Energy Efficiency in Rubber Molding

Machines

Hsin-Chiao Frank LinOctober 25th, 2013

Background Industrial Rubber Parts are made through

Vulcanization – Converting rubber into more durable materials

Vulcanization

Uncured NR:Sticky, Deforms at Low T;

Brittle at High T

Vulcanized Rubber:Deforms under Stress,

But reverts back to original shape

Background Vulcanization done through compression

molding, under high pressure (~500 ton clamping force) and temperature (~170C)

Done through various molding machines: Rubber Injection Machine VS Rubber Compression Machine

High Pressure;High Temperature

Problem High Pressure, and High

Temperature requires Energy

First Rubber has 95 Rubber Molding Machines

High Energy Usage = High Electricity Fee

Electricity Fees become larger part of unit cost

Goal

Reduce Costs by Increasing Molding Machines Thermal Efficiency

- Recommend Purchase of Newer Machines

- Determine saved energy costs from newer machines

- Identify main causes of lower efficiency in older machines

METHOD

• Compare Efficiency of Various Rubber Molding Machines• E-Shine Machinery Co.,

Ltd based in Taiwan• REP Injection Based in

France• Other Suppliers from

China

• Based on current electricity bills, calculate time to return from investment

Method

• Contact First Rubber Engineers to understand Rubber Molding Machine efficiency

• Determine Temperature of Machine, Pressure Created on current machines

• Identify causes of efficiency loss over time