June 27, 2025 13:48

The Japanese injection-molding specialist JSW (Japan Steel Works) has unveiled a two-platen press boasting a clamping force of 4,000 tonnes — the most powerful electric-drive machine ever built. Strictly speaking, the unit is not fully electric: It employs a hydroblock locking system and a hydraulically assisted moving platen, a pragmatic choice for a press of this category.

Development was driven by the growing demand from electric-vehicle manufacturers for lightweight exterior parts such as bumpers and tailgates, as well as the conversion of electric-vehicle battery cases to plastic.
In the North America, IMM of this tonnage (until now mainly hydraulic) are also widely used for agricultural/industrial machinery, general merchandise and home-appliance industries, apart from the automotive industry.

Measuring 17.4 meters in length — nearly 10% shorter than a hydraulic press of equal tonnage — the new J4000F-22000H offers a maximum injection volume of 22,000 cm³ (18.6 kg in PP equivalent). JSW reports a very short dry-cycle time that lifts productivity by roughly 10% versus the latest hydraulic models. Proprietary electric drives ensure steadier output and faster machine start-ups.

Energy metrics are equally compelling: compared with conventional hydraulics in the same tonnage class, power consumption drops by 15-20%, cooling-water consumption is reduced by 50% and hydraulic-oil consumption by 70%. JSW calculates annual CO2 emissions can be cut by 15-20%, trimming operating costs by about one-fifth.

Key construction features include a space-saving, high-rigidity mold platen; a wide cross-section on the moving platen with large-diameter rollers for enhanced support; and a ladder-frame structure that keeps the bed level for a long-life machine.

JSW will showcase its technology at K2025 later this year, although the models on the stand will be smaller than this flagship behemoth.

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