All-electric injection moulding machines reduce environmental impact
The future is electric
All-electric injection moulding machines reduce environmental impact
As demand and reliance on plastic injection moulding rises , so are concerns about its environmental impact and energy consumption . Here , Nigel Smith , managing director at TM Robotics , the official distribution partner of Shibaura Machine injection moulding machines in the UK and Ireland , highlights the role of all-electric moulding machines in advancing sustainability in UK manufacturing .
According to Grand View Research , forecasts suggest that the compound annual growth rate ( CAGR ) for the injection moulded plastics market will rise by 4.6 per cent through 2028 . The anticipated growth is being driven by the growing demand for plastic components across various industries including automotive , packaging , home appliances , electrical and electronics and medical devices .
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 . For instance , the increasing use of plastics to replace metals and alloys in automotive components is predicted to drive product demand among end users — and will offer significant opportunities for injection-moulded plastics to enter the market .
But , as demand and reliance on injection moulding rises , so too are concerns about its environmental impact and the energy consumption of moulding processes . Combining high temperatures , pressures , cooling requirements and equipment operation , injection moulding can be a very energy-intensive manufacturing process .
112 FDPP - www . fdpp . co . uk
Fortunately , all-electric injection moulding machines are offering an alternative to more energyintensive hydraulic models . Let ’ s look at how all-electric machines can support the rise of injection moulding , while addressing environmental concerns .
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 ’ userfriendly 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