Golden Electric Evo: Combining Speed, Precision, and Sustainability

• Local To Local: Asia Allrounder Series Golden Electric Evo
• Electric: Entry-level machines for the Asian market
• Focus: “Made by Arburg” – cost effective and quickly available
• Efficient: Up to 50 per cent less energy consumption

The Golden Electric Evo series, which has been available since 2024, is fully tailored to Asia. The electric Allrounders combine the “Made by Arburg” quality seal known throughout the global market with unbeatable value for money and short delivery times, making the purchase of an Arburg machine easy, quick and cost effective for Asian customers. It is also suitable for LSR applications and can be automated with a Flexlift linear robotic system, which is also specially designed for Asia.

Arburg set the initial course for its “local-to-local” activities back in 2020, with the opening of the Arburg Technology Factory (ATF) in Pinghu. Initially, activities focused on adapting Allrounder machines to customer-specific requirements and implementing turnkey systems in cooperation with local suppliers of moulds and peripheral equipment.

Tailored for customers in Asia

This was followed in 2023 by the Flexlift linear robotic system and 2024 the Allrounder Golden Electric Evo. Both product series are specifically tailored to the requirements of customers in Asia and are also exclusively available there. Assembly in the ATF ensures quick availability of the entry-level electric machines. The portfolio includes the sizes 370, 470, 520 and 570, which cover clamping forces ranging from 600 to 2,000 kN. The injection units range from size 100 to size 800, for shot weights of up to around 430 grams of PS.

Precision, fast and energy efficiency

The Allrounder Golden Electric Evo is extremely precise, thanks to its high-quality injection units. The servo-electric drives for “inject”, “dose” and “open and close mould” deliver fast acceleration, high speeds, and simultaneous movements, all of which add up to short cycle times. Compared to standard hydraulic machines, the dry cycle times are up to two seconds shorter. What’s more, the energy requirement can be reduced by up to 50 per cent with the toggle-type clamping unit, the high efficiency of the servo-electric drive and recovery of braking energy.

https://www.arburg.com/en/

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Enhance Production Efficiency with Arburg’s Flexlift Robotic System

• For Asia: Flexlift For Automated Production Of Moulded Parts
• Exclusive: Robotic system specifically for Asia
• Flexible: Flexlift with loads of 5, 10, or 15 kilograms and one or two vertical axes
• Reliable, fast, precise: Powerful introduction to automated moulded part production

Arburg now offers a linear robotic system designed specifically and exclusively for the Asian market as an entry-level solution for the automated production of moulded parts: the Flexlift – available in six different versions. The vertical-entry robotic system is perfectly adapted to the requirements of customers from Asia. For example, the Flexlift can also be installed on the operating side of the machine if required.

Arburg’s Flexlift, which is produced exclusively in and for Asia, has been designed to meet the market’s demand for a reliable, fast and precise robotic system with an impressive price/performance ratio.

Powerful and user friendly

The Flexlift is suitable for Allrounder injection moulding machines in sizes 320 to 570. The flexible robotic system is available in six different versions: with loads of 5, 10 or 15 kilograms and with the option of one or two vertical axes. Typical areas of application include the careful removal of moulded parts and sprue, the handling of inserts, and applications in medical technology and clean rooms. Particles are reliably retained thanks to the encapsulated design and a filter for the vacuum generator.

Its low height and telescopic design mean that the robotic system is also suitable for confined spaces. Powerful, energy-efficient servo motors ensure that the vertical mould-entry axes are extremely dynamic and precise – enabling fast removal, precise and vibration-free movements and short cycle times. To save energy and reduce wear, axis speeds can be reduced if necessary. The robust, low-maintenance technology and optional performance-dependent automatic lubrication ensure a long service life and high availability.

