Innovation | packaging
Speed and efficiency are givens in production of injection moulded packaging, but product differentiation is also gaining importance. Mark Holmes finds out more
Putting the package together
Industry 4.0, waste reduction, use of recycled materials and improved energy efficiency, coupled with an ever increasing need for product differentiation, are key considerations for efficient and effective packaging operations in injection moulding. And, according to Henry Zhang, Director of Business Development, Medical and Specialty Packaging at Husky Injection Molding Systems, these trends and new developments in packaging are ultimately driven by the consumer. “Speed to market is always an influence, which is why fast piloting becomes such a trend,” he says. “We are also constantly looking at ways to eliminate waste in the injection moulding process, as is emphasised by our integrated system approach. Additionally, premiumisa- tion of products, and ensuring maximum shelf differen- tiation, greatly influences new developments in the injection moulding industry.” Zhang says Husky is exploring new solutions to
enable the packaging industry to better fit into an increasingly digital world. “We see the main areas of interest as being Industry 4.0, with a focus on connectivity and data sharing to enable ‘smart factories’ and cyber- physical systems,” he says. “At Husky, we approach this in part with a system approach, allowing us to further integrate the work cells – integrating machine, mould, hot runner, controller and auxiliaries in order to eliminate waste in the injection moulding process and allow for more precise control and better quality parts.” Husky’s latest products in this area include its
Hylectric 4.0 machine platform and the HyperSync system for the manufacture of speciality closures. The company says Hylectric 4.0 is an upgrade of the Hylectric platform that provides increased connectivity, greater control and energy management, and an improved operator experience. Known for its hydrome- chanical clamp design, Reflex low distortion platens and wide tiebar spacing, the Hylectric platform is claimed to evenly distribute the high clamping forces used in the packaging industry, extending tooling life significantly. Husky says that the latest Hylectric 4.0 design is well suited for applications such as caps and closures, thin wall mouldings, pails, cosmetics, personal care items, medical and general packaging. HyperSync, meanwhile, is Husky’s new, high-performance, fully integrated system for specialty closure manufactur-
ing. “It features superior performance, fast cycle times, and excellent part quality. With system-level enhance-
www.injectionworld.com January/February 2017 | INJECTION WORLD 33
Main image: Engel and Foboha
demonstrated this cube
mould system for injection
stretch blow moulding at K2016
Left: Huksy’s HyperSync system for specialty closure produc- tion integrates all-electric moulding and in-mould closing
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