Increased Energy Efficiency: ENGEL duo pico with ecodrive

ENGEL has chosen NPE2009 to globally introduce its new duo pico two-platen molding machine with the energy efficient “ecodrive.”

ENGEL, a world leader in the design and manufacture of injection molding machines and part-handling automation systems, is introducing the new duo pico line of two-platen injection molding machines at NPE2009, equipped with a great new energy saving feature: ecodrive.

Maximum power on a small footprint. 
The recently-introduced hydraulic duo pico product line is compact, fast and economical – geared for exacting quality requirements and available in sizes from 500 to 770 US tons.  The pico design provides a minimal footprint (under 24’ for duo 550 pico) and low weight, thanks to the compact two-platen clamping mechanism.  Additionally, the ENGEL duo pico offers a dry cycle of just 2.6 seconds, making it the fastest two-platen machine on the market.

On top of this, the duo pico machine line provides the lowest energy consumption – 25 percent less energy consumption compared to ENGEL’s main competitor’s, as determined in a recent independent study – and excellent mold protection due to zero contact between the tie bars and the moving platen.  This relates to a minimum 2.5 percent lower overall production costs compared to the same competitor’s.   
 
ENGEL is now introducing the duo pico with the newly-developed ecodrive, an energy-saving system consisting of speed-controlled servo pumps, one of the highlights of ENGEL’s NPE2009 display. 

The duo pico with ecodrive achieves energy savings similar to fully electric machines, but has the ability to maintain that energy-efficiency in applications utilizing hydraulic components (such as hydraulic core pulls, hot runner needles and mold mounting systems).   The variable drive motor helps to achieve the perfect operating point for each movement.  The machine is equipped with an electric plasticizing unit, which allows the hydraulic pumps to idle during plasticizing for additional energy savings.

Compared to existing machines in the market in the 500 to 770 ton clamping force range, an ENGEL duo pico equipped with ecodrive requires about 45 to 60 percent less energy, while providing the integrated hydraulics for core pulls and other hydraulic elements. Considering the reduced energy consumption, repeatability and performance of the electric screw drive, together with the fast cycle time and minimal floor space requirement, the duo pico ecodrive is easily the most economical solution for mid-size tonnage machine applications.