At AdvanTech Plastics, we prioritize customer satisfaction by ensuring we can deliver the highest quality product in the most efficient manner. To meet this goal, we continuously invest in state-of-the-art equipment to enhance our production capabilities and keep up with changing technology. Our most recent investment, the Sumitomo SE385EV-A-HD CT-6 all-electric injection molding press, exemplifies this commitment.
Why an Electric Press?
Hydraulic injection molding machines have been the industry standard for decades, valued for
their high clamping forces, durability, and ability to handle demanding applications. These
presses remain essential for certain molding processes. However, their hybrid counterparts,
which combine hydraulic and electric components, further enhanced efficiency and cycle times.
These machines have long been the backbone of high-volume production, allowing
manufacturers to meet demand with precision and reliability.
At our facility, we have relied on hybrid presses running 24/7 to deliver efficient, high-speed
production. These machines were specifically designed to deliver quick cycles, making them
well-suited for large-scale operations. However, as technology advances, we continue to
explore innovations that improve efficiency, reduce maintenance, and enhance overall
production quality. While hydraulic and hybrid presses remain a crucial part of our production
capabilities, we have now invested in a cutting-edge all-electric Sumitomo SE385EV-A-HD CT-6
press, reinforcing our commitment to efficiency and quality —a move that brings significant
benefits not only to our operation but, more importantly, to our customers.
The Value of All-Electric Technology
Our decision to invest in the Sumitomo was driven by the need to enhance production
capabilities while maintaining consistency and reducing long-term costs. This 433 US Ton press
is designed to run cycle times between 6 to 12 seconds, making it an ideal solution for high-
volume manufacturing.
One of the most significant advantages of this all-electric injection molding press is its elimination of hydraulic oil and traditional motors. This results in a cleaner and quieter production environment, which is particularly beneficial for maintaining strict cleanliness standards and reducing workplace noise levels. Additionally, without the need for hydraulic fluid, the risks associated with leaks and contamination are completely removed, improving part quality and reducing waste.
From a maintenance perspective, the Sumitomo press offers another key benefit—lower long-
term costs. As long as preventive maintenance (PM) is followed, the machine is expected to
require little to no major servicing in the coming years. This marks a major shift from hydraulic
presses, where system health depends on oil quality and the condition of hydraulic components.
Even minor oil leaks or contaminants can impact cycle consistency, leading to higher scrap
rates and production inefficiencies. With no hydraulic oil, Sumitomo isn’t burdened with cycle
inconsistency. Its advanced response time and precision control ensure that even the smallest
parameter changes are consistently applied cycle after cycle, reducing variability and improving
overall part quality.
Expanding Capabilities While Retaining Proven Technology
While this investment in all-electric technology represents a step forward, we continue to use
hydraulic presses where they offer unique advantages. Hydraulic presses remain essential for
applications requiring high clamping force and certain specialized molding processes. Their
ability to handle heavy-duty jobs ensures that they continue to play an important role in our
production lineup.
However, the addition of the Sumitomo press provides a strategic advantage. With its higher
tonnage capacity, it enables the production of larger parts and supports high-cavitation molding
at fast cycle rates. This not only increases our capacity but also offers greater flexibility in
meeting customer needs, whether that means handling new projects or improving turnaround
times on existing ones.
The Investment in Customer Value
At its core, this new press investment is about delivering value to our customers. By reducing
variability, increasing efficiency, and lowering long-term maintenance requirements, we can
provide more consistent and cost-effective manufacturing solutions. The combination of our
existing hydraulic presses and the new all-electric technology ensures we remain at the
forefront of innovation while continuing to meet the diverse needs of our customers.
This move demonstrates our forward-thinking approach—embracing the latest technology while
maintaining the reliability of proven equipment. For our customers, this means enhanced quality,
faster turnaround times, and a production partner committed to continuous improvement.
Contact us to learn more about this press or our other capabilities.