THIN WALL MOULDING | MACHINERY
Narrow margins in thin wall moulding
Recent developments in thin wall moulding include a medical IML system, machines to make cups and lids at high speed, and new mould technology allowing more efficient production
Injection moulding allows very thin parts to be produced – with electronic components typically using engineering plastics while packaging relies on more commodity grades. Netherlands-based Stork IMM, a manufacturer
of injection moulding machines for the packaging market, recently showcased a machine that converts recycled PET (rPET). The machine – developed in partnership with mouldmaker Brink Moulds & Automation and rPET supplier Alpla – was used to produce an oval 1-litre container made of 50% PET and 50% rPET. This container has a complex geometry and a tamper-evident, watertight closure. Stork believes it is the first high-quality 1-litre rPET container made for high-volume production. At last year’s Fakuma exhibition in Germany, Stork demonstrated the machine, paired with Brink’s custom mould, to produce the two-cavity container. “Stork and Brink have taken an important step in
providing a sustainable solution for the food packaging market,” said Gert Boers, CEO of Stork IMM. “This development reaffirms our commitment to delivering the technology that will support a circular economy.” EU regulations mandate the use of at least 35% post-consumer recycled (PCR) material in plastic
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Stork produced a 1-litre oval container (left) on a newly developed injection moulding machine
(main image) IMAGE: STORK
packaging. This is a challenge for food packaging manufacturers because of the inability to use recycled PP due to EFSA restrictions on permeabil- ity issues. R-PET has been used in blow moulded PET bottles for years, the injection mouldability of rPET has been an issue. Stork’s 440-tonne 4400-3550 unit can reach injection pressures up to 3000 bar and speeds up to 900 mm/sec to achieve consistent wall thickness. The machine’s capabilities are made possible by an optimised screw and valve geometry. Continuous, high-speed production results in a cycle time of 6.2 sec, producing 580 parts per hour.
Fast cycle Also at last year’s Fakuma, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag
January/February 2025 | INJECTION WORLD 23
IMAGE: STORK
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