INJECTION MOULDING NEWS

Austrian machine maker Engel has introduced the v-duo (vertical) for composites processing and e-duo (electric) machines in its large series range.

When inserting reinforcing elements such as organic sheets and tapes – and in the case of in-situ polymerisation and the high-pressure RTM process – a vertical clamping unit is most suited to increase efficiency, says the firm of its v-duo. The vertical version also features a compact design with low height and weight. Low machine height ensures easy access to the handling and maintenance area while the low weight cuts investment costs as existing facilities can be used, says Engel. Sidestepping the conventional hydraulic accumulator and opting for an energy-saving ecodrive as standard allows for further efficiency, according to the firm. The v-duo is initially available for sale in five clamping force ranges (400, 700, 1,100, 1,700 and 2,300 tonnes).

The e-duo, meanwhile, that brings the advantages of electric drive technology to the large-scale machine class, is available in five clamping force ranges between 500 and 700 tonnes.

US firm Huntsman Corp. has acquired the remaining stake of Huntsman NMG, its Russian PU joint venture with NMG, the manufacturer of PU in Russia and other areas of the former Soviet Union.

Shanghai Sinopec Mitsui Elastomers, a 50:50 joint-venture between Chinese firm Sinopec and Japan-based Mitsui Chemicals, will build an ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer (EPT) production plant in Shanghai Chemical Industry Park

Swiss speciality chemicals group Clariant is acquiring the remaining 40% share of a joint venture between Alvigo and Chemie.

Belgian firm Solvay has started up its EUR21 million speciality polymers compounding plant at Changshu, targeting the electronics, automotive, consumer and industrial applications markets.

German automotive Tier 1 supplier Faurecia has opened a major R&D centre in Pune, India. Employing 800 automotive engineers, the facility will serve interior systems, automotive seating and automotive exteriors.

US international aerospace and industrial manufacturing and service provider Barnes Group will acquire privately held hot runner maker Synventive Molding Solutions for US$335 million.

US firms Bermis has tied up with Norwegian Thin Film Electronics to develop the Bemis Intelligent Packaging Platform for the commercial development of functional sensor labels manufactured from new and emerging printed electronic technology made from Thin Film’s propriety read/writable printed memory and programme logic

Not only did German robot maker Krauss-Maffei Automation celebrate its 30th anniversary since its foundation, it also marked it with its 1,000th robot delivery from the “robot wharf” of its branch in Schwerin.