MPI Introduces New Automated Assembly Using Sticky Wax With Live Video Stream at 2021 ICI Technical Conference

Posted on December 22, 2021 at 5:11 pm

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POUGHKEEPSIE, NY: MPI, the worldwide leader in wax-room and ceramic core injection, assembly, and automation equipment, received a lot of attention at this year’s ICI Technical Conference and Expo in Grand Rapids, Michigan, as they touted new developments in wax-room automation.

MPI has championed wax-room automation since it developed its first protype in the early 2000s and installed the first production automated pattern assembly system in 2004. At this year’s show, MPI demonstrated its ongoing commitment to innovation by announcing a new addition to its family of automated assembly products. MPI introduced its first automated assembly system featuring a sticky wax welding technology.

To highlight the capabilities of the new sticky wax system, MPI provided a live stream from four cameras at the MPI Tech Center at its world headquarters in New York onto an oversized split screen display situated in their booth. MPI engineers tending the machine at the Tech Center were able to interact live with booth visitors to answer questions and describe the process in detail. This allowed visitors to view, in real time, the capabilities of the new automated sticky wax system.

The sticky wax feature is perfect for commercial foundries with lower-volume work. With its small footprint and universal robot tooling, customers can produce low-cost assemblies for a variety of parts with perfect welds every time. By removing the human element for placement, automation allows you to reduce scrap and cycle times, increase throughput, yields, and profitability, while enhancing employee safety. It is also a much faster operation with automation.

The live feed demonstrated the system picking up one part at a time, dipping it in sticky wax, and then welding it perfectly to the runner. This was a highly engaging experience for those who visited the MPI booth and helped illustrate the amazing capabilities of automation using sticky wax.

“We came to this year’s show hoping to demonstrate to low-volume commercial foundries that automation was not only a possibility for them, but that it can also be very affordable,” said Mark Haas, VP Global Sales and Service. “MPI is committed to creating cost-effective automation solutions for any customer looking to achieve higher productivity and profitability goals.”

While automation was the main event at the show, MPI’s new refurbishment program was also very well received. The refurbishment program can return any brand of wax-injection equipment back to its original performance specifications. This program is not only ideal for under-performing machines, but for non-functioning machines that don’t currently generate revenue, and provides a cost-effective alternative for customers with a limited budget. MPI provided many before and after images of machines that had recently been refurbished. Customers can receive a preliminary quote by submitting photos of their machine in its current condition and a serial number. Each refurbished machine is fully tested and MPI Certified.   

MPI extends its gratitude to the Investment Casting Institute for putting on the show and to all those who stopped by to learn more about MPI products and services.