Modular adaptability

Arburg can adapt the modular Flexlift precisely to the respective requirements – for example, with application-specific drives and valve sets alongside variable positioning of the control cabinet. This is supplemented by easily accessible pneumatic and vacuum interfaces for end-of-arm tooling (EOAT) and peripheral technology. If needed, Arburg can also implement complete turnkey systems in its Technology Factory (ATF) in Pinghu and additively manufacture gripper components for the Flexlift, for example.

Robotic system integrated into controller

The robotic system is quick and easy to get up and running because the control panel has the same interface as the machine controller. Integration via OPC UA enables enhanced communication and synchronisable movements. One major advantage is that the data sets of the machine and the robot can be stored and retrieved together. This central data set saves time, reduces the effort required to manage configuration data, and significantly increases process reliability and production efficiency. The machine controller can be used to start and stop the robotic system, for example, and to display and acknowledge alarm messages.

https://www.arburg.com/

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Advanced Robotics and Digitalisation: Arburg’s Showcase in Shenzhen

• Customised For Asia: Allrounder E Golden Electric Evo And Flexlift RoboticSystem
• Local-to-local: Arburg presents interesting technologies for the Asian market at Chinaplas
• Focus: mobility, medicine and automation
• General contractor: Arburg provides customers with everything from a single source

At Chinaplas from 15 to 18 April 2025 in Shenzhen, China, Arburg will be presenting interesting technologies for the Asian market. At stand F41 in hall 12, two Allrounder E Golden Electric Evo machines will demonstrate reliable LSR processing and the efficient production of medical bulk items. A turnkey system centred around an Allrounder rotary table machine will produce connector components fully automatically for the mobility sector, which is growing in China. Special exhibition areas for arburgSOLUTIONworld, including the topics of automation, digitalisation and service, round off the trade fair presentation.

“Chinaplas is the most important platform in Asia for presenting our local-to-local strategy. With the Allrounders Golden Electric Evo and the Flexlift Robot system we are showcasing products that are specifically interesting to our customers in China and Asia at an attractive price-performance ratio and short delivery times. In addition, there are local automation solutions that we implement in Pinghu with local partners,” explains Zhao Tong, Managing Director of the Arburg organisations in China. “As a technology and system partner, we offer everything from a single source and also provide our customers with comprehensive support in the turnkey business, in digitalisation and with our services.”

Electrical machines for LSR and medicine

The two Chinplas exhibits from the Golden Electric Evo series impressively demonstrate the performance of these electric, very precise Allrounder injection moulding machines. Compared to standard hydraulic machines, dry cycle times are reduced by up to two seconds. In addition, the energy requirement can be reduced by up to 50 per cent.

An Allrounder 470 E Golden Electric Evo with a clamping force of 1,000 kN uses a 160-cavity cold runner mould from Fangyi to produce sealing elements weighing 0.06 grams each from liquid silicone (LSR) from Wacker – burr-free and with an injection precision of 0.01 millimetres. These LSR injection-moulded parts are used to protect the individual wires in automotive connectors against the penetration of liquid media.

An Allrounder 570 E Golden Electric Evo with a clamping force of 2,000 kN will demonstrate the production-efficient manufacture of prefillable syringe barrels from the glass substitute material COP (Cyclic Olefin Polymer). COP is transparent and has similar barrier properties to glass, but is virtually unbreakable and more cost-efficient to produce. The exhibit is equipped with an 8-cavity mould from Unistar. A Flexlift 10 linear robotic system gently removes the moulded parts from the mould and places them on a conveyor belt.

Turnkey system overmoulds inserts fully automatically

Electromobility and the automotive industry in general are becoming increasingly important in China. A sophisticated turnkey system for this industry will be on show at Chinaplas 2025. The centrepiece is an Allrounder 1600 T rotary table machine with a clamping force of 2,000 kN, which sequentially overmoulds metal inserts into high-voltage modules for automotive connectors. A small six-axis robot feeds the inserts into the system via a transfer platform and also stacks the finished moulded parts. A second, large six-axis robot places the metal inserts in one half of Concraft’s injection mould. After overmoulding with glass fibre-reinforced PBT, it transfers the pre-moulded parts to the second half of the mould, where the finished module is produced by overmoulding again.

