LMS Installs ENGEL e-max: Purchase Fits Company’s Energy Sustainability Program

Energy efficiency, a compact plant footprint and technology flexibility are among the items that attracted LMS (Liquid Molding Systems, Inc.), Midland, Mich., to ENGEL’s e-max injection molding machine. LMS was so interested that they bought the e-max system equipped for Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) from ENGEL’s NPE exhibit (the international trade show presented June 22-26 in Chicago).

According to Sales and Marketing Coordinator Justin Sessink, LMS was interested in the ENGEL e-max well in advance of the recent NPE. When they learned that the ENGEL e-max, equipped with a Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) application, would be displayed in the ENGEL booth at NPE, they decided to place the order. “We have other ENGEL LSR systems, and our relationship with ENGEL has been very good,” Sessink said.

LMS is one of the top three Liquid Injection Molding (LIM) manufacturers, producing close-tolerance elastomeric valve dispensing and flow control products, including their patented one-way and bi-directional SureFlo® and MediFlo® valves. LMS designs and manufactures critical components for such global markets as food and beverage, hygiene / personal care, medical device, recreation / sports, child care, packaging and housewares. LMS is part of the AptarGroup family of companies, a leader in the global dispensing systems industry.

LMS’ purchase of a new injection molding machine was part of the company’s 2009 capital plan, according to Sessink. “We have other electric machines, and were interested in staying with the energy-efficiency of an all-electric machine,” said Sessink, “and combining it with ENGEL’s LSR competence. This purchase is also consistent with our environmental sustainability objectives.”

Introduced in North America in 2008, the ENGEL e-max offers the highest levels of performance, precision and energy efficiency in a cost-effective package that fits in a small industrial footprint. Available in sizes from 55 to 200 US tons and fitting in a space as small as 12 x 4 feet (for the 55 ton machine), the e-max is designed to ENGEL’s stringent quality and reliability standards.

ENGEL pioneered LSR technology more than two decades ago, and was the first to introduce an LSR application to all-electric injection molding. ENGEL’s all-electric molding provides direct benefits to LSR molding that most competitor all-electrics do not, such as servo-drive control for all movements (no hydraulic required for carriage or ejector movements).

LMS is using an ENGEL e-max 200/110 US equipped with a water cooled barrel and screw assembly, with an interface for dosing valve and barrel shut-off nozzle, eight mold heat zones and valve gate circuit control. The company is running a number of silicone parts on the newly-installed system, including their SureFlo and MediFlo valves. “The installation process went very smoothly. We have worked with the ENGEL people many times before, and have found them to be extremely knowledgeable and helpful in all aspects of injection molding technology,” said Sessink.