Williamston, Mich. — Williamston-based Bekum America Corp. (W2761) will introduce its U.S.-built EBlow 407D machine at NPE2024.
The machine is the first double-sided, all-electric blow molder manufactured in the U.S. by the German subsidiary.
Bekum has 35 other U.S.-built hydraulic/hybrid machines that are running in around-the-clock operations throughout North America, according to a company news release.
The release describes the new midsize model as a four-cavity gallon machine with a 15-metric-ton clamp, 520-millimeter carriage stroke and 500-mm maximum mold width. The new machine also incorporates Bekum's patented C-frame clamping system and e-Twin-Toggle closing system.
At NPE, it will produce 2-liter handled PET bottles with 25 percent recycled content in two cavities. The goal is to demonstrate the capability of an e-Twin-Toggle equipped electric machine running a tough application with hard-to-trim PET.
Bekum officials expect significant market demand for the domestic-built, all-electric version of the 407D platform.
"Bekum is excited to showcase our latest innovations to the blow molding industry," President and CEO Steve London said. "In addition to our all-electric EBlow series, we have an impressive selection of traditional hydraulic machines as well as hybrid variants that can be tailored to meet our diverse client needs."
The Bekum booth also will display new three-layer spiral head technology coupled with vertical extruders. The development will help existing customers easily transition to a three-layer system, the release said.
"Bekum has also been working on high-performance extrusion systems, with significant energy savings through optimized barrel and feedscrew design with directly coupled gearboxes and high-efficiency motors," the release said.
Founded in 1979, Bekum America is a subsidiary of Berlin-based extrusion blow molding machine builder Bekum Maschinenfabriken GmbH.
Bekum America Corp. W2761