From October 15 to 19, the highly anticipated German plastics industry exhibition, Fakuma 2024, is being held at the Friedrichshafen Exhibition Center in Germany, attracting numerous internationally renowned companies. 千赢国际官网首页入口网址是多少 is making a strong appearance at booth A1-1103, showcasing its fifth-generation technology with a variety of intelligent, efficient, and flexible solutions, becoming a focal point of attention at the event.

At the exhibition, the 千赢国际官网首页入口网址是多少 booth is bustling with visitors. Three injection molding solutions, representing the fifth generation of technology, are the stars of the show. With energy savings of 20-40% and equipped with a range of smart features, these solutions are not only attracting a large audience of professionals but also sparking in-depth discussions among industry experts. Every visitor can experience 千赢国际官网首页入口网址是多少 ’s deep expertise and forward-looking vision in the plastics industry.

Electrical Solution for the Medical Industry: Clean & Precise

At this event, 千赢国际官网首页入口网址是多少 carefully selected several flagship models for display. Among them, the Zhafir ZE1200V-430 stands out with its clean and precise characteristics, offering an ideal solution for the medical industry. The model features a 40mm screw and demonstrates the production process of eight medical syringe barrels, with an injection weight of 10.95g, using PP material and a cycle time of 12.5 seconds. Its built-in servo-hydraulic system, innovative in-mold pressure-holding technology, and advanced T-mold structure ensure both molding quality and production efficiency. This solution not only meets the medical industry’s strict requirements for cleanliness and precision but also excels in energy savings and material efficiency, earning high praise from the audience and reflecting Zhafir’s emphasis on energy conservation and environmental protection.

Electrical Solution for Consumer Goods: Flexible & Precise

Another highlight is the Zhafir ZE1500V-640, which showcases the production of wire clips, providing a flexible and precise solution for the consumer goods industry. This model features a 45mm screw, 16-cavity design, and an injection weight of 10.95g, using PA6 GF30% material, with a cycle time of 13.14 seconds.

The machine is equipped with a real-time monitor, providing a visual display of the injection molding process, enhancing process stability and efficiency in wire clip production. It easily handles complex processes and application scenarios, catering to a variety of personalized needs, demonstrating Zhafir’s deep understanding of the consumer goods industry’s demands and its relentless pursuit of product adaptability and flexibility.

Servo-hydraulic Solution for Consumer Goods: Energy-Efficient & Green

In addition, Haitian’s MA2000V/750 energy-efficient solution for the consumer goods industry provides stable process support for frisbee production. This model features a 50mm screw, an injection weight of 125.1g, and a cycle time of 44.75 seconds, using 100% recycled PP material, vividly demonstrating the concept of a circular economy in plastics. This display showcases Haitian’s technological innovations in its sustainability strategy, with its efficient, energy-saving, and eco-friendly features receiving widespread recognition and admiration from the audience.

At Fakuma 2024, visitors to 千赢国际官网首页入口网址是多少 ’s booth are not only experiencing the pulse of the plastics industry but also glimpsing a smarter, more efficient, and sustainable future. The exhibition is still in full swing, and we look forward to meeting you at booth A1-1103!

This exhibition is not just a showcase of technology but a declaration of the future. Looking ahead, 千赢国际官网首页入口网址是多少 will continue to uphold “Technology to the Point”, deepen its presence in Germany and the European market as a whole, and closely engage with local customers. Through fast-responsive services, Haitian will precisely capture and meet the personalized needs of customers in different markets, providing localized support and working together with customers to move toward a sustainable future.

From September 27 to 28, Haitian Thailand held a two-day open day in Bangkok, attracting many local clients and Chinese enterprises. This open day showcased 千赢国际官网首页入口网址是多少 ’s innovative technologies and significant achievements in its globalization strategy, fully demonstrating Haitian’s deep foundation in the Thai market.

