Shibaura Launches Medical-Specific Injection Molding Machine

Shibaura Machine Co. has introduced its first medical-specific, all-electric injection molding machine at the Plastec West show in Anaheim, California. The 110-ton EC110SXIII press molded medical pipettes from HDPE using a 32-cavity tool. Chad Clawson, key accounts sales manager - medical casting/molding division, notes that Shibaura’s medical customers have used its general-purpose ECSXIII to mold a variety of products, with the new EC110SXIII providing the same speed and functionality but also offering enhancements that are geared toward medical cleanroom molding.

Specifically, the new machine line features chrome-plated platens to control particulates and contamination, while resisting corrosion and wear; stainless steel guarding and panels, including on the ejector box; a raised frame for easier access to clean below the machine; special NFS H1-certified lubrication grease; and an extended ejector stroke of more than 30 mm, for deeper draw components like syringe barrels.

At Plastec West, the EC110SXIII was fully integrated with a Mold-Masters hot runner controller and water manifold system. The press features the latest V70 controller and included with the new machine is a full-year subscription to machiNetCloud, Shibaura’s industrial IoT service providing remote, real-time access to machine data.

The new medical-specific EC110SXIII is currently available with 110 tons of clamp force, with larger sizes to be available in the future. At the show, a Shibaura representative said there are currently two of the machine’s stateside — the model at the show and an additional one being prepared for NPE2024.