Safety Precautions for the APSX-PIM

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Please use the machine safely by following the User Manual, safety decals, and instructions. APSX-PIM is a small and low-pressure machine. However, the following safety precautions should be taken before and during the machines use.

Do not modify the APSX-PIM. If you do, it is at your own risk and it voids the warranty. 

Electrical Safety

The machine must be connected to a dedicated 110V power circuit.

Do not abuse the power cord. Do not twist, bend, scrape, pull, pinch.

Never service the machine with the power connected.  

The electrical panel covers should be in place and fastened to the machine at all times, except when the machine is being serviced. There is high voltage throughout the electrical cabinet (including the circuit boards and logic circuits). In addition, some components operate at high temperatures; therefore, extreme caution is required.

Personal Safety

Use appropriate eye protection while operating the machine. Skin contact with molten plastic can inflict severe burns. This could happen when the machine under pressure ejects molten plastic through the nozzle.

Purging should be performed carefully with the guard gates closed. The machine has multiple parts that have high-temperature levels that the user should never touch with bare hands. Those parts are electric motors, cylinder barrel, heater assembly, mold structure, and hopper assembly.

Molten plastic material can appear cold on the surface but remain very hot inside. Wear personal protective equipment when handling hot plastic material. A face shield or safety goggles, heat resistant protective gloves, safety shoes, non-melting fiber pants, and long sleeve shirts should be worn at all times.

If molten polymer does contact the skin, cool the affected area immediately with cold water or an ice pack and get medical attention for a thermal burn. Do not attempt to peel the polymer from the skin.

Operation Safety

Off-Gases Ventilation: During the molding, some amount of gas is released. As a general principle, local exhaust ventilation is recommended during the process of all plastic heating. Injection molding typically releases substantially less volatile material, so it requires less ventilation. But during purging, volatile releases are similar to that in extrusion. Extra care in avoiding the inhalation of fumes is recommended. Local exhaust ventilation should be used to convey such fumes outside the workplace.

Slipping Hazards: Pellets of plastics are a slipping hazard if spilled on the floor. They are cylindrical in shape and have a low coefficient of friction. Any spills should be swept up or cleaned immediately. There should be a vacuum cleaner available to collect spilled pellets from the ground.

Physical Hazards: The machine has multiple moving mechanical parts under load. Placing hands in between those moving parts such as springs, metal blocks, chains, and cylinders can be a cause of a severe injury. Never reach into the machine when it is going through its injection cycle.

[e-STOP] is the red switch located on the front of the control panel. When you press the [e-STOP], the machine stops. Use [e-STOP] in case of an emergency. Turn the e-STOP clockwise a quarter turn to release back to power on mode.

Moving and Storing The Machine

The machine is too heavy for one person to move or lift. Never try to move or lift the machine without proper equipment. Do not exceed the rated capacity of the lifting equipment.

Disconnect the main power plug from the outlet and store the machine when not in use.

Store the APSX-PIM in a dry location, protect the wires from excessive UV exposure and avoid operating the machine immediately after significant temperature changes that could cause condensation buildup inside the machine. If possible, store the machine in a watertight container or a plastic bag and use desiccant to prevent moisture buildup.

During the Operation

The machine should only be used for its intended purpose by an authorized and trained individual, as described in the manual. Never leave the machine unattended without placing a warning sign around it for others not authorized to use the device.

Make sure the machine is securely placed on a safe table or bench before operating. Use the saddles provided to secure the machine on the bench. Place the machine shafts on the saddles on both edges of the machine.

Never try to inject the plastic until it has reached the proper operating temperature.

As with any power tool, do not use the machine if you are tired, distracted, or impaired.