plasticker-News
Anzeige
| 2026-08-24, 06:00 |
|
Shibaura Machine LWB: Automated Injection Molding and Inspection Solutions – Joint Booth with EPF – JV Planned for Italy and Southern Europe – Technology Days at the Competence Center in Altdorf
  The fully electric EC100SXIII injection molding machine series will be running live at Fakuma 2026 with a clamping force of 100 tonnes, producing a polypropylene business card box - (Photo: Shibaura Machine LWB). The trade fair presentation will focus on an automated injection molding application from Shibaura Machine LWB and EPF’s “Supata Smart Feeder.” Both systems are intended to demonstrate how injection molding, handling, and inspection processes can be interconnected. Another key topic will be the planned joint venture between the two companies for Italy and other Southern European markets. Advert All-electric injection molding machine with automated part removal
At Fakuma 2026, Shibaura Machine LWB will showcase an EC100SXIII all-electric injection molding machine with a clamping force of 100 tons. During the trade fair, the machine will produce a polypropylene business card box. After the injection molding process, a Cartesian linear handling system from Star Automation removes the molded parts and places them on a conveyor belt. The system thus combines the injection molding machine, automated part removal, and downstream material transport in a continuous production cell. The all-electric drive technology enables precise control of machine movements and reproducible process sequences. Compared with hydraulic machines, it can also reduce energy consumption, as electric servo drives only consume power when machine movements are actually being performed. One component of the application is the so-called S-Concept. During processing, this function monitors changes in the viscosity of the plastic and automatically adjusts relevant processing parameters. Control is carried out in a closed-loop process control system. In this way, fluctuations in the material being processed are intended to be compensated for. This is particularly relevant when using recycled materials, whose flow properties can vary depending on the batch or composition. The objective is to achieve consistently high part quality despite changing material properties. The combination of electric machine technology, automated part removal, and digital process control is also intended to help reduce production interruptions and increase overall equipment effectiveness. Shibaura Machine LWB is seeing growing demand from the plastics processing industry, particularly for fully integrated production cells.  EPF is putting its own exhibit, the “Supata Smart Feeder” with an automated vertical storage system, at the center of its presence at Fakuma 2026 - (Photo: EPF Automation). At the joint booth, EPF will present the “Supata Smart Feeder” with an automated vertical storage system. The system combines the feeding of different components with integrated quality inspection and the collection of production-related data. During the live demonstration, the system processes several components within a single production sequence. Integrated machine vision inspects, among other things, geometric features and component surfaces. The inspection results are assigned to the corresponding batch and production data. This enables the inspected components to be traced throughout the manufacturing process. The system is particularly designed for production environments in which products or variants change frequently. Recipe changes can be carried out at short notice. As an option, the system can also be equipped with automatic gripper changing. This enables the handling system to be adapted to different component geometries without requiring a manual tooling change. The Smart Feeder can be used either as a stand-alone unit or integrated into automated production lines. By combining part feeding, machine vision, and data acquisition, the system is intended to reduce the number of separate process stations while enabling end-to-end documentation of quality data. According to EPF, the system is aimed, among others, at manufacturers with a high level of product variety and frequent product changes. The integrated platform is intended to help adapt inspection processes flexibly to different production orders. Joint venture planned for Italy and Southern Europe In addition to the systems on display, Shibaura Machine and EPF will provide information about the expansion of their existing cooperation. The companies are planning to establish a joint venture for Italy and other markets in Southern Europe. The initiative is based on a Memorandum of Understanding signed in July 2026. Under the joint venture, Shibaura Machine’s injection molding technology is to be combined with EPF’s expertise in automation, engineering, and systems integration. The plan is to offer complete automated production cells through a joint organization. In addition to machine technology, the offering is expected to include automation, engineering, as well as sales and service activities. Through the joint venture, the partners aim to expand their sales and service structures in Southern Europe. According to current plans, the final agreements and completion of the transaction are scheduled for the end of 2026. Technology Days at the European Competence Center Following Fakuma 2026, Shibaura Machine LWB will hold its “Next-Level Molding Days” on October 28 and 29, 2026, at its European competence center in Altdorf near Landshut. The event is aimed at plastics- and rubber-processing companies as well as users of injection molding technology. The event will feature automated production cells as well as horizontal and vertical injection molding machines for processing thermoplastics and elastomers. The applications on display will include the LWB MultiStation, a production cell for the automated processing of rubber. The program will be complemented by technical presentations, live applications, and factory tours. Key topics will include the automation of production processes, the energy efficiency of machines and systems, and measures to improve machine availability and overall equipment effectiveness. Fakuma 2026 Friedrichshafen, Germany October 12–16, 2026 Hall A5, Stand 5217 More information: |
Shibaura Machine Co. LTD., Tokyo, Japan + Shibaura Machine LWB, Altdorf, Germany + E.P.F. Elettrotecnica S.r.l. (EPF), Casei Gerola, Province Pavia, Lombardy
 back to news list | back to top |
