APC plus: On the Way to Zero-Defect Production

Thanks to intensive research and many years of experience, KraussMaffei has taken another successful step toward perfect consistency with respect to component quality. The adaptive APC plus process control ensures consistent molded part filling under any conditions.

In the start-up sequence as well as in cascade injection molding or with varying recyclate mixtures – or simply if the door of the hall is open and a draft is generated, the patented APC plus technology (Patent DE 10 2015 117 237 B3) analyzes and regulates the injection molding process dynamically and can be used for all thermoplastic series. The system makes sense both in theory and practice. Over 50 percent of all new injection molding machines by KraussMaffei are equipped with APC plus.

Consistently high component quality

The APC plus system analyzes the current process status and compares it continuously with the learned target curve (reference curve). The changeover point and the holding pressure profile are adapted according to the viscosity and the material-specific melt compressibility. APC plus makes the necessary corrections in each individual shot directly and automatically. All disruptive influencing variables are compensated for in real time. With each shot, the mold is filled completely. The rejection rate is approaching zero.

Graf: Adaptivní řízení procesu APC plus od KraussMaffe

Adaptivní řízení procesu APC plus od KraussMaffei – zmetkovitost se blíží 0.

Fast start-up and stable processes

Interruptions in the production process and the compensation of fluctuations necessitated by them are an ideal application area for APC plus. For example, in the series production of premium-quality interior components in in-mold labeling, the rejection rates can be reduced significantly. Frequent cleaning of the mold is a mandatory requirement in this process because of the specific glass-like surface of the inserted foil. Thanks to APC plus, after restarting, optimal product quality can be attained without delay

Increased proportion of recyclate saves expenses

APC plus makes it possible to consistently process premium-quality components from difficult batches and an increased percentage of recyclate. Viscosity fluctuations occur due to bulk density, grain size and the properties of the respective batch. APC plus automatically intervenes in the production process in such a way that even when the material viscosity changes, the component weight remains consistent.