New-concept injection moulding machines of the GUM and GUM Fifo range featuring the HST (Hybrid Servo Technology) and ECO (Energy Saving Process) systems and hydraulic presses with electric servodrive technology: these are the innovations for the rubber sector unveiled by IMG at Plast 2015. The new systems make it possible to considerably reduce not only the overall quantity of hydraulic oil needed for the machine movements, but also the deterioration and overheating of the same, thereby allowing considerable energy savings. They also ensure greater accuracy of movements, which are managed directly or indirectly by servomotors with PID control, optimised to provide the best performance.

The thinking behind the new HST system is to keep the main master movements under hydraulic control and all the accessory movements - in parallel with the master ones - electrically driven. What is more, the hydraulic control system features a servo pump, and this has made it possible to downsize the motor housing, reduce considerably the amount of oil needed and increase its life as well as to improve moulding precision. The HST system guarantees important advantages: precision, servomotors controlled in speed loop (providing greater repeatability in the cycles), as well as a significant (over 40%) reduction in energy consumption.

The pushbutton-controlled ECO system is a new mode of operation that allows the machine to implement an energy-saving system; as a result,  its movements consume even less energy,  thanks also to the leveling of current intensity peaks (the main cause of high energy costs).

These innovative systems have also resulted in a new ecological conception of the machine, which boasts less noise, a lower environmental impact, a 50% reduction in the amount of oil used, and lower consumption of water for cooling the oil.