Multi-Drive - Innovative Drive Technology for the Future of Injection Molding
Increasing demands for shorter cycle times, higher precision, and greater flexibility are reshaping injection molding technology. Multi-Drive is a patent-pending drive concept developed to meet these challenges by redefining how hydraulic power is generated and utilized in injection molding machines.
By combining the strengths of hydraulic and electric drive technologies, Multi-Drive delivers the speed, accuracy, and parallel functionality typically associated with fully electric machines, while retaining the robustness, power density, and efficiency of hydraulic systems.
What Is Multi-Drive Technology
Multi-Drive is based on the use of two independently controlled servo-driven hydraulic pumps operating within a single injection molding cycle. These pumps can work individually, in parallel, or jointly, depending on the process requirements at each stage of the cycle.
This flexible interaction allows multiple machine movements and functions to run simultaneously, eliminating unnecessary waiting times and enabling completely new motion sequences that are not possible with conventional single-pump systems.
The result is a drive concept that significantly reduces cycle time while increasing overall machine performance and application flexibility.
How Multi-Drive Works in Practice
In a typical high-speed production cycle, such as screw cap manufacturing, both servo pump drives operate in parallel. While one pump controls mold closing and nozzle movement, the second pump simultaneously builds up high pressure for ejection or injection.
During other phases of the cycle, such as dosing and pressure reduction, both processes can also run in parallel. Mold opening and ejector movements are shared dynamically between the two drives, ensuring optimal energy distribution and maximum speed.
This intelligent interaction of the two servo drives allows the machine to perform faster, smoother, and more precise movements throughout the entire injection molding cycle.
Key Benefits of Multi-Drive Technology
Significant Cycle Time Reduction
By enabling parallel movements and eliminating settling times, Multi-Drive dramatically shortens cycle times. This is especially critical in high-volume and high-speed applications where every fraction of a second directly impacts production output.
Up to 35 Percent Higher Productivity
The reduction in cycle time leads directly to higher output per machine. Depending on the application, production efficiency can increase by up to 35 percent, making Multi-Drive an excellent solution for cost-sensitive manufacturing environments.
Parallel Functionality Without Compromise
Unlike conventional systems where movements must follow one another sequentially, Multi-Drive allows multiple axes to operate simultaneously. Parallel dosing, ejection, mold movements, and pressure build-up are possible without loss of precision or stability.
High Precision and Part Quality
The use of servo-controlled pumps ensures extremely precise motion control. This improves part consistency, reduces dimensional deviations, and minimizes reject rates, particularly in demanding applications such as thin-wall or technical components.
No Settling Times
Single-pump systems often require waiting periods to stabilize operating conditions during dynamic changes. With Multi-Drive, these settling times are eliminated, allowing continuous, fluid motion and faster transitions between process steps.
Combination of Hydraulic and Electric Advantages
Multi-Drive combines low installed electrical power and high energy density with the precision, speed, and flexibility of servo-electric control. The result is low operating costs, reduced wear, and excellent dynamic performance.
Application Areas for Multi-Drive
Multi-Drive is designed for applications with high demands on speed, precision, and parallel processing. Typical use cases include:
High-speed screw cap production with very short cycle and cooling times
Thin-wall packaging parts with extremely short cycles and high flow length-to-wall thickness ratios
High-volume packaging applications requiring parallel dosing and ejection
Technical parts with long flow paths and high injection volume requirements
With a single injection molding machine, manufacturers can cover a wide range of applications, from fast-running packaging products to complex technical components.
Technical Design and System Integration
Multi-Drive systems are equipped with two servo pump drives instead of one. The entire hydraulic control unit, including control blocks and valves, is specifically designed to support the increased complexity and performance requirements of parallel operation.
The drive configuration is fully integrated into the machine control system, allowing users to select and utilize the available drive functions as needed for each production process. This ensures maximum flexibility while maintaining intuitive operation.
It is important to note that Multi-Drive is a dedicated machine configuration and cannot be retrofitted to existing machines.
Why Choose Multi-Drive
Multi-Drive is not just a drive upgrade; it is a fundamental step forward in injection molding performance. By enabling parallel machine movements, reducing cycle times, and increasing productivity, it delivers a decisive competitive advantage in modern plastics processing.
For manufacturers seeking higher output, greater flexibility, and reliable high-speed performance without sacrificing energy efficiency or precision, Multi-Drive represents a future-ready drive technology engineered for demanding production environments.