DEFOREST, Wis. – (July 9, 2013) – A new 3500 ton molding machine will allow EVCO Plastics, a leading custom plastics manufacturer, to provide customers with increased efficiency to further advance its large-part production capabilities and provide greater cost savings. After two years of preparation, EVCO Plastics’ new 3500 ton Engel press is now up and running in its Oshkosh, Wis., plant, with production orders already in the queue. The capacity of the press is, in particular, beneficial for the power sport, agriculture, auto truck and military industries.
“We’re excited to add this new machine to our existing large-press line-up. We are one of very few plastics manufacturers in the Midwest with access to this size machine,” says Dale Evans, president of EVCO Plastics. “The new 3500 ton press gives us extra tonnage, allowing us to make larger parts while significantly cutting down on production time.”
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 percent when 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 the 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.
EVCO Plastics is a leading plastic manufacturing company with nine manufacturing facilities strategically located throughout the world. With an emphasis on design for manufacturability, strategic engineering and innovative technology, EVCO is recognized as a global leader in custom plastic injection molding. EVCO was founded in 1964, employs over 900 people and operates 140 injection molding machines ranging from 28 to 3,500 tons. For more information on EVCO, visit www.facebook.com/evcoplastics or www.twitter.com/evcoplastics.
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