ENGEL e-victory Improves Energy Efficiency with ecodrive

Several models of ENGEL North America’s e-victory injection molding machine are now available with the ecodrive hydraulic system for the energy efficiency, quiet operation and flexible application of an electric machine.

ENGEL, a world leader in the design and manufacture of injection molding machines and part-handling automation systems, has added the ecodrive hydraulic system to several models of its e-victory series, resulting in improved energy efficiency and lower coolant requirements, and such features as on-board hydraulics and quiet operation. The ecodrive feature is currently available on e-victory models from 100 to 130 US tons; it will be available on models 30-85 US tons this spring.

ENGEL’s e-victory series of small- to mid-sized hybrid injection molding machines features a high-precision, servo-electric injection unit and a tie bar-less, hydraulic clamping unit. The e-victory offers a great deal of space for molds and automation equipment, and is an attractive choice for molders requiring compatibility with existing molds, efficient mold changing and easy integration of automation.  On top of all this, the machine is perfectly suited for energy-saving production using moulds with hot runner nozzles and hydraulic high speed mounting systems.

According to Steve Braig, ENGEL North America president & CEO, the ecodrive features a fixed displacement pump and servomotor rather than the standard hydraulics and asynchronous motor. The drive is only active during movement, with energy consumption dropping to virtually zero when the machine is idle.

“The e-victory with ecodrive can achieve energy savings similar to fully electric machines. But it is also able to maintain that energy-efficiency using molds with hydraulic components, for example hydraulic core pull” explained Braig. “The low heat impact benefits of ecodrive reduce heat-related air turbulence, making the e-victory cleanroom-capable. In addition, it’s extremely quiet to operate.”

“The e-victory with ecodrive is an excellent example of ENGEL’s commitment to providing the most sophisticated electric machine technology in the market,” he said. “We continue to expand our selection of fully electric machines, including our e-motion and e-max machines in addition to the e-victory.”