The Trexel T-Series Satellite Dosing Unit (T-S00 / T-S01) is the beside-the-machine component of the MuCell® process. It doses the supercritical fluid (nitrogen or CO₂) precisely and delivers it at high pressure into the melt of the injection molding machine via the injectors in the plasticizing barrel.
Process parameters are managed easily with the touchscreen control unit; the unit is sized to the machine's screw diameter and can be integrated into both new (OEM) and existing (MMU) machines. The result: weight reduction of up to 20%, elimination of sink marks and warpage, shorter cycle time.
Its position as a beside-the-machine component
The T-Series Satellite is the part of the MuCell process closest to the injection molding machine. It receives the supercritical nitrogen (SCF) coming from the central booster and prepares it to be injected into the melt at the right pressure and in the right amount. The dosing precision is determined here; any deviation in the gas quantity is reflected directly in the cell structure and therefore in the mechanical properties of the part.
Why a separate unit
The gas must be held at a stable pressure before it enters the melt. Loading this function onto the central compressor would carry the pressure fluctuations in the line through to the machine. Positioned beside the machine, the Satellite unit damps these fluctuations and ensures that the same amount of gas is delivered with every shot.
Two models
T-S00 and T-S01 meet different capacity and configuration requirements. The selection is made according to the shot volume of the machine and the target weight reduction ratio.
The complete system
A complete MuCell installation consists of three parts: the NC series booster that produces the gas, the Satellite dosing unit beside the machine, and the adaptation on the injection molding machine. The working principle of the technology and the gains it provides are explained in the MuCell foam injection molding article and on the MuCell weight reduction page.
