MuCell microcellular foam injection molding technology supplier Trexel has entered an agreement with Milacron wherein the latter will use the MuCell technology in its injection molding equipment.
As a part of the agreement, Milacron will be able to resell the Trexel MuCell SCF gas dosing equipment directly under the Milacron, Ferromatik, Uniloy and Mold-Masters brands.
The operating rights under Trexel's patents will be transferred to Milacron without any extra cost.
This new patented foaming technology involves the introduction of precisely metered quantities of atmospheric gases like nitrogen or carbon dioxide which are used to create a foamed part.
This results in enhancement of precision along with decrease in costs of production associated with lower material consumption, shorter molding cycle times, and reduced machine clamping tonnage requirements.
Milacron chief technology officer Bruce Catoen said: "We believe that Milacron is uniquely capable to provide the complete melt distribution and control solution for MuCell systems. Our extensive portfolio of primary processing equipment, combined with industry leading hot runner and control systems will allow MuCell technology to expand into new and untapped markets.
"Together with our partner Trexel, Milacron has proven the viability of MuCell in blow molding, co-injection, higher surface finish parts and high cavitation packaging applications. The light weighting, low tonnage, reduced warp and sink benefits of MuCell can now be exploited in markets that were previously not possible."
The MuCell process enables component manufacturers in the automotive sector to produce light plastic parts that help in reducing the weight of vehicles and improves fuel economy.
Trexel president and CEO Steve Braig said: "Milacron, Ferromatik and Mold-Masters provide injection molding systems across all major end user markets globally. Uniloy is a leading blow molding machinery manufacturer and we look forward to partnering with them in developing blow molded automotive light weighting solutions."
Image: Trexel's partnership agreement with Milacron allows Milacron to incorporate the MuCell technology into their injection molding
equipment offering. Photo: courtesy of Trexel.
