Cold Jet announced that it will present its new dry ice blaster PCS 60 at K 2019. The machine features the company’s patented Particle Control System (PCS), which cuts dry ice into diamond shaped particles in the exact dimensions chosen by the operator (3 mm to 0.3 mm and 28 sizes in between). This allows the user to have a greater degree of versatility in its cleaning applications. With the PCS, a plastics processor can use one machine to clean many types of surfaces, such as the surface of injection moulds, deburring and deflashing, to cleaning injection screws. Previously, a facility would need multiple machines with different aggression level capabilities to clean each, said the manufacturer.
“Cold Jet is proud to introduce the PCS 60 to the global marketplace,” said Gene Cooke III, President and CEO, Cold Jet. “The machine is the highest performing dry ice blaster available and features many technological advancements that are firsts in our industry. The PCS 60 continues Cold Jet’s tradition of leading the way and guiding our industry forward.”
According to Cold Jet, the machine is one of the most technologically advanced dry ice blaster on the market. With a 7” LCD colour screen and digital controls, the PCS 60 provides an intuitive display that allows the user to easily view and adjust blasting parameters and machine settings. The machine also features programmable and password-protected application recipes. This feature allows users to set and save blasting parameters, such as blast pressure, particle size and feed rate, which increases efficiency and ensures the right settings for each individual application. A plastics processor can save one application recipe for one of their moulds and another application recipe for a separate mould. This prevents user error and ensures the right parameters are used for each unique application.
“The PCS 60 is a game changer for plastics processors that need to improve OEE availability, quality and performance scores, all while lowering costs, extending the life of their tooling, and improving worker environment and safety. Our industry has never had one, smart, machine with the ability to adapt the cleaning process to so many different applications in plastics and rubber molding,” said Steve Wilson, Global Business Unit Manager – Plastics, Rubber & Composites, Cold Jet.
The optimised design, including a “straight through” air system and redesigned SureFlow feeding system, minimises air pressure loss and dry ice sublimation within the machine. This allows the user to maximise air supply yield and reduce dry ice waste. “Our team designed the PCS 60 to be extremely efficient by utilising next-generation technology to maximise our customer’s return on investment while reducing their overall total cost of ownership,” said Brian Allen, SVP & Global ECaSP Brand Manager, Cold Jet. “It cleans more effectively and requires significantly less dry ice and air pressure than competing machines.”
The PCS 60 is IoT enabled via the company’s Industry 4.0 solution, Cold Jet Connect. The system provides remote monitoring and diagnostics while allowing users to collect and manage data and employ tools for optimum performance and productivity. The PCS 60 brings Industry 4.0 capabilities to dry ice blasting for the first time, said the company. The machine is also automation and integration capable via an optional accessory package, which enables the PCS 60 to be combined with a Cold Jet dry ice production unit and a robot for continuous and fully automated blasting.
The machine was designed with user comfort in mind. With a drastic weight and size reduction compared to competing machines and wheels designed for mobility and maneuverability, the PCS 60 provides an enhanced cleaning experience. The PCS 60 was also built to limit and reduce noise levels, incorporating technology and materials to accomplish this.
“We engineered this machine to be extremely innovative, high performing and durable,” said Arvid Nielsen, Senior VP of Global Technology, Cold Jet. “Cold Jet’s dry ice blasting technology is patented and proven and our goal with the PCS 60 is to advance our industry to new heights.”
Cold Jet is headquartered in Loveland, OH, USA, with international operations in Europe, Asia, Canada and Mexico.