New mould temperature control connectors said to eliminate spillage

Stäubli has introduced a new range of compact multi-connectors for mould temperature control circuits that it says totally eliminates spillage and prevents any pollutants entering the system on connection or disconnection.

Stäubli says its RMI range of multi-couplings is widely used by injection moulders for fast and efficient connection of all mould cooling circuits in a simple operation.

Increasingly, says the company, users are demanding totally spillage-free connection and disconnection and in response to this it has introduced a new, dry break multi-connector to its range, the MCI 209. This new design is said to be a compact, flat faced multi-coupling capable of connecting up to 10 separate mould-cooling circuits. The flat-faced design eliminates any spillage on connection or disconnection and Stäubli  says safety is improved by preventing the risk of leaking high temperature or water glycol fluids, making floors slippery, as well as minimising the consumption of heat transfer fluids. The design also ensures no ingress of contaminants into the circuits that could affect the performance of the cooling fluid and increase the maintenance required on the system.

Stäubli says ensuring safe and effective connections is of prime importance. To this end, the MCI 209 range incorporates a fool proof keying system that prevents connection errors and eliminates any risk of cross connection; the robust locking system ensures circuit integrity. All circuit connections are made by one simple action, reducing the time to change moulds. The optional proximity switch ensures safe working practices are maintained by providing a signal output when the plates are securely together, says Stäubli, with a parking plate providing the additional benefit of protecting the machine side plate during a tool change and improving safety by retaining loose hoses.

MCI 209 is said to be suitable for both new and existing injection moulding machines and moulds, as well as other applications where fluid circuits need to be connected and disconnected without any spillage, for example in the medical and pharmaceutical sectors. CAD files of the new connector are available on request.