Dedicated machine launched for the packaging sector

Injection moulding machine manufacturer, Arburg, has launched new versions of its electric and hybrid ‘Allrounder’ machines specifically for the production of packaging.

Arburg states due to the packaging industry’s need for fast, high-volume production, it has launched the two high-performance machines, the Allrounder Alldrive (A) and Hidrive (H), specifically with higher productivity and reduced energy consumption in mind.

The machines are tailored for packaging requirements, with features such as adaptation of the distance between tie bars, clamping force and opening stroke to suit the requirements of the packaging industry.

The Allrounders 570 A and H feature a clamping force of 1,800 kN, Allrounders 630 A and H 2,300 kN, Allrounders 720 A and H 2,900 kN, Allrounders 820 A and H 3,700 kN and Allrounders 920 A and H 4,600 kN.

The rigid, longitudinal steel machine base is said to support heavy mould weights and compensate for high load changes during mass movements. The FEM-optimised mounting platens combine rigidity with low weight. Arburg states together with servo-electric toggle-type clamping units, this facilitates extremely fast opening and closing movements, leading to shorter overall cycle times. Energy recovery during braking ensures that the energy applied is used even more efficiently, and the company states energy savings totalling up to 30 percent can be achieved in comparison with hydraulic clamping systems.

Servo-electric dosage drives are said to ensure fast operation across cycles, short dosage times and maximum productivity. The use of barrier screws ensures homogeneous melt preparation and a high material throughput. Injection involves either servo-electric or hydraulic accumulator technology via position-regulated screws. Using a dynamic filling process, active acceleration and deceleration is achieved. Together with higher injection speeds of up to 500 mm/s, this is said to enable the short injection times required in the packaging sector. Arburg states if production sequences need further optimisation, injection can be started simultaneously with the mould closing movement as standard.

For the production of thin-walled items and screw caps, special features are available which enable the packaging Allrounders to be adapted to the particular application.

The equipment for producing thin-walled items are said to include preparations for connecting an external in-mould labelling system or other removal system. In addition, the extension of the robotic system interface enables the robotic system to advance as the mould opens.

For screw-cap production, a servo-electric ejector with hydraulic booster function is available. Arburg states this reduces problems during demoulding, even with shrunk-on closures.

Dropping of the moulded parts can reportedly be adjusted with precision to keep the mould opening times short. Higher screw circumferential speeds enable correspondingly short dosage times.