The Sodick GL30A-LSR injection molding machine recently acquired by Stockwell Elastomerics. (Photo courtesy Stockwell Elastomerics/EIN Presswire)
The new Sodick machine supports small parts with tight tolerances and molds with small cavities for efficient high-volume production.
PHILADELPHIA— Micro molded parts are typically smaller than a dime and require a high degree of accuracy. Custom gasket manufacturer Stockwell Elastomerics, Inc. recently bolstered its capabilities for serving this market by installing a Sodick GL30A-LSR injection molding machine that supports liquid silicone rubber (LSR) micro molding, the company said in a release.
The capital investment builds upon Stockwell’s expansion of its Molding Business Unit in 2022, which added new personnel and equipment and increased capacity by 20 percent.
“Stockwell Elastomerics is committed to meeting the needs of customers in industries ranging from medical and healthcare to electronics, aerospace, defense, and emerging technologies,” said Tom Rimel, Jr., president of Stockwell Elastomerics, in a statement. “Our investment in this new injection molding equipment expands our micro molding capabilities and positions us for additional growth.”
Stockwell Elastomerics is an ISO 9001:2015 registered manufacturer that provides high- performance gaskets and materials. The company uses silicone rubber, fluorosilicone, and similar high-performance elastomers to solve design and manufacturing challenges. Key markets served by Stockwell range from medical diagnostic equipment to ruggedized portable devices, aerospace and defense, airflow management, alternative energy, and analytical instrumentation.
As experts in silicone gaskets, Stockwell Elastomerics offers a variety of fabrication and molding methods, including liquid injection molding and compression molding. Its new Sodick GL30A-LSR injection molding machine supports small LSR parts with tight tolerances, and molds with small cavities for efficient high-volume production. Stockwell Elastomerics also has additional injection molding equipment for larger parts with small features, the company said.
The company said in the release that it selected the Sodick GL30A-LSR injection molding machine to ensure the more consistent filling of small, intricate cavities.
“The hydraulic-supported clamping unit for this automated equipment provides a wider range of clamping tonnage, up to 440 kN,” the release stated. “Higher tonnages help prevent leaks and short shots, the incomplete filling of mold cavities. The press’s clamping system also supports a wider variety of high count and multi-up molds.”
Among its advantages, the clamping system is said to help reduce mold flash for more efficient cryogenic deflashing, a secondary process that removes excess material. Stockwell Elastomerics’ new machine also provides stable flow rates and clamping pressures for part accuracy down to a micron tolerance level. Material is injected via a hydraulic accumulator system, allowing for high-speed injection when it is needed and greater control when it is not, the company said.
In addition to the Sodick GL30A-LSR injection molding press, Stockwell Elastomerics recently invested in a new dual-head waterjet machine and closed-loop system.
“The dual-head waterjet will improve throughput because it has a larger cutting envelope size and faster cut speeds of 0.01 in/mi to 900 in/min,” the release stated. “Stockwell Elastomerics anticipates running many parts with this dual-head function to decrease lead times and serve customers faster.”