CT 110-7 Cincinnati Milacron 1996: Complete Equipment Specifications Guide
The CT 110-7 Cincinnati Milacron 1996 represents a 110-ton toggle clamp injection molding machine featuring the CAMAC control system, variable-displacement hydraulic pumps, and energy-efficient design. This machine delivered precise molding with shot sizes around 3-8 oz, making it suitable for automotive parts, consumer goods, and medical components.
Understanding the Cincinnati Milacron 110-Ton Platform
Cincinnati Milacron established itself as a manufacturing leader in the mid-20th century. By 1996, their injection molding lineup had matured into reliable workhorses for manufacturers worldwide. The CT 110-7 Cincinnati Milacron 1996 model represented the middle ground in their product range, offering enough clamping force for medium-sized parts without the footprint or energy demands of larger equipment.
- 110-ton machines filled a sweet spot for mid-size production runs across multiple industries
- The 1996 model year introduced several technological improvements that set these machines apart from earlier versions
Technical Specifications and Core Features
Clamping System Design
The CT 110-7 Cincinnati Milacron 1996 featured platen sizes around 24 inches by 24 inches. Toggle clamp systems dominated this tonnage range because they provided faster cycle times and better energy efficiency than pure hydraulic systems. Toggle mechanisms amplify force through mechanical linkage, reducing the hydraulic pressure needed while maintaining consistent clamping throughout the injection cycle.
Machine specifications typically included:
| Specification | Range/Value |
|---|---|
| Clamping Force | 110 tons |
| Platen Size | 24″ x 24″ (approx) |
| Shot Size | 3-8 oz |
| Tie Bar Spacing | 15-18″ typical |
| Clamp Type | Toggle hydraulic |
| Voltage | 460V, 3-phase |
Hydraulic System Architecture
The CT 110-7 Cincinnati Milacron 1996 employed variable-displacement pumps for greater control over the molding process. This system adjusted power output to match instantaneous needs rather than running at full capacity continuously, cutting energy consumption by 30-40% compared to fixed-displacement systems.
- Variable-displacement pumps reduced energy waste significantly
- Hydraulic responsiveness enabled tight control over injection speed and pressure
- The combination of toggle mechanics and hydraulic power created a hybrid advantage
CAMAC Control System
The 1996 models featured the CAMAC control system, allowing precise adjustments to molding parameters essential for maintaining tight tolerances. This control platform represented Cincinnati Milacron’s proprietary solution for process management. The CAMAC system simplified storing and recalling molding recipes, reducing setup times and ensuring repeatability between production runs.
The CAMAC 486 version appeared on many machines from this era. These systems featured touch panel controls that made operation more intuitive compared to earlier button-based interfaces.
- Recipe storage capability cuts changeover times by 40-60% in multi-product facilities
- Real-time parameter monitoring helped operators identify and correct process drift quickly
Injection Unit Capabilities
Injection units on these machines were engineered for both speed and precision, capable of delivering high injection pressures to process thermoplastics and advanced composites. Shot sizes for 110-ton machines typically ranged from 3 to 8 ounces, depending on the specific model variant.
Screw diameter and barrel design directly impacted material processing. The screw’s length, diameter, and pitch were carefully designed to ensure material melting, mixing, and injection quality, with barrel heating systems maintaining precise temperature control.
- Multiple screw options allowed customization for different material types
- Shot-to-shot consistency remained within 0.5-1% for most materials under proper operating conditions
Industrial Applications
Automotive Component Manufacturing
The automotive industry used these machines to produce components such as bumpers, dashboards, and various under-the-hood parts. Interior trim pieces, air duct systems, and electrical housings represented common applications. The 110-ton capacity handled parts up to about 2-3 pounds efficiently.
Consumer Products and Electronics
These machines frequently produced plastic housings for electronics, kitchen appliances, toys, and other consumer products. Housing components for power tools, small appliance bodies, and electronic enclosures fit perfectly within the machine’s capability range. Cycle times of 30-60 seconds enabled production volumes that met consumer goods demand.
