Netstal to unveil two new ELION models at K 2013

Netstal is expanding the successful ELION product range by two new models. At the K 2013 in Dusseldorf, the premium manufacturer will be launching the ELION 4200 with hybrid drive concept and the all-electric version of the ELION 2200 (October 16 to 23, Hall 15, Stand B27/C24/C27/D24). As such, the company is offering two further highly efficient machines for manufacturing complex molded parts for packaging, closures, medical technology and high-precision technical parts. Netstal is showing the ELION 4200 for the first time already at drinktec 2013 (September 16 to 20, Hall B3, Stand 339).

Production of water caps in just 2.0 seconds at drinktec 2013 and K 2013
Netstal will be demonstrating the manufacture of a 29/25 water cap on a new ELION 4200. Mold partner is the Swiss company Schöttli. The HDPE molded part will be produced in a total cycle time of just 2.0 seconds using a 96-cavity mold. Closure cooling and air drying will be carried out using equipment provided by Austrian company Eisbär and ef-cooling from Switzerland, while the German company Intravis is responsible for comprehensive inspection.

Manufacture of 1ml syringe cylinders on fully electric ELION 2200
A 1ml syringe cylinder made from Basell polypropylene will be produced on the new, all-electric ELION 2200. The cycle time will be around 9.6 seconds, achieved despite a product weight of 1.54 grams. Manufacturing of the medical part will take place using a 48-cavity mold from the Swiss company Tanner. Motan (Switzerland) is responsible for material handling, while cooling will be provided by another Swiss-based company, ef-cooling.

New ELION 4200 – thanks to innovative drive unit we achieve highest energy savings
"At K 2013, Netstal will be presenting two new models of the successfully established ELION series, consequently underpinning its position as a market leader for fast and precise machines," said Dr Hans Ulrich Golz, CEO of Netstal and president of the injection molding technology segment of the KraussMaffei Group. The new 4200 clamping force size is based on the proven hybrid drive concept. The combination of different drive technologies requires an optimized drive concept adapted to requirements. Netstal's innovative Eco Powerunit drive takes full advantage of the energy-saving potential of hybrid technology. In comparison to conventional, hydraulically driven toggle lever machines, the ELION hybrid reduces energy consumption by up to 50 percent, and that at the level of performance not achieved by far by all-electric machines. "Thanks to its innovative dual-valve technology, the high-performance injection unit, which is also used in our EVOS series, is able to reach injection speeds of up to 2,000mm/s at extreme levels of acceleration. This level of injection performance minimizes material use and reduces cycle times. Ultimately, this offers the benefit of lower production costs," explained Dr Golz.

Highest precision and reproducibility for high-quality products in the medical industry
Netstal will also be presenting an expansion of the all-electric ELION product range in the form of clamping force size 2200. A machine that is fast, precise, reliable, user-friendly and cost-effective in terms of operation, the all-electric ELION has all the typical Netstal features and also offers numerous innovative detail solutions that leave nothing to be desired in terms of a state-of-the-art injection molding machine. Consistent cleanroom suitability, high process capabilities and top injection speeds make this injection molding machine the most commonly used core element of complex production systems for the manufacture of applications in the medical technology sector.

ELION's success story began back in 2003, when Netstal launched the all-electric ELION series with clamping forces of 500kN and 1,750kN. Netstal wrote another chapter in the ELION story when it expanded its clamping force range with the 2,200kN and 2,800kN models in 2010 and the 3,200kN model for Fakuma 2012.

Source: Netstal