ARBURG offers complex solutions for the packaging applications

• Fast: a hybrid packaging machine produces four thin-walled tubs in 1.65 seconds
• Variable: test mould for the development of special machines for packaging technology
• Modular: electric Alldrive machines for complex mould technology

"The "Packaging" versions of the hybrid and electric Allrounders of the Hidrive and Alldrive series are ideally-suited for high-speed applications. We offer special features for the production of screw caps and thin-walled applications, including with in-mould labelling (IML). Thin-walled tubs produced in a cycle time of 1.65 seconds was one of the highlights at the Technology Days," says Andreas Reich, Senior Sales Manager Packaging at Arburg. His colleague from the Packaging Team, Reiner Schmid adds: "We use a mould with a variable number of cavities for the active further development of our machines in line with the requirements of the packaging sector, so that we can work with 2, 4 or 6 moulds. We will be demonstrating this on another exhibit."

Hybrid Hidrive machines in "Packaging” version

Arburg offers "Packaging" (P) versions of the hybrid and electric high-performance Hidrive and Alldrive machine series. These efficient, high-speed machines provide high productivity as well as reduced energy consumption and are characterised by a well-balanced combination of distance between tie-bars, clamping force and opening stroke. Moreover, they provide fast, precise, energy-saving mould movements (through servo-electric toggle-type clamping units), high plasticising flow rate (through barrier screws and servo-electric dosage drives), dynamic position-regulated screws and effective injection volume flows.

Two hybrid machines in "Packaging" versions were on show at the Arburg Technology Days 2016. The hybrid Allrounder 570 H achieves particularly short cycle times of 1.65 seconds. This high-performance machine with a clamping force of 1,800 kN and a size 800 injection unit produces four 125 ml thin-walled tubs from PP. The moulded part weighs 3.55 grams. A special system from Brink were used for high-speed demoulding and stacking.

A test mould from Kebo that can be used on all Arburg packaging machines, regardless of their size, were demonstrated on a "Packaging" version of a hybrid Allrounder 630 H. Handling was performed by a linear Multilift V robotic system with dynamic mould-entry axis. This makes it possible to reduce action and set-down times by up to 40 per cent. Four tubs weighing 14.5 grams each were produced in a cycle time of around 4.8 seconds at the Technology Days 2016.

The test mould from Kebo can be used in a 2-cavity, 4-cavity or 6-cavity configuration. A Packaging version of the hybrid Allrounder 630 H  produced four thin-walled tubs at the Arburg Technology Days 2016.

High-performance electric Allrounder Alldrive

An electric Allrounder 820 A with a clamping force of 4,000 kN and a size 2100 electric injection unit was used to produce flip-top closures at the Technology Days 2016. A 16-cavity mould from Ermo was used. The moulded parts were closed directly in the mould. The cycle time is approx. 14 seconds and the PP closures weigh 7.5 grams each.

The modular design of the high-performance electric Alldrive machine series means it is ideally suited for high-end applications with exacting demands in terms of cycle time, precision and energy efficiency. Short cycle times can be achieved with the aid of the standard, servo-electrically driven independent main axes. Auxiliary axes such as ejectors and core pulls can alternatively be driven hydraulically. The electric Allrounder machines are therefore also suitable for the use of complex mould technology with numerous parallel functions. For all Arburg machines are no ancillary units needed generally. Play-free, direct-acting spindle drives ensure maximum repeat accuracy and part quality. The Allrounder Alldrive has an energy requirement up to 50 per cent less than standard hydraulic machines. Low emissions thanks to liquid-cooled, encapsulated servo-electric drives are a further benefit.