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How to Compare Injection Molding Energy Results

A lower kWh/kg number is meaningful only when the comparison boundary and production result are genuinely comparable.

Machine class versus product result

EUROMAP 60.1 classifies a basic machine under defined test conditions and warns that only similar machine sizes should be compared. EUROMAP 60.2 measures a specified machine making a specified product with a specified process. Do not mix the two claims.

Hold the production basis

Compare the same mold, producing cavities, material condition, shot basis, quality requirement, cycle state, and measurement boundary. If these change, document the change and treat the result as a new case rather than a direct efficiency win.

Separate base and process loads

Idle or ready-state draw can dominate an underutilized machine. Compare stable molding energy, idle energy, restart energy, and annual utilization separately before projecting savings.

Do not hide auxiliaries

A press-only improvement can be real while the cell total remains unchanged because drying, mold temperature control, robots, conveyors, compressed air, vacuum, or central cooling dominate. State every included and excluded block.

Turn comparison into a decision

Use measured SEC for the Energy Upgrade Payback Calculator, measured idle/restart values for the Idle Shutdown Break-Even Calculator, and logged startup loads for the Startup Peak Demand Calculator.

Sources

EUROMAP 60.2 product-related energy method · EUROMAP 60.1 machine energy and idle method · NIST injection molding energy characterization · Plastics Engineering energy-management guidance.