At the start of the event, Mr. Shi Zheng, General Manager of Haitian Thailand, delivered a welcoming speech to the guests. He shared 千赢国际官网首页入口网址是多少 ’s globalization strategy and emphasized the importance of Thailand as a regional application center in enhancing local operations and customer service.

The event featured several molding solutions specifically developed for the Thai market, including Haitian injection molding machines from the MAV, MA/GⅡ, MA/F, MA/WM, JU/SE, HA/PET series, as well as Niigata injection molding machines. These machines cover a wide range of applications, from consumer products to automotive manufacturing. Haitian’s latest fifth-generation technology, praised for its intelligence, energy efficiency, and high performance, received widespread acclaim from the attendees. Other Haitian Machinery solutions, such as CNC machining centers from Haitian Precision and thixomolding machines from Haitian Die Casting, were also showcased during the open day.

Through live demonstrations, technical explanations, and interactive sessions, customers were able to gain a more direct understanding of the performance features of the products. This not only enhanced their recognition of Haitian but also strengthened customer loyalty.

As a global leader in machinery manufacturing, 千赢国际官网首页入口网址是多少 has been deeply engaged in the Thai market for over 20 years. In 2016, it established a wholly owned subsidiary in Thailand, continuously driving the upgrade and development of the local manufacturing industry. With the continuous growth of the global economy and increasingly close trade relations, Southeast Asia, with its unique geographical advantages, abundant labor resources, and cost-effectiveness, is gradually becoming an important hub for global manufacturing. Thailand, as a key economy in Southeast Asia, offers an ideal environment for Haitian’s investment and factory establishment.

The successful hosting of this open day not only showcased 千赢国际官网首页入口网址是多少 ’s strong presence and brand influence in the Thai market but also deepened exchanges and cooperation between Haitian and local clients. Furthermore, it provided solid support for the development of Chinese enterprises in Thailand and the broader Southeast Asian region. In the future, Haitian will continue to deepen its globalization strategy by leveraging technological innovation and localized operations to provide better products and services to customers worldwide.

On August 15th, Haitian Mexico held a grand Open Day in Guadalajara, Mexico. This event not only allowed local customers to learn about 千赢国际官网首页入口网址是多少 ’s latest technological innovations but also served as a comprehensive display of the company’s commitment to deeply rooting into the local market and strengthening localized delivery and service capabilities.

1. Localized Operations Stressed to Build Global Competitiveness

The event kicked off with traditional Mexican music, creating a lively and culturally rich atmosphere. At the event, Mr. Xu Biyun, General Manager of Haitian Mexico, delivered a speech, detailing Haitian Machinery’s global strategy and emphasizing the crucial role of Haitian Mexico as a regional center in enhancing localized operations and customer service.

Mr. Xu emphasized that 千赢国际官网首页入口网址是多少 is a global leader in injection molding machine manufacturing, constantly driving product innovation and iteration based on market demands. Leveraging Haitian group’s layout in multiple fields from CNC machines, to die casting, laser machinery, drive technology, and smart manufacturing, Haitian is able to provide one-stop solutions in the machinery and equipment sector.

In recent years, the company has continuously deepened its overseas development strategy, actively establishing regional management centers, manufacturing centers, as well as application and service experience centers in key global markets. This is to fully meet the region-specific needs of local markets, earning the trust of many overseas benchmark customers and go-global Chinese enterprises through a well-established localized supply chain and efficient, convenient local services and support.

Haitian Mexico is a crucial part of Haitian’s global strategy. Serving as a regional management and manufacturing center for the Americas, Haitian Mexico has gradually expanded its market influence and localized delivery capabilities since its operation in 2022. It not only serves the Mexican market but also gradually extends its coverage to the entire Americas. Through this hub, Haitian can respond more quickly to the needs of customers in the Americas, providing one-stop solutions, thereby further enhancing customer satisfaction.

