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Westminster Tool (Plainfield, Conn.) has added a new 354-ton all-electric Sumitomo (SHI) Demag SE-EV-A-HD injection molding machine to bolster its mold qualification and training efforts. A company spokesperson told Plastics Technology that the newest machine will be installed at Westminster’s second facility in Sterling, Conn., which is primarily used for storage and training. The new machine will initiate the process of transitioning mold qualification to Sterling. The Sumitomo (SHI) Demag machine joins 110- and 150-ton Maruka Toyo presses already used in mold qualification and located in Plainfield.

Westminster Tool partnered with Sumitomo (SHI) Demag on the deployment of the machine, noting the new press will specifically accommodate upcoming medical manufacturing projects that feature larger parts and higher cavitation molds. From Sumitomo (SHI) Demag’s perspective, the machine supplier with U.S. headquarters in Georgia specifically sought partners that could help it promote its equipment to the critical New England market.

In addition to mold validation and internal research and development, the machine’s new home at Westminster Tool will also serve as a centralized showcase for potential training, among both companies and their customers.

Westminster’s President Ray Coombs noted the complementary nature of the collaboration in a press release. “Partnering with Sumitomo (SHI) Demag was a natural fit considering the timing, and it’s a perfect alignment of each company’s needs,” Coombs stated.