Injection molding – electric machines
Electric machines are without a doubt the most energy-efficient type of injection molding machine. Our industry monitoring shows that electric machines have the potential to reduce energy use by between 30 and 60% (depending on the molding and machine being used). This monitoring shows that energy is saved during most phases of the molding cycle because there are no hydraulic system losses. Electric machines also can reduce the cooling needs because there is no need for oil cooling.
Additional benefits include:
- Electric machines often can reduce cycle times by up to 30% because it’s possible to carry out operations in parallel. This is owing to the fact that there is no need to worry about the peak flow requirement of the hydraulic system.
- No hydraulic systems to maintain.
- No hydraulic oil to contaminate the site.
- Quicker start-up.
- Improved process control and a process that is easier to set up, easier to adjust and calibrate, and more stable in series production.
- Reduced maintenance load (no hydraulics to maintain).
Despite these benefits, electric machines have not yet achieved the market penetration in the United States and Europe that they have in Asia. Do they know something that we don’t? Are they equipping for the future whereas we are equipping for the past?
Actions:
- Investigate all-electric (or hybrid) machines now to re-equip for the future.
Dr. Robin Kent — ©Tangram Technology Ltd.
(www.tangram.co.uk)