Drum Identification With Standard Barcode Maximises Operating Safety In Silicone Injection Moulding

Phil Black - PII Editor 17/08/2017

293 2 minutes read

Listen to this article

ELMET has now further enhanced operating safety in silicone injection moulding.

A barcode system developed jointly with the WACKER chemical group for the reliable differentiation between components A and B, plus a corresponding reading device on the TOP 5000 P dosing system reliably prevent any chance of confusion when changing drums – eliminating the danger of immense follow-up costs. © ELMET

ELMET, an internationally operating system supplier for the injection moulding of two-component liquid silicone rubbers (LSR), has introduced a standardised barcode system for drum labelling and recognition as an integral part of its TOP 5000 P dosing systems.

This new identification system, which has been developed jointly with the WACKER chemical group, is currently unique in this industry. It virtually eliminates the possibility of components A and B becoming mixed up when replacing the similar-looking drums.

The simple but effective solution should help the entire industry to consistently prevent any handling mistakes and their serious consequences.

Support from the prestigious chemical company creates the basis for the widespread adoption of the new barcode system. WACKER provides its drums with banderoles, which, in addition to the conventional A or B label, also have a barcode running around them. Optionally, ELMET provides its high-performance dosing system with a reading device coordinated to this barcode.

The control unit of the TOP 5000 P only allows the pump to be immersed into the new drum if it recognises the right code. Initially still designed as a hand scanner, it will be followed by a height-adjustable, firmly installed reading device as soon as this convincing safety system has become established on a broad front. Until this happens, ELMET offers as an alternative a corresponding adhesive tape that is applied in the incoming goods department.

Helmut Gaderer, Sales Manager at ELMET, says:

“Unfavourable conditions lead in practice surprisingly often to workers mixing up the drums containing components A and B, despite the existing labels.

If the machine is then started up, it inevitably causes a system downtime and extremely time-consuming cleaning work with a production outage that can take up to 24 hours. The resultant losses for the processor are always immensely high.

Our idea, which has now been put into practice in conjunction with WACKER, more or less rules this out. Two other large manufacturers of raw materials for silicone injection moulding are currently looking at the possibility of introducing the system and all others are being called on to adopt this uncomplicated code in order to protect their customers against this risk of confusion.

We have intentionally not had this technical solution patented and therefore hope that our idea will be implemented quickly and comprehensively to the benefit of all LSR processors.”

The TOP 5000 P multi-component dosing system from ELMET equipped with the new scanner is designed for the large-series production of high-quality parts.

It is suitable for shot weights of less than 0.1 g to several kg, for 200 l and 20 l containers and material viscosities of 9,000 mPas to 3,000,000 mPas, even when there are significant viscosity differences between the A and B components.

With its two separate control circuits for emptying of the drums (over 99 %) and controlling the volume fed into the process, this system has also proved itself with tight process windows and difficult start-up conditions.

The additional additive control ensures high-precision, constant dosage irrespective of sediments, wear and viscosity differences.

The easy access concept, open on all sides, simplifies drum change and reduces the amount of space required for this. The automatic drum venting device reduces the amount of manual work needed when changing drums. Apart from that, the system allows comprehensive documentation of the production quality.