New Injection Unit Expands Medical Application Flexibility

Conventionally, higher injection moulding shot weights in the medical market require a larger machine. However, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag has now successfully engineered an alternative scalable solution to help optimise productivity and reduce energy use on a smaller machine, while simultaneously lowering the manufacturing cost per unit.

Efficiency in the medical sector is reliant on equal measures of precision and mass production. It lays the foundation for reducing healthcare costs for patients and medical providers. At Fakuma 2024, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag will introduce a more compact medical 180-ton IntElect machine, powered by a new injection unit.

With the introduction of this 910 injection unit – the largest that can be accommodated in a 180-ton machine – the range of applications in the clamping force range of 130-180t is expanded. One of the key benefits of being able to select a smaller footprint machine that can handle larger shot weights is the rapid energy savings.

“This highly efficient yet compact cleanroom medical production cell is characterised by its repeatability and cleanliness. Built for high speed and precision, it is designed to handle extremely narrow tolerance medical applications produced in high volumes most efficiently, while providing processors with the flexibility to mould everything from small medical parts to larger components,” expands new Business Development Director Medical, Andreas Montag.

With the option to rapidly switch between three screw sizes (45mm, 50mm, and 60mm), plus the potential addition of a 55mm screw, processors can select the optimum screw size to suit each medical application. Further increasing processing flexibility and production capacity.

Sumitomo (SHI) Demag will demonstrate this flexible combination and fine processing control at Fakuma 2024. On the company’s main booth (B1-1105), the IntElect machine will showcase the moulding of 32 syringe plungers, each weighing 29 grams, every 6.5 seconds. This specific exhibit is realised in cooperation with elm-plastic GmbH, who supply the tool, cooling system and additional peripherals.

In another scalable medical solution, the HEKUMA stand will feature a cleanroom configuration designed for petri dish production. Integral to this medical package is a Sumitomo (SHI) Demag IntElect2 100 system. HEKUMA describes this year’s presentation as an excellent example of a well-considered, automated, scalable turnkey system. Making it ideal for smaller production runs as well as delivering more value to mass manufacturers of medical components.

An additional way to increase productivity and optimise OEE for medical processors is through agile, local configurations. This value-added service is now being widely adopted by a range of Sumitomo (SHI) Demag customers throughout the UK and Ireland.

Managing Director Dave Raine explains: “This year, a carefully selected consortium of UK-based premium machinery and automation partners has delivered what it believes to be the first fully integrated OPC-UA factory-tested injection moulding system to a leading pharma and MedTech packaging supplier. Supplier proximity together with the assurance of locally CE marked and integrated robotics managed by one point of contact underpinned the success of this investment.” This specific partnership is a finalist in the soon-to-be-announced 2024 Plastic Industry Awards.

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