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MLG "Little Guy" Concentrate Auger Feeder

MLG "Little Guy" Concentrate Auger Feeder
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MLG "Little Guy" Concentrate Auger Feeder

Product catalog summary
Assembly and Installation Instructions
The unit comprises four main components: the removable baffled flow chamber, the base plate/top plate/drive unit assembly, the hopper assembly with feed auger, and the controller. Initially shipped assembled, these components must be disassembled for installation. Key steps include unlatching the hopper, removing the flow chamber, and ensuring the base plate is correctly oriented and bolted to the process machine. The top plate is mounted to the hopper, and the controller is positioned nearby with motor cords secured and plugged in.
Startup Instructions
Plug the continuous power cord into a 120-volt source and the signal cord into an outlet energized when the screw turns. Set the counter using the provided formula, considering the specific part being molded. The controller cycles on and off with the process machine, adjusting auger speed automatically. Calibration for metering rate is necessary for each color used.
Normal Operation
During normal operation, the display should read zero with no power to the signal cord. The motor starts when the signal cord is powered, counting down from the set number. The motor speed adjusts based on the previous cycle's duration. If the cycle is shorter, the motor stops before reaching zero, displaying the lowest number reached. Blinking indicates the motor speed is not at the target speed.
Formulas for Setting the Counter
For injection molding, use the formula: (shot weight x lbs/100) / (grams/100ct) = Setting. For extrusion, use: (lbs/hr x lbs/100) / (grams/100ct) x 0.71 = Setting.
Determining Metering Rate
Metering rates must be determined for each color due to variations in bulk density and flow characteristics. This can be done using a feeder on a machine or a separate setup.
Calibration Procedure
Open the clear acrylic window on the feeder to access the auger tube outlet. Switch to CYCLE mode and turn the CALIBRATION knob to "CAL" to dispense one cycle of 100 counts. Run several cycles to stabilize the metering rate, record the gram weight metered each cycle, and calculate the average as the METERING RATE.
Controller Operation Principle
The MAGUIRE Digital Controller ensures precise speed regulation and metering control for accurate color usage. It controls the motor's rotation degree to meter color accurately. The motor speed is automatically controlled by an internal microprocessor, compensating for cycle time changes or voltage fluctuations.
Regrind Feeder Integration
MAGUIRE Color Feeders can work with a REGRIND Feeder, installed at the base of the material hopper. The REGRIND Controller provides power and signals to the COLOR Controller for coordinated operation.
Concentrate Feeder Operation
The MAGUIRE CONCENTRATE AUGER FEEDER meters precise quantities of color concentrate into the main material flow. The design balances weight over the throat, minimizing strain. The hopper is easily removable for color changes, and the auger tube allows direct sampling.
Powder Feeder Option
A modified hopper with a motor-driven agitator is available for metering powder materials. The agitator should operate only when the auger is turning to prevent powder packing.
Controller Controls Description
  • CYCLE-OFF-CONTINUOUS Switch: Controls metering quantity and motor speed.
  • MOTOR FORWARD/REVERSE Switch: Normally in FORWARD position; REVERSE meters color backward.
  • THUMBWHEEL Switches: Control color metering per cycle or motor speed.
  • MODE Switch: Allows special functions like NORMAL, FRACTIONAL, and CALIBRATION modes.
  • DIGITAL DISPLAY WINDOW: Shows countdown or motor speed; indicates issues with flashing.
  • SIGNAL LIGHT: Indicates power presence at the signal cord.
  • MOTOR LIGHT: Indicates motor operation.
Changing Colors
Remove the vacuum pickup line from the color container and allow the system to dry cycle once before changing colors.
Hopper and Auger Maintenance Procedure
1. Turn off the loader and clear the line.
2. Unlatch and slide back the hopper and auger assembly, then remove the hopper.
3. Dump unused color back into its container and rotate the auger to collect remaining pellets.
4. Ensure all pellets are cleared from the hopper and auger tube, using an air gun if necessary.
5. Reinstall the clean hopper assembly and secure it with the latch.
6. Fill the hopper with new color, optionally before reinstallation.
Troubleshooting Controller Problems
If the controller malfunctions, compare with normal operation guidelines and answer relevant questions to assist in diagnosis. If unresolved, document the issue and return the unit for repair.
In-House Repairs
Inspect internal electronics in a clean environment, ensuring all connections are secure. Avoid repairing printed circuit boards; return them to the factory if issues persist. Flashing displays indicate motor speed issues, while no display suggests a power supply failure.
Troubleshooting Loss of Color
Verify color supply and auger rotation. Ensure the drive coupling is secure and properly engaged.
Maximum Output Specifications
Details on auger sizes, RPMs, and output rates for different models are provided to help select the appropriate equipment based on extrusion rates and color usage.
Recommendations
Guidelines for selecting models based on injection molding and extrusion requirements are outlined.
Features
Key features include a low-profile adaptor, removable hopper, clear viewing windows, baffled flow chamber, and a one-piece auger for efficient operation and maintenance.
Warranty Overview
TS provides a comprehensive warranty for its Concentrate Feeders, ensuring they are free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use for five years from delivery. The warranty covers repairs at the factory if the product is returned intact and prepaid, and defects are confirmed by examination.
Warranty Limitations
The warranty does not cover products repaired or altered outside the factory unless deemed unrelated to the failure. It excludes damage from misuse, negligence, accidents, incorrect wiring, or improper installation.
Customer Satisfaction
TS is committed to customer satisfaction and aims to resolve issues expediently, although the warranty is limited to factory returns.
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Catalog excerpts

