Hybrid injection molding machines offer the superior clamping force of hydraulic machines and the precision, repeatability, energy savings, and reduced noise of electric machines.
On the shop floor, this translates into improved performance for both thin- and thick-walled parts. These machines have become increasingly popular over the last few years due to their efficiency and ease of use.
Four decades ago, molders would request an electric screw drive to get a faster cycle. Energy savings weren’t as important.
Hybrid injection molding machines use a servo motor coupled to a hydraulic pump to circulate the oil used to provide the hydraulic pressure which actuates the components of the machine. The use of a servo pump allows for continuous adjustments to the actual power requirements, low emissions, less noise, and energy savings.
Servo motors have a faster response time than standard hydraulic pumps, which leads to faster cycles and decreased cycle times. They also offer more precise controls and a more consistent process due to the encoders that track each turn to the exact rotation position.
Modern hybrid devices often require less maintenance and experience less down time than either an all-hydraulic or all-electric molding machine. What's more, a hybrid's price point falls nicely between these two types of molders, making it an increasingly affordable option for medical device manufacturers.
Advantages of hybrid presses include continuous adjustments allowed by the servo pump; diversity of part designs; use of a two-clamp system over toggle; median upfront costs of the three machine options, while providing the most long-term savings; closed-loop process for quicker response times; lower temperatures that require less cooling, leading to longer oil and machine life; and faster ROI.