2. A Technical Feast: from Solution Demonstrated to Client Interaction

During the Open Day, Haitian Mexico showcased several injection molding solutions designed for the Americas market, including the Haitian MA2000V/750, Haitian JU5500V/3450, Zhafir ZE1500V-300, and Zhafir VE1900Ⅲ-640h, covering various application fields such as automotive, home appliances, and consumer electronics. These solutions fully demonstrated Haitian’s continuous iteration and optimization in injection molding technology around areas of interest to customers, such as energy efficiency, intelligence, and sustainability, drawing the attention of many industry experts and customers. Additionally, products from other Haitian Group divisions, such as CNC machines, die-casting machines, and smart manufacturing one-stop solutions, were also showcased.

At the event, Haitian Mexico’s technical experts provided detailed demonstrations of the equipment’s innovative features and user-friendly operations, engaging in in-depth technical exchanges with customers. This allowed customers to gain a more comprehensive understanding of Haitian’s products and services, not only deepening their understanding of Haitian’s advanced injection molding technology but also fully appreciating Haitian’s strategic vision and professional capabilities in perfecting the industry chain.

3. Looking Ahead: Strategic Vision and Forward-looking Planning

In the future, Haitian Mexico will continue to refine its strategic layout as a regional center, continuously deepening its delivery and service capabilities in the local market. It is committed to focusing on the personalized needs of local customers, providing more efficient and energy-saving solutions, and helping customers stand out in a highly competitive market. Together with customers and partners, Haitian Mexico aims to establish long-term, stable cooperative relationships, jointly promoting the development of related industries in Mexico and surrounding regions to shape a better future.

Founded in Shenzhen in 2005, Zhejiang Bicom Optics Co., Ltd. specializes in the precise manufacturing of optical components, focusing on high-quality optical products for the LED lighting, automotive lighting, and security industries. With a robust array of over 130 injection molding machines, BICOM’s annual output value has exceeded 300 million RMB. This success has earned them widespread recognition and cooperation from numerous internationally renowned automotive lighting manufacturers, including Marelli, Hella, and Valeo, continuously showcasing strong growth momentum and market competitiveness.

Recently, we had the privilege to visit BICOM and embark on a journey exploring optics with General Manager Zhou Yun.

1. Optical journey: Customized Solutions Lead Transformation

Since its inception in 2005, BICOM has focused on the design and manufacture of optical components, particularly in the fields of LED and automotive lighting. The manufacturing of optical components demands extremely high precision and stability from the equipment. Facing the market’s stringent requirements for high precision, high transparency, and weather resistance of optical products, BICOM began seeking more specialized solutions.

In 2015, leveraging its extensive technical expertise and profound understanding of optical products, Zhafir custom-designed a series of optical-specific machines for BICOM. These machines not only ensured the optical performance and quality of products like optical lenses but also demonstrated exceptional scalability and stability.

As a result, BICOM began extensively adopting Zhafir’s all-electric optical-specific machines to replace the previous general-purpose injection molding machines. Currently, Zhafir’s all-electric optical-specific machines account for more than half of the factory’s equipment, significantly enhancing production efficiency and product quality, thereby boosting market competitiveness.

2. Specialized Customization: Upgrades in Optical Manufacturing

With the rise of the new energy vehicle industry, the design of automotive light guides has become increasingly complex, demanding higher flexibility and adaptability from injection molding machines. Zhafir’s custom-designed optical-specific machines for BICOM have adeptly met the production needs of irregular molds and transparent optical products. Their specialized design and configuration have brought a qualitative leap to manufacturing.

The specialized machines offer not only ultra-large mold capacity but also flexible injection units that can select different screw capacities based on the actual weight of the products, achieving optimal process control. This is particularly important in the light guide industry.

Zhafir’s all-electric optical-specific machines have also undergone customized improvements to core components based on BICOM’s actual usage. For screws, an optical-grade screw was developed to effectively prevent quality issues such as product yellowing and black spots, meeting the high standards of transparency and quality required for optical products. For motors, a high-load design was adopted to address the overheating problem of traditional motors during long-term operation, ensuring the continuity and stability of the injection process. Additionally, this motor design provides strong support for producing thick-walled optical products.

