GRAVIMIX MECS

GRAVIMIX MECS — 170 kg/h, 4 Components + Regrind

The most widely used series in the product range. With a capacity of 170 kg/h, 4 components and a regrind option, it covers most medium and high tonnage machines. High temperature (HT) versions are also available.

Why it is the most widely used series

The capacity band MECS covers corresponds to the large majority of machines in a typical injection molding plant. With 28 different model configurations, fine adjustment can be made between the number of components, the capacity and special requirements — this flexibility is the main reason for the wide use of the series.

Regrind management

One of the distinguishing aspects of the MECS is that it can manage regrind as a separate component. If the ratio of regrind is not held steady, the part properties change from batch to batch; the gravimetric system fixes that ratio by weighing every dose.

The density of regrind differs from that of the original granulate and changes from batch to batch — it is not possible for a volumetric system to catch this variable. The limits of regrind use are covered in the article on regrind and scrap recovery.

High temperature (HT) version

The HT version is designed for applications working with raw material coming hot out of the dryer. In a standard unit hot granulate shortens the life of the electronic components and the sealing elements. In plants working with PET and high temperature engineering plastics, the HT version should be preferred.

Model selection

Three decisive values: the hourly consumption, the number of components in the recipe and whether regrind will be used. If you dose masterbatch at a low ratio, the load cell resolution also becomes critical.

GRAVIMIX technology

The shared features of the series — ±0.01% weighing accuracy, the EasyClean tool-free dismantling design, touch control and consumption reporting — and why gravimetric dosing saves money compared with volumetric systems are explained in detail on the gravimetric dosing range page. For the opportunity to test GRAVIMIX free of charge on your own line before buying, you can contact us.

For more components you can look at the FLECS series, and for a higher capacity at the FGB5 series.

Calibration and commissioning

On the MECS, calibration is the determination, component by component, of the relationship between the dosing time and the quantity actually delivered. When the raw material changes, this relationship changes too: a material with a different granulate size, shape and bulk density gives a different weight in the same dosing time.

If regrind is used, calibration matters even more; the density of regrind changes from batch to batch, and this is a variable the gravimetric system corrects by weighing but the volumetric system cannot see. When entering the regrind ratio into the recipe, you can read about the difference between gravimetric and combination modes in the dosing modes section of the user guide.