Press release submitted on behalf of Wittmann.
In WITTMANN auxiliary appliances, the term EcoDrive stands for maximum energy efficiency. This is achieved primarily by load-dependent regulation of pumps and blowers via frequency inverters.
Dynamic adjustment of dry air output
EcoDrive pushes the plastic granulate dryers of the Drymax plus series up to a so far unprecedented level of efficiency. The basic models of the mobile dryers, available with nominal dry air outputs of 30 or 60 m³/h, already come with numerous features to minimize their energy requirements, such as a highly functional, motorized changeover valve to enable switchover of the drying and regeneration cycles free of compressed air for the two desiccant cartridges. The material protection function included as standard also contributes to saving energy. At the same time, it prevents over-drying and consequently thermal damage to the plastic granulate. As soon as the material consumption is reduced or stopped, the system automatically lowers the drying temperature.
In addition, the EcoDrive option now adjusts the dry air output dynamically to the precise material requirements. This is done by measuring each new amount of material being transported into the drying silo. When material consumption is very low – for example during a machine standstill – the material protection function and EcoDrive work hand in hand to reduce energy consumption as much as possible.
Operation – clear and easy
A further benefit of Drymax Plus dryers is their new operating terminal with a 5.7” touch screen. Its design is extremely user-friendly and enables very easy control of the drying process, including any optionally integrated materials handling devices. The drying parameter settings for each material can be saved in a material database and downloaded in the event of a material change. In this way, the correct settings for drying are kept available at any time.
The Ambi-LED status display at the front of the mobile dryer signals information about its current operating status to the operator even from a considerable distance.
All Plus models of WITTMANN auxiliaries are equipped with an OPC UA interface as standard. They can either be integrated in Wittmann 4.0 work cells via “plug and produce” or efficiently connected via data exchange to any injection molding machine model with OPC UA functionality.
The WITTMANN Group
The WITTMANN Group is a globally leading manufacturer of injection molding machines, robots and auxiliary equipment for processing a great variety of plasticizable materials – both plastic and non-plastic. The group of companies has its headquarters in Vienna, Austria and consists of two main divisions: WITTMANN BATTENFELD and WITTMANN. Following the principles of environmental protection, conservation of resources and circular economy, the WITTMANN Group engages in state-of-the-art process technology for maximum energy efficiency in injection molding, and in processing standard materials and materials with a high content of recyclates and renewable raw materials. The products of the WITTMANN Group are designed for horizontal and vertical integration into a Smart Factory and can be interlinked to form an intelligent production cell.
The companies of the group jointly operate ten production plants in six countries, and the additional sales companies at their 36 different locations are present in all major industrial markets around the world.
WITTMANN BATTENFELD pursues the continued strengthening of its market position as a manufacturer of injection molding machines and supplier of comprehensive modern machine technology in modular design. The product range of WITTMANN includes robots and automation systems, material handling systems, dryers, gravimetric and volumetric blenders, granulators, temperature controllers and chillers. The combination of the individual areas under the umbrella of the WITTMANN Group enables perfect integration – to the advantage of injection molding processors with an increasing demand for seamless interlocking of processing machines, automation and auxiliaries.
