ARBURG continues to enhance its reputation as a manufacturer of electric moulding machines with a series of orders for the electric ALLDRIVE machine series from new and existing customers.
 
With an emphasis on increasing production efficiencies, manufacturing repeatability and a reduction in energy usage, ARBURG has increased its market share in the UK through the supply of its advanced technology modular drive electric machines and the delivery of continued superior after-sales service.
 
Two key customers, QPM Ltd and Louver-Lite Ltd explain their rationale behind the ARBURG purchasing decision.

QPM, a technical moulder for industrial and electrical products (including the niche capacitor market), has, through its parent company Glendale Plastics in Fife, utilised the benefits of the ARBURG product for food applications, with the associated implications and demands of a food hygiene standard environment.
 
The initial tool trial took place in Germany, where a 100tonne ALLDRIVE machine demonstrated the essential combination of high production volume and  low cost production.
 
Ian Christie, Factory Manager, QPM, commented: “My responsibilities include the assessment of the various machines and suppliers in the injection moulding market. A particularly attractive feature of the modular drive electric ALLDRIVE was the energy savings to be made as compared to its competitors and  standard hydraulic machines. Under trials, the energy usage is less than 40% of what we have achieved on alternative machines, and the cycle times have also increased, with surprisingly no reduction in product quality – in fact, we have seen a significant improvement in repeatability.
 
“Our recent tests concluded with an impressive two second cycle time, combined with an extremely consistent and stable product – in this case, a small dished food container.
 
“We evaluated the market – aiming for a sub-five second cycle time target, but no other machine in this specification bracket came close.
 
“QPM has five other ARBURG machines, from 70tonne to 200tonne clamp force, producing both thermoplastic and thermoset products. These are real work-horses, reliable and low maintenance – a hallmark of the ARBURG machines  that we have come to expect in our ten year relationship – both great quality and great value for money.
 
“The SELOGICA control system is simple and straightforward to use, with the added bonus of providing a uniform, clear and precise system across the ARBURG range.”
 
The control uses flow chart analysis to allow the operator to identify where on a programme to start and end, that is freely configured for the operator or setter to control the cycle at any desired point. This provides for complex systems such as parallel functionality, enabling sophisticated analysis and control through a user-friendly inter-face.

Cheshire-based Louver-Lite currently has 24 moulding machines in production, all from the ARBURG stable. 
 
The company manufactures an extensive range of components and systems for the window blind industry, including the small precision gear mouldings inside the operating system for both roller and vertical blinds.
 
Louver-Lite continues to purchase from ARBURG. Tony Barnes, Engineering Director, explained: “ARBURG was the reason for choosing the electric moulding machine, our operators have a wide experience of the process control systems, and together with its proven track record of reliability, its compact footprint and the excellent spares and service available, ARBURG had to be our first choice when making an investment in a new moulding machines."
 
“Operator acceptance is an important factor in the decision making process – all the ARBURG machines use a similar interface through the SELOGICA control system, appreciated for its ease of use and minimal training requirement."
 
“In terms of our strategic cost down programme, the new tooling allowed up to 40 mouldings to be produced in one shot – this crucially enables a very competitive product, outperforming our Far Eastern competitors."
 
“With spiralling energy prices, the low energy consumption of the ALLDRIVE delivers significant savings. Together with the simultaneous movement of the machine operation and subsequent decreasing in cycle times, the ARBURG package is difficult to beat."
 
Colin Tirel, Managing Director, ARBURG Ltd, commented on the continuing popularity of the ARBURG ALLDRIVE machines: “We spend a great deal of time working closely with our customers, identifying their requirements and seeking continuous improvements in our products and service. "
 
“We are delighted with the level of satisfaction our machines have created.  In this highly competitive market, and the constant need to drive down costs, our product has demonstrated a rare combination of fast cycle times, reliability and low energy consumption. This is the aim of any moulder and is a record of which we are very proud."
 
“It is interesting and pleasing to note that we have seen substantial growth in our electric machine sales over the last two years and expect this to continue in the future.”