Comprehensive: automation, digitalisation, service

Arburg has decades of expertise in injection moulding, automation and digitalisation and offers a wide range of services that enable customers to manufacture their products efficiently, quickly and to a high standard of quality. The arburgSOLUTIONworld exhibition area brings together consulting expertise on all these topics. The Arburg experts will also answer individual questions and present, for example, the Arburg host computer system ALS, the arburgXworld customer portal and the range of spare parts and calibration services. The Flexlift will also be in focus. This modular linear robotic system can be customised precisely to the respective requirements – e.g. with application-specific drives, valve sets and variable control cabinet positioning.

https://www.arburg.com/en/

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Balaji Suresh to Spearhead Husky’s Operations as COO

Husky Technologies, a global leader in injection molding technology and solutions, is pleased to announce the appointment of Balaji Suresh to Chief Operations Officer (COO). With over two decades of experience in global manufacturing, supply chain, and operational leadership, Balaji brings a wealth of expertise to Husky at a pivotal moment in the company’s growth journey.

Balaji joins Husky from L3Harris Technologies, where he served as Vice President of Global Supply Chain, leading enterprise-wide operations and supply chain initiatives. His career is marked by a strong commitment to operational excellence, digital transformation, and strategic growth. He has successfully implemented lean transformations, optimized complex supply chains, and driven customer-focused solutions in dynamic industrial environments.

“Balaji embodies the core values that define Husky’s relentless pursuit of excellence,” said Bradley Selleck, Husky’s CEO. “His deep expertise in digital manufacturing innovation, coupled with his ability to build and inspire high-performance teams, makes him the ideal leader to elevate our operations and accelerate our ambitious growth trajectory. His passion for technology-driven transformation and commitment to delivering superior customer value align seamlessly with Husky’s strategic vision.”

As COO, Balaji will oversee Husky’s global manufacturing and supply chain operations, ensuring seamless integration of cutting-edge digital solutions and lean manufacturing principles to enhance efficiency and customer experience. His leadership will play a crucial role in strengthening Husky’s operational resilience and reinforcing its industry leadership in precision engineering and sustainable manufacturing solutions.

“I am thrilled and honored to join Husky at such an exciting time,” said Balaji Suresh. “Husky’s reputation for excellence, innovation, and customer-centricity is unparalleled, and I look forward to working with this incredible team to deliver on our commitments through operational excellence, technology, and innovation.”

Husky remains committed to advancing the industry with innovative solutions that prioritize sustainability, efficiency, and precision. The addition of Balaji to the leadership team underscores the company’s ongoing investment in top-tier talent and its mission to shape the future of manufacturing.

https://www.husky.co/en/

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3D People Helps Zeal Bring Elegance and Function to Mobility Devices

Zeal Lifestyle is a sustainable lifestyle company, based in Surrey, UK; with a specific focus on stylish and highly functional and adaptable mobility aids for supported living.

The Zeal journey began when its two founders — Georgia Williams and Joshua King — independently looked into purchasing a walker for family members. Before that, though, both Georgia and Josh studied industrial design at Brunel University in London. Georgia going on to work for renowned fashion brand Dior for a number of years, while Josh garnered experience working as an industrial designer for Seymour Powell and Factory Design.

During the Covid pandemic lockdowns, Georgia’s Great Aunt, at 86 years old, needed a walker to use both indoors and outdoors to support her mobility. Despite Georgia searching for hours and hours, she could not find a stylish walker that suited her Great aunt’s stylish tastes and personality. Resistance to using mobility aids is a common obstacle for family members both in terms of denial that it is needed, but also the resentment of having to purchase a device that often looks and feels limited and unappealing.

