PETpla.net Insider 08 / 2014

CAPPING / CLOSURES 25 PET planet insider Vol. 15 No. 08/14 www.petpla.net Caps produced on Netstal line Efficiently energetic Netstal says that its Evos injection moulding machine offers efficient, high performance moulding but with lower energy consumption than previous models. Netstal’s Evos range of injection moulding machines is available in four versions: 3000, 3500, 4500, and 5500. The numeral designations refer to their clamping forces, in kN. Although it stands as an integrated unit it is designed as a modular system, which means that the clamping unit, plasticiz- ing unit and drive are all individually selectable this makes the machine customisable for a wide range of appli- cations. As the clamping and injection units are in two separate machine mod- ules, manufacturing and assembly pro- cesses can be run in parallel. The Evos series features hybrid drive technology, which is designed for lower energy con- sumption. Netstal identifies the benefits of the Evos machines are that they are energy-efficient; user-oriented; precise and fast; and flexible. It says that the machines are well-suited for manufac- turing of closures; it claims that its large clamping surfaces provide sufficient space for moulds with a high number of cavities. The Evos clamping unit is based on Netstal’s well-established five- point toggle lever system. The double- toggle lever is designed to ensure opti- mal transfer of force to the centre of the mould mounting area and even distribu- tion of the clamping force; at the same time, its strong construction prevents deformation of the clamping plates. The inward-facing closing cylinder inside the toggle lever area is designed to save space. Movement sequences start- ing positions are managed by digital clamping unit control. Pneumatic valves facilitate fast response times. Netstal says that the Evos series can be customised for a range of dif- ferent application areas. Connections for hydraulic auxiliary mould controls can be installed on the operating or non-operating side of the machine, as required. Multiple socket outlets with integrated circuit breakers can be installed in various positions on the machine, for peripheral devices connec- tion. Depending on the mould, appro- priate cooling water distributors can be placed in any position on the mould plates. The distributors are protected from corrosion and ball valves are used in order to achieve optimal flow rates. The company says that the machines are designed to offer high levels of accessibility, to be easy to use, and very easy to maintain. The Evos machines have also been designed to meet the growing demand for in-mould labelling, a feature that offers the potential for cost saving as well as functional benefits. The closed- loop lubrication system and completely sealed drive unit mean that the Evos series is suitable for use in clean rooms as well as conventional production floors. It also incorporates technology for embossing processes and both gas and water injection. The modular con- cept is not just limited to the main com- ponents – the clamping and injection units. Additional equipment packages are also modular in design and can be individually configured. www.netstal.com