Continuing the all-electric injection moulding machinery success story

At the K-Preview, Dr. Thorsten Thümen, Senior Director Technology, revealed the ongoing strategic focus and new products coming from Sumitomo (SHI) Demag

At the introductory press conference for K 2022, Dr Thorsten Thümen, Senior Director Technology, outlined the company’s evolving strategic focus. He also gave guests a clear indication of the upcoming product innovations that will feature as exhibits at the world’s leading trade fair, drawing upon the successes of the company’s all-electric injection moulding machine portfolio.

"We are focusing on the global expansion of the IntElect platform, which will open up additional fields of application," explained Dr Thümen. For example, a "multi" version for the efficient production of multicomponents, as well as a high performance IntElect S. Both new additions will cover the medium clamp force range. Additionally, standardised process engineering equipment packages for LSR and physical foaming (MuCell) will be available.

Keeping PAC-E with packaging trends

Indicative of the importance of the packaging market at Sumitomo (SHI) Demag, Dr Thümen announced a corresponding expansion in this area. Based upon the El-Exis SP platform, this includes future delivery of a “servo” variant equipped with servo pumps in the medium and high clamping force range to further enhance energy-efficiency, as well as additional supplementation of process engineering equipment packages.

The most exciting development for the packaging market will be the global unveiling of a new high speed machine series at K 2022. Named PAC-E and initially targeted at packaging applications requiring a medium clamp force, Dr Thümen briefly described PAC-E as a fusion of features from the El-Exis platform and IntElect series. Yet with a brand new injection unit specifically developed for high speed packaging applications.

Accelerating automation plans

Simultaneously, the company continues to drive forward its in-house development of automation solutions. The SAM (Sumitomo (SHI) Demag. Automation. Machine.) robotics concept first unveiled last year comprised the SAM-C. A linear 4-axis robot with cartesian kinematics for standard applications to complement the longstanding cooperation with Sepro and its linear 4-axis SDR. 2

A new addition is an innovative variant of the SAM robot. Designed for more complex requirements, it combines the linear axis system with other technologies. “The SAM models are our proprietary automation products. The design, software and servo motor technology comes from our company," emphasised the Senior Director Technology.

Overall, the company’s automation strategy comprises three pillars: ‘Easy Automation’ is the standardised production solution, encompassing an injection moulding machine and robot. Designed for handle&place and handle&box applications, it offers users a compact production unit footprint, extensive handling functions, with fully integrated robot control. ‘Industry Solutions’ blends automation concepts developed specifically for the automotive, consumer and electronic industries with automation solutions created by partners for special packaging and medical applications. Lastly, ‘Customized Automation’ that is based on concepts developed by regional experts located across automation competence centres spanning Europe, Asia and America.

Setting the sustainability example

Presenting a total of eight full-electric machines under the ‘Act! Sustainably’ slogan at the revered Dusseldorf show, four will be showcased on the Sumitomo (SHI) Demag stand (Hall 15, D22) and a further four at the VDMA’s Circular Economy Area, Sepro (Hall 12, Booth A36), ONI (Hall 10, Booth F45) and Pagès (Hall 13).

Additionally, the company’s web-based software solution ‘myConnect’ plays a central role in presenting critical data and decision making information in real time. “Looking to the future, all new machines will be equipped with this central platform, which offers a wide range of fully networked support services. It’s now been extended to also include condition monitoring. Additionally, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag is driving the digitisation and implementation of AI-supported systems through to an IoT platform that combines all functions," states Dr Thümen.

In his presentation at the K-Preview, the Senior Director Technology presented the individual exhibits, highlighting special technological features and disclosed more application-specific information. More details were promised to the public in the run up to the international trade show.

Venturing to sum up the strategic outlook, notwithstanding the aggregate effects of global economic uncertainties, Dr Thümen announced: "Our strategic ambition is to be an international system provider respected for our industry-oriented application expertise, with a European focus," he announced. The company’s global positioning and associated strength should provide the basis for this. Drawing upon the synergies between the individual plants in Germany (Schwaig/Wiehe), China (Ningbo) and Japan (Chiba). 3

He used the hydraulic series Systec XL to put this into context. Citing that delivery times in Europe should drastically reduce, customers in Asia get access to previously unavailable machines and market penetration in South America increases.

With the all-electric IntElect series, the strategic direction remains steadfast. Standard applications will continue to have orders fulfilled in Chiba. For industry orientated and customised solutions, the IntElect machines will be manufactured in Germany.

Sumitomo (SHI) Demag Plastics Machinery GmbH

Sumitomo (SHI) Demag has shaped the development of the plastics industry from its very beginning. As a specialist for injection moulding machines for plastics processing, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag and its Japanese parent company are leading the industry.

The global development and production network of Sumitomo Heavy Industries and Sumitomo (SHI) Demag is comprised of four facilities in Japan, Germany and China with more than 3,100 employees. The product portfolio includes all-electric, hydraulic and hybrid injection moulding machines with clamping forces of between 500 kN to 15,000 kN. With more than 154,000 installed machines, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag is present in important global markets and ranks among the largest manufacturers of injection moulding machines in the world.

At Sumitomo’s headquarters in Chiba, Japan, the company manufactures machines with clamping forces in the small to medium range. Nearly 95 % of all delivered machines are equipped with an all-electric drive concept. Sumitomo (SHI) Demag’s German facilities in Schwaig and Wiehe produce the Systec Servo range with hybrid drive as well as the El-Exis SP and Systec SP range of high-speed, high-performance machines. The all-electric IntElect range for international customers is also being produced in Germany.

As early as 1998, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag set up its first production site in Ningbo/China. In 2015, the Chinese subsidiary Demag Plastics Machinery (Ningbo) Co., Ltd. installed a new facility with a 13,000 m² floor space. It is earmarked for the production of the Systec C range with clamping forces of between 500 and 10,000 kN for the Asian market.

In addition to injection moulding machines, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag offers customised and standardised systems for the part handling automation, technical and process solutions for special applications, tailored services and service concepts as well as a range of financial options to support investment in injection moulding machines.

With its comprehensive sales and service network of subsidiaries and agencies, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag is present in all major markets.