Page 70 - Plastics News - April 2026
P. 70
TECHNOLOGY NEWS
The Electric injection molding machines are one companies are able to locate areas of ineffi-
of the most radical changes that have taken ciency, trace energy wastage, and streamline
place in Smart plastic manufacturing. Consider- machine operation through predictive data. The
ing that the main driver in the conventional hy- platforms which are data-driven assist operators
draulic machines, the electric models are ser- to adjust the process parameters like tempera-
vo-powered to restrain all movements of the ture, pressure, and cycle time in order to obtain
injection process. maximum efficiency.
The electric machines provide a few benefits The industrial automation systems also facili-
such as controlled, high cycles, lower levels of tate the automated shutdowns during idle times
noise, and the energy consumption is quite low. that avoid unnecessary use of power. Predictive
Since they use power only when it is needed, maintenance utilities observe how machines are
such by provisioning power on motion they re- operating and identify problems before they
move the constant energy losses of hydraulic cause any type of energy waste or machine
pumps. breakdown.
Electric injection molding machines also increase These smart systems are making plastic manu-
production consistency and fewer requirements facturing plants very efficient manufacturing
to maintain production in addition to increasing environments contributing towards Sustainable
energy efficiency. Their environmentally positive Plastic Manufacturing objectives.
working as well facilitates Green plastics manu- Sustainable Polymer Processing Through Ma-
facturing efforts by reducing the use of oil and terial Innovation
possible contamination.
The selection of materials is an important fac-
Most manufacturers are looking to upgrade old- tor towards the realization of Sustainable poly-
er hydraulic systems to hybrid or fully electric mer processing. The science of polymers is also
machines as part of more extensive energy ef- progressing to allow the creation of materials
ficiency initiatives to modernise plastic produc- that lessen the processing temperatures, lessen
tion plants.
cycle times, and lessen the amount of mechani-
Smart Plastic Manufacturing and Digital Ener- cal force that is necessary in the manufacturing
gy Management process.
The digital transformation is significantly contrib- The development of new versions of biode-
uting to the enhancement of Energy optimization gradable polymers, recycled plastics and high
in the operations of the plastics industry. With performance engineering plastics are assisting
the combination of sensors, real time monitoring manufacturers to use less energy and enhance
systems and sophisticated analytics, manufac- the performance of their products. These ma-
turers can monitor energy usage by machines, terials facilitate the Production of Eco-Friendly
processes and even complete production lines. Plastic through a reduced environmental impact
of production and disposal at the end of life.
With Smart plastic manufacturing technologies,
72 PLASTICS NEWS April 2026
