Midlands moulder invests in compact machine

Plastic injection moulder, Rutland Plastics, has just taken delivery of a new Engel 1500T Duo injection moulding machine, which it says will provide greater capacity and flexibility within the company’s larger machine group. 

The Duo is the new compact range of moulding machines from Engel and Rutland Plastics says the machine is a replacement for an older Engel 1250T. Apart from a smaller footprint, these machines are said to offer the ability to mould taller or longer parts than is currently possible on conventional moulding machines. Cycle time reduction is said to be possible because of the high-speed cylinders and fast locking action.

Also fitted with Engel’s new ECO drives, the machine reportedly offers energy savings comparable to all-electric machines. Rutland Plastics says it has seen reductions of up to 60 percent in electricity consumption from this type of machine, depending on the part being moulded.  In addition Rutland says the machine is extremely quiet, which is an important consideration for the working environment. 

This latest addition is installed in the new production bay that has been purposely built to accommodate the Rutland’s larger moulding machines.  With a higher roof and an overhead crane with a 15 Tonnes lifting capacity, the company says it offers plenty of space for further expansion in large machine capacity.

This is the second new Engel machine that Rutland Plastics has bought in as many months.  A 160T machine was added to the range at the end of 2012 in response to an increase in demand for products moulded in this size range.  The company says it has a policy of investing in additional equipment where necessary to ensure it is able to respond promptly to customer requirements.

Midlands-based Rutland Plastics has been in business for more than 50 years, manufacturing a wide range of products including pipe fittings for the gas and water industries, invalid aids, agricultural products, electrical enclosures and recycling products. Rutland Plastics says one of its key markets is for large and thick section mouldings and over the last two years the company has seen an increase in demand for capacity on the largest machines. 

Steve Ayre, Managing Director, commented: “This latest purchase reflects Rutland Plastics’ commitment to continuing investment in the latest technology as part of providing world class service to our customers.”