Medical Device Components
Medical device manufacturers needed precision and cleanliness. The toggle clamp design reduced contamination risk because fewer hydraulic components meant less potential for oil leaks near the mold area. Cincinnati Milacron machines were employed in producing medical parts such as syringes, surgical instruments, and diagnostic devices.
- Automotive applications used the machine’s balance of tonnage and precision for interior components
- Consumer goods production benefited from fast cycle times and consistent quality
- Medical device manufacturing valued the clean operation and tight tolerancing capabilities
Energy Efficiency and Operating Costs
Energy efficiency was becoming increasingly important in industrial equipment during the mid-90s. The CT 110-7 Cincinnati Milacron 1996 led with variable-displacement pumps and optimized hydraulic systems, reducing energy consumption by adjusting power output to match molding process needs.
Energy consumption typically ranged from 15-25 kW during active molding cycles, dropping to 3-5 kW during cooling and standby phases. Annual energy costs for a single-shift operation averaged $8,000-$12,000 at 1996 utility rates.
- Variable-displacement hydraulics cut energy costs by 30-40% versus older systems
- The total cost of ownership favored these machines for facilities running multiple shifts
Machine Setup and Mold Compatibility
Platen dimensions and tie bar spacing determined which molds could fit. The 24.25″ x 24.25″ platen size provided adequate space for most molds in the 110-ton capacity range. Daylight opening typically reached 35.43 inches, with minimum and maximum mold heights ranging from 7.48 to 21.65 inches.
Ejector systems provided the force needed to remove parts from the mold. Ejector stroke measured around 3.93 inches, sufficient for most part geometries within the machine’s capacity range.
- Mold changeover times ranged from 30-90 minutes, depending on complexity
- Standard tie bar spacing accommodated off-the-shelf mold bases without customization
Material Processing Capabilities
The 1996-era Cincinnati Milacron machines processed standard thermoplastics with ease. Polypropylene, polyethylene, ABS, polystyrene, and nylon grades all ran reliably with proper barrel temperature profiles.
Material considerations affected cycle times and quality. Glass-filled resins required higher injection pressures and created more barrel wear. Engineering resins like polycarbonate and polyamide need precise temperature control to prevent degradation. The CAMAC system’s recipe storage proved valuable when switching between material types.
- Standard commodity resins ran with minimal tuning needed
- Engineering plastics required more attention to process windows, but produced consistently
- Material flexibility allowed manufacturers to adapt to changing product requirements
Maintenance Requirements and Longevity
Regular maintenance ensured these machines delivered decades of service. Daily checks included hydraulic fluid levels, filter inspection, and cleaning operations. Weekly tasks covered the lubrication of moving components and toggle linkages.
Major service intervals occurred every 2,000-3,000 operating hours. These included hydraulic fluid changes, filter replacement, and inspection of wear components. With proper care, operational lifespans of 100,000+ hours were achievable before major rebuilding became necessary.
- Preventive maintenance programs significantly extended machine life
- Well-maintained machines from this era continue operating in facilities today
Frequently Asked Questions
What shot size could the CT 110-7 handle?
Shot sizes typically ranged from 3 to 8 ounces, depending on the specific configuration. The exact capacity varied with screw diameter and material being processed.
Is the CAMAC control system still supported?
Some service providers maintain CAMAC expertise, though finding replacement parts has become more challenging. Many facilities upgrade to modern retrofit controls.
Which industries used these machines the most?
Automotive suppliers, consumer goods manufacturers, and medical device producers represented the primary user base. Packaging applications also utilized these machines extensively.
How does energy consumption compare to modern machines?
All-electric machines use 40-60% less energy than hydraulic machines. However, the 1996-era variable-displacement system was significantly more efficient than older designs.
What’s the typical cycle time for a small part?
Cycle times of 30-45 seconds were common for parts under 2 ounces. Larger parts or thick-walled components needed 60-90 seconds for proper cooling.