ENGEL e-speed series expanded

More sustainable production of plastic packaging

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. The e-speed 280 now sees ENGEL expand the series into the lower clamping force ranges, with a particular focus on manufacturers of thin-walled containers, buckets and matching lids.

The new e-speed with a clamping force of 2800 kN will produce 1-litre round containers for yoghurt made of polypropylene in thin-wall technology for its market premiere at ENGEL live e-xperience 2020 from 13th to 16th October. To allow this to happen, the e-speed 280/70 is equipped with an interactive IML (in-mould-labelling) solution, which ENGEL is implementing in cooperation with partners Brink (Harskamp, Netherlands) and Verstraete 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 complete series, covering clamping forces from 2800 to 6500 kN, will be designed with the performance upgrade. The inline injection unit with its electric plasticising 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 second. 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 mounting 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.

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 extreme energy-efficiency in high-speed operation, the machines are equipped with an innovative energy recovery system from a clamping force of 3800 kN. This system absorbs the braking energy from the platen movements and releases 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 consumption and maximum cleanliness. In this way, the machines of the e-speed series 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 interactive labels are supplied by Verstraete in mould labels. They are based on technology by Digimarc (Beaverton, OR, USA). Much like a
QR code, Digimarc codes can be scanned with any smartphone camera. The big advantage 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 manufacture for both the product and the packaging while shopping. And when the packaging has reached the end of its useful life, the label provides information on the recycling process. Interactive IML packaging is fully recyclable.

Together with its partners, ENGEL is committed to the sustainable production of plastic packaging and the establishment of a global circular economy. Thin-wall technology, energy efficiency and recycling are key factors in achieving this.

Virtual and interactive trade fair with live exhibits
ENGEL is setting new standards with a completely new virtual and interactive trade fair concept in a year that will not let the Fakuma show happen. Live exhibits, an online specialist congress and one-on-one meetings ensure that the ENGEL live e-xperience is on a par with a physical trade fair.

Further information about ENGEL virtual trade fair
For further information on the exhibits and the lecture programme, go here

Download this article here (pdf format)