Preformed Line Products Co. recently added a two-platen 720 ton Engel duo injection molding machine equipped with an Engel viper 60 robot to form a new system to produce parts for the energy market at its Rogers, Ark., facility.
Dan Harryman, plant manager in Rogers, said in a phone interview that a new machine was needed for a new product — high voltage pole line hardware for the electrical industry. The hybrid technology is new for PLP, the company already has hydraulic machines including a 1,000 ton press and two 500 ton machines.
“We expect a nice energy savings,” he said.
The drive on the duo press is active only when the machine is in motion, and thus saves energy use. PLP also is noticing consistent part production and a 10 to 12 percent reduction in cycle time.
According to Engel, the system provides easy programming with the robot control integrated through one controller. Harryman said PLP worked with Engel to customize the system.
PLP's 350,000-square-foot facility in Rogers is the company's largest. PLP is headquartered in Cleveland, and has 650 employees at four U.S. facilities.
PLP, which is publicly listed on the NASDAQ, has worldwide sales of $420 million annually.