Injection molding machines

Performance Meets Energy

Energy-optimized yet high-performance machine concepts will be the focal point at the exhibit of Engel Austria GmbH, Schwertberg, Austria, at the Fakuma Show in Friedrichshafen, Germany. With regard to energy efficiency, new systems, an energy-optimized design and the new ecograph analysis tool will be displayed. In addition to an injection molding machine from the speed series with in-mold labeling, two new models – an all-electric and a tiebarless machine (model: victory 160) – mold parts in various materials. Furthermore, the small large machine series (model: duo 3550/500 pico) now features ecodrive.

As an example of a packaging application, the 1,800 kN machine equipped for in-mold labeling will produce polystyrene airline cups in a cycle time of about 3.5 s. The 4-cavity mold is provided by Glaroform AG, Naefels, Switzerland, and the high-speed part removal system by Beck Automation AG, Oberengstringen, Switzerland. A fully integrated application for manufacturing polypropylene (PP) pipette tips will be exhibited as an example from the medical device area. The new e-motion 310/100 T injection molds the parts in 6 s cycles. The parts are then inspected by camera, sorted by cavity and placed in ranks. The mold is supplied by Tanner Formenbau AG, Feuerthalen, Switzerland, the automation by Waldorf Technik GmbH & Co. KG, Engen, Germany. In the tiebarless area, a new model that offers more space and flexibility in this clamping force segment replaces the 150 t size. In Friedrichshafen the machine, equipped with part removal automation (model: ERC 23) will produce a PP plumbing part on a two-cavity mold from Büchler Werkzeugbau AG, Flawil/Switzerland, (approx. 18 s cycle).

According to the manufacturer, the small large machine series uses 25% less energy than machines from major competitors. With the ecodrive option, energy consumption can be reduced even considerably further. The system on display will produce a polyamide automobile mirror bracket on a 1+1-cavity mold. The mold features a cooling system from Stemke Kunststofftechnik GmbH, Doebeln, and uses a refrigerant as the cooling medium. This permits a cycle time reduction of up to 30%, by cooling precisely those areas of the mold that cannot be cooled with a conventional water system.

In addition, the company will present the new viper generation of robots – in a stand-alone exhibit. This rugged system offers fast acceleration and is equipped with vibration control software. It is being offered initially in size 40; sizes 20 and 60 will follow early in 2010.

Company profile

reduce