Injection moulding in own moulds
Antares injection-moulds the plastic parts of its paint rollers and brushes on its own machines, in its own moulds. These parts include roller and brush handles, end caps, bushings and paint trays. The moulding hall works on Industry 4.0 principles: every machine is connected to a central database and reports its data in real time.
How injection moulding works
- Material feed. Each machine loads plastic granulate automatically by vacuum.
- Melting and injection. The granulate is melted and injected into the mould. The machines are servo-hydraulic and run in an automatic cycle.
- Holding and cooling. The part is held under pressure in the mould and cooled to its final shape.
- Ejection. The finished part is ejected, and the next cycle starts automatically.
- Data. Throughout the cycle, each machine reports its status, cycle times and process parameters to a central database four times per second.
Technical data
- Machines: 10 servo-hydraulic injection moulding machines
- Moulds: 38, all owned by Antares
- Materials: PP, PPC, POM, PA
- Parts: roller and brush handles, end caps, bushings, paint trays
- Connectivity: Industry 4.0 – each machine reports to a central database 4 times per second
Process control
The data from every machine is used to monitor production in real time and to compare each run with earlier records. A change in cycle time or process parameters shows up as it happens, not after the parts are packed.
What this means for you
Because Antares owns both the machines and the moulds, its handles and caps are made to fit its own refills, frames and brushes, with no outside moulder in the chain. For private label orders, roller handles, end caps and brush handles can be moulded in the customer's colour above a minimum quantity. Paint trays are moulded in standard red and carry the customer's label.
Frequently asked questions
Does Antares make its own plastic parts for paint rollers and brushes?
Yes. Handles, end caps, bushings and paint trays are injection-moulded on Antares machines, in moulds owned by Antares.
Can roller and brush handles be made in a custom colour?
Yes. For private label orders, roller handles, end caps and brush handles can be moulded in the customer's colour above a minimum quantity.
How does Antares monitor injection moulding?
Each machine reports its status, cycle times and process parameters to a central database four times per second. This allows real-time monitoring and comparison with earlier production runs.
More technologies: Tube extrusion · Fabric slitting · Thermobonding · Cutting and finishing · Roller frames · Flock line · Bristle mixing. See also Paint rollers, Paint brushes and Private label.