GF Piping Systems, the pipe division of Georg Fischer (GF, Schaffhausen / Switzerland; www.georgfischer.com) has installed what it says is Switzerland’s largest injection moulding machine at its headquarters in Schaffhausen. Produced by KraussMaffei (KM, Munich / Germany; www.kraussmaffei.com), the machine has a clamping force of 32,000 kN, a maximum shot weight of 120 kg and a screw diameter of 2x265 mm. The “MHX 3200” is capable of producing large-volume pipe fittings with a diameter of up to 500 mm and a weight of up to 120 kg, used as connecting pieces for public water supply.

The machine has been in operation since late 2014, GF Piping Systems said, adding that it also has an “IR KR500 L340” industrial robot that handles the pipe fittings and is capable of working with a payload of up to 340 kg. This, the company said, makes it the largest industrial robot that has ever been installed on an injection moulding machine.

Commenting on the investment, Claude Fischer, head of utility at the GF subdivision, said, “The investment and implementation of a new injection molding system on this order of magnitude was certainly a special challenge for us. In addition to the technical parameters such as a high shot weight and high quality at every point, the system had to meet other criteria with regard to the flexibility in selecting materials and geometry.” To ensure the latter, the machine is equipped with two injection units that can be interconnected but are also capable of being operated independently.