply the at least one dried molding compound 7 and/or the at least one dried additive 9 to the at least one mass hopper 6 and/or the at least one first mass cylinder 2, preferably wherein the at least one drying device 17 and/or the

at least one crystallizer 17 has a stirring device.

A drying device 17 and/or a crystallizer 17,

preferably with stirring device, is especially important

Advantage if the molding compound 7 is washed before plasticizing

and/or dried.

If, for example, a recyclate is to be used as a molding compound 7, this recyclate is usually provided in a sorted form before plasticizing and washed before reprocessing. The clean recyclate can then be placed in a drying device 17 and/or a crystallizer 17. The recyclate is dried by the drying device 17 and/or the crystallizer 17 and can then be fed directly to the first

Mass cylinder 2.

A recyclate is a material that is reused. For example, molded parts are made from freshly produced PET (polyethylene terephthalate). It is also known today to mix recycled PET (rPET) with fresh PET for the production of molded parts in order to save material costs and produce more sustainably. The basic molding compound 7 can be exclusively fresh PET, exclusively recycled PET or a mixture of fresh PET and rPET. The additive can be fresh PET, recycled PET, a mixture of fresh PET and rPET

and/or another additive.

List of reference symbols:

1 forming machine

2 first mass cylinder

3 second mass cylinder

4 Connecting cable

5 Flow direction of the plasticizing stream 6 Mass hopper

7 Moulding compound

8 Addition point

9 Additive

10 Forming tool 11 Crushing device 12 Plasticising screw

13 Injection screw

14 Knife roller

15 Degassing point

16 filters

17 Drying device and/or crystallizer 18 Measuring device

19 Circulation roller

20 twin-screw extruders

21 Collection containers

22 Composite material made of molding compound and additive 23 Dosing device

24 Mixing zone

25 stuffing screw

26 Mixing screw

Innsbruck, 30 January 2023

Claims (1)

93792 37 1 Patent claims Molding machine (1), in particular injection molding machine, for producing molded parts, in particular composite molded parts from at least one molding compound (7) and an additive (9), comprising: — at least one first mass cylinder (2) and one second mass cylinder (3), — at least one connecting line (4) between the at least two mass cylinders, wherein the connecting line (4) directs the flow direction (5) of the plasticizing stream from the first mass cylinder (2) to the second mass cylinder (3), — at least one mass funnel (6) for receiving at least one molding compound (7) and/or at least one additive, wherein the at least one mass funnel (6) is provided with connected to the first mass cylinder (2), and — at least one addition point (8) for receiving at least one molding compound and/or at least one additive (9), characterized in that — at least one metering device is connected upstream of the at least one mass hopper (6) and/or the at least one addition point (8), wherein the at least one metering device connected upstream of the at least one mass hopper (6) and/or the at least one addition point (8) is designed to supply the at least one molding compound (7) and/or the at least one additive (9) to the at least one mass hopper (6) and/or the at least one addition point (8), and — at least one drying device (17) and/or at least one crystallizer (17) is provided. Shaping machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first mass cylinder (2) is a plasticizing unit with at least one plasticizing screw (12) and/or the second Mass cylinder (3) an injection unit with at least one Injection screw (13). Shaping machine (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one addition point (8) is provided for the at least one additive (9), preferably for fibers, powder and/or granules, particularly preferably for long glass fiber granules (LGF granules), wherein the addition point (8) — in the first mass cylinder (2), preferably in the area in front of the transition of the first mass cylinder (2) into the Connecting line (4), and/or — in the second mass cylinder (3), preferably in the flow direction (5) of the plasticizing stream in the region before and/or after the transition of the connecting line (4) into the second mass cylinder (3) and/or in the flow direction (5) of the plasticizing stream in the region of the end of the second mass cylinder (3), and/or — in the connecting line (4) between the at least two mass cylinders, preferably in the area before the transition of the connecting line (4) into the second mass cylinder (3), is arranged. Shaping machine (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a mixing screw (26) is provided, wherein the mixing screw (26) — is arranged in the second mass cylinder (3) and/or — a plasticising screw (12) or a Injection screw (13), and/or — has a mixing zone (24), wherein the mixer of the mixing zone (24) is designed as a shearing part, as a maddock, as a shearing mixing part and/or as a toothed disk mixing part is. Shaping machine (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the at least one metering device is a comminution device (11), wherein the comminution device (11) is connected to the at least one mass hopper (6) and/or the at least one Addition point (8) is arranged upstream of the at least one mass hopper (6) and/or the at least one addition point (8), wherein the Comminution device (11) is designed to comminute the at least one molding compound (7) and/or the at least one additive (9) and to supply the at least one comminuted molding compound (7) and/or the at least one comminuted additive (9) to the at least one Mass funnel (6) and/or the at least one Addition point (8). Shaping machine (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the comminution device (11) is a cutting device, wherein the cutting device is designed to — cutting at least one additive (9), in particular fibres, filaments, rovings, fabrics and/or scrims, and/or — supplying the at least one cut additive (9), in particular fibres, filaments, rovings, fabrics and/or scrims, to the addition point (8) in a metered manner and/or — at least one dimension of the at least one cut additive (9) is variably adjustable in particular fibres, filaments, rovings, fabric and/or scrim to be cut to variable lengths, and/or — to cut with a rotating knife roller (14). Shaping machine (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least one degassing point (15) is provided, wherein the degassing point (15) — in the first mass cylinder (2), preferably in the region before the transition of the first mass cylinder (2) into the Connecting line (4), and/or — in the second mass cylinder (3), preferably in the flow direction (5) of the plasticizing stream in the region before and/or after the transition of the connecting line (4) into the second mass cylinder (3) and/or in the flow direction (5) of the plasticizing stream in the region of the end of the second mass cylinder (3), and/or — in the connecting line (4) between the at least two mass cylinders, preferably in the area before the transition of the connecting line (4) into the second mass cylinder (3), is arranged. Shaping machine (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least one filter (16), preferably between the at least two mass cylinders, is intended. Shaping machine (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the drying device (17) and/or the crystallizer (17) is arranged upstream of the at least one mass hopper (6) and/or the at least one first mass cylinder (2), wherein the drying device (17) and/or the crystallizer (17) are ... a mass funnel (6) and/or the at least one first The drying device (17) upstream of the at least one mass hopper (6) and/or the at least one first mass cylinder (2) and/or the crystallizer (17) upstream of the at least one mass hopper (6) and/or the at least one first mass cylinder (2) is designed to dry the at least one molding compound (7) and/or the at least one additive (9) and to feed the at least one dried molding compound (7) and/or the at least one dried additive (9) to the at least one mass hopper (6) and/or the at least one first mass cylinder (2), preferably wherein the at least one drying device (17) and/or the at least one crystallizer (17) comprises a stirring device has. 10. Method for producing molded parts with a molding machine (1), in particular a Injection molding machine according to one of claims 1 to 9. Innsbruck, 30 January 2023