“Requirements for modern injection molding processes are continuously increasing, while applications are becoming ever more complex. Successful projects today therefore depend on close collaboration between specialized technology partners,” explains Anatol Sattel, CEO of Sumitomo (SHI) Demag. “At Fakuma, we will demonstrate how the optimal coordination of all process components can simultaneously improve productivity, quality and sustainability.”
High-performance beverage closure production on an IntElect S for the first time
One of the highlights of the joint booth is the production of beverage closures on an IntElect S 280. The all-electric IntElect injection molding machine manufactures the parts using a 48-cavity mold from HTW, demonstrating the performance and repeatability of its proprietary electric drive technology in a classic high-output packaging application while consuming less energy.
The exhibit also highlights the importance of a holistic process approach. technotrans provides mold and machine cooling with a compact air-cooled weco 85 chiller using the natural refrigerant propane (R290) and a process-reliable high-pressure pump. Enesty supplies the cooling circuits through its Orca Plus water management system, while Eisbär contributes closure cooling and mold area dehumidification. The material processed is supplied by TotalEnergies and has already been successfully used in previous Sumitomo (SHI) Demag trade show applications.
This application demonstrates how highly productive and stable manufacturing processes can be achieved through the precise interaction of injection molding machine, mold, cooling and temperature control technology, and material.
Transparent components with outstanding optical quality
On an IntElect 75, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag will present the production of a transparent card box made from polycarbonate (PC). The combination of high dynamics and speed of the IntElect machine ensures uncompromising precision and repeatability for this demanding application. The focus is on reducing internal stresses through intelligent variothermal mold temperature control provided by partners technotrans, Contura and CycleTemp. Part removal is handled by Sumitomo (SHI) Demag’s in-house SAM-C robot, which stands out thanks to its compact design and injection molding-optimized software featuring low-code programming.
Particularly with transparent plastics, optical requirements often present greater challenges than dimensional accuracy alone. Even minor internal stresses can cause birefringence effects, haze or optical distortions.
The presented solution uses targeted temperature management throughout the injection molding cycle. This is essential for processing the demanding material reliably, maintaining consistently high part quality and minimizing scrap. Variothermal mold temperature control combined with optimized cooling significantly reduces stress within the component and improves optical quality. The insights gained are especially relevant for applications requiring the highest levels of transparency and surface quality, such as automotive displays, lighting components, optical covers and medical products. All components are centrally controlled via the injection molding machine using OPC UA.
Medical technology expertise showcased across multiple exhibition booths
In addition to the exhibits on its own booth, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag will also be represented at several partner booths, demonstrating its comprehensive expertise in medical technology.
At the micro automation booth (Hall A5, Booth A5-5117), an IntElect S 130 produces polypropylene (PP) closures. The high-cavitation application with 96 cavities highlights the precision, process stability and repeatability of all-electric machines in the production of demanding medical products.
At the Nexus Molds booth (Hall A4, Booth A4-4228), an IntElect 130 LSR manufactures a medical valve from liquid silicone rubber (LSR). This application underlines Sumitomo (SHI) Demag’s expertise in sophisticated LSR processing and the production of high-quality components for regulated medical technology markets.
With these applications, the company covers a broad range of medical requirements—from high-volume disposable products to complex precision silicone components.
Technology partnerships as the key to success
The performance of modern injection molding processes no longer depends solely on the machine itself. Only through the close interaction of machine manufacturers, mold makers, peripheral equipment specialists and material suppliers can the process stability, efficiency and part quality be achieved that processors expect today.