MLG "Little Guy" Concentrate Auger Feeder-1

MODEL MLG "LITTLE GUY" CONCENTRATE AUGER FEEDER with AUTOMATIC SPEED CONTROL REMOVABLE HOPPER JUNE 26, 1998

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MLG "Little Guy" Concentrate Auger Feeder-2

Model MLG CONCENTRATE AUGER FEEDER with 'AUTOMATIC SPEED CONTROL' MAGUIRE PRODUCTS, INC. 11 Crozerville Road Aston, Pennsylvania 19014 610-459-4300 FAX # 610-459-2700 Page 1

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MLG "Little Guy" Concentrate Auger Feeder-3

ASSEMBLY AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS Your unit consists of 4 separate parts or assemblies: 1. The REMOVABLE BAFFLED FLOW CHAMBER. (stainless steel with windows). 2. The BASE PLATE / TOP PLATE / DRIVE UNIT assembly (with hinged window). 3. The HOPPER assembly; with feed auger. 4. The CONTROLLER. 1. Assemblies 1, 2 and 3 have been shipped to you assembled. The first thing to do is to take them apart. During disassembly, PAY ATTENTION so that you can put it back together again CORRECTLY. 1.1 Locate and unlatch the "butterfly" latch under the rear of the hopper. Lift and slide the hopper back to...

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MLG "Little Guy" Concentrate Auger Feeder-4

Slide the BAFFLED FLOW CHAMBER back into place. must be installed before the HOPPER. Reinstall the HOPPER assembly. Be sure that the auger properly engages the drive coupling. Secure hopper with latch.

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MLG "Little Guy" Concentrate Auger Feeder-5

LITTLE GUY FEEDER ASSEMBLY PICTURE

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MLG "Little Guy" Concentrate Auger Feeder-6

START UP PROCEDURE AT THE CONTROLLER: 1. Plug the "CONTINUOUS POWER" (black) cord into a standard 120 volt continuous power source. Plug the "SIGNAL" (gray) cord into outlet that is energized only when the screw is turning. This SIGNAL outlet will provide a voltage signal to an internal electronic relay. (SIGNAL voltage can be from 24 to 240 volts. The "screw return", or "SIGNAL ON" time, must be at least one (1) second long. If you are not sure this is always the case, then it is advisable to select another source of power for the signal. INJECTION time would be an excellent choice for a signal....

