Big platens, bigger energy savings

The injection molding machine delivered by Engel to Sulo Umwelttechnik features the largest platens the Austrian machinery maker has ever fabricated, but perhaps more impressive are the energy savings the massive machine will enable.

By utilizing its ecodrive servo-hydraulic system, which powers down hydraulic pumps during cooling phases, the massive machine will cut annual electricity consumption by more than 1 million kWh, saving the maker of four-wheel rubbish containers the equivalent of 220 four-person households annual electricity consumption.

Engel Duo

The platens on the Engel duo 80000H/80000H/5500 injection molding machine have edge lengths of 3.5m and weigh 95 tonnes apiece. In total, the machine weighs in at 460 tonnes, according to an Engel spokesperson. All the better to handle the 112-tonne tool Sulo will use to mold its largest containers, which measure 1200 by 1000 by 1000 mm (approximately 4 by 3.25 by 3.25 ft). Sulo will now be able to mold four-wheel containers with capacities of 660, 770, and 1100 liters (174, 203, and 290 gallons) at its Herford, Germany site.

The space between the tie bars measures 2580 mm (8.5 ft) in width and 2800 mm (9 ft) in height. Two 215-mm (8.5-inch) diameter barrier screws with L/D ratio of 24:1 feed high-density polyethylene (HDPE) for the bins. Engel notes that the narrow design of the injection units allows the nozzles to be 2050 mm (approx. 7 ft) apart. The injection pressure is 2100 bar (30,457 psi), and the Engel spokesperson told PlasticsToday that the shot volume for each screw is 43,570 cu cm (2658 cu in). The machine was built in Engel's St. Valentin large machine plant and, according to the spokesperson, had to be disassembled for delivery, which took place with "many flatbed trailers plus a container."

Engel Duo

Engel will participate in the upcoming Plastec West event (Feb. 12-14; Anaheim Convention Center; Anaheim, CA; Booth 3715).