--- title: "Energy Management Systems – Injection Molding III" id: "7608" type: "post" slug: "energy-management-systems-injection-molding-iii" published_at: "2024-12-16T15:15:58+00:00" modified_at: "2024-12-16T15:25:37+00:00" url: "https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2024/12/energy-management-systems-injection-molding-iii-007608/" markdown_url: "https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2024/12/energy-management-systems-injection-molding-iii-007608.md" excerpt: "Energy efficiency in mold design is rarely considered but cooling, the size of sprues and runners and how the part is ejected all have energy use implications that should be considered at the design stage. " taxonomy_category: - "Business" - "Injection Molding" - "Mold & Die Making" - "Process" - "Sustainability" - "Trending" taxonomy_post_tag: - "Energy" - "energy management" - "Injection Molding" - "Mold" - "Molding" - "Robin Kent" - "Sustainability" --- [Home](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/) » [News](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/news/) » [Trending](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/c/trending/) » [Sustainability](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/c/trending/sustainability/) » Energy Management Systems – Injection Molding III # Energy Management Systems – Injection Molding III All-electric and servo-controlled machines are more energy efficient than older style hydraulic machines in both controlled trials and from industry operational data. For some existing machines the installation of retro-fitted Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) can be used to control the motors and provide a pay-back of less than 18 months. Mold temperature controllers are not free. They cost money to operate and should be used only when really necessary. Flow and return piping should be insulated where possible to keep the heat where it is needed. Energy efficiency in mold design is rarely considered but cooling, the size of sprues and runners and how the part is ejected all have energy use implications that should be considered at the design stage. ## **Action:** - Check the economics of all-electric and servo-controlled machines. The pay-back will make it economic to invest in new technology. - Check the economics of retro-fitted VFDs. For large machines with high operating hours and long cycle times the pay-back may make it economic to invest in this technology. - Check that mold temperature controllers are being used wisely and that all piping is insulated. - Make sure that mold designers are aware of the need to consider energy use at the design stage. *Dr. Robin Kent is the author of ‘[Energy Management in Plastics Processing](https://www.amazon.com/Energy-Management-Plastics-Processing-Strategies/dp/0081025076/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1699448773&sr=1-1) ’, published by Elsevier and Managing Director of Tangram Technology Ltd. ([www.tangram.co.uk](http://www.tangram.co.uk/) ), consulting engineers for energy and sustainability management in plastics processing.* ***Also read:*** - *[Energy Management Systems – Injection Molding II](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2024/09/energy-management-injection-molding-006566/)* - [Energy Management Systems – Injection Molding I](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2024/06/energy-management-systems-injection-molding-1-005491/) - *[Energy Management Systems – The Gas Bill](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2024/04/nergy-management-systems-the-gas-bill-004576/)* - *[Energy Management Systems – Assessing Performance](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2024/03/energy-management-systems-assessing-performance-004089/)* - *[Energy Management Systems – Electricity Bill](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2024/01/energy-management-systems-the-electricity-bill-003151/)* - *[Energy Management Systems – Getting Started](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2023/11/energy-management-systems-getting-started-002677/)* - *[Energy Management Systems – Site Surveys](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2024/01/energy-management-systems-site-surveys-002990/)* By **[Robin Kent](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/author/dr-robin-kent/)** | December 16, 2024 [http://www.tangram.co.uk](http://www.tangram.co.uk) ##### [Robin Kent](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/author/dr-robin-kent/) [Website](http://www.tangram.co.uk) | [+ postsBio ⮌](#) ### Other posts you could read [May 6, 2026Reinforcement Learning for Polymer Design and Manufacturing](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/05/reinforcement-learning-for-polymer-design-and-manufacturing-011146/) [April 14, 2026How to Test for Chemical Resistance in Plastic Components](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/04/how-to-test-for-chemical-resistance-in-plastic-components-010963/) [April 16, 2026Artificial Rattan: Furniture from PolyAl](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/04/artificial-rattan-furniture-from-polyal-011037/) [April 21, 2026Flame-Resistant Polymers for Space Safety and Aerospace Use](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/04/flame-resistant-polymers-for-space-safety-and-aerospace-use-011162/) [April 29, 2026Renewable Functional Coatings for Advanced Applications](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/04/renewable-functional-coatings-for-advanced-applications-011134/) [May 5, 2026Assessing the Limits of Circularity in Healthcare Plastics](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/05/assessing-the-limits-of-circularity-in-healthcare-plastics-011180/) [April 13, 2026Upcycling PET Through Artificial Photosynthesis](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/04/upcycling-pet-through-artificial-photosynthesis-010940/) [April 28, 2026IKV Colloquium 2026: The Journey of Research and Industry](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/04/ikv-colloquium-2026-the-journey-of-research-and-industry-010989/) ## Share Your Thoughts [Cancel reply](/2024/12/energy-management-systems-injection-molding-iii-007608/#respond) - 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