More capacity in new MCP vac-caster
More capacity in new MCP vac-caster
Keywords: MCP Equipment, Vacuum, Casting
Increased moulding capacity and improved internal visibility are the two principal features claimed of a newly upgraded middleweight vacuum-casting system from MCP Equipment.
The computerized MCP4/04 is reported to cast shots up to 5kg in a chamber 750mm high x 900mm x 750mm. The overall volume is believed to be more than 40 per cent greater than that of the previous model.
The restyled floor-standing MCP4/04 also has larger, squared windows to give the operator a clear view of all stages in the vacuum-casting process.
Internally, the electric mould hoist system has been uprated to handle the bigger and heavier moulds the machine can accept.
The latest stage in a programme to maximize performance and value-for-money,the MCP4/04 is a double chamber system designed to replicate master models in volume quickly and economically. It does so by vacuum-casting facsimiles in various two-stage resins under touchscreen control through an OMRON PC which regulates the chambers' vacuum and the mixing and pouring of the resins. The PLC also provides several automatic controls, from preloaded resin mixing and calculation of mix ratios to preset default parameters, mixing speeds and fault-finding.
Up to 20 programs can be stored in the PLC and a print facility is available to download extra programs to hard copy.
In the process, a silicone-rubber mould made from the master model is positioned in the lower chamber and the replica is cast in a vacuum from an MCP polyurethane resin, which is mixed robotically and poured from the upper chamber. MCP says that any number of flawless copies can be made in this way.
There are 20 MCP resins available with the system to achieve looks, feel,colour and physical properties close to those of the end-products.
According to MCP, the technology owes its accuracy and economy to computer control of the mixing and casting environment and the low-cost silicone rubber moulds.
Other new features claimed of the upgraded MCP4/04 include a removable robot– to simplify maintenance – a dual switch for hoist drive and air release, and a facility to control the curing oven from the PLC.
The machine can also be equipped with an electrically-heated melting module to enable the process to produce lost-wax cores. The same software is used to cast cores with complex aeometries and varying wall thicknesses to the dimensional precision required for investment casting.
Details available from MCP Equipment. Tel: +44 (0) 1785 815651.
