Now, with 50 all-electric injection moulding machines operating in the clamp force range of between 500 and 3,500 kN, HSK remains one of the most enthusiastic supporters of Sumitomo (SHI) Demag’s technologically advanced know-how. In particular the company’s prominent leadership in direct drive, inverter and control technologies, which for a mass manufacturer like HSK is considered to be state-of-the-art.
With a sustained history of responding to the latest trends, few companies possess the depth of processing expertise and technologies to match HSK’s wealth of experience and competence in 2K injection moulding. Of the 31 2K Multi machines currently operating at HSK, over half are IntElect Multi machines. Equipped with the very latest multi-component technology, the large mould space combined with high tie bar clearance, optimises the working envelope. This provides the rotation space to accommodate a large tooling estate, while simultaneously delivering maximum precision with parallel, dynamic movements, explains Fiedler.
Greater processing precision when using the IntElect Multi’s can be attributed to the company’s servo motors which are designed and built by the Sumitomo Heavy Industries Group. The dosing is fully electric to ensure the highest degree of accuracy. The machine design also features a unique automatic tie-bar pull on the operating side. Additionally, the servo motor of the index drive has been integrated into the control system, explains Fielder.
Early 2K adopters
HSK purchased the first 2K injection moulding machine produced in Wiehe in 1997. It was an Ergotech Multi 50-120H/80V with the production number 7144-0001, recalls Fielder, providing additional assurance of the long-standing trust enjoyed between the two likeminded and innovative companies.
Eager to maintain the company’s position at the forefront of polymer processing trends, managing director Burkert elaborates that by specialising in 2K injection moulding and IMD, and by transitioning to all-electric machines HSK continues to adapt to shifting demands. “As a full-service manufacturer with an advanced machinery fleet and over 400 highly skilled people, we continue to observe heightened demand for advanced manufacturing techniques. In particular an expansion of applications offering very specific safety functionalities for battery housings.”
Similarly, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag continues to push the boundaries of innovation, particularly with regard to connectivity, interfaces and data exchange. The networked support service myConnect allows for remote support and rapid reactions to unplanned production disruptions. This variety of functionalities is especially beneficial for multi-site manufacturers like HSK, which with the opening of the Canadian plant in December 2024, as well as two plants in Crottendorf and another subsidiary in Dalovice in the Czech Republic, now operate across multiple time zones.
New machines for modern facilities
As part of the company’s robust expansion strategy, HSK Canada commenced production in December 2024. Serving the US and Mexican markets, to support the processing of hundreds of thousands 2K components daily on their new IntElect machines and to help maintain the tight quality control parameters, the facility is equipped with the latest in assembly, camera and measurement technologies.
Alongside 2K injection moulding, as a technical moulder HSK is also heavily involved in highly-specialist processes. This includes in mould labelling, insert injection moulding, over moulding of textile and metal cables, and micro-injection moulding.
