Operating various drive axes independently from the central hydraulic supply achieves not only time savings over the entire cycle, resulting in productivity increases, but also savings potentials in terms of energy requirements. For this reason, ARBURG has expanded its modular machine concept to include electro-mechanical dosage. Use of the electro-mechanical system means that the dosage axis is independent from the hydraulic supply. The timeframe for dosage from "end holding pressure" to "begin injection" is increased. The potential time saving this brings amounts to seconds because dosage can take place at the same time as the opening and closing movements of the moulds and during ejection.

Use of an electric motor for dosage provides an energy saving of up to 20 percent in comparison with the conventional hydraulic process with respect to the complete cycle. In addition, improved material preparation is achieved by the independent dosage axis because the movements take place concurrently and a lower speed is used for the screw. Although throughput remains the same, the level of material shearing is lower, melting homogeneity improves and the material temperature can be lowered. This reduces the residual cooling time and therefore the overall cycle time.
As up to 60 per cent of the entire energy input is utilised for plasticising, the main motor of the machine is relieved by the use of electro-mechanical dosage. For the injection moulding process, this means increased throughput while maintaining the same main drive motor size.
In design terms, integration of the new drive unit is even more modular than the angular-gear version. The space-saving combination of planetary gears and servomotor also enable the use of the injection units in the vertical position.