Injection molder Pittsfield Plastics Engineering (PPE) announced the installation of a new 1,600-ton Jupiter 14000 injection molding machine from Absolute Haitian Corp. for large-part molding. The press, along with associated robots and auxiliary equipment, will enable PPE to meet the needs of its newest customer, a manufacturer of septic tank products and services for the residential and commercial sanitation waste industry.

PPE stated that investing in large-part injection molding is an integral part of its growth strategy, which has led to steady business growth over the past few years.

CEO and CFO Bruce Dixon stated, "We are excited about this new large-part production capacity, which will not only meet the production needs of our new customers but also fill the redundancy of existing clients, potentially addressing future growth opportunities." "This investment also opens the door to new opportunities for large-part molding for other existing and potential clients in the industrial, electrical, and construction markets," Dixon added.

The largest press in the PPE stable

This new press is the largest of the 25 injection molding machines at PPE. The Jupiter 14000 has an injection size capacity of up to 22 pounds and will be used to manufacture a 14-pound cover for a sewage grinder pump. The cover is made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), with a diameter of 2 feet and a height of approximately 10 inches.

PPE indicates that as it focuses more on more complex and demanding applications, it is seeking to hire new employees with advanced engineering and technical expertise. The company, headquartered in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, expects the workforce in technical/engineering, supervisory, and administrative positions to increase by up to 10% next year.

The machine will also be used for molding 18 to 20-inch long electronic insulating covers, 28-inch long electrical covers, as well as canoe and kayak seats weighing 7.5 to 9 pounds.

The 10-ton bridge crane installed in the workshop

PPE recently installed a new 10-ton bridge crane from Konecranes for handling large molds. This crane complements the existing 5-ton crane and now enables the lifting and positioning of high-tonnage molds for efficient and safe operation.

PPE is also equipped with a tool room staffed by experienced tool technicians. The company states that customers may need the tool room to repair their custom molds, thereby re-allocating their existing molds back into the press with minimal production delays.

Automated work units include robots and vision systems.

The new equipment also includes an advanced automation system driven by Sepro three-axis robots. The automated work unit contains end-of-arm tools and a Keyence vision system, which will perform insert molding, de-gating, and quality inspection.

PPE indicates that as it focuses more on more complex and demanding applications, it is seeking to hire new employees with advanced engineering and technical expertise. The company, headquartered in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, expects the workforce in technical/engineering, supervisory, and administrative positions to increase by up to 10% next year.