Diversified Plastics Adds Capabilities While Reducing Environmental Impact

Three factors drove the company’s decision toward purchasing the electric press instead of the more traditional hydraulic press: Customer demand for high-precision parts, the need to reduce operating costs and the desire to reduce overall environmental impact. “This machine is ideal for producing very small plastic components used in medical devices,” says Mark Gremmels, production manager at Diversified Plastics. “It gives us the capability to make parts that weigh as little as a few grams up to three ounces. The machine’s very high accuracy and repeatability is due to the use of servo motors and ball screws, in contrast to the hydraulic system of fluids and valves used by more conventional plastics presses.”

All-electric plastics injection molding machines have an overall positive impact on the environment compared to their more traditional hydraulic counterparts. Not only do the electric machines consume one-third less power, they operate much cleaner due to not using hydraulic fluid. Also, hydraulic fluid used in presses require water supplies for cooling, adding to power and filtration costs. “In 2008 we received the Green Star Award from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Adding the all-electric press not only increases our production capabilities, but it is consistent with our philosophy of going green,” says Annette Lund, vice president, Diversified Plastics.