Injecting innovations for efficient and sustainable production

The injection moulding sector is one of the most dynamic segments of the plastics industry owing to the breakthrough solutions that have been developed by companies producing injection moulding machinery. With going global as the mantra that drives innovations in this area, major players have been able to forge ahead and obtain recognition for injection moulding applications in the packaging, medical, automotive, electronics/ electrical, household appliances and more.

Chuan Lih Fa (CLF) Machinery Works Co., Ltd. was established in 1966 and over the course of half a century, the company has been transformed from being a local factory into a globally recognised brand in plastic injection machinery. Starting from small-size plastic injection moulding machines, through constant improvement and innovation, CLF now has diverse models to provide complete plant optimisation and provide global service. 

Currently, CLF is focused on R&D, manufacture and sales of plastic injection machinery, and is known in the market for its super-large, high precision and high-performance plastic injection moulding machines. Guided by the spirit of “Pursuing Excellence, Sustaining Innovation,” CLF has never ceased its dedication to advancing plastic injection moulding technology. International Plastics News for Asia had the chance to talk to Ms. Jenny Lin, Head of Marketing on the company’s injection moulding solutions and how these have been increasingly providing benefits to customers, such as Viet Nhat Plastic, in Vietnam.

CLF injection moulding solutions have been targeting the Southeast Asian markets. What are the machineries that CLF has been providing this dynamic market?

Ms. Lin: With Southeast Asia emerging as a key destination for foreign investment in manufacturing, there is a growing demand for rapid, flexible, and agile production solutions. Factors such as diversified product designs, the application of composite materials, environmentally friendly manufacturing processes, and shifting trends across industries influence manufacturers, thereby impacting the types of injection moulding machines required. As a result, there is an increasing need for customised machinery to meet specific manufacturing demands. CLF’s range of machines is characterised by high efficiency, flexibility, and stability, and our injection moulding solutions represent the most cost-effective and optimal choices available.

Take four of our series for example: The TPII or Two Platen Plastic Injection Moulding Machine features a high rigidity machine wall and highperformance clamping cylinder. Structural strength is ensured through stress analysis to minimise mould deformation. Non-contact pillars maintain precision without surface wear or lubrication, ensuring cleanliness. This model is enhanced by its space-saving design that reduces machine length by 15%, improving factory utilisation and energy efficiency. An ultra-long support base ensures smooth operations and precise parallelism. The two-platen design offers flexibility for customisation, meeting diverse needs efficiently. Additionally, our series accommodates multi-colour/multigroup injection requirements, adding value to finished products. This machine is ideal for the production of automotive parts and packaging.

The TWII is Outward Toggle Type Plastic Injection Moulding Machine that features a five-point external toggle mechanism. Our machine ensures low platen deformation and high precision. The clamping force is concentrated on the platen’s center, minimising deformation for superior product precision. Our high rigidity/ precision injection mechanism utilises linear slide rail support for low friction and smooth movement. Customisation options include achieving ultra-long mould opening strokes to accommodate deeper products. Additionally, we offer energy-saving and injection stability enhancements through customisable features such as servo drives, electric material storage, and remote monitoring. This machine is highly recommended for the production of automotive parts and electronic devices.

The TX is the Standard Plastic Injection Moulding Machine with a five-point internal toggle mechanism. This machine delivers high-speed operation and stable mould locking. The innovative structural design and optimised toggle motion analysis ensure fast and reliable performance. Additionally, our highstrength toggle configuration features a 4-3-4-3 platen connection design for enhanced rigidity and strength. Hydraulic cylinders are diagonally arranged to shorten the clamping mechanism’s length, optimising factory space usage. Enlarged platens with a box structure improve structural rigidity. Customisable options include energy-saving servo drives, electric material storage, and remote monitoring for enhanced efficiency and stability. This machine is ideal for the production of packaging and household hardware products.

The TWR/TPIIR is the Rotary Table/ Separated Injection(Co-Injection) MultiColour Plastic Injection Moulding M a c h i n e w i t h e n h a n c e d d e s i g n flexibility and versatility. The internal space optimisation allows for diverse applications, such as dual-material buttons, reducing assembly steps and enhancing waterproofing. This machine enables streamlined processes and cost reduction as it is capable of combining two materials or colours in a single moulding process for reduced additional processing, thus cutting costs.

Precision with multi-angle rotation is achieved with the integration of customised rotation tables that allow for 90, 120, and 180-degree rotations, meeting production needs for multiple moulds with high accuracy. This model boasts of having improved aesthetics as utilising multiple colours/textures enhances product appearance and value, elevating the overall look and feel.

CLF has been providing injection moulding solutions for Vietnam’s plastics manufacturers, and one of them is Viet Nhat Plastic. What are the specific needs or requirements of Viet Nhat Plastic production when they approached CLF and what are the features of the injection moulding machine from CLF that best meets their requirements?

Ms. Lin: Considering that most customers in Vietnam manufacture household hardware, there aren’t any specific requirements for the machines. But most of them seek high production capacity, stability, and after-sales service that CLF can provide because of our years of experience. In the case of Viet Nhat Plastic, we have been able to meet its requirements to ensure smooth operations. Such customised requirements can be provided by CLF for other Vietnam-based customers, as well, like some may request for the installation of a heat exchanger to cope with the hot weather in Vietnam. Additionally, there’s a current trend towards energy conservation, leading to requests for adding infrared electric heaters, electric plasticizing motor, and other features to achieve energy-saving goals.

What are other CLF after-sales and value-added services that are available to customers in Vietnam after they purchased the machine?

Ms. Lin: We have been operating in Vietnam for nearly 30 years, and the majority of our customers have been with us since the early days. With an approximate 80% retention rate, this is a testament to the quality and stability of our machines. Furthermore, with our service centre located in Ho Chih Minh City, Vietnam, all after-sales services such as assembly, maintenance, and parts replacement are readily accessible, ensuring quick and convenient assistance.