Over the years, Zhafir’s customized services andtechnological innovations have perfectly aligned withBlCOM’s needs. Each upgrade reflects an unwaveringpursuit of optical performance, providing a solidfoundation for BlCOM’s technological leadership andmarket competitiveness in the optical componentmanufacturing field.

At the intersection of light and technology, the storyof Zhafir and BlcOM continues. In the future, we wilcontinue to work hand in hand, tirelessly striving fo)technologicalinnovation,advancing the manufacturing technology of optical components, and continuously exploring newapplications ofinjection moldingtechnology in optics. This collaboration aims to pro.vide new ideas and solutions for the development ofighting systems in new energy vehicles.

Changzhou Nanyuan Plastic Co., Ltd., founded in 1991, covers an area of 48,000 square meters. It is a private enterprise specializing in the production and sales of plastic cap products, as well as the design and manufacture of plastic cap molds and blow mold barrels. Nanyuan serves multiple sectors including petrochemicals, food and beverages, and medical industries.

With its keen market insight and continuous innovation, Nanyuan Plastics has successfully set a benchmark in the plastic cap industry. Recently, we had the privilege to visit this industry-leading company to discuss the development trends of the plastic cap industry and engage in an in-depth exchange on cutting-edge injection molding technologies.

1. From Hydraulic to Electric

At this point, Nanyuan discovered Zhafir electric injection molding machines from 千赢国际官网首页入口网址是多少 . Nanyuan quickly favored Zhafir machines for their efficiency, stability, and cleanliness.

2. A Win-Win of Greenness & Products

Driven by the “dual carbon” goals and domestic environmental policies, the packaging industry is trending towards thinner and lighter products. As product weight decreases, the requirements for injection molding machine stability and injection speed increase.

The stability and injection speed of Zhafir electric machines enable Nanyuan to easily meet these challenges. This results in lighter products, significant reductions in production cycle time, increased yield, reduced resource waste, and compliance with environmental regulations, achieving a win-win for both product upgrades and environmental protection.

3. Intelligent Upgrade & New Production

Additionally, Nanyuan has adopted the “Go Factory Pro” intelligent operation system from Haitian Smart Solutions, integrating intelligence into every production stage. Through Haitian Smart Solutions’ intelligent scheduling and real-time monitoring functions, Nanyuan can more accurately track production progress and product quality. This system ensures stable pressure and temperature during normal operation and allows for timely detection and resolution of production issues through data analysis. As a result, product stability and yield are effectively improved, bringing significant benefits to the company and raising product quality to a new level.

Over the years, Nanyuan Plastics has become aleader in the plastic cap manufacturing field, drivenby its persistent pursuit of quality and forward-looking technological vision. lts advanced productionmodel and excellent product quality have garneredwidespread acclaim within the industry.

Looking ahead, Haitian and Zhafir will continue toprovide Nanyuan with cutting-edge technical sup.port.Together,we are committed to technological in.novation and industrial upgrading, exploring moreintelligent and sustainable production models, anddriving the plastic cap manufacturing industry to newheights.

Citylong Technology Development Co. Ltd. , established in 1990, (hereinafter referred to as “Citylong”) has always focused on the home furnishing sector. Today, Citylong is a leading domestic enterprise combining research, development, production and sales in the home furnishing industry. Citylong has two main production bases in Tianjin and Xuzhou, and a global sales network covering various regions.

With the increasing demand for a higher quality of life, there are significant opportunities for storage products in the market, and China is expected to become one of the largest markets for storage and furnishing products in the world. Recently, we had the pleasure of having a conversation with Mr. Pan from Citylong, discussing the development of the storage products industry and exploring the current trends and demands in the home living sector.

