Auxiliary Equipment and Secondary Operations

There are many different types of auxiliary equipment (AE), also called secondary equipment. They support inline production systems and secondary operations (SO) used to maximize overall processing productivity and efficiency and/or reduce operating cost. Primary processing equipment in the line identifies the basic injection molding machine. The cost of the upstream and downstream AE can sometimes be more than that of the primary IMM. Different performance requirements for the AE exist so it is important to use the specific type required in the production line that proves most reliable. The proper selection, use, and maintenance of auxiliary equipment are as important as the selection of the primary IMM. Figures 10-1 and 10-2 show examples of injection molding lines that start upstream with materials being delivered. The material is delivered to the IMM and progresses through the downstream equipment where the finished product leaves the plant. A set of rules have been developed to help govern the communication protocol and transfer of data between primary and auxiliary equipment.