Superior Tooling will support SHL’s strategic manufacturing operations globally, especially strengthening its vertical capabilities for the new site in North Charleston, while solidifying its local presence. This expansion of strengths underlines SHL’s global strategy, emphasising one of its distinctive features – full in-house manufacturing – and positions tooling as one of SHL’s core competencies close to the new manufacturing site in South Carolina.

With two new manufacturing sites underway in North Charleston, SC, USA, and Zug, Switzerland, complementing the existing facilities in Taiwan, SHL strategically addresses the growing demand in the autoinjector market.

“This marks a significant step forward for our potential and growth trajectory. We take great pride in having our capabilities recognised by a global player, and eagerly look forward to maximising them as integral members of SHL Medical. I am confident that the synergies between our capabilities and SHL’s established tooling expertise will prove highly advantageous for both our existing and new customers,” expressed Robbie Earnhardt, president of Superior Tooling.

Q-Series platform, a low- to mid-tonnage range featuring double-toggle design and servo-hydraulic operation for fast production using less energy. A Q-170 machine with G3 Mosaic control and DME mold technology using bio-resin will be featured in a mobile phone holder application.

SG75 extrusion system with a new control, new die heads, and advanced single/twin screws and barrels. The package includes all downstream equipment — vacuum tank, pullers, saws, and more. A cobot at the end of the line will perform demonstrations.

M-Powered IIoT remote digital solution that uses built-in analytics of real-time machine data to identify causes of downtime, production inefficiencies, and quality issues.

Custom textures and backlighting for automotive and appliance applications using an M-500 machine cell featuring a Mold-Masters hot runner and Kurz in-mold decoration technology.

L-Series low-pressure injection molding machinery, capable of running up to 100% regrind flake material. The machine will not be on site but featured in an animation loop.

"This acquisition marks a significant milestone in our journey towards globalising our operations to better serve our customer base. We are happy to welcome Superior Tooling into the SHL family.”

The acquisition of Superior Tooling not only supports the tooling needs of SHL’s in-house manufacturing but also its strategy to deliver the highest quality tools to customers across industries. The US company will work closely with SHL’s existing tooling departments to develop new solutions for its global customer base.

The M-Series features as standard the largest clamp stroke in the mid-tonnage hybrid range, the company said. Fanuc motors and drives power the platform, which is based on two-platen technology and can be integrated with multiple co-injection technologies to support customer sustainability requirements.

Ulrich Faessler, chairman and CEO of SHL Medical, looks forward to the collaboration: “The demand for our autoinjectors, including treatment areas such as diabetes and weight management, is growing rapidly. Through continuous advancements and dedication, we deliver on our strategic vision to uphold our position as market leaders.

A two-cavity mold-pail application with up to 50% recycled core and in-mold labeling automation performed by the M-1070 using Mold-Masters co-injection technology.

SHL Medical, a provider of advanced drug delivery solutions headquartered in Switzerland, announces the acquisition of Superior Tooling Inc., a US manufacturer of plastic injection moulds through quality tooling, based in Wake Forest, North Carolina.

A 21.5-inch touch screen control panel with swing arm to improve viewing of the mold area. The panel’s “plus” section enables configurable screen viewing; 8+8 configurable I/Os is standard.

All-electric Fanuc Roboshot in two applications. The Robo 55, using liquid silicone rubber material and automation, will be in a cell featuring a micro plunger to control a tiny shot for an umbrella part. The Robo 275 will demonstrate a 48-cavity medical vial application using Milacron’s stainless steel water system and new M3 thermocouple technology from Mold-Masters.

Geoff Giordano is a tech journalist with more than 30 years’ experience in all facets of publishing. He has reported extensively on the gamut of plastics manufacturing technologies and issues, including 3D printing materials and methods; injection, blow, micro and rotomolding; additives, colorants and nanomodifiers; blown and cast films; packaging; thermoforming; tooling; ancillary equipment; and the circular economy. Contact him at [email protected].

Milacron’s M-Series injection molding machine (IMM) platform will make its North American debut at NPE2024, featuring in two applications at the Ohio-based company’s booth from May 6 to 10 in Orlando, FL.