A green alternative threads medical components, parts

A male luer IV connector – shown in red – is produced on the PERC System.PERC, which stands for Programmable Electric Rotating Core, is a patented compact, high speed, high torque, and high precision system utilizing programmable servo motors in place of hydraulics for unscrewing applications. The PERC System offers the ability to revolutionize the way manufacturers mold plastic threaded parts.

Traditional hydraulic system restrictions are auxiliary equipment with electric molding machines; cost-prohibitive setups; part design (motion) is limited by the length of the cylinder stroke; and hydraulic hoses and connections are messy.

A look at the PERC System shows how it opens up new ways to mold threaded parts, while doing so more profitably. PERC is accurate, fast, and efficient core positioning – offering unlimited turns and programmable speed profiles while being virtually maintenance-free. Scheduling is not dictated by the availability of auxiliary hydraulic equipment, and its compact size allows for fast, easy setups. PERC also eliminates the need for messy hydraulic oils and it complements the efficiencies of electric molding machines – allowing the use of smaller presses.

An inside look at the design of the PERC System shows that it contains high-speed, high-torque programmable DC drive servo motors, a rotating core, and a custom-manufactured gearbox for power transfer to rotating cores. Servo motor power cables connect to control cabinet for power supply and programmable controls for servo motors. From there, the power cables and interface cables exit the system, with the interface cables travelling to the molding machine. The PERC System can be configured for parting line unscrewing as well as for vertical operation.

“Our medical OEM customers specify the PERC System for every unscrewing mold, even when hydraulic systems can accomplish the same ends,” According to Francine Petrucci, BA Die Mold’s president. “PERC delivers not only cutting edge molding technology, but it fits into today’s pursuit of energy management and green manufacturing initiatives. Just the elimination of the messy hydraulic cylinders used in conventional unscrewing is a plus. Maintenance technicians love the PERC System, and their molding facilities simply look better because they are cleaner.”

Tool designers and OEMs are already realizing the many advantages of utilizing the PERC System, compared to conventional hydraulic unscrewing systems – opening up new ways to more profitably mold threaded parts.

One customer, a captive molder, uses PERC molds to primarily produce fittings and connectors with female threads used in the construction of medical devices. Prior to PERC molds, every type of unscrewing technology was tried. The customer explains that “the reason we decided to purchase the PERC systems was two-fold. First, we primarily run electric machines in our injection molding operation. So, utilizing an electric servo motor for unscrewing molds was a logical, long term choice for us. Second, was the precision. The repeatability of the servo technology was a huge improvement over present unscrewing technologies. Granted, the molds are more complex and expensive, i.e. the molds require a controller, but we have observed excellent reliability, quality, and productivity with this technology. No regrets.”

B A Die Mold Inc.
Aurora, IL
badiemold.com