This is what inspired Zeal Lifestyle, Georgia and Josh decided to take this matter into their own hands and design a walker putting the end user first. At the end of last year, Zeal opened for pre-orders having earned global recognition and awards for its user-centred design, including the Unlocking Potential Award by Innovate UK. The full and official launch, which will include delivery of pre-orders and opening up for direct retail options to purchase, is scheduled for Summer 2025.

The Zeal walker is coming to market following four years of collaboration with users and a comprehensive product development process, that is completely in line with what would be expected for a Class 1 medical device that has to adhere to specific ISO standards.

Zeal’s mission is to remove the stigma of walkers and mobility aids, and provide a product that users are proud to be seen with. The emotions involved in accepting the need for and purchasing a mobility aid should not be underestimated. A walker that offers elegant style and comfort, as well as being lightweight and easy to handle goes a long way towards overcoming any emotional resistance. This is the ethos behind Zeal and it shows.

However, bringing that ethos into the real world is neither quick nor easy. The product development process, by necessity for a class 1 medical device, is exacting and challenging.

Safety and efficiency of the device are vital, while incorporating the essence of Zeal’s style and comfort. In addition, sustainability has also been a very important element of Zeal’s development and as a result of that commitment, the Zeal walker has been fully designed for disassembly.

For the prototyping of Zeal’s plastic parts, the Zeal team worked with 3D People. The development of the Zeal mobility aid was complex and required numerous series of functional prototypes during the iterative process that had to meet demanding requirements. The first fully functional Zeal walker prototype was made with 3D printed parts for testing size and human interactions. Utilising the Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) and MultiJet Fusion (MJF) processes offered by 3D People, along with their finishing options ensured Zeal received the high-quality parts they required reliably and fast. According to Josh: “Over the past year, we’ve ordered around 500 parts in SLS and MJF for various prototypes and design iterations. The MJF process is great for parts that need to be smooth and after post-processing, it’s hard to tell them apart from injection-moulded parts. SLS works better for visual parts since the off-white finish is more aesthetically pleasing than MJF’s dark grey. We switch between the two different processes depending on the stage of design. Costs are also important, of course, and these can also vary based on part size and process used, so that’s something we factor in too, but it’s an easy thing.”

It’s hard to overstate how important quality is for functional prototypes that have to go through stringent testing. Josh continued: “The quality of the parts from 3D People has been consistently excellent. Everything we’ve received has been accurate, and there’s been very little need for extra finishing before testing. Any issues we have had were sorted quickly by the team, which has made the whole process much easier.”

When finishing of parts was required, 3D People offer multiple options including dedicated vapour smoothing, vibro-polishing and dyeing. The company also stands out for its creative approach to finishing and working with clients to get the finish they want. For the Zeal, Josh found the vapour smoothing option invaluable for a number of parts and for different reasons. He said: “Vapour smoothing gives the parts a polished look and makes them feel nicer. It also saves us from having to do extra finishing work later, which has been a big time-saver. Vapour smoothing can also give a more waterproof finish which is easy to wipe clean which was really useful for us because unfinished parts get dirty really quickly and easily, which is not ideal when undertaking multiple user tests.”

Pre-orders for the Zeal walker have exceeded expectations, according to Georgia and the company is working hard to fulfil them all ahead of the summer launch.

www.3dpeople.uk

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Mondi’s Commitment to a Circular Economy with Re/Cycle Pouch

• Mondi collaborated with Sherwin-Williams to introduce re/cycle SpoutedPouch for paint concentrate.
• Mondi created a wider spout so Sherwin-Williams can easily fill the pouch, and end users can conveniently pour the concentrate.
• The durable pouch is a replacement for traditional plastic tubs, reducing plastic consumption by 90% vs a 5L bucket.

Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper, collaborated with Sherwin-Williams, a global leader in paints and coatings, to introduce re/cycle SpoutedPouch as a refill option for its concentrated paint, sold on the UK market. Leveraging the expertise in its Halle/Steinfeld plant in Germany, Mondi introduced a wider spout for easier filling and pouring, while ensuring the mono-material pouch is designed to protect its contents.

