Korean IM leader LS Mtron takes smart molding to the next level

- With NPE 2024’s largest booth devoted to IMMs, LS Mtron will showcase the power of its AI-driven digital solutions

Industry 4.0 has revolutionized manufacturing, providing more process and material data that leads to more precise production and parts. The digital manufacturing era has spurred many companies to innovate — and Korean injection molding machine (IMM) supplier is no exception.

As one of the world’s top 10 IMM suppliers, LS Mtron — a spin-off of South Korean tech giant LG — is pioneering a new era in injection molding with its new smart IMMs and digital molding solutions.

LS Mtron’s smart molding portfolio will be front and center at the company’s 13,500-square-foot booth at NPE 2024, showcased with the 55-ton ONE* 55E integrated with the company’s proprietary AI solution. In the exhibit, the ONE* 55E will fabricate products using virgin and recycled material, so AI detection of defects is particularly critical given the volatility inherent in using mixed materials.

“Our CSI 4.0 smart solution package integrates and controls various aspects of injection molding machines, such as production, equipment, data and services,” asserted Peter Gardner, president of LS Mtron Injection Molding Machine USA. “It also uses artificial intelligence to optimize the molding process and product quality. The solution is structured into several stages: the initial phase of data collection, the process of transforming data into meaningful information, and, ultimately, big data processing.”

Ultimately, LS Mtron’s Smart Production Suite gives molders the absolute latest Industry 4.0 capabilities, he said, including:

- Smart Monitoring for 24/7 mobile access.

- Smart Production Control for real-time optimization.

- Smart Mold Recognition with RFID assessment and application of molding data via QR code.

- Smart Equipment Control.

- Smart Data Interface.

Because LS Mtron is a molder itself — producing parts for other LS-owned businesses — the company’s in-house engineering and design know-how have produced a smart system tailored to what molders expect and demand from their IMMs. LS Mtron’s smart molding solution:

- Enables IMMs to optimize their performance and efficiency by self-teaching and adapting.

- Helps users derive and adjust the optimal molding conditions and parameters using an AI engine specialized in the injection molding process.

- Compensates for product weight variance by changing process conditions in real-time.

- Recognizes molds automatically.

- Controls peripheral equipment.

- Provides data interfaces and collection functions so critical process information can be extracted from a machine whenever necessary.

- Lets users monitor and control the production process anytime and anywhere through a mobile device.

“The smart capabilities we offer have been perfected for our own molding practices, so we know what our customers need to be the most productive they can be,” Gardner advised. “We minimize customer downtime through real-time service thanks to our remote diagnostic capabilities. We also provide online training and consulting to keep you running optimally and getting the most out of what our smart machines have to offer.”

The addition of smart IMM technology bolsters an already broad LS Mtron portfolio. With more than 3,000 machines being produced annually, and more than 2,000 IMMs installed in North America, LS Mtron is signaling its growing reputation by hosting the biggest NPE 2024 booth devoted exclusively to IMMs.

“We committed to a significant presence at NPE to affirm our commitment to growth in North America — particularly with our new strategically located Texas facility, which will keep an inventory of IMMs,” Gardner explained.

While automotive production is an LS Mtron specialty, the company’s IMMs play a significant role in the appliance, electronics, packaging and household goods segments. Leading global brands relying on LS Mtron equipment include Hyundai, Kia, Ford, GM, Tesla, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, VW, LG, Samsung, Visteon, Delphi, Mahle and many others.

Visit LS Mtron at booth w1101 at NPE 2024.

* source : https://www.plasticsnews.com/sponsored-content/korean-im-leader-ls-mtron-takes-smart-molding-next-level