Hydraulic press is energy efficient and accurate
A new 3500 ton molding machine will allow EVCO Plastics, Deforest, Wis., a leading custom plastics manufacturer, to provide customers with increased efficiency to further advance its large-part production capabilities and provide greater cost savings. The new 3500 ton Engel press is up and running at EVCO’s Oshkosh, Wis., plant, with production orders in the queue. The capacity of the press is, in particular, beneficial for the power sport, agriculture, auto truck, and military industries.
As a servo-hydraulic hybrid press, the new 3500 ton press is incredibly energy efficient and provides significant cost savings up-front. It reduces energy consumption by up to 40% compared with conventional presses. The press uses only as much energy as it requires in any given production phase, meaning that if there is no movement (during cooling time, etc.), then no energy is consumed except for the controller and heater bands. Additional benefits are greatly reduced noise level (approximately 71dB) and reduced cooling capacity needed for the machine.
To plan for the implementation of the new large molding machine, EVCO Plastics added 30,000 square feet to their building in Oshkosh in 2012, bringing the total square footage to 100,000. This additional space also provides warehouse space for the large parts coming off the machine. An 80 ton crane was also added to the building, allowing EVCO Plastics to set molds up to 160,000 pounds in weight. A new Hahn PL-1000 three axis top entry servo robot was installed on the press for consistent part quality and faster cycle times. The robot is equipped with the new “E” Series energy saving technology, which reduces overall power consumption from the robot while reducing overall operating cost.
“The press is equipped with magnetic platens allowing us to increase setup speed at start-up as we move from one mold to another,” Evans says. “Our new three axis robot also has a two axis servo wrist which enables us to handle oddly-shaped parts with ease.”
The custom plastics manufacturer decided on the addition when its 3300 ton press, then the largest machine in its nine facilities, reached 80 percent workload capacity.
“By adding another machine, we also mitigate risk if complications arise with another press, ensuring no production down time,” Evans says. “We work hard to ensure that our customers have access to the most up-to-date technologies, allowing them – and ourselves – a more competitive place in the market.”
In addition to providing cost savings, increased productivity and energy efficiency, the 3500 ton press will allow EVCO Plastics to provide customers with increased production capabilities. The machine allows for metal-to-plastic conversion of large parts.
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