Now offering all-electric injection moulding using monosandwich technology, Milacron® is eager for its eQ180-MSW European product premiere at Fakuma (October 15-19, 2024) in Friedrichshafen. One of the world’s leading suppliers of injection moulding machines and solutions, Milacron’s new monosandwich technology debut within the eQ Series evolves the multi-purpose offerings of this all-electric platform line for the European market.
The eQ180 all-electric, 4-cavity injection moulding machine clamps with a force of 180 metric tons with a screw diameter of 50mm, alongside an electrical mono extruder possessing a 40mm diameter screw. Performing with a shot weight of 96g, and a cycle time of 61,5s, the eQ180 will generate countless multi-layer hinges while on display during Fakuma.
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Use of PCR materials in an all-electric platform
The monosandwich process featured in the eQ180 allows for the production of multi-layer parts, utilizing post-consumer recyclable (PCR) materials. Similar to the US market, Milacron co-pioneered the technology more than 30 years ago, but this is the first time it has been integrated into an all-electric machine platform.
Milacron’s IMMs are equipped with an injection unit and a secondary extruder. In the monosandwich process, the core component material is metered in the main injection unit, while the skin component is placed in front of the core component using the secondary extruder. When injected into the mould, the main virgin component flows into the cavity before the core component. The sandwich construction of the part allows PCR material to be used on the inside, while virgin material is used for the outer layer.
“Today, the monosandwich process is more relevant than ever before, as most processors have become very aware of how their production impacts the circular economy,” said Alexander Boos, Managing Director of Milacron Europe. “By integrating PCR into the core of the injection moulded part, upwards of 60% of the core can be recyclable material with our eQ180.”
Milacron Partners With Possibility at Fakuma
The PCR material used in the eQ180 at this year’s Fakuma is provided by Green Dot, one of the largest commodity traders in all of Europe. Green Dot first proved invaluable for Milacron at K 2022, and again last year at Fakuma. “Green Dot is a partner that delivers possibilities for us through sustainable applications that matter for processors,” said Boos.
The 4-cavity mould in the eQ180 is provided by Vermop, a valued Milacron customer of more than 20 years. In addition, retrieval of the machine’s durable hinges will be executed by a Sepro Success22 robot. This auxiliary solution offers integration of state-of-the-art automation technology. Tasks are performed quickly and accurately via a user-friendly control system.
eQ Drives to Deliver performance, precision, savings
The all-electric eQ platform is entirely controlled by the latest generation of servo drives, resulting in maximized acceleration, precise control, and reduced cycle times. The Regenerative Servo Drive technology also lowers energy consumption by feeding excess energy back to the power supply.
Engineered for greater rigidity, the eQ-Series’ performance provides the freedom to produce a wide array of applications in one machine. Additionally, its cleanroom readiness makes the eQ platform ideal for applications that demand precise process control, high-speed injections, consistent repeatability, and clean operation.
Coupled with high-speed responsiveness, superior motion control, and programmable clamp tolerances, Milacron’s Mould and Ejector Protection technology minimizes mould repair costs and reduces downtime without sacrificing speed. A continuous monitoring system, this technology is a closed-loop process that senses the presence of leftover articles from the last process cycle or any foreign object between the core and the cavity.
Developed with excellence as a baseline, the eQ-Series comes with a suite of optional features to meet the various production needs of a wide array of processors, such as the monosandwich option displayed for the first time at Fakuma 2024.
