Position: Maguire MGF Series Gravimetric Feeder is designed for feeding colorants and additives into plastics processing machines which features modular design that speeds cleanout and auger change. Feeding system uses load cells to monitor loss in weight of colorant in hopper as material is fed into processing machine by auger. Loss-in-Weight software in feeder control scans data on color consumption every half-second and automatically adjusts dispensing when predetermined amount of accumulated error is detected.
Gravimetric Feeder features modular design.
Low-Cost, High-Accuracy Gravimetric Feeder Now Has Modular Design that Speeds up Cleanout and Auger Change Accuracy Makes Possible Material Savings and Quality Assurance
FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, GERMANY, October 14, 2008: The Maguire MGF Series gravimetric device for feeding colorants and additives into plastics processing machines has a new modular design that increases production "uptime" while continuing to be more accurate and no more costly than conventional volumetric feeder, it was announced today by Maguire Europe, which is introducing the enhanced design at Fakuma 2008 (Stand B3-3207).
"The superior accuracy of MGF feeders enables molders and extrusion processors to reduce color and additive consumption, increase control over product quality, and document color usage for each production run," said Paul Edmondson, general manager of Maguire Europe.
The improved design increases uptime (time spent in production rather than changing colors or jobs) by making it possible to remove all main feeder components separately. The basic concept of the MGF feeder is still the same: use of load cells to accurately monitor the loss in weight of colorant in the hopper as the material is fed into the processing machine by an auger. But now the only component mounted on the load cell is the hopper, and this is readily removable from the device, as are the auger, the auger tube, the motor, and the load cell bracket. As a result, it is easier and faster to access components for cleanout or servicing.
Maguire introduced the original-design MGF feeder in the U.S. last year as the first low-cost gravimetric feeder, costing no more than widely used volumetric feeders but providing a much higher degree of accuracy. Today this feeder equipment still costs the same as volumetric feeders and 25 to 35% less than competing gravimetric ones, according to Edmondson.
Also retained is an important advantage in accuracy: "Volumetric feeders do not monitor the weight of colorant as it is fed to the processing machine and thus generate no data about how much of the material is actually consumed from moment to moment," Edmondson said. "Because a gravimetric system generates a wealth of data on color consumption, it adjusts color metering far more accurately to account for process variations."
The key to adjusting for process variations is Maguire's Loss-in-Weight software in the feeder control. This proprietary system scans data on color consumption every half-second and automatically adjusts dispensing when a predetermined amount of accumulated error is detected. "By responding exclusively to accumulated error over a given period of time, Maguire's proprietary software focuses on real changes in throughput, not transitory or anomalous changes caused by vibration, clumping, or surges," Edmondson said. "Thus the feeding system provides real-time control and absolutely smooth metering consistency."
Set-Up of New Feeder Is Easy for both Injection Molding and Extrusion
To enter settings for injection molding or extrusion into the microprocessor weigh controller of the MGF feeder, the operator simply selects either the "Cycle" mode (for injection) or the "Continuous" mode (for extrusion). The next entries are those of letdown ratio and either shot size or extruder throughput. Finally, the operator presses "On" and "Run." As material is metered into the feed throat, the dual load cells under the loss-in-weight hopper detect material usage. The loss-in-weight is collected by the weight controller and continuously monitored so that metering accuracy is held to within +/- 0.2%
MAGUIRE EUROPE supports a network of distributors throughout Europe, as well as in Africa and the Middle East, with sales and technical support, customer service, and an extensive inventory of Maguire equipment systems and parts. Maguire Italy, a Padova-based Maguire Europe business unit serving customers through sales agents in five regions of Italy, can be contacted by telephone at 39-049-970-5429 and by email at Robert@Maguire-Europe.com. Maguire Europe is headquartered at Vanguard, Tame Park, Tamworth, Staffordshire B77 5DY, United Kingdom. Tel: 44-1827-265-850. Fax: -855. Email: Paul@maguire-europe.com.
