Husky Demonstrates Versatile Machine Technology for Wide Range of Returnable Packaging Applications
December 06 , 2005
DUDELANGE -- Husky has gained a significant share of the European machine market for returnable packaging, from small collapsible thinwall crates to large industrial containers, with its highly flexible and reliable Hylectric and Quadloc Tandem platforms. Hylectric: the right mix of characteristics for crates
"The combination of speed, wide tiebar spacing, repeatability and reduced mold maintenance makes the Hylectric machine highly competitive in the growing segment of bottle crates and collapsible crates" said Karl-Heinz Hoefert, Sales Manager for Husky Machines in Europe. At the Packaging Days event held at its Luxembourg Technical Center, Husky demonstrated a Hylectric H1000, equipped with tooling from Austrian mold maker Haidlmair, producing collapsible IFCO crates at a cycle time of 25 seconds.
Husky's expertise has grown with the evolution of the demand for crates systems. Since interoperability standards somewhat limit the evolution of the part design itself, innovation in returnable crates is highly focused on the product presentation and handling comfort. Husky partnered with Linpac on a recent project involving returnable beer crates with in-mold labeling (IML) and soft-touch handles produced in a two-component process (September 12 press release, Husky and Linpac introduce soft-touch grips for beer crates, included in this press kit). "This type of product innovation is applicable to crates, but not to industrial boxes, pallets and lids," Hoefert said. "We had to come up with something else to improve our customer's profitability."
Larger Quadloc Tandem machines available
The concept of using two conventional molds simultaneously in a single machine offers interesting prospects for large-size returnable packaging, provided the mold thickness and opening stroke are compatible with the machine's daylight.
Husky has introduced two additional clamp sizes in its latest generation of Quadloc Tandem (QT) machines, with 20,000 kN and 27,000 kN of clamping force, respectively. Husky has received several orders for these machines, which will be delivered to customers in the beginning of 2006.The two new Tandem sizes can be equipped with injection units ranging from the RS135 (working capacity: 13,800) up to the RS235 (working capacity: 75,860), for injection capacities ranging from 6,200 cm3 to 47,700 cm3.
The design of the harmonic linkage allows for the installation of molds with different shut heights and dissimilar opening strokes. The linkage adjustment range reaches 400 mm on a QT2000 and 600 mm on a QT2700.
There are a variety of ways Tandem can be utilized. One approach is to use Tandem technology to nearly double output by running two independent molds for lids, for exmaple. Other customers may produce a collapsible box molding the base on one side and the walls on the other side of the Tandem clamp. Some projects are also in review for two-piece pallets using a common base and different molds for the upper lid.
"The possibilities are numerous," Hoefert said. "Tandem offers a considerable cost savings potential".
About Husky
Husky Injection Molding Systems is a global supplier of injection molding equipment and services to the plastics industry. With one of the broadest product lines in the industry, customers use Husky equipment to manufacture a wide range of products in the packaging, technical and automotive industries. The company has more than 40 service and sales offices, supporting customers in more than 100 countries. Husky's manufacturing facilities are located in Canada, the United States, Luxembourg and China. The company's common shares (HKY) are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