1. Producing with precision: Craftsmanship to perfection

It is not an easy task to create products that are recognized by consumers enabling companies to enter a market. For now over 30 years, Citylong has been committed to the housewares industry. Behind its rise as an industry leader is a commitment to strict quality control and continuous product development. Through independent innovation, Citylong has driven the comprehensive introduction of whole-home storage solutions and achieved a leading position in the industry.

Entering Citylong’s production facility, the entire factory is equipped with fast-cycling Haitian and electrical Zhafir machines. Since the 1990s, Citylong has been a true supporter of Haitian machines.

Citylong has always been exploring new machines and technologies, continuously improving injection molding equipment and pushing the limits of quality. Mr. Pan told us, “Every time a new Haitian machine is introduced, we want to be the first company in the civil goods industry to use and test it.” At present, the total number of Haitian machines at all production sites is over 300, and it can be said that the continuous investment and development of Haitian machines are proof that Citylong is working tirelessly to improve product quality.

2. Cost reduction and efficiency improvement: achieving industrial advantages

In recent years, competition in the industry has intensified. Cost has become a major issue that many companies cannot escape. Mr. Pan explains, “In the past two years, we have almost exclusively purchased fast-cycling or electric machines. In particular, the high-speed machines can fully meet our energy-saving requirements. Although the initial investment for electric machines is higher, they do offer significant advantages in terms of total cost accounting. The initial investment can be amortized within two or three years.

In discussing other reasons for choosing Haitian, Mr. Pan mentioned that Haitian’s after-sales service, customer communication and support are customer-oriented, which is a significant advantage over other manufacturers. This is a key factor backing up Citylong’s decision to choose Haitian.

3. Fast response: seizing new online growth opportunities

Currently, e-commerce platforms have become one of the key sales channels for the home storage market. In addition to the opportunities presented by the online market, there is also the challenge of improving the flexibility of the company’s supply chain. “Nowadays, customers are very demanding. When they place an order, they expect delivery within three to five days. Last year, we had a unique special order, a multi-million dollar order that required fast delivery. The customer searched with all domestic industrial companies, but none could meet their expectations. Thanks to our advanced equipment, we were able to accept and execute this order,” said Mr. Pan. Haitian’s fast delivery of high-speed machinery gave Citylong the hardware support and strong drive it needed to meet even the most difficult challenges.

Group Photo

On its journey to quality, Citylong spares no effort and strives for perfection at every step. The high standard of product quality, advanced production facilities and the advantage of a fast supply chain have contributed to Citylong’s remarkable success in the Household industry. Haitian will continue to accompany Citylong in its pursuit to shape homes for its consumers with beautiful memories of a cultivated life.

The traditional yearly Open House of 千赢国际官网首页入口网址是多少 Germany (June 20-22, 2023) in Ebermannsdorf, Bavaria, was a great success with more than 700 visitors from 13 countries. In addition to customers from all over Europe, some of whom had traveled a long way, our system partners and our local employees and their families, the mayor of Ebermannsdorf also came to pay his respects.

Once again in the focus of interest: Technology to the point. Our most important series and solutions for the most diverse requirements from medicine, logistics, consumer goods, packaging to automotive – such as clean or large-format production.

In the future, Haitian will continue to closely follow market developments in Europe, explore innovative products and application scenarios, and offer customers sustainable benefits through affordable solutions. Be it turnkey solutions for local needs or intelligent manufacturing solutions for the entire machine industry.

HMC chooses ZHAFIR from Beginning

HMC (NINGBO HENGSHUAI CO.,LTD.) is a leading manufacturer of automotive micro-motors and automotive components. HMC has established long-term strategic partnerships with many global automotive manufacturers including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, GM, Honda, and Hyundai. The vision is to be the trusted partner and leader in innovative solutions for automotive manufacturers worldwide. Commitment to quality and customer satisfaction are the catalysts to achieving this vision.

