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APSX-PIM FAQs

APSX-PIM-Support
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BEFORE ORDERING

What is the power requirement?

115VAC standard wall outlet (dedicated) in the USA or 230VAC in EU with proper grounding. If you have to use a power extension cable, use a thick gauge (12 AWG) and the shortest possible (10 ft).  

What maintenance is required?

Due to the friction of moving parts on your machine, periodically, we recommend visual inspection and lubrication of the following areas:   

  • Approximately every 500 hours of run time or at your best discretion
  • Apply synthetic 10W-30 oil on all areas where block bushings slide on the metal shafts, Blocks 2, 3, 5, and 6. (Use a thin even coating on metal shafts)
  • Apply synthetic grease or generic chain lube to lubricate spring, clamp, and valve motor chains.
  • Apply synthetic grease to ball screws on Blocks 6 and 2.

Where are APSX Machines manufactured?

APSX LLC designs, manufactures, assembles and tests the machines in Blue Ash (Cincinnati), Ohio. We source as many components as possible from Cincinnati or the US. We use local waterjet, anodizing and machine shops. We ship all machines from our location in Blue Ash, OH.  

Are the US and EU version APSX-PIMs the same?

The EU machine power requirements are 230 V, which is different than the machines we ship domestically in the US. Aside from the power requirements, all tech specs are the same. The APSX-PIM is CE compliant. You will need to source your own cable for your country'e power plug type. The EU version APSX-PIM does not come with a power cable. 

I am interested in your machines but want to know if it can make my part. Do you produce samples?

Although we are not skilled mold makers, yes, we do offer custom molds for a specific and simple part as long as you commit to buy the APSX-PIM. If you send us your part drawing in STEP format, we can evaluate and comment on the feasibility. If the part is too complicated, we can not make a mold. The process of proving out a complex part can be heavily involved with designing a mold and machining it. This is an important part of learning any machines. However you can see the machines live in action. Our showroom in Cincinnati, OH. We ask that you make a schedule in advance of your visit. Please see our SCHEDULING page for more information. 

How is the learning curve?

You are well ahead in the curve if you have CAD software experience. If you have worked with 3D modeling, there will be a learning curve, but you can get started designing the parts by using your existing experience. 

Please check these resources below for more information on Plastic Part Design for Injection Molding:

BOOK: Plastic Part Design for Injection Molding
VIDEO: Design for Manufacturing Course 5: Injection Molding

If you have CAD experience but no CAM experience, you may want to download the Autodesk Fusion 360 before purchasing an APSX machine to get used to CAM side of the process. The manufacturability is key when you design parts. 

If you have no CAD/CAM experience, you do have a learning curve ahead. But it is not impossible. You can sign up for the Fusion 360 trial, giving you access to many videos and written tutorials. Ensure to check out some of the CAM tutorials.

 

Repairs and support?

We make and assemble the machines in Cincinnati, we always have parts available if you need a replacement.  

The warranty (1 year) covers repairs if there is a defective part needs to be replaced or repaired.

 

What is overmolding or insert molding?

Overmolding is a viable process with TPE over PP or over another substrate.  

Here is a good resource about the overmolding process in general.

Can you email me additional information or catalogs?

No, however all of our product documentation and pricing are available online. User manuals, and more are located in support pages or in the related product page.

 

ORDERING PROCESS

How can I pay? Do you offer financing?

You can create your order on apsx.com by yourself by selecting the bank transfer payment option. You also can allow us to create the order for you. Just send us your order content details and the contact information.

You can pay with bank transfer or check in the mail. We also offer financing option with our financing partner.

What are the shipping weight and dimensions?

The APSX-PIM comes with an LTL truck delivery in a wood crate. The crate dimensions are 51" X 20" X 27" and the weight is 300 lbs.

The delivery location (business or residential or school) and any accessorial service needs (liftgate, inside delivery, and in advance calls) make a huge difference in the shipping cost. 

What is the shipping lead time?

If we have the machine in stock, we ship it next day when the payment is cleared. Otherwise, the shipping lead time is 2-3 weeks.

Where do you ship to?

We ship to all USA nationwide and some countries globally. Please email us at info@apsx.com to inquire about shipping to your country. In some cases, there may be some export restrictions described next. We ship under terms of deliver at place (DAP) for shipments outside the United States. That means you will be responsible for import customs, duties, taxes, and fees. If you fail to accept the import fees associated with the shipment, the shipment will be returned to us. You are responsible for all shipping costs incurred for the return shipment.

Do you sell to government agencies?

Yes, we have sold many APSX machines to the US government, ARMY, NAVY and schools/universities. We are registered in sam.gov. For further questions please send email to info@apsx.com.

Do you charge sales tax?

We are not required to, and does not, collect sales or use tax in any state. If we start to meet the economic thresholds required for use tax we will need to collect and remit. Outside of the US, our pricing does not reflect any import customs, duties, taxes and fees. Those are paid by the buyer when the machine is in the process of being imported.

 

GETTING STARTED

Powerup procedure (critical)

There is a particular power-up process that needs to be performed in order.
Start with unplugged power and USB cables. The user powers the machine from a regular 110VAC wall outlet and recognize the humming sound coming from the stepper motors. Plug the USB cable to the Tablet PC and wait for the digital sound. Double click on the APSX-INJECTION icon on the desktop. The key is to watch for fast-moving numbers at the bottom right corner of the software screen. We call it the heartbeat.

Where is the machine serial number location?

The four digit serial number (1XXX) is stamped on the block 1 right behind the Tablet PC mount.

Are there any sample mold drawings for using as a template?

Yes, you can download the 3D files from the mold drawings page.

 

USING THE MACHINE

What cleaining is required?

There is no specific cleaining requirement. You should clean the barrel and heaters from the discharged and spilled plastics.