Gas-assist injection molders (GAIM) can improve efficiency and quality — even on lightweight parts and difficult geometries — with the help of a new liquid nitrogen (N2) pressure booster from Linde North America.
The PRESUS™ N10 high-pressure liquid pump can boost N2 to 4500 psi (300 bar). It delivers flow rates up to 4600 scf/h — at least five times higher than state-of-the-art-gas compressors — with up to 90 percent lower energy consumption. The liquid nitrogen pump operates oil-free which eliminates the risk of gas contamination. The higher purity not only improves the quality of the molded parts, but also reduces downtime and maintenance.
High-pressure nitrogen is important for producing quality thin-walled or complex injection-molded parts common in many automotive, appliances, aerospace, electronics, medical devices and military applications. High pressure can help push the melt throughout the mold and into capillary areas.
The new pressure booster accepts the low-pressure inert gas from a liquid nitrogen supply and compresses it for high-pressure delivery to the mold through an evaporator and control module. The compact unit is easy to retrofit to existing GAIM systems, and gas pressure may be further boosted to 7250 psi (500 bar) with another booster system.
The PRESUS N10 is one of a range of high-tech gas supply and control systems for the plastics industry. The Linde Plastics Teamreviews processing challenges and develops solutions for injection-molders, foamers and extruders, as well as manufacturers and designers of plastics processing equipment.
For more information, visit Linde North America online at www.lindeus.com.