From a trial from the beginning, HMC and Zhafir kicked off the collaboration in 2010. As an initial customer of Zhafir, the bilateral relationship has gone through 12 years. In the workshop of HMC, the first generation of the VE Series is still running efficiently at full load. So far, this workhorse has been working for 12 years.

the workshop of HMC

With 12 years of experience, HMC has deepened its trust in ZHAFIR. But what encouraged HMC to be the first one to try the new technology that has been presented by Zhafir at that time?

Xu Erning，Vice President

Xu said,  “At that moment, we had compared many manufacturers of electric injection molding machines. In the end Zhafir gained our trust. Apart from that, as a local company in Ningbo, for us to have such excellent production in our hometown, why should we focus on other brands?” Therefore, HMC purchased the machines from Zhafir’s first generation. With the stability, precision, and convenience in actual implementation, Zhafir has inspired HMC. “The bigger highlight is its energy consumption. The energy consumption from electric technology is low and it solves the problem of peak power consumption every summer, providing us more advantages.”

The biggest benchmark for any operation is time. Over the past 12 years, Zhafir’s high efficiency, which has not changed over time, has been the reason why HMC keeps purchasing, and fueling HMC to gain long-term value in the e-automobile industry, too.

The rapid development of the automotive industry requires more and more precision. According to Mr. Xu, most of the products are functional parts, which cannot be defective when assembled into cars. The challenges of consistency and stability must be fully given. Therefore, equipment and molds are the keys to processing.

With the specialization and the high qualification rate, HMC regards Zhafir as a system partner. “The characteristics of Zhafir equipment, accuracy and speed, are critical to our company’s parts and components. During the processing, we benefit from the advantages of Zhafir in terms of product size, efficiency and stability. With its help, HMC has achieved a nice qualification rate and ppm can reach double digits. Even when we deliver the products to the customer, it can reach a single digit. Meanwhile, energy consumption is reduced, and the product quality is stable, so Zhafir machines are our preferred equipment. “

Refining on production and technology, HMC has become a qualified supplier in the automotive industry and has won many honors such as “excellent supplier” and “progressive supplier” of OEMs. The road of cooperation between HMC and Zhafir has expanded and deepened.

In the future, Zhaifr will continue to provide the most competitive products and solutions for global customers and partners with quality and efficiency over time, explore more ways for quality and efficiency, bring new drive for industrial transformation, and shape opportunities.

A customer visit to Emperor Mouldings B.V. in Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands.

Brothers Maarten and Peter Keijzer, heads of Emperor Mouldings B.V., embody a new generation of injection molders: focused, efficient and relaxed – with a new understanding of work-life balance. In the Zhafir Zeres Series, they see the best prerequisites for making injection molding processes as efficient as possible and driving production automation forward.

Growing up in his parents’ injection molding business, Maarten Keijzer knew very early on that he wanted to run an injection molding company. The fact that his father then sold the business turned out to be a good decision in retrospect, as Maarten quite inevitably had to found and build up his own company. He took this step in 2019, initially alone, but since 2022 his brother Peter has been completely on board.

Both had precise ideas from the start: “No employees for as long as possible, but to bring production to the maximum, so far that we can still manage everything with just the two of us.” The main products are clips of agricultural use; the end customers are greenhouse operators. In addition to the agricultural industry, they still supply the commodity sector and technical parts. The bottom line is that they focus exclusively on small shot weights in high volumes. This is because highly efficient processes, “production-friendly” products and automation in places where it is worthwhile and serves the work-life balance are important to them. Maarten Keijzer: “I certainly experienced many things in my father’s company that I wanted to do differently. The principle ‘Only those who work hard will make it’ may have had its justification in those days. Today, we have other options. In the age of digitalization and its tools, it’s easier to design efficient and lean processes.” The recently introduced automated foiling of cartons is a good example of this, he said. “This robot saves us a lot of valuable time.” They are currently considering an AGV, which would then take the full cartons out of the magazines at night, increasing piece counts.

Passion for technology: Maarten (left) and Peter Keijzer with a Venus model made of Lego that they added robotics and peripherals to.

