K 2013: Netstal goes bigger, targets medical with expanded ELION rangeK 2013: Netstal goes bigger, targets medical with expanded ELION range

Netstal will mold polycarbonate infusion devices at K 2013 on a ELION 1750-530 with a cycle time of approximately 16 seconds from a 16-cavity tool in Hall 12 Stand A51. The machine is fully cleanroom ready, offering medical molders encapsulated joints, closed drag chains, water-cooled electric motors, and cleanroom cladding for a press it says is “virtually emission-free”.
Low energy consumption is made lower via energy recovery, with braking energy fed back into the internal electrical circuit. Netstal claims that at peak efficiency, it is possible to save up to 70% of energy consumption compared to conventional drive systems.
PC for the infusion devices will be supplied by SABIC Innovative Plastics, with tooling and auxiliaries coming by way of Italy from RB/HRS and Piovan, respectively.
The 1750 (175 tons) had been the largest in the ELION series, which includes machines in the 120-, 80-, and 50-ton clamp force range. At K, Netstal has announced plans to expand the range, adding an approximately 430-ton hybrid drive machine and a 225-ton all-electric (ELION 2200).
ELION originally launched back in 2003, starting with clamping forces of 500 and 1750kN. The clamping force range was extended in 2010 with 2200 and 2800kN models, and again in 2010 with a 3200kN model for Fakuma 2012.