Models of commonly used travel switches for injection molding
In the automated operation of injection molding machines, limit switches play a crucial role. They precisely detect and control various actions, such as mold opening and closing, ejection, and core pulling, ensuring stable operation according to pre-programmed procedures, thereby guaranteeing the molding quality and production efficiency of plastic products. Numerous types of limit switches are commonly used in the injection molding industry, each with its own unique performance characteristics and applicable scenarios.
Omron’s TL-N series limit switches are widely used in the injection molding industry. These switches feature high precision, high reliability, and a long lifespan. For example, the TL-N10ME1 utilizes advanced sensing technology to precisely detect changes in an object’s position, achieving an accuracy of ±0.5mm. In the mold opening and closing control of an injection molding machine, the TL-N10ME1 accurately senses the mold’s opening and closing position. When the mold reaches the desired position, it quickly sends a signal to stop the machine’s motor, preventing damage caused by excessive mold opening and closing. Furthermore, this model boasts excellent anti-interference capabilities, ensuring stable operation in the complex electromagnetic environment of the injection molding machine and accurate signal transmission. Its IP67 protection rating effectively protects against dust and water, making it suitable for the harsh working environment of the injection molding workshop. This significantly extends the equipment’s service life and reduces maintenance costs.
Another common travel switch model is the Siemens 3SE5 series. The 3SE5110-1AA00, for example, features a long operating stroke and a high switching frequency. In the ejector mechanism of an injection molding machine, the travel switch requires frequent switching to control the extension and retraction of the ejector rod. The 3SE5110-1AA00 meets this requirement, offering an operating stroke of up to 20mm and a switching frequency of up to 1,000 times per minute. This enables it to quickly and accurately respond to ejection control signals during the injection molding process, ensuring smooth demolding of plastic products. This travel switch also features a rugged and durable housing designed to withstand significant mechanical impact. It is less susceptible to vibration and impact during high-speed operation of the injection molding machine, ensuring stable operation of the equipment.
Schneider’s XCK series limit switches are also widely used in injection molding machine control systems. The XCK-J541 from the XCK-J series offers a variety of mounting and wiring options, making it easily compatible with different injection molding machine models. Whether mounted horizontally, vertically, or sideways, the XCK-J541 easily accommodates these requirements, and its flexible wiring options provide electrical engineers with more options when designing wiring. In the core-pulling mechanism of an injection molding machine, the XCK-J541 can generate signals based on the position of the core-pulling slider, controlling the start and end of the core-pulling action. Its large contact capacity enables direct control of high-power motors, simplifying the design of the electrical control system and improving system reliability.
In addition to the common foreign brands of limit switches mentioned above, some domestic brands are also making their mark in the injection molding industry. For example, CHINT’s LX series limit switches, such as the LX19-001, offer affordable pricing and stable performance. While some high-end performance indicators may not match those of foreign brands, the CHINT LX19-001 effectively meets the production needs of small and medium-sized injection molding machines where precision and reliability are less critical. Its simple structure and ease of maintenance allow maintenance personnel to quickly troubleshoot and repair any malfunctions, minimizing equipment downtime. Furthermore, as a well-known domestic brand, CHINT boasts a comprehensive after-sales service network, providing timely technical support and spare parts availability. This makes it highly attractive to cost-conscious injection molding companies.
When selecting a common travel switch model for injection molding, multiple factors need to be considered. First, a travel switch with appropriate operating stroke, detection accuracy, and switching frequency should be selected based on the specific application scenario of the injection molding machine, such as mold opening and closing, ejection, core pulling, and other different actions. Second, the reliability and stability of the travel switch should be considered to ensure long-term stable operation in the harsh working environment of the injection molding workshop. The company’s cost budget should also be considered to select a cost-effective travel switch model while meeting production needs. With the continuous development of injection molding technology and the increasing degree of automation, the performance requirements for travel switches are also becoming increasingly stringent. In the future, travel switches will develop towards higher precision, higher reliability, smaller size, and intelligentization, providing stronger support for the development of the injection molding industry.
