Energy-efficient machines for dynamic sectors

The Middle East region's emerging industries are benefiting from highly advanced technologies and machines. Joachim Branz, General Manager of the Arburg Branch Office for GCC Countries located in the United Arab Emirates shares with the International Plastics News – Middle East (IRNE) how the company's new breed of machines respond to the demand of emerging sectors in the region.

IRNE: What are the products from Arburg that are currently in high demand in the MENA region?
Branz: Because the dynamism in this region is mainly concentrated in the packaging and medical technology sectors, we are particularly focusing on our range of Allrounder H (Hidrive) hybrid machines, as their technology is ideally suited to the requirements of the regional markets. These machines can be used to produce packaging items such as tubs and closures quickly, cost-efficiently and problem-free. When it comes to the medical technical sector, for example the serial production of re-usable distributors, Petri dishes or syringes, our low-emission, precise electric Allrounder E (Edrive) and Allrounder A (Alldrive) are the first choice for manufacturers of injection moulded parts. All three series are characterised by their energy-efficient operating principle.

IRNE: What are the emerging trends in the MENA region that are being sufficiently served by your products?
Branz: Packaging and medical technology/ optics are the sectors that are currently experiencing the most dynamic development in the Near and Middle Eastern regions. We are in a perfect position here with our Allrounder Hidrive, Edrive and Alldrive series, enabling us to offer individually-tailored injection moulding technology to the various markets. However, there are also interesting developments in the area of laboratory machines, which are procured for material testing purposes. Many producers of plastic granulate have set up research, development and manufacturing facilities in this region, close to where their key raw material, oil, is extracted. This explains why Allrounder injection moulding machines are frequently purchased for test purposes there.

IRNE: What makes these Arburg machines highly efficient in serving these industries?
Branz: The Allrounder H injection moulding machines combine maximum production capacity with short cycle times and reduced energy consumption. The Hidrive machine series combines servo-electric clamping units, hydraulic injection units and performance-adapted hydraulic accumulator technology in a highly sophisticated machine concept with high functionality. The series was specially designed for high production performance and features a correspondingly high injection performance in relation to the respective clamping force.
The Allrounder E (Edrive) machines are high-quality entry-level models that provide an introduction to the world of Arburg electric machines. They are designed for a broad range of applications, including technical injection moulding, for example. The electric Edrive machine series is distinguished by an attractive price level and is an electric alternative to hydraulic injection moulding machines. Thus the Allrounder E machines also enable technically complex, energy-saving, low-emission production, even for standard parts
The Allrounder A (Alldrive) machines are the Arburg electric injection moulding machines for high-end injection moulding applications where maximum precision, reproducibility and speed are of the essence.

IRNE: Arburg has been holding several activities to promote its products, such as the Arburg Technology Days. Do you hold similar events in the MENA region?
Branz: For 2011, we are planning to bring our widely travelled "Technology on Tour" event to the Near and Middle Eastern rPuma Rihanna Creeper