Smart Molding International 2-2021

29 www.smart-molding.com T he new e-speed 280/70 with a clamping force of 2800 kN is equipped with an interac - tive IML (in-mould-labelling) solu - tion, which ENGEL is implementing in cooperation with partners Brink (Harskamp, Netherlands) and Ver - straete in mould labels (Maldegem, Belgium). The new size sees ENGEL further optimise its particularly economical hybrid machine, which combines an electric clamping unit with a hydraulic injection unit. From now on, the com - plete series, covering clamping forces from 2800 to 6500 kN, will be designed with the performance upgrade. The in - line injection unit with its electric plas - ticising drive, which has been tried and tested over many years, achieves even faster injection performance in the new generation of e-speed machines. It is designed for injection speeds of between 800 and 1200 mm per sec - ond. At the same time, the ejector performance has been enhanced. The e speed machines are now equipped with hydraulic ejectors as standard. Electric ejectors are available as an option. The machine bed and mould mount - ing platens have also been geared even more closely to the requirements of thin-wall packaging and the use of moulds with a high number of cavities. Thanks to the new features, the ENGEL e-speed machines optimally meet the trend towards further reductions inwall thickness and even shorter cycle times. Minimum energy consumption in continuous high-speed operation Excellent energy efficiency continues to be one of the e-speed series' unique selling points. In order to achieve ex - treme energy-efficiency in high-speed operation, the machines are equipped with an innovative energy recovery sys - tem from a clamping force of 3800 kN. This system absorbs the braking energy from the platenmovements and releas - es the stored energy back to the motor as required – for example, to accelerate the mould mounting platens again. The toggle lever is encapsulated to ensure particularly low oil consump - tion and maximum cleanliness. In this way, the machines of the e-speed se - ries meet the strict requirements of the food industry as standard. Interactive IML promotes circular economy Both the mould and the high-speed automation for in-mould labelling of the 1-litre yoghurt containers are implemented by Brink. The interac - tive labels are supplied by Verstraete in mould labels. They are based on technology by Digimarc (Beaverton, OR, USA). Much like a QR code, Digi - marc codes can be scanned with any smartphone camera. The big advan - tage compared to QR codes is that they invisibly cover the entire label surface. The camera can scan any point. And the codes no longer interfere with the packaging design. From production through retail and recycling, the interactive labels offer added value. Consumers can discover the details of the ingredients and man - ufacture for both the product and the packaging while shopping. And when the packaging has reached the end of its useful life, the label provides informa - tion on the recycling process. Interac - tive IML packaging is fully recyclable. Together with its partners, ENGEL is committed to the sustainable produc - tion of plastic packaging and the estab - lishment of a global circular economy. Thin-wall technology, energy efficiency and recycling are key factors in achiev - ing this. ENGEL www.engelglobal.com Powerful, dynamic, sustainable: Designed for continuous high performance in the packaging industry, ENGEL e-speed injection moulding machines are the most energy efficient and clean hybrid machines in the market. ENGEL e-speed series expanded Picture: ENGEL