Graco Resin Transfer Molding Systems User Manual

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Resin Transfer Molding Systems
Dispensing Equipment for RTM and Light RTM Applications
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GlasCraft® RTM Systems
A full line of solutions for resin transfer molding
Resin transfer molding (RTM) is a closed mold manufacturing process. Finished parts are made by introducing polyester or vinyl ester resins into closed molds containing fiberglass, carbon or other reinforcements.
Whether your process is traditional RTM, Light RTM, Vacuum Infusion Process (VIP), Closed Cavity Bag Molding (CCBM), or other similar process, GlasCraft offers a complete line of RTM systems to fit your application.
Touch-screen PLC
Programmable machine functions –
from injection volume to catalyst ratio
(depending on options)
GlasCraft RTM Systems provide control at low pressure – the key to successful Light RTM injection
• Engineered for low-pressure injection of polyester and vinyl ester resins
• Accu-Pressure sensor monitors and
controls pressure
• Entry-level to automated, high-volume
production models are available
Typical applications:
• Marine and watercraft
• Pool and spa
• Bathware
• Consumer products
• Automotive panels and parts
• Aircraft components
Positive Feed Catalyst pump
Allows for innite adjustment of catalyst
percentage – no tools required
Superior recirculation
• Allows resin and catalyst to cycle to
the dispense head and back to the containers, unmixed
• Keeps pigments and llers suspended
in the resin
• Allows line to be de-gassed without wasting material
Spartan Dispense Head
Provides excellent mix of resin and
catalyst, and trouble-free injection as well
Air Purge/Solvent Flush
For quick, efficient maintenance cleaning
Accu-Pressure Sensor
• Regulates, monitors and controls injection pressure
• Stops material from dispensing if injection pressures go above the user
set point
• Prevents molds from becoming over-pressured
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Advanced features for automated, high-volume RTM production
Advanced GlasCraft models are available with the following:
Touch screen PLC
Programmable logic controller allows you to program injection volume
and catalyst ratio settings. Reduces operator error. Results in less
wasted material and improved productivity.
Programmable digital air/solvent flush
Flushes out the static mixer with a pre-programmed amount of solvent. Can be used in combination with the air purge function for extra cleaning power.
Programmable Automatic Catalyst (PAC)
Ideal for manufacturers of larger parts. PAC allows you to program and adjust catalyst ratios for the injection cycle. By reducing the
catalyst required for the first infusion of material, and increasing the catalyst during the last part of the infusion cycle, the part cures at a more even rate.
Programmable Radio Frequency Identification tags (RFID)
Each mold in your plant gets a unique RFID tag that you program with specic parameters such as amount of resin required and a catalyst injection prole. The operator simply scans the tag and the machine automatically loads the pre-programmed settings. RFID tags eliminate operator error and programming errors, and save wasted material as well.
In addition, RFID tags provide your facility with unlimited
programming potential. That’s because the system only stores the
current RFID tag’s dispense parameters. Since all molding parameters are stored on each chip, you can have an unlimited number of RFID-
tagged molds in your production facility.
Password Protected PLC
Spartan 3 PLC with PAC and RFID systems are designed with password protection so that operators cannot change mold settings
and parameters.
Advantages of RTM
A growing number of companies are moving to closed mold processes because it offers many signicant benets:
• Less wasted material
• Faster gel and cure times
• Uniform part size and thickness
• Consistent material usage
• Finished surface on both sides
• Reduced VOC emissions – less environmental impact
• Higher glass content which results in lighter weight parts
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Feature
Complete recirculation
Pneumatic trigger
Air/Solvent flush
Low-pressure injection
Spartan dispense head
Positive feed SSP catalyst slave pump
Stroke counter
Auto-valve ready
Low-pressure injection with Accu-Pressure
User-friendly control panel
Dispense timer
Adjustable independent solvent flush
Independent air flush toggle switch
Adjustable gel timer
Touch-screen programmable
30 programmable injection settings
Programmable digital air/solvent flush
Programmable automatic catalyst
Programmable radio frequency identification tags
Unlimited programming
Password protected
Spartan Spartan II Basic Spartan II Deluxe Spartan 3 PLC Spartan 3 PLC with PAC
Entry level designed
for RTM high-
pressure injection
For all forms of closed molding
For all forms of
automated closed
molding
For all forms of
automated closed
molding with touch-
screen programming
For all forms of high-
volume, automated
closed molding
Spartan 3 PLC
with PAC & RFID
For all forms of
closed molding;
designed to simplify
high-volume
production when
numerous mold sizes
are used
Ordering Information
21650-00 Spartan 23200-00 Spartan II Basic 23240-00 Spartan II Deluxe
Specifications
Air consumption 35 cfm @ 100 psi (991 lpm @ 6.8 bar)
at maximum pump output
Material pump capacity 2.5 gpm (9.5 lpm) Pump output .05 gal per cycle 20 cycles = 1 gal 5 cycles = 1 liter
Max Output Pressure 1,300 psi (89 bar, 8.9MPa) Catalyst Range 0.5% to 3.5%
23280-02 Spartan 3 PLC 23280-00 Spartan 3 PLC w/PAC 23280-01 Spartan 3 PLC w/PAC & RFID
Repair Kits
Catalyst Pump LPA-190-RK Complete rebuild kit LPA-190-SK Seal kit
Air Motor (5-in) 20101-00 Complete service kit 20107-00 Pilot valve kit 20106-00 Main valve kit 20105-00 Gasket kit 20104-00 Stroke signal repair kit 20103-00 Rod seal kit 20102-00 Piston rod seal kit
Fluid Section 21570-00 5:1/11:1 Repair kit
Check Valves 21675-00 Resin check valve 21664-00 Solvent/air purge check valve 23547-01 Catalyst check valve 21676-00 Washer, crush, nylon, .52 ID 22904-00 Stem check valve 21044-02 Silicone o-ring 23540-00 Catalyst body check valve 22906-00 Washer, crush, nylon, ¼ ID 23524-01 Compression spring 22908-00 Round nut
Mixer 20625-00 Static mixer
Call today for product information or to request a demonstration.
800-746-1334 or visit us at www.graco.com.
© 20 08 Gr aco Inc. 3400 40 Re v A 12/08. All ot her b rand names or mark s are used for identifi cation purp oses and are trademark s of their re spective owners. All written a nd vi sual data contained in this document are based on the latest product information available at the time of publication. Graco reserves the right to make changes at any time without notice.
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