Oerlikon to focus on hot runner systems for packaging at Fakuma 2023

At Fakuma 2023 in Friedrichshafen, Germany, Oerlikon HRSflow will focus on sustainable and efficient hot runner systems in thermoplastic injection molding. In addition to future-oriented automotive applications, the focus will also be on trendsetting technologies and projects in packaging industry.

FLEXflow for demanding injection molding tasks

This technology acts as a sought-after solution for demanding injection molding tasks. The servo-driven valve gate system is combined with a flexibly programmable control unit. This configuration allows precise and independent adjustment of the stroke and force of the needle position of each nozzle during the opening and closing phases of cascading injection processes.

Its possibility may extend to back injection of foils, intelligent automotive surfaces and lighting applications. The use especially in family molds enables significantly cost savings compared to separate injection of the individual parts.

Multi-cavity system for caps and closures

This system is designed for the simultaneous high productivity production of 72 caps. With the new Vf nozzle series, it enables very short cycle times of 2.2 to 3.5 seconds while ensuring maximum process reliability through outstanding control and optimum balancing of the filling process.

Multi-cavity system, equipped with new Vf nozzle series, allows very short cycle times of 2.2 to 3.5 seconds.

The technical solution is suitable for both carbonated and non-carbonated beverages as well as liquid and powdered concentrates. It meets all requirements of the new European single-use plastic directive, which makes tethered closures mandatory for all beverage of up to 3L.

Specially developed for HDPE caps and closures, the Vf nozzles from the new multi-cavity line are suitable for part weights from 0.5g to 8g. They stand for reliably consistent product qualities, fast color changes and system restarts.

The special nozzle tip allows optimum control in the gate area and improves cycle time and the separate replaceability of the nozzle tip allows fast and cost-effective maintenance.

Rheologically optimized hot runner geometries ensure significantly increased reactivity and thus effectiveness of the system. Special inserts minimize the time required for color changes while keeping reject rates low. This contributes to the production sustainability even with particular critical colors.

Stack mold for thin-walled packaging

The new stack mold is developed for time, material and energy-saving injection molding of thin-walled, ecologically optimized packaging. This new patent-pending solution, will soon be available on the market. It is equipped with nozzles of the new Xd series which allows high filling pressures for cost-efficient production with continuously high quality.

The stack feature supports the use of smaller injection molding machines. With a plug-and-play installation, assembly and maintenance are simplified and highly efficient, avoiding long and costly downtime. The new solution is also suitable for processing PCR plastics and sustainable compounds, which aligns with circular economy requirements.

The demo tool with this system is available for public to try the most challenging polymers for thin-wall packaging applications. At Oerlikon’s Test Lab, ENGEL e-Speed 280 IMM-Hybrid solution is also available to manage mainly rPET, bio-based and compostable polymers, in line with the new EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation.