ENGEL e-motion The Right Choice for Weatherchem 4-Machine Installation

Four new ENGEL e-motion 940/310 all electric injection molding machines are assisting Weatherchem Corp. handle their explosive growth of business for the packaging industry. ENGEL was selected on the basis of its construction, performance, energy savings and control flexibility.

When a company is in the market for several new injection molding machines, is it prudent to select an entirely new supplier? For Ohio-based Weatherchem Corp., their selection of a supplier was based on extensive research that began during the 2007 K-Show. The research brought them to ENGEL North America, a world leader in the design and manufacture of injection molding machines and part-handling automation systems, and four e-motion 940/310 (US ton) all-electric injection molding machines.

“We began during the winter of 2007 / 2008 to look at the injection molding press market, starting with the K-Show in 2007,” explained Bob Rodgers, manager of manufacturing engineering for Weatherchem Corp., Twinsburg, Ohio. “Given the family of new molds the presses would run, we asked each press manufacturer to present a best-match press execution. We ultimately determined that the ENGEL e-motion line of all-electric presses was best suited for our application, based on the construction, performance, energy savings and control flexibility of the e-motions and their CC200 controller.”

The ENGEL e-motion offers consistency, precision and energy efficiency in an all-electric injection molding machine. The e-motion’s design features universal operation for the smallest shot weights, and for standard to high-speed parts. Its short cycle times and high efficiency combine for low energy consumption.
 
Donal Cummins, ENGEL packaging market manager, said that Weatherchem officials were impressed with the level of customization that could be accomplished for their equipment. “It was important that they be able to create a system that could function very specifically within their production requirements,” he said. “We also have processes in place that allow us to develop a very customized system, but also to do so under extremely tight deadlines, which is what Weatherchem required. Our international partnerships help with meeting all our customers’ needs.”

Rodgers was pleased with the e-motion’s capability to handle the plant’s 24/7/350 operational demands. He explained, “Our e-motions are not ‘general purpose’ molding machines. We elected to fit our presses with the high speed clamp and high speed injection option. While not only enabling world class dry cycle times, this option affords us additional reserve performance for our application.”

The Weatherchem machines also required the use of external hydraulics, which are a modular option available on an ENGEL. “The execution of the hydraulic unit is top shelf,” Rodgers said. “It is a small, powerful unit, seamlessly integrated to the machine, and fits within the outline of the machine base with no extra floor space required.”

The ENGEL CC200 control unit offers exemplary ergonomics, including a touch screen, tilting control panel and a large, bright screen. A wide range of options can be integrated into the CC200, and the controller provides user friendly flexibility in a Windows format. “ENGEL’s CC200 control system allows us to continue pushing technology into our molds, and have the power to control it,” stated Rodgers.

In addition, ENGEL worked with extremely tight installation schedules, including installation of one of the first presses at the plant of Weatherchem’s mold vendor. “Had ENGEL not been able to provide this press on time, it would have significantly delayed our project implementation, which would have delayed revenues and ultimately impacted the financial goals for the product line,” said Rodgers. “The first press was ready for shipment as quoted, on time, to the day.”

Cummins said that installation of the e-motion machines was in keeping with Weatherchem’s approach to energy management. “By providing the shortest possible cycle times on the e-motion, we’re able to offer a higher efficiency machine and the lowest possible energy consumption,” Cummins said. Rodgers agreed. “We have been delighted with the electrical efficiency at which these machines operate.” Weatherchem has implemented numerous upgrades over the past several years as part of a sustainability philosophy. “These ENGEL machines are helping us achieve our sustainable development goals,” Rodgers said. In addition, the machines have improved the operating environment around the machine by reducing the clutter and noise associated with traditional presses.

Installation of the four new e-motion machines was complete by the end of July 2008. Rodgers said that among Weatherchem employees, “The e-motions were well received. I think this speaks volumes of the people we have working at Weatherchem, but also reflects on the quality of the machine and its ability to ‘hold its own.’”

Weatherchem
Weatherchem Corp. is an innovative manufacturer and marketer of convenient plastic dispensing closures and controlled access packaging. As the creators of the original Flapper® dispensing closure, Weatherchem now offers several of the industry’s most innovative closure product lines. These include: Flapper®, FlapMate™, Grinder NR™, LiquiFlapper®, NutraFlapper®, NutraGen II™ and Agricap®. Whether designing or selecting packaging for a new product, or revamping the design of an existing product, Weatherchem has the closures that consumers love. For more information, visit www.weatherchem.com.

ENGEL North America
From facilities in the United States, Canada and Mexico, ENGEL North America provides its customers a single source for design and manufacture of injection molding machines for thermoplastics and elastomers, a full range of plastics processing technology modules and a full scope of automation solutions. With eight production plants in Europe, North America and Asia (China, Korea), subsidiaries in 17 countries and representatives in over 70 countries, ENGEL North America provides is customers the global support they need to compete and succeed with new technologies and leading-edge production systems. For more information, visit www.engelglobal.com/na.