BASF - In the spotlight: energy-efficient injection molding
In a special show at the Fakuma 2011, material producer BASF and machine manufacturer Arburg will present the multi-faceted subject of energy efficiency.
- (1888PressRelease) October 03, 2011 - Visitors to the East Foyer will be shown measures for increasing energy efficiency in injection molding throughout the entire value-added chain and beyond, thereby reducing unit costs. Using a specially-optimised plastic and the appropriate machine technology, the two companies will demonstrate how new developments can work together to save energy.
On an exhibition area of 100 square metres, the entire injection molding process will be analysed in detail in terms of energy-efficiency: from product design to production planning. As a clear practical example, comparative production with two different plastics will show how energy efficiency can be enhanced by the right choice of material. For this purpose, an electric Arburg Allrounder 370 E will produce test parts from a standard plastic and from a material that was specially improved in terms of its flow characteristics. The “energy measurement” function of the Selogica machine control system registers the energy requirement of the relevant process. The comparison makes clear how an energy-optimised machine, together with a plastic with improved flow characteristics, can contribute to significant energy savings in the injection molding process. Depending on the size of the components and their geometry, the lower processing temperatures and shorter cycle times result in greater energy efficiency, thus reducing unit costs.
Energy efficiency through optimised material
The new material with improved flow characteristics from BASF is Ultramid B3WG6 High Speed (PA 6 with 30% glass fibers). The improved flow properties of this thermoplastic material permit a lower processing temperature, resulting in several benefits in terms of time, cost and energy saved.
Improved flow properties can be exploited in a variety of ways. Delicate structures and thin-walled parts can be filled more easily and reliably, leading to a drop in the reject rate, particularly in the case of complex geometries. The significantly-reduced injection pressure means that the molds are subjected to much less wear. This increases operating times and reduces maintenance costs. Improved flow means that less injection and filling pressure is required for large components in particular, so that the locking force can be reduced, enabling processors to manufacture their products on smaller machines. In addition, fewer injection points or hot-runner nozzles are required on molds. Despite the thinner walls, it is even possible to produce components with a comparatively high glass-fiber content. One special characteristic of Ultramid B3WG6 High Speed is the excellent quality of the component surface. The mechanical properties of the new material, such as stiffness and strength are comparable to that of standard plastic.
In terms of energy efficiency, the use of the new material reduces the heat required by the injection molding machine, which accounts for most of the overall energy requirement. Trials by BASF have shown that the cycle time can be reduced by up to 30 percent thanks to the approximately 40° C colder processing, helping to reduce energy consumption even further. Thus, in the trials, which are representative of many standard applications, an overall energy saving of 30 percent can be achieved, based on the number of parts produced.
Energy-efficient machine technology
Furthermore, as a representative of the Edrive series, the electric Allrounder 370 E also contributes to energy efficiency in molded part production. The electric Allrounders are characterised by the high efficiency of the servo-electric drives and toggle-type clamping units for example. The energy recovery of the servo motors during braking also has a beneficial effect on the machine’s energy requirement. Together, these factors combine to reduce energy consumption by 25 to 50% in comparison with standard hydraulic machines, depending on the application. As an indication of their optimum energy efficiency in operation, all Edrive series machines bear the Arburg "e2" energy-efficiency label.
The electric Edrive series machines contribute to the energy-efficiency of molded part production. As part of the special show, an electric Allrounder 370 E will produce test parts from a standard plastic and from a material that was specially improved in terms of its flow characteristics.
The filling simulation on the computer shows the component that can be seen live in the East Foyer at the Fakuma 2011 in Friedrichshafen in October: A plastic with improved flow characteristics, such as Ultramid® B3WG6 High Speed (above) is capable of properly filling a complex component, whereas a conventional plastic with the same glass fibre content fails to do so at the same processing temperature (below). The illustration shows the upper part of an approximately 10 cm spinning top with long flow path. The filling time is indicated in seconds. With the conventional plastic, the melt front sets, so that the component is not completely filled.
Graphics: BASF
BASF SE Arburg GmbH+Co KG
Press contact Press office
Dr. Sabine Philipp Susanne Palm
Press Office Performance Polymers Postfach 1109
72286 Lossburg, Germany
Fon: +49 (0) 621 60-43348 Fon: +49 (0) 7446 33-3463
Fax: +49 (0) 7446 33-3413
sabine.philipp ( @ ) basf dot com
presse_service ( @ ) arburg dot com
About Arburg
Arburg, a German machine construction company, is one of the leading global manufacturers of injection moulding machines for plastics processing with clamping forces between 125 kN and 5,000 kN. Fields of application include the production of plastic parts for motor vehicles, communications and consumer electronics, medical technology, domestic appliances and packaging. The product range is completed by robotic systems, complex projects and other peripherals. Arburg’s operations are coordinated by an integrated management system and are DIN EN ISO 9001 and 14001 certified. Arburg is represented by its own organisations at 32 locations in 24 countries and by trading partners in more than 50 countries. However, production takes place exclusively in the parent factory in Lossburg (Germany) – with the mark of quality “made by Arburg – made in Germany”. From a total of more than 2,000 Arburg employees, around 1,700 work in Germany. About 330 further employees work in Arburg’s organisations around the world.
Further information about Arburg can be found at www.arburg.com
About BASF
BASF is the world’s leading chemical company and is known simply as “the Chemical Company”. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, finishing products and pesticides to oil and gas. As a reliable partner, BASF helps its customers to achieve greater success in almost every sector. With high-grade products and intelligent solutions, BASF plays an important role in finding answers to global challenges, such as climate protection, energy efficiency, nutrition and mobility. In 2010, BASF achieved a turnover of approximately 63.9 billion euros and employed around 109,000 personnel at the end of the year. BASF is listed in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com or in the Social Media Newsroom at newsroom.basf.com.
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