Cinpres and BASF join forces to enhance technology

Two of the leading names in plastics injection have used Water Assisted Injection technology to cut cooling times on tubular parts by up to 50%.

Cinpres Gas Injection is a leading manufacturer of plastic injection equipment.  BASF Engineering Plastics has a global reputation for expertise in materials technology.  The two have established an exclusive experimental unit at BASF’s New Jersey facility where research engineers from both companies are working to achieve yield improvement targets for customers.

Water injection systems offer significant benefits – particularly in terms of cooling times - but until recently, the technology had a reputation for leaks and unreliability.  Before Cinpres entered the water injection market, the company made a significant investment in solving the problems – developing a unique “Combi Nozzle” sealing and injection system.  Cinpres machines are offered with a comprehensive 12-month warranty.

“Having solved the water-related problems we’re now working with BASF on bringing the benefits of water injection to a wider range of applications,” said Cinpres Managing Director Jon Butler.

“The development programme has already cut the cooling time on tubular parts by around 50% - meaning that the productivity of a molding machine is greatly increased.  We’re looking for applications initially for thick-section components
such as white goods handles, automotive trim and under-the-hood automotive applications, as well as home and garden products.”

BASF’s New Jersey facility has a fully operating Cinpres water injection machine and engineers are collaborating in further efforts to reduce cycle times.  

“It was our job to develop the technological process and manufacture the machinery, and the product is now on the market,” said Mr. Butler.  “BASF has developed the materials technology and has the processing know-how to make the most of the machinery. Between us, we have managed to combine market leading expertise in fluid assisted molding and can now offer more comprehensive support to our customers.”

Neither company is revealing how much the programme is costing, but Mr Butler said that Cinpres had partnered with BASF because “they were the people who were prepared to make the greatest commitment, and because their existing materials technology was at the forefront of the industry.”
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