WITTMANN Enhances WiAssist with New Screw Selection Module

An over- or undersized screw may impair both processing efficiency and parts quality. Therefore, the WITTMANN Group has upgraded the WiAssist app by adding a new module. This module calculates the material’s dwell time inside the plasticising unit, thus simplifying the selection of the screw size.

WiAssist supports injection moulders in selecting and setting up their injection moulding machines. As an app, the digital assistant is always available at hand via smartphone and saves users from laborious calculations.

Screw within the optimal range

The essential feature is the material database contained in the app. After the material, shot weight and cycle time have been entered, the app calculates in a few seconds the relevant process parameters, such as cooling time, internal mould pressure, injection pressure, screw speed and – as a new feature – also the melt’s dwell time inside the plasticising unit. This additional function makes it possible to select the optimally suited injection moulding machine for a given mould in less than one minute – for instance where injection moulding machines with different screw sizes are available in a large machine fleet.

The new screw module can be used for 3-zone screws from the WITTMANN Group. Here, the app calculates the optimal dwell time and gives recommendations for the appropriate screw diameter and metering stroke as well. A clear graphic display shows which values are within the optimal range, which ones are only partly suitable and which ones are not at all suitable.

Careful selection of the plasticising unit is vital, because the screw has an immediate effect on parts quality and processing efficiency. If the screw diameter is too small, this shortens the dwell time, and the material is melted insufficiently. But if the screw is dimensioned too large, this lengthens the dwell time, with the possible result of thermal damage to the material and faulty parts as a consequence.

Troubleshooting included

The WiAssist app offers a total of five functions:

• Querying material properties
• Assistance with the selection and setting of injection moulding machines
• Calculation of process parameters
• Troubleshooting
• Direct contact with WITTMANN

The troubleshooting module includes an extensive database with frequent injection moulding faults, possible causes and problem-solving suggestions. Via the contact button, users can either send an email to WITTMANN or contact the service hotline directly by telephone.

This makes the WiAssist app a valuable assistant for all machine setters and process optimisers who work with injection moulding machines from the WITTMANN Group.

Read more from Wittmann Battenfeld here.

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