The paint concentrate was developed to replace the traditional 5-litre pre-mixed paint in rigid plastic tubs. Consumers are encouraged to reuse these tubs to mix the paint concentrate and then recycle the refill’s packaging. It comes in a lightweight 950ml spouted pouch with instructions for mixing clearly printed on the side. The spout offers excellent pourability to make it easy to mix with water and create the needed amount of paint. The pouch can be tightly closed after usage, preserving any unused concentrate.

Mondi worked closely with Sherwin-Williams to deliver a solution tailored to their specific packaging needs. re/cycle Spouted Pouch is a pre-made pouch made from polyethylene mono-material and has a wider spout making it easier for Sherwin-Williams to fill the paint concentrate. Mondi’s SpoutedPouch reduces packaging waste and provides ease of use to outdoor painting projects, along with minimising the space needed to transport and store paint.

The condensed size compared to regular 5-litre pre-mixed paint tins means 230% more units can fit on each pallet, resulting in increased efficiency within the supply chain. The pouches also take up less space on retail shelves and come packaged in shelf-ready tear-front boxes of five units, allowing easier stock replenishment compared to traditional tins.

“It’s more convenient for consumers to carry home and the leftovers are easily stored. It will also increase transport efficiency thanks to the reduced weight and size of the packaging.

By selling concentrate in spouted pouches rather than premixed fence stain in rigid tubs, we’ve reduced plastic usage by up to 90%*,” enthused Christina Rowe, Head of Product Marketing at Sherwin-Williams.

“Our newly introduced solution has big potential for industrial applications, and we leverage our integrated value chain for pouch production, from the film extrusion to lamination to the spout insertion. We were careful to ensure high-quality printing, so the branding stands out on the shelf, and the mixing instructions are clear and easily readable,” explained Gary Knight, Regional Sales at Mondi.

Ronseal concentrated fence stain in a pouch is now available online, at DIY markets and through retailers across the UK. Mondi is continuously working on innovative and sustainable solutions for various industries and end-markets that help their customers to achieve their sustainability goals, such as developing a paint packaging that is sustainable by design.

www.mondigroup.com

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Oversupply Drives Shutdowns Across Southeast Asia’s PE Sector

A recent wave of plant shutdowns among polyethylene (PE) producers across southeast Asia has been seen by some as a reflection of how dire the situation in the market is.

At the same time, many also believe such actions are needed to rebalance a market plagued by oversupply.

• Over 2 million tonnes of capacity shut in recent months
• Most shutdowns due to commercial reasons
• No panic buying yet seen in the market

Over the last six months in southeast Asia, over 1 million tonnes of linear low-density PE (LLDPE) and over 1.3 million tonnes of high density PE (HDPE) nameplate capacity have been taken offline.

This was mostly due to plant operators trying to stem the wave of losses incurred by a combination of high production costs and low prices.

In the past, such drastic reductions of prompt PE supply available to buyers in southeast Asia would have triggered worries about panic buying and severe spot market shortages.

This time around, buyers and traders appear to have shrugged off the potential impact of the shutdowns while some suppliers have even quietly welcomed the shutdowns as necessary.

“I don’t think the panic situation will occur,” said a market source.

In the week ended 7 February, Malaysia’s Pengerang Refining and Petrochemical (PRefChem) was the latest producer to have shut its downstream polymer production units.

This has taken PRefChem’s total capacity of 750,000 tonnes/year of PE out of the market for at least 1-2 months, according to market sources.

Although the cause of PRefChem’s latest shutdown is unknown, it comes hot on the heels of similar decisions taken by other producers in southeast Asia.

These include Vietnam’s Long Son Petrochemical, the Philippines’ JG Summit Olefins and Malaysia’s LOTTE Chemical Titan, all of which have either partially or fully shut their polymer units for commercial reasons.

