Reducing Injection Molding Cycle Times Using All-Electric Technology

ELK GROVE VILLAGE, IL, January 5, 2021 – When it comes to improving manufacturing processes, optimizing the parameters of your injection molding machine is critical. Specifically, working to reduce cycle times in injection molding can allow you to produce product more efficiently at lower cost, while freeing up additional machine time.

What can you do to reduce injection molding cycle times? We are offering insights to improving molding profitability based on Shibaura Machine’s all-electric injection molding equipment designed for the North American market.

Considerations for Optimizing Cycle Times

Working to get the mold open and closed as fast and efficiently as possible will ultimately help reduce cycle times. You can utilize several features and functions in order to accomplish this.

1. Mold movement during screw recovery

Using a machine that is capable of moving the clamp during screw recovery will help reduce cycle time.  While charging during clamp movement cannot generally be accomplished on servo hydraulic machines, Shibaura’s all-electric machines offer this capability because we have an independent electric servo motor for each key machine function.  By using a shut-off nozzle or Shibaura’s standard single zone pneumatic valve gate, you will avoid plastic drooling from the nozzle while using this function.

2. Clamp relax feature 

Look for a machine that offers a clamp relax feature, like the Shibaura SXIII all-electric series. This allows the clamp to relax during the cooling phase before mold opening, which reduces cycle time.

3. Eject on the fly / Core Pull on the fly

Mold open time should be consistent and minimal. You need to allow for just enough time for part removal. Having a machine that offers eject-on-the-fly can dramatically improve cycle times. Our machines also can offer dual air blow to help eject difficult parts, along with easy access to the ejector plate for faster and easier mold changes.  Our electric machine paired with a portable hydraulic unit allows for core on the fly functionality.

4. Ejector control

Having a machine that allows for multiple positions and ejector strokes controlled and fully customizable will allow you to get the most efficient cycle time possible. Shibaura’s machines allow for multiple ejector strokes on mold open and give you much more control of the speed and position in comparison to hydraulic machines.

5. Servo Motors

The servo technology that comes standard in Shibaura’s all-electric injection molding machines allows you to maximize the speed without damaging molding components or the machine. Programmable ejectors and clamp speeds/positions makes you more efficient while still maintaining a precise position. The servo control also comes with an auto deceleration feature that automatically slows down as you need to. Think of being able to open the clamp at 99% speed without slamming it open or shut!

6. LAP Sequence

Utilizing Shibaura Machine’s LAP sequence allows injection to start simultaneously as soon as the mold halves touch, but before lock-up. This function saves cycle time and allows for superior venting of the tool.

Use All-Electric Technology Capable of Simultaneous Movements

A high-speed injection molding machine that offers simultaneous motion will help reduce cycle times, dramatically optimizing your overall manufacturing process. Our SXIII offers an improvement of up to 30% in cycle times with the combination of simultaneous motion and high-speed movement. By offering the most innovative tools for speeding up mold setups, optimizing cycle times, analyzing part defects, and more you can ensure a faster payback on your machine investment.

Watch a high speed, all-electric Shibaura Machine in action below!