In the end of 2024, ENGEL and its partner SABIC showcased innovative solutions for electromobility at the St. Valentin technical center during Battery Innovation Day.

The event represented the close collaboration between ENGEL and its renowned partners, including SABIC, Forward Engineering, Siebenwurst, Ensinger, Freudenberg and DuPont.

ENGEL’s Battery Innovation Day at the St. Valentin technical center.

Demonstration at Battery Innovation Day

The highlight of the Battery Innovation Day was duo 5500 combi M, a two-platen injection molding machine. ENGEL demonstrated the manufacture of an innovative battery cover made of long glass fiber reinforced polypropylene from SABIC.

Demonstration of duo 5500 combi M, manufacturing a battery cover from the electromobility sector.

The dimensions of the component, 1.77 x 1.30 meters, underscore the potential of the duo 5500 combi M for large-scale applications.

The lid, developed in cooperation with partners, offers up to 30% weight reduction and a significant reduction in CO2 emissions by up to 40% compared to conventional metal solutions.

The use of composite sheets and thermoplastic materials allows exceptional stability, integrating functionality directly in the injection molding process, thus minimizing material use and post-processing.

Features of duo 5500 combi M

duo 5500 combi M is the largest injection moulding machine in a technical center worldwide, featuring a clamping force of 55,000 kN.

Its automation capabilities through the use of easix articulated arm robots enable precise process sequences such as the placement of composite sheets and the removal of finished components. This integration ensures maximum productivity and process consistency.

The injection molding machine offers a wide range of technologies that revolutionize the manufacturing process for large components:

• optimelt: Production of high-quality optical components from transparent plastics, ideal for headlights.

• foilmelt: Integration of decorative or functional films directly in the injection molding process.

• clearmelt: Coating of visible parts with polyurethane directly in the injection mold for painted or decorative surfaces.

• coinmelt: Injection compression molding for components with thin wall sections and high optical requirements.

• foammelt: Production of light, low-warpage, foamed components with optimized material use, particularly suitable for parts requiring low weight yet high stability.

• organomelt: Combination of thermoplastic composite materials with the injection molding process, creating strong yet lightweight and functional components, playing a key role in innovative lightweight solutions in the automotive industry.