About meaningful growth and scalability

Since its founding in 2019, Emperor Mouldings B.V. has grown steadily, in output, turnover, set-up. “If the demand is there, it would make no sense not to grow,” the Keijzers agree. “But always with moderation and purpose.” Nevertheless, growth is not generally the big goal, they say; rather, they are concerned with the “sporting challenge” of spraying the maximum number of products with the existing machines and their 2-man power. “There is room for eight machines in our production. That’s still a size we can handle with two people. And should the market require more, we’ll see how far we can go with our manpower.”

Growth in this, their sense, presupposes that processes are optimized for maximum efficiency. That cycle times are reduced to the maximum and 24/6 non-stop operation runs smoothly to the maximum, with a clearly focused product group: simple small parts in large quantities.

Accordingly, they have aligned their machinery and supplemented it with pinpoint accuracy. The heart of production is currently formed by five electric Zeres machines with four times 900 and once 1,200 kN clamping force (another is on order). All run with integrated controls (Success Series 7 and 11) from Sepro Robotics. The molds are equipped with external hotrunner systems from PSG, and a specially programmed error-stop function intervenes if the temperature in the metering unit is too high. This also guarantees them near-zero error production at Emperor Mouldings. Original quote Maarten Keijzer: “We’ve had just 1 carton of rejects so far in 2022.”

“The electric Zeres fits very well with our philosophy: technology to the point for production to the point. The price-performance ratio is also unbeatable in our eyes. Our first 90-tonne Zeres has already gone through more than 6 million cycles without a significant malfunction.” Maarten Keijzer, Emperor Mouldings B.V.

Performance against rising energy costs

While the young company has come through the pandemic relatively well and relaxed, the energy crisis is having an even more serious impact on its core market, the Dutch agricultural industry. Rising energy prices are likely to bring many greenhouse owners to their knees, by next winter at the latest. “Our warehouse is full and the market is saturated for now. That means that of our machines, only two out of five are currently running. The reason for this is that the agricultural industry is suffering extremely from rising energy prices and many end customers have already announced that they are closing their greenhouses for the winter.” The two brothers nevertheless take the situation calmly: “A crisis is also always an opportunity. Up to now we’ve had full capacity utilization, now we’re using the quiet phase for new customer acquisition, internal projects that have fallen behind, or we’re happy to have more family time.”

Of course, rising energy costs are also making themselves felt in their own injection molding operations, but their stringent decision to use electric machines and the low shot weight of the small parts keep their energy consumption within limits. In any case, they optimize their injection molding processes for maximum energy savings to keep their carbon footprint as small as possible.

First certified industrial compostable clipring made of PLA’

Apart from that, they keep on working on continuous automation of production, keyword: increasing efficiency. “The electric machines are a tremendous help for us to produce in this high efficiency. Our father had hydraulic machines, he still had to ramp them up with some lead time and wait until the oil temperature was right, sort out some cycles of scrap and so on. We turn our Zeres family on Monday morning and don’t turn them off until Saturday night. Machines and the Success line from Sepro are an ideal match. From the first shot, production is error-free,” explains Maarten Keijzer.

In his opinion, another important building block for higher efficiency is material-optimized processes, in which he gained valuable experience in his previous job at a material supplier. “Our injection units are all equipped with a shut-off nozzle, so we can maximize parallel functions during energy-intensive plasticizing. Every second saved has an immediate impact on energy costs.”

In addition to all their commitment to energy savings and efficiency, they are equally consistent in working on their production-side sustainability. From starting with 100% virgin raw material at startup time, they are now at nearly 100% recycled and compostable material.

When asked about concrete visions or dreams for the near future, the answer is rather down-to-earth: “Two days away from the company, but everything continues to run” – that’s a good vision. But of course they are well aware of the challenges ahead and want to face them. And who knows, “maybe we’ll become the smallest smart factory in Europe.”

