Servo takes over moulding valve control

The ServoGate is a novel patent-pending electric servo actuator designed for valve gate control applications, particularly in injection moulding applications.

New from Tol-O-Matic, the ServoGate is an innovative, patent-pending electric servo actuator designed for valve gate control applications, particularly in injection moulding applications.

The ServoGate actuator is the first compact, high performance electric actuator developed specifically to replace the bulky hydraulic valve manifolds and hydraulic power systems used for valve gate control and sequencing.

By eliminating a number of variables found in fluid power systems, such as fluid bulk modulus and viscosity changes, the ServoGate actuator delivers precise gate control in a compact package measuring less than 178 x 178mm.

"For years, veterans of hot runner moulding technology have looked for the perfect valve gate".

"ServoGate's all-electric solution improves shot accuracy and repeatability of injection moulded parts, regardless of whether it's applied to a standard or all-electric injection press", said Gary Rosengren, Director of Engineering.

"The ServoGate actuator also offers significantly extended service life, zero maintenance and improved throughput - while eliminating the environmental costs and hazards of dealing with hydraulic fluids".

Rosengren added that ServoGate is a completely integrated design - a major departure from belt coupled, reverse parallel (RP) designs with separate motor and actuator components.

Tol-O-Matic's Axiom Plus PV brushless servo controller/drive controls the ServoGate linear actuator.

A threaded rod connected to the valve gate passes through the hollow shaft of the actuator, precisely positioning the gate with speed and precision repeatability over millions of cycles.

ServoGate offers continuous force of 2.2kN, and features less than 0.5s cycle times for 19mm extension to the 2.2kN seat and retraction.

The system is water cooled to operate with peak performance at 200C.

Nominal length and diameter is less than 178 x 178mm including water jacket, with a standard stroke of 12.7mm (other strokes are available on request).

ServoGate includes easy-to-use, Windows based Tol-O-Motion software that offers simple point-and-click sequential programming for the valve gate control requirements of different parts.

A PLC ladder logic editor provides a familiar programming environment, with no need to learn new code.

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