Smart Molding International 3-2022

9 newsfeed www.smart-molding.com K2022 is the stage for the first global presentation of the very latest all- electric innovation from Sumitomo (SHI) Demag - PAC-E. Engineered spe- cifically for manufacturers of bever- age closures and thinwalled packag- ing applications, the new all-electric, high-speed injection moulding ma- chine builds upon the success of the El-Exis SP – renowned worldwide for being the best and fastest packaging machine on the market. The addition of PAC-E sets another new industry benchmark for energy consumption and cleanliness, exclaimsArnaud Nomblot, Director Business Develop- ment Packaging. At the international trade fair in Düsseldorf, the company will initially demonstratethe new machine’s capa- bilities and sustainability credentials on a 350 ton clamp force PAC-E model. Three additionalclamp force variants - 420, 250 and 300 tons – will subse- quently follow in this order confirms Nomblot. "PAC-E is a global development project that combines all ourcom- pany know-how from Germany and Japan," Nomblot reveals. The toggle levers, plates, tie bars and plasticis- ing elements, includingthe screws and cylinders, were developed in Germa- ny, while the electric drives and the newly developed injection unit with excellent injection performance were derived by the Group’s Japanese par- ent company. Two critical innovations differenti- ate PAC-Efrom the existing hybrid- packaging series. Notably, the solely electric-driven axesdeliver up to 50 percent in energy savings. Converting a 30 cents(€) per kW/h saving in electricity consumption, this can save manufacturers approximately €70,000/USD 71,285 per annum when measured against a high-speed hybrid packaging machine. Additionally, the lubrication of the toggle lever no lon- ger causes cleanliness issues; being a completely closed circuit design it is leak free. Oil is instead extracted, fil- tered and recycled. This eliminates the need to clean the toggle lever, which has the added benefit of reducing oil consumption for customers. Smaller footprint in every sense Not only is the reduced energy consumption of PAC-E less resource intensive, the machine’s dimensions are more compact. Meeting calls from customers for space-saving machines. The Director of Business Development Packaging affirms that although the PAC-E packaging machine is shorter and narrower, it maintains the excel- lent performance of the existing hybrid seriescombined withsignificant ener- gy efficiency and greater cleanliness. Protecting packaging manufacturers against further resource shortages and uncertainties, as well as volatile energy prices. With its injection capacity of 550 mm/s, PAC-E can also be used for thin- wall and food packaging with IML, confirms Nomblot. "This machine will enable processors to produce even thinner and lighter packaging items, resulting in a significant reduction in raw materials, waste and shipping costs." To demonstrate the capabilities of PAC-E, the company’s K 2022 show- case will use a 72-cavity mould sup- plied by Z-Moulds to manufacture 2,100 26/22 still waterbeverage caps every minute. The HDPE copolymer Eltex HD5211EA-B issupplied by Ineos Olefins & Polymers Europe, with Polar Bear introducing its advanced cavity cooling and tool dehumidification system. For optimal quality control, 100 percent of all the beverage caps pass through the Intravis camera in- spection system. Market launch of PAC-E commences in mid-2023 starting with the 350 ton. The company plans to roll out the re - maining clamp force sizes in succes- sion. Sumitomo (SHI) Demag www.sumitomo-shi-demag.eu Energy-saving PAC-E packaging machine debuts at K 2022 PAC-E, the new all-electric high-speed machine for the packaging market (picture: Sumitomo (SHI) Demag)