Motion Control & Drives


Plastic injection moulding technology reduces energy consumption and cuts emissions

Technews Industry Guide: Sustainable Manufacturing 2023 Motion Control & Drives

With energy prices rising steeply, plastic injection moulding companies like automotive component, technical and packaging manufacturers, have had to relook at the sustainability of their operations and introduce energy efficiency wherever possible. Marcus Visser, strategy and operations executive at GreenTech Plastics Machinery, says that traditionally, the power consumption of a typical injection moulding machine is less than 50% of the total consumption of the entire plant. “When we look at energy efficiency, we need to consider the entire injection moulding system. Our aim is to find the most efficient solution for our customers’ requirements.” Combined with integrated temperature control solutions and intelligent device communication, ENGEL technology from GreenTech can save up to 67% in electricity costs and significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

ENGEL engineers and developers have greatly reduced the power consumption of its injection moulding machines in recent years. Servo-hydraulic machines already consume less than 60% of a hydraulic injection moulding machine with a variable pump. On average, power consumption can be more than halved thanks to all-electric injection moulding machines.

“When it comes supplying our customers with injection moulding machines, we have defined efficiency packages,” explains Visser. “These packages consist of integrated temperature control and smart assistance systems to reduce power consumption by an additional 20% on average. In addition, there are other technical constraints such as accessibility, precision requirements or available space that must be considered. An overall view is necessary to find the best solution and to reduce the power consumption and carbon dioxide emissions of injection moulding machines,” says Visser.

GreenTech holds various agencies for all ancillaries related to injection moulding to ensure all production lines run smoothly and optimally. “We enhance the injection moulding value stream within any factory. Our clients have peace of mind that they have access to the best technology and service and can focus on their core business,” says Visser.

The major market for GreenTech in South Africa is the automotive industry, one of the most advanced of its kind in the world, with major OEMs manufacturing vehicles locally for export. “The demands in terms of automotive injection moulding solutions are particularly stringent due to the global standards that all the major OEMs have to adhere to,” says Visser. These relate to high quality of all components, maximum availability of the production systems involved and stable processes.

Apart from the automotive industry, GreenTech also supplies solutions to the technical and packaging industry. Here the latest trends in plastic injection moulding focus on recycled material or the percentage of recycled material in components or manufactured products, in addition to reducing energy consumption and the impact of digitalisation. “The automotive industry is also looking at boosting recycled content within their processes,” adds JC Jonker, head of sales and projects at GreenTech.

“Energy efficiency and digitalisation go hand in hand,” notes Jonker. ENGEL is a global leader in AI developments in plastic injection moulding to cut costs and reduce energy consumption. Another aspect of the drive to incorporate AI is to generate sufficient data that can be used to optimise production processes and iron out any teething problems.




Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Bearing failure analysis transforms operations of battery manufacturer
SKF South Africa Motion Control & Drives
Persistent bearing failure on a centralised extraction fan motor was negatively impacting operational efficiency for a leading battery manufacturer in East Africa. SKF Kenya conducted a bearing analysis and solved the problem.

Read more...
Why turbomachinery should break free from vendor lock-in
Schneider Electric South Africa Motion Control & Drives
Today’s modern turbomachinery control systems form an important of operational efficiency, be it in heavy industries, traditional power generation or renewables such as hydroelectric facilities. Independence is the name of the game, and turbomachinery stands to gain lot from this newfound freedom.

Read more...
Bearing strategy maintains production for cement manufacturer
SKF South Africa Motion Control & Drives
SKF South Africa and its Authorised Distributor, Bolt & Engineering Distributors Klerksdorp successfully remanufactured a double-row tapered roller bearing assembly for a vertical mill within a two-week timeframe, offering the customer a cost-effective 50% cost-saving alternative which keeps the plant operational while they await the supply of new bearings.

Read more...
Lubrication solutions for cranes
Motion Control & Drives
Fuchs Lubricants South Africa provides a comprehensive range of lubrication solutions that meet the specific needs of mobile cranes.

Read more...
SKF lubrication team assists iron ore producer in Liberia
SKF South Africa Motion Control & Drives
The highly skilled team of specialised lubrication technicians from SKF South Africa has demonstrated its exceptional onsite expertise through the seamless installation of Lincoln Lubrication systems for a key customer, ArcelorMittal Liberia.

Read more...
Bearing failure analysis is a perfect solution for Tongaat Hulett
SKF South Africa Motion Control & Drives
A collaborative bearing failure analysis conducted by SKF and Authorised Distributor, Bearings Services Durban at one of South Africa’s leading sugar refinery plants in KwaZulu-Natal provided tremendous value for the customer.

Read more...
World’s largest production capacity mine hoist
Motion Control & Drives
BB has been selected by global mining company BHP to deliver, install and commission three friction hoists and a further electrical system for a Blair service hoist to its Jansen Potash project in Canada.

Read more...
Innomotics showcases efficient motors and drives at Hannover Messe
Motion Control & Drives
Innomotics recently presented its innovations and solutions for a sustainable industry at Hannover Messe 2025. Highlights included a novel Active Vibration Control System, IE6 energy efficiency class motors, and new product partnerships.

Read more...
New torque sensors for fastening applications
Spero Sensors & Instrumentation Motion Control & Drives
Sensor Technology, a global leader in innovative torque and load measurement solutions, has launched its latest advancement in torque sensing technology.

Read more...
Versatile variable speed drive for efficient motor control
iTek Drives Motion Control & Drives
The Invertek Optidrive is a versatile variable speed drive designed for efficient motor control in various applications.

Read more...