Engel Austria, a plastics machinery manufacturer, has expanded its technical center in St Valentin, Austria, with the addition of one of the largest injection molding machines from its standard portfolio, the duo 5500 combi M.
This machine, which features a clamping force of 55,000kN, is the largest technical center machine globally, according to Engel. It measures 32m in length, 13m in width, 6.8m in height and weighs 545 tons. Engel says it will use the machine to explore new dimensions in technologies and components, in collaboration with customers and partners. The machine’s mold space can accommodate molds weighing up to 150 tons and shot weights up to 42kg. Designed to meet the demands of the automotive and technical injection molding industries, the 5500 c0mbi M is now available for customer trials.
The automotive industry relies on larger plastic parts to reduce vehicle weight, enhance fuel efficiency and lower production costs. Plastics can provide design flexibility, improve corrosion resistance and contribute to vehicle longevity and safety. They can also facilitate the integration of functional elements and reduce the number of individual parts needed, according to Engel.
Traditionally, large plastic parts have been produced using processes other than injection molding. The introduction of the duo 5500 combi M in a technical center setting will provide a range of possibilities for part and technology development and sampling.
The duo 5500 combi M features two movable horizontal injection units that can operate together or independently and a combi M injection unit. The machine is equipped with two six-axis Engel easix articulated robots for flexible and efficient automation.
For polyurethane applications, the machine includes two Cannon systems: one for small-volume applications and another for high-volume applications. A corresponding dosing unit allows for coloring the polyurethanes to create various designs. Additionally, all digital assistance systems from Engel are integrated into the machine’s control system.
The machine has been designed for the testing and development of customer projects under real conditions, including tool and material tests and the development of new manufacturing technologies. Manufacturers of large, complex plastic parts and toolmakers can now test feasibility and implementation early in the project stage, allowing them to identify and address issues early on.
