Alongside the clamping unit, the core of any injection molding machine obviously includes injection units, responsible for machine performance and efficiency. ENGEL is currently presenting its achievements in the field of hydraulic injection at the world-famous K show.
For an injection with utmost precision
Proud of its deep expertize in injection molding for diverse applications and always alert to both today’s and expected customer requirements, ENGEL has recently optimized the performance of its machine units in terms of injection rate, pressure and plasticization behavior and realigned unit sizes accordingly. This enabled taking into account specific requests of individual customers when designing machines. Overall, new units allow for more stable processes and higher injection precision, which equally contributes to better barrel pressure and temperature control.
While developing machine units, a particular emphasis was made on feed throat as the most sensitive part. To leave out moisture absorption and consequent clumping in this zone reliably, the range of temperature control was extended. Thanks to the new concept, energy losses in the feed throat are narrowed down during heating and cooling alike. On the other hand, the reconsidered piston design improved pressure control in the unit.
Maximum process stability even under highly fluctuating conditions and material properties owes to the automatic ENGEL iQ weight control software that compensates for encountered variations in real time. This system proved itself first for electric injection molding machines; from now on, it is offered for hydraulic ones as an option.
More rapid barrel changes
The said new features of hydraulic ENGEL machines result in an enhanced operator and maintenance technician ergonomics. The layout of pumps and control cabinets was also improved for a better accessibility. Certain models have even been made more compact. New two-part machine covers now have integrated handles, enabling very quick opening for time savings during pump servicing.
When it comes to barrel replacement, the operator can now put a barrel that is being unmounted outside the machine with no extra tools needed. Likewise, barrels are mounted just as easily; new barrels have stable pedestals contributing to this. As a result, downtimes are significantly reduced and efficiency improved thanks to just a few screws to be tightened or loosened. Finally, the updated design allowed for quick mold/barrel clamping.
An even higher power efficiency
Besides the innovative temperature control at the feed throat, another key factor for the power efficiency of the new ENGEL victory and duo machines is the established ENGEL ecodrive servohydraulics, supplied as standard. Pump output takes into account current machine needs in real time: at a standstill, i.e. during cooling, pump motors are idle and do not consume power. This way, both noise level of machines running and hydraulic oil heating are also reduced quite a lot; accordingly, oil cooling requires less power as well.
A premiere at K 2016
The redesigned hydraulic injection molding machines are being displayed for the first time at K 2016 show, where ENGEL dedicated a special Expert Corner to injection units. Customers willing to order new ENGEL victory machines will currently be able to choose from screw diameters of 45 to 55 mm, and for ENGEL duo, from 135 to 170 mm. Other sizes will be marketed following the trade fair.
The said injection molding machine series are both amongst the most demanded in the world. ENGEL victory can cover a large spectrum of tasks. Tie bar-less clamping unit design of this machine allow for an extreme efficiency in automated and highly integrated production, as well as in multicomponent injection molding. Clamping forces of the series cover a wide range of 28 to 500 ton. As for the two-platen large-size ENGEL duo machines, they can clamp in the range of 350 to 5,500 ton, being extremely efficient and relatively compact for large part production.
