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At press time last month, , Batavia, Ohio, gave Plastics Technology an advance look at a line of all-electric machines being launched globally this month. Elektron 400 and 500 presses (400 and 500 tons, respectively) are available now, and 600 and 725 models are coming later this year.

Milacron’s Eric Thompson, electric platform product manager, positions these as extending the size range upward from the Roboshot line, which tops out at 330 tons standard. Elektron models are aimed at a broad range of uses, whereas Milacron’s PowerPAK electric line of 440 tons and up is more specialized for high-speed/high-injection-rate applications. The new machines were developed for highly precise, repeatable parts in automotive, medical, and industrial markets.

Elektron models have a newly designed toggle clamp with linear bearings for a greaseless part-drop area. Their new injection unit has twin ballscrews and offers shot sizes up to 60 oz for the 400-tonner. New Endura Touch controls with 15-in. touchscreen have the look and feel of high-end Mosaic controls with the functionality of the Endura II system. The control also features a new real-time energy monitor. And Elektron machines sport Milacron’s new global format for guarding, similar to its Ferromatik Milacron F-Series. See the new models at Milacron’s open house Apr. 24-25. (More details next month.)