Bole Establishes New Machines and New U.S. Subsidiary at NPE2024

Since the company’s participation in NPE2018, Bole established a U.S. subsidiary — Bole Machinery Inc. — in Stow, Ohio, in 2019 and sought expansion in North America, hiring sales and service employees, as well as building up inventory of 20 to 30 presses. Jack Liu, president of Bole Machinery Inc., who has been with the company since the start of 2023, says Bole was represented by sales reps at NPE2018 — this time around, it is direct employees showcasing a lot of new technology.

Bole’s booth has four machines in operation. First up is the new DK-e series of large 2-platen machines, utilizing electric drives for multiple axes’ movements. Using Linde’s Plastinum physical foaming technology with CO_², the 580-ton machine is molding and foaming automotive rear door trim components that are up to 15% lighter due to the foaming, easing the workload for the 6-axis robot that removes the finished parts. Bole has an entire suite of lightweighting technologies targeting automotive and other markets seeking lighter parts. In addition to physical foaming, these include Low Pressure Injection Molding (LPIM) structural foam machines; Carbon Fiber Injection Molding (CIML) systems, long-fiber inline-mixing technology, and the Bole MG Series of thixomolding presses for molding magnesium.

Next up is the company’s new hybrid BL400HK high-speed machine targeting packaging applications, including thin-wall containers, lids, caps, closures and more. Here it’s molding bioplastic-based cutlery using PHA resin. Capable of injection speeds up to 1,000 mm/sec, the 441-ton BL400HK at the show is modified to run bioplastics, including changes to its injection unit and sourcing of a specialized tool. Designed as a complete, turnkey manufacturing cell, the machine is molding and then — with the help of Chuanyi automation— degating, trimming and packaging 12-piece cutlery kits.

An all-electric machine targeting medical is also in the booth and debuting in the U.S. The BL110FE-A will mold plungers for 1-mL syringes. Liu says innovations on the 110FA include a central toggle system designed to prevent deformation of the platens, and to support up to ISO Class 6 cleanroom operation, the machine’s ballscrew and lubrication system are completely encapsulated. The machine also features the CPBC process control, and for greater cleanliness, antistatic paint, stainless steel components and food-grade grease. Bole also provides good manufacturing practices (GMP) documentation and support.

The final machine display is a servo-hydraulic general-purpose BL280EKS as part of an automated manufacturing cell molding a small houseware bin. The 309-ton BL280EKS will display energy-saving features, the patented Central Clamp System and No-Touch platens with linear rails on the clamp and injection sides.

Liu says Bole is anticipating a post-show bump, for which it will be ready. “Since last year, Bole has prepared for this moment, adding employees and expanding our sales and service networks. We’re ready for the boom.” Liu says Bole has nearly 400 machines installed in the U.S., with more than 1,000 in Mexico and some in Canada as well.