The new hybrid Engel 650 metric ton e-speed injection molding machine uses the technology of the all-electric e-motion and e-cap machines and boasts the performance of the hydraulic-drive speed machines.
Engel plans to show the hybrid e-speed press at K2013.
The result is fast injection speeds of up to 800 millimeters per second, and maximum energy efficiency, according to Engel Holding GmbH in Schwertberg, Austria.
Its long opening strike allows the press to hold large stack molds for packaging.
Designers focused on to main angles for the e-speed. First, they wanted higher clamping forces at the larger end of the speed series, using an electric clamping unit. They also developed a new drive concept with gives excellent energy efficiency levels, even at high-speed molding,
Normally, Engel said, traditionally, power peaks are not achieved economically when high clamping forces are combined with short cycle times. So the engineers used a flywheel as an electric reserve, which stores braking energy from the platen movements and transfers this energy back to the motor when required for processes such as the reacceleration of the clamping movements.
When the storage capacity is reached, the excess energy from the generator gets fed back into the network and is not converted into heat by the resistance from braking, which happens with older machines.
The technology also avoids power peaks.
Part ejection is executive electronically on standard models. Engel also offers hydraulic ejection as an option.
To give easier access to the mold area, the safety gate was built in two parts. That allows the operator to access it using just one hand. The safety gate only has to be opened complete with the mold has to be changed.
Engel's North American headquarters, Engel Machinery Inc., is in York, Pa.
Tel. 717-764-6818, email [email protected].