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MLG "Little Guy" Concentrate Auger Feeder-7

NORMAL OPERATION The following is what to expect during normal operation. With MAIN POWER cord plugged in, NO power to the SIGNAL cord, Switch on CYCLE: The display should read zero ( 0) The motor light and signal lights are OFF The motor is NOT running. IN CYCLE: Nothing will run until the SIGNAL cord gets power. cord is powered, the signal light will be lit. The first time the signal cord gets power, the unit will start running at about 10 rpms and will count down starting from the number set on the counter. When the count reaches zero ( 0), the motor will stop. On all successive cycles, the...

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MLG "Little Guy" Concentrate Auger Feeder-8

CYCLE TIME: The motor will start to run about 1/3 (.3) second after a signal is received. If the Signal is less than about 2/3 (.6) seconds long, then the motor will stop and the processor will NOT consider this as a valid cycle. No recalculation of motor speed will occur. If the signal is over 2/3 (.6) seconds long, then the motor will run for at least 2 seconds even if the signal goes away. This allows time for speed adjustments to occur. On longer cycles, over 2 seconds, the counter should count down to zero and the motor should stop within the 1/2 second period before the end of the signal....

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MLG "Little Guy" Concentrate Auger Feeder-9

FORMULAS FOR SETTING THE COUNTER CONCENTRATE FEEDER INJECTION MOLDING (Cycle Mode): 1. Determine the WEIGHT of the entire shot IN GRAMS. This is the combined weight of the part or parts plus the runner, if any, that is molded each cycle. 2. Determine the POUNDS per 100 of color required. This is the pounds of color that you use for each 100 pounds of natural material used. 3. Determine the METERING RATE for each color in grams/100 counts. Metering rate is the weight in grams of color that is metered when the counter is set to 100. See the next page for instructions on determining Metering Rates....

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MLG "Little Guy" Concentrate Auger Feeder-10

DETERMINING METERING RATE Different colors have different bulk densities and different flow characteristics. To compensate for these variations and insure ACCURACY, a METERING RATE must be determined for EACH COLOR. 1. You may use a feeder that is mounted on a machine or you may have a seperate feeder set up on a bench top for this purpose only. You may use one feeder to determine metering rate then apply this information to all feeders that are the same model, (i.e. same auger size and same gearbox drive motor). Have the black power cord plugged in. The process machine does not have to run....

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MLG "Little Guy" Concentrate Auger Feeder-11

PRINCIPLE OF CONTROLLER OPERATION The MAGUIRE Digital Controller provides the precise speed regulation and metering control necessary to assure absolute accuracy over color usage. The Controller signal cord is plugged into an outlet that is energized only when the process machine screw runs. During each screw return cycle, the motor runs and color is metered into the throat of the process machine. Since metering rate is directly related to motor output shaft rotation, accuracy is obtained by controlling the exact degree of rotation of the drive motor. The unique Maguire Products Digital Controller...

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MLG "Little Guy" Concentrate Auger Feeder-12

CONTROLLER OPERATION IN CONJUNCTION WITH OUR REGRIND FEEDER All MAGUIRE Color Feeders are designed to work in conjunction with our REGRIND Feeder which may be purchased separately at some later date if the handling of REGRIND at-the-throat becomes a concern. This Regrind Feeder would be installed on the process machine at the base of the material hopper just above the throat. When used with our CONCENTRATE COLOR Feeder, the REGRIND Feeder adaptor frame would be mounted directly on top of our COLOR Feeder adaptor frame. The regrind would then enter the flow of virgin resin at the same height above...

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MLG "Little Guy" Concentrate Auger Feeder-13

PRINCIPLE OF CONCENTRATE FEEDER OPERATION The MAGUIRE CONCENTRATE AUGER FEEDER is a rugged industrial auger feeder designed to meter precise quantities of color concentrate very accurately into the main flow of virgin material directly above the throat of your process machine. The stainless steel baffle chamber and base plate form a sturdy, low profile, adaptor assembly. This assembly must be drilled with the proper bolt pattern and then mounted to the throat of your process machine where the main material hopper is currently mounted. The material hopper is rebolted to the top of the adaptor...

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*Prices are pre-tax. They exclude delivery charges and customs duties and do not include additional charges for installation or activation options. Prices are indicative only and may vary by country, with changes to the cost of raw materials and exchange rates.