New electric press adds capabilities, reduces environmental impact

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Toshiba EC85 electric press

Minneapolis, MINN–October 5, 2010– Diversified Plastics, Inc. has expanded their component production capabilities with the addition of an 85-ton Toshiba EC85 electric plastics injection molding machine. This machine will enable the company to produce small, high-precision components required by the medical device, aerospace and electronics industries.

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.

Diversified Plastics is an injection molder of high-precision, close tolerance, small- to medium-sized injection molded components for medical device, filtration, aerospace and a variety of other industrial markets. The 33-year-old company is a full-service injection molder, from design assistance and mold construction, to intricate molding and clean room assembly. Diversified Plastics is ISO 9001:2008 and 13485:2003 certified, and UL registered.

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