Himaco Hidráulicos & Máquinas Indústria & Comércio, of Novo Hamburgo, Brazil has launched a plastic injection moulding machine that it claims will reduce power consumption by around 40-50%.

The "Híbrida 1500-740 HNG", said to be the first Brazilian ‘hybrid’ machine, uses a combination of hydraulic and electrical power.

The new machine employs state-of-the art technology that allows higher speed cycles and increases productivity. The electric motor, which controls the level of raw materials used in injection moulding, is controlled by a frequency inverter which reduces power consumption to virtually zero during cooling and injection. Meanwhile, another electric motor controls the hydraulic system, independently.