Husky rings in 2014 with new HyPET HPP5 injection molding system

Husky Injection Molding Systems will ring in the New Year with a new high-volume preform production system, the HyPET HPP5. According to Robert Domodossola, VP of engineering and business development, Husky is continuing its drive for innovation and customer value-add with the new HPP5 that promises to deliver the best performance in the industry while still producing the highest quality preforms. The announcement was made at a press webinar on Nov. 6, from the company's headquarters in Bolton, Ontario.

This next generation HyPET HPP5 also reportedly offers greater resin efficiency, reduced energy consumption while improving cycle time (by 12%) over the previous generation system, as well as offering improved productivity and part quality for preform production. For example, Domodossola noted, cycle time for a 20 oz CSD preform was running 20 seconds 10 years ago. Today, Husky's customers are realizing 10-second cycle times. 

"However, it's not enough to just improve cycle time. We've been actively listening to our customers with regard to lightweighting, which in some cases has compromised quality and functionality, and customers wanted improvements," Domodossola said. "We need to remove preforms from the tool sooner without damage to the threads. Our new mold design combined with post mold cooling enhancements can give the HPP5 system up to 25% better cycle times than competitive equipment. And converters reminded us that tool compatibility is a must with the system, along with reduced maintenance costs."

Additionally, Husky created the HPP5 to have "cross-generation mold compatibility" so that its customers can integrate legacy tools in their new HPP5 equipment to maximize their ROI.

New sensors are integrated into the machine and tooling to detect mold alignment, and the HPP5 comes standard with coatings on the stacks. As a result, Husky has been able to extend mold life to 10 million cycles without excessive wear or flash. The HPP5 system also provides the ability to align neck rings from behind the cavity plate to provide fast and easy access and help improve changeover times. 

A universal lock, combining the advantages of core and cavity lock stack designs, supports thinner parts without flash and allows the ability to put the split line (parting line) wherever the designer chooses. That means greater freedom in package design, Domodossola said. Additionally the option of stripper ring design for certain parts doesn't push on the threads but rather on the more solidified part of the preform which significantly improves performance.

Husky plans the same approach with its cap/closure system which will be released early in 2014, which has already "broken the 2-second barrier" with 29/25 caps.

"Our goal is to extend the life of our customers' assets and provide the lowest cost to produce," stated Domodossola.