None of the producers have given any firm indications of when they plan to restart.

“This means that cheap [PE] cargo is no longer easily available,” said one market source.

The shutdowns in southeast Asia also appear to have coincided with some unplanned shutdowns in the Middle East, which also seems to have further reduced supply for importers in southeast Asia, particularly for the LLDPE segment.

Some market sources said these shutdowns in southeast Asia, while painful for employees there, should be seen as a much-needed antidote to address at least some of the supply overhang, against a backdrop of very slow downstream demand.

“Good, all these shutdowns will reduce the oversupply,” said another source.

In theory, PE consumption in southeast Asia’s biggest markets – Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines – still exceeds capacity and the region remains a major export market.

Nevertheless, PE demand has been in the doldrums since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Many plants in southeast Asia plants rely on naphtha to produce ethylene (C2), which is then used to produce PE and other downstream products.

ICIS data show the spread between C2 and PE has been weak for an extended period of time, raising production costs and reducing the incentive for producers to increase their PE production rates.

In addition, ICIS data show LLDPE import prices in southeast Asia currently holding at just off their one-year lows, at $960-1,000/tonne CFR (cost and freight) SE (southeast) Asia Dutiable in the week ended 7 February.

HDPE film import prices are also at their lowest since July 2023, at $940-960/tonne CFR SE Asia Dutiable in the week ended 7 February.

“So despite all these plant shutdowns and the reduced supply, it’s still very hard to increase prices as demand is still very weak,” a market source said.

While many market players separately expect suppliers to independently increase their offers in light of the more recent plant shutdowns, some called for caution, given that demand fundamentals have shown little signs of improvement since the start of 2025.

“Some… customers are back to work this week and they wait and see on the market situation after the holiday. They are not rushing to restock,” another market source said.

In the latest ICIS price forecast report, ICIS analysts said they expect some seasonal demand increases in March to drive prices higher.

“On top of this, supply in southeast Asia is expected to be relatively tight during this period as plants undergo seasonal turnarounds and because of prolonged outages due to margin challenges,” the analysts added.

https://www.icis.com/

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Redefining Electrical Safety with Superior Wiring Technology

Innovative plug inserts and cables allow fast and space-saving wiring of power/signal plugs to the mould. With an extended product range, HASCO hot runner offers even more possibilities to make applications more efficient and less expensive.

New attractively priced aluminium-shielded cable

For applications in which the premium cable as per DIN 16765 with its special inserts, metal mesh shielding and robust silicone sheath is not necessary, HASCO offers the cable H1251/… with aluminium shielding and PVC covering. This not only offers outstanding protection against interference signals, but it is also very attractively priced. Available in four different wiring variants and lengths of 3 and 6 metres, it allows perfect solutions for individual applications.

Tool-free cable connection

A plug, that sets new standards in the wiring of injection moulds is proving to be particularly user-friendly. The integrated fasteners do not need any tools to securely fix the strands. A mechanism in the plug holds the cable firmly and at the same time enables easier removal. As also necessary with previous wiring, cable lugs are required and the wiring time itself can be reduced by 75 % compared with the screwed variant.

Space-saving plug for 12 control zones

In view of space problems in the mould area, HASCO offers a new plug, which not only has an impressive 12 control zones, but also maintains the maximum load ability of 16A per zone. This means that less space is needed for the plug connections in the mould and large, complex terminal boxes are outdated. The bulkhead housing is identical to the previous 6-zone plug inserts.

Seamless integration with HASCO wiring

Finally, HASCO now offers a connecting cable to fit the new plug with, on the one hand, the new compact plug layout and, on the other, the proven HASCO wiring. This means that the existing control technology can continue to be used without problem.

With these innovative solutions, HASCO hot runner makes it possible for its customers to make industrial applications even more efficient, less expensive and more space-saving.

https://www.hasco.com/

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