Multi-couplings control the centralised supply of hydraulics to the valve gate cylinders and operation of the sequential injection nozzles on injection moulding machines.
Moulds used for plastics injection are becoming more complex as manufacturers develop the process technology to produce thinner, larger and more intricate products. This new technology frequently requires a sequential injection process to be used, ensuring that each segment of the mould is supplied with material at the required flow rate and temperature. St„ubli, specialists in quick release connections, have introduced a range of multi couplings specifically designed for this type of application.

The new mutli-couplings are designated by Staubli as SPC 203 and SPC 205; and are designed for flow rates up to 2.85 litre/mn and up to 8 litre/mn respectively.

They control the centralised supply of hydraulics to the valve gate cylinders and operation of the sequential injection nozzles on the injection moulding machine.

An example of performance is the nozzle opening time working with a cylinder of volume 19.5cm3; this is 0.4 secs with an SPC 203 and 0.15 secs with an SPC 205.

SPC multi-couplings were developed by Staubli specifically to address the need for quick and accurate changes of sequential valve gate connections.

They build on the experience of custom designed multi-couplings provided for injection moulding customers in the past.

Making hydraulic connections during mould changeovers can take up to 20 minutes when individual couplings are used, even longer if threaded connections are involved.

This time is reduced to less than 1 minute with the new SPC multi-couplings.

An additional benefit is the guaranteed connection accuracy, eliminating any confusion on which lines need to be connected.

Space is normally at a premium on mould surfaces so the small footprint permits flexibility in mounting the tool side plate on any available location on the mould and the press side is easier to handle.

There are three options available on each model depending on the number of circuits to be supplied, either 2, 4 or 6, the plate fixed to the mould will have the corresponding 4, 8 or 12 plugs.

Each connector is of non-spill clean break design preventing any pollution to the working environment and the circuits.

Connection is only possible in one position preventing misconnection and additional safety options include a keying system to prevent any connection errors where several plates are used with the same mould tool.

Staubli is an international family owned group founded over 100 years ago in Switzerland employing 3500 world-wide.

The Couplings Division manufacturing facilities are located in France, Germany and Italy, with offices across Europe, North and South America and the Far East; the UK base is in Telford.