Electric or hybrid IMM? And how to run them more efficiently: Machinery Minutes
Transcript
Welcome to Machinery Minutes, where at the beginning of each week I share with you three things you need to know in three minutes. You can read the complete stories on plasticsmachinerymanufacturing.com.
No. 1 – Injection molding machine manufacturers can help plastics processors reduce their energy use, leading to lower energy bills and improved competitiveness.
While energy consumption is rarely a top consideration for U.S. plastics processors, they shouldn’t ignore the issue, Ben Hartigan, marketing coordinator for the Absolute Group of Companies, which sells Haitian molding machines, told PMM Senior Staff Reporter Karen Hanna.
By staggering machine starts and leveling out power consumption, users can see big breaks on their bills, which are based on peak usage periods.
Users of large-tonnage Absolute Group IMMs can reduce power fluctuations by turning off power to their molding machines’ clamp unit, while heater bands — now available as standard — stay on during mold changes. This reduces the need to build up heat between molding processes, saving time and energy.
Other OEMs have developed different machinery technologies to optimize energy consumption. To learn more, read Karen’s story: “IMM makers offer help for cutting energy use.”
No. 2 – Extrusion equipment manufacturer Davis-Standard has named Steve Andrews as its new chairman and CEO. He had been executive chairman of Davis-Standard’s board since early this year and replaces former CEO Giovanni Spitale.
Find out more by reading: “Davis-Standard names Steve Andrews as chairman, CEO.”
No. 3 -- Hybrid vs. electric injection molding machines -- which is best for your operation?
What kind of machine you choose comes down to balancing factors like energy consumption, price, precision and cleanliness, according to OEMs.
There is a common misconception that electric machines are significantly more energy-efficient than servo-hydraulic machines. But that’s not always true. They're only about 5 percent more energy-efficient than a servo-hydraulic, but they are about 50 percent more efficient than an old-school classic hydraulic machine, according to a report by Karen Hanna.
To learn more, read her story headlined: “Hybrid vs. electric injection molding machines: Debate continues.”
Those are my Top 3 items you need to know for this week. We will have a new list every Monday.
Bruce Geiselman | Senior Staff Reporter
Senior Staff Reporter Bruce Geiselman covers extrusion, blow molding, additive manufacturing, automation and end markets including automotive and packaging. He also writes features, including In Other Words and Problem Solved, for Plastics Machinery & Manufacturing, Plastics Recycling and The Journal of Blow Molding. He has extensive experience in daily and magazine journalism.
