Accumulator head technologyindustrial blow molding machines

GRAHAMACCUMULATOR HEADBLOW MOLDINGSYSTEMS

In 1997, Graham Engineeringinvented and patented theclosed loop servo press. In 2002, the company devel-oped the first industrialmachine with PC controls.

Graham accumulator headmachinery represents the culmination of over 50 yearsof technological innovationfor producing high quality,small to large-scale blowmolded parts.

Accumulator head technologyfrom Graham Engineeringspans a wide range of shotcapacities. It delivers the quality, speed, flexibility, andreliability required for maximizing production lineoutput. Graham equipmentconforms to all national andinternational safety and operating standards withANSI certification and CEcapability.

Graham’s accumulator headblow molding systems aredesigned for the production ofa wide range of industrial andtechnical parts including:• Automotive spoilers, duct

work and reservoirs• Coolers/chests• Swing sets, slides, bicycles• Medical parts• Housewares

• Trash cans• Ornamental packaging• Water coolers and filtration

containers• Industrial containers• Panels• Double wall parts• In-mold carpet, vinyl and

component insertion

KEY SUB-SYSTEMSOF GRAHAMACCUMULATOR HEADMACHINES

There are many highlights toGraham’s accumulator headblow molding technology.Here are key benefits of thecritical subsystems and theoverall machine:

Accumulator Head• Rapid color/material

changes• Balanced flow distribution

within the head optimizesseamless material reknit

• Fast material and colorchanges are accomplishedby our self-cleaningplunger and proven spiraldiverter flow paths

• Uniform flow design eliminates stagnant areas

• Purges most colors/materials within 1/2 to 3/4hour; even the most difficult changes (blackcherry to yellow) can be 1-1/2 hours

• Disassembly/cleaning/reassembly in less than 1 hour; only requires simplehand tools

• Resins processed: PC,Noryl, ABS, PP (standard,glass, and talc filled), 10and 4.5 HLMIPE, highimpact PP, acrylic, LDPE,

PU, PS, HDPE (standard,glass, and talc filled), andnylon (glass filled)

• Bleed off valve on top ofhead away from heaterbands

• Unique tooling distributionring straightens parisoncurl, maintains head vertical centerline, andeliminates misalignment

• Extruded aluminum heaterswith cal rod elements forlong life; eliminates shortsand prevents ground outs

• 28:1 L/D extruders • Grooved feed throat

delivers high output andlower melt temperature

Clamp Section• Motorized vertical

adjustment (up/down jogswitch) is standard

• Motorized press roll out isstandard

• Servo-actuated press features independent platen motion with speedsfor all open/close positions;extremely accurate with nomechanical backlash; eliminates rack and pinionmechanism; pre-set moldcenterline (can be offset)

• Lock-up of platens with nopush over on close center-line; eliminates damage to blow pins by keeping uniform opening

• Clamp tonnage is easilyadjustable via XBMNavigator screen and proportional valve

• Highly consistent cycle-to-cycle platen position withprogrammed function tocontrol ramping

• Clamp tonnage via proportional valve

Regenerative System —Clamp FastClose/Open/TonnageCylinders• Saves energy• Smaller hydraulic lines,

smaller AC motors, smallertank capacity

Multi-Head IndustrialMachines• Melt accumulates in a

separate, first-in/first-outshot pot

• Proportionally controlledhydraulic cylinder feedsresin to individually programmable extrusionheads

• Balanced flow passagesensure equal flow betweeneach head

• Motorized vertical platenand press rollout

• Patented closed-loop servocontrol system

• High production outputs ina single machine footprint

XBM NAVIGATOR™:PC-BASED CONTROLSDEVELOPED BY BLOW MOLDERSFOR BLOW MOLDERS

The efficiency of a productionline is closely linked to theaccuracy and ease of use ofits controls. That is why everyGraham blow moldingmachine uses the XBMNavigator™, a proprietary PC-based system designed byus. The hardware is a standard, 24-volt industrialPC, which eliminates anyneed for manufacturer-specific components or system expertise. The man-machine interface is aflat panel color display withtouch screen capabilities. Butthe real beauty of the systemlies in its Windows® platformoperator interface software— it is a package developedby Graham, whose years ofblow molding experienceensure that set-ups, trending,analysis, and troubleshootingfunctions will all be intuitiveto the operator.

• All machine control parameters and process variables are easy to callup, check, and adjust

• 100-point parison programming

• Remote diagnostics viaEthernet connection —enables fast, easy troubleshooting byGraham's technical support team

• Swing arm mounted operator station (optional)allows for improved line-of-sight setup and operation

Graham Engineering Corporation • 1203 Eden Road, York, PA 17402-0673 • USA Tel: 717-848-3755 • Fax: 717-846-1931 • www.grahamengineering.com • sales@grahamengineering.com

Graham's XBM Navigator™ PC controls utilize intuitive, graphical screens, allowing operators to come up-to-speedquickly. The graphical approach aids insetup and troubleshooting; for example,the color of the heater bands changes tored when heat is applied, and to bluewhen cooling is applied. Multiple accesslevels allow different levels of control foroperators, technicians, and maintenancepersonnel. The screens can be switchedbetween dual languages with the touch ofa button. Other features include remotediagnostics, trending of key variables, andcomplete logging of process changes.

• Graham’s equipment manuals represent a valuable added resource for customers. They are available in paper andelectronic formats. Theycan be accessed from themachine’s PC as clickablePDFs offering helpful photos, schematics, andparts lists.

XBM Navigator,™winner of

Control Design’s 2008 Innovator

Award