“Generally speaking, customers think the larger the part, the bigger the press,” says Ken Valko, facilities manager at Mack’s Inman, S.C., plant. “But that’s not necessarily true. With the processing advances we’re making today, we’re finding more and more large applications that can run in smaller presses, which translates into improved cost effectiveness for our customers.”
To capitalize on that expertise, Mack has just purchased a 1500-ton Maxima MG 2-platen injection molding machine from Cincinnati Milacron that has been fitted with a 690-oz. injection unit and 180mm diameter screw. By comparison, a standard 1500-ton model comes equipped with a 362-oz. injection unit. “Large parts require higher shot capacities, but not always higher clamp tonnage,” explains Valko. “By customizing a high shot size on this press, we can mold up to a 34.5 lb. part.”
“Several years ago, we positioned ourselves to capture more of the large-part molding market by expanding our facility and adding significant press tonnage,” explains Ray Burns, president, Southern Operations. “Due to ever-increasing demand, we’re continuing to build on our technological capability and expertise to better serve those needs, especialy in the heavy truck and recreational/utility vehicle markets.”
Today, Mack’s Southern Operations, co-located in Inman, S.C., and Statesville, N.C., operates 39 presses, with 11 that range between 1000-3300 tons of clamp force.
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