Info box

Production profile of Emperor Mouldings:

• All Zeres machines run smoothly in 24/6mode;
• All machines are equipped with automation;
• During the day, the machines are serviced and processes optimized if necessary; at night, they produce unmanned;
• Only small parts with a high number of pieces are produced.

Hardcoat Technologies applies “Technology to the Point” for challenging automotive lamps molding projects with success.

Founded in 2014 by CEO and President Nick Steffens, Hardcoat Technologies is a Tier-2-supplier of automotive lighting components located in Knoxville, Tennessee, USA. The company specializes in the challenging process of injection molding polycarbonate lenses for head lamps, driving lamps and fog lamps, which are thermal hard coated for weatherability and scratch resistance. Hard- coat Tech’s products also include Light Pipes and Carriers for the Automotive Industry. Customers in the automotive, ATV and industrial markets include SL Tennessee, Truck-Lite, Rebo Lighting and Electronics, and Hicks Plastics/Myotech.

The company’s products end up in vehicles such as the GMC Sierra truck, Ram truck, Buick Enclave SUV, Chevrolet Malibu sedan and the Ford F-150 truck. In its start-up phase, the company grew 300 percent from 2017 to 2019 and from 2019 to 2022, it grew another 200 percent. The company’s growth drove a 23,500-square-foot (2,183 square meter) addition which opened in 2022, next to their original facility. By 2022, Hardcoat Technologies has purchased 10 molding machines from Absolute Haitian, the exclusive distributor of Haitian and Zhafir molding machines in the U.S. and Canada. Their inventory includes seven MA II and MA III servo-hydraulic ma- chines – the workhorse for the company – along with two ZE electric machines and one JU III two- platen machine. “We specify smaller injection drives on larger machines to accommodate the unique features of our molds and shorten the residence time of material in the barrel,” noted Steffens.

“Automotive head lamps must deliver high-impact resistance, weatherability and scratch resistance. Many said we could not produce highly cosmetic polycarbonate lenses in standard Haitian machines with general purposes screws. We have been working with polycarbonate material for 25 years,” said Steffens. “With robust processes, reliable molding machines and a consistent maintenance program, we do it, achieving less than 2% scrap rates.” (The company also runs acrylic and PC material using a ZE 4500 with a hardened screw to manufacture light pipes for LED lighting in high-end vehicles.)

“The price point of the Haitian machines makes them very attractive,” said Steffens. “We are able to offer our customers the latest in thermal cure silicone Hardcoat technology but keep our pricing to them competitive.”

“We manufacture all our own Hardcoating application equipment and tooling in-house. We purchased a 1500 Laser for fabrication and 3D printers for prototyping. Instead of 2 to 6 weeks, we can have proto- typing completed in hours,” Steffens noted.

“Many said we could not produce highly cosmetic polycarbonate lenses on standard machines with general purposes screws. But we did.”

Nick Steffens, CEO and President of Hardcoat Technologies

The company’s Knoxville location positions Hardcoat Technologies to collaborate with automotive sup- pliers in the southern U.S. “With Tier 1 suppliers to GM and Nissan in Tennessee, BMW in South Carolina, Mercedes and KIA/Hyundai throughout Georgia and Alabama, we are well-situated to continue our growth,” said Steffens. Automotive is a hard market to break into but Steffens had relationships built from 17-plus years of commercial development responsibility before he started Hardcoat Technologies. “We are driven by making parts quickly and providing value to our customers. We bring experience and technical know-how. Haitian brings molding machine expertise and Absolute Haitian delivers the sales, service and parts support we demand. This has been the path to making our business a success,” Steffens concluded.

Facts & Figures:

Founded: 2014
ISO 9001 Certified
Cleanroom coating environment for in-house developed hard-coating process
10+2 injection molding machines:
ZE 3600/1400, ZE 4500/1400, JU III 4500/1730, MA II 3200/1700, MA II 5300/4500, MA II 6000/4500, MA III 3800/1700, MA III 3800/1700, MA III 6000/2250,  MA III 6000/2250