Food & Drink Processing & Packaging Issue 53 2024 | Page 59

The market growth will be especially fuelled by rising investments in the packaging and automotive sectors , with automotive companies increasing their production capacities and prioritising weight reduction to enhance fuel efficiency .
Eco-friendly packaging
One company that is embracing the advantages of all-electric injection moulding machines is Lotan , a UK-based manufacturer . The manufacturer specialises in sustainable packaging solutions for various industries including food and beverage , cosmetics , pharmaceuticals and retail . Lotan wanted to achieve a balance between functionality , costeffectiveness and eco-friendliness in its packaging solutions .
The company turned to Shibaura Machine all-electric injection moulding machines , supplied by TM Robotics . Performance benefits of the machines include a range of clamping force from 50 to 2,500 tons , which can be calibrated by a digital direct screw transfer ( DST ) control for added production flexibility . Other advantages included faster injection speeds and improved cycle times . In addition , the machines ’ user-friendly interface and Internet of Things ( IoT ) integration could help to simplify Lotan ’ s operations and support its preventive maintenance .
Performance tests Performance tests conducted by Shibaura Machine ensure the energy efficiency of all-electric injection moulding machines . In one instance , the performance of an all-electric Shibaura Machine ’ s EC650SX-61B IMM , which boasts a clamping force of 650 tons , was evaluated against hydraulic servo alternatives . The EC650SX- 61B IMM showcased a notable 51 per cent reduction in energy consumption .
In another test , Shibaura Machine ’ s 1,800 ton EC1800SX- 155B model was put against a rival all-electric injection moulding machine . Both machines exhibited similar energy consumption levels — but Shibaura Machine ’ s EC1800SX- 155B showcased a superior cycle time and an impressive 30 per cent overall energy efficiency gain .
Lotan ’ s use of Shibaura Machine all-electric injection moulding machines has yielded substantial energy savings of up to 40 per cent compared with traditional hydraulic counterparts . The company has also reported significant improvements in performance , and costeffectiveness , and ordered several more Shibaura Machine injection moulding machines from TM Robotics — specifically its newest SXIII range .
As the demand for plastic components continues to grow , so too is the imperative to adopt sustainable manufacturing practices . Fortunately , all-electric injection moulding machines have a significant role to play in industry ’ s ambitions for better sustainability and operational efficiency .
To learn more about how Shibaura Machine ’ s all-electric injection moulding machines support sustainable manufacturing , visit TM Robotics ’ website .
www . tmrobotics . com
Shibaura Machine all-electric injection moulding machines , supplied by TM Robotics , support faster injection speeds and improved cycle times .
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