New blow molding machines for diverse packaging demands

The race to create a wider variety of packaging has intensified, pushing producers of blow molding equipment to create better and more efficient machines that suit today's demand. Sidel, for instance, launched its SBO Universal 2 range, which accelerates industrial blow molder outputs by 10% - reaching 2,000 bottles per hour per mold - while also decreasing energy consumption by 10% in the ovens. The result is the possibility of blowing bottles from recycled PET. With this new record speed of 2,000 bottles per hour per mold, Sidel has widened its portfolio of solutions for the still and sparkling beverage markets. This output rate is the result of a long, rigorous qualification process that has already been tested and validated during industrial production at several customer facilities. This speed, which is ideal, reliable and safe for intensive industrial operation, applies to all machines in the SBO Universal2 range, up to SBO 24 XS. Also available in Combi configuration, the SBO Universal 2 range reaches record productivity levels as well, without any compromise in terms of robustness or production reliability. Unplanned machine downtime is reduced to less than 3% due to the use of more robust components and a fewer number of spare parts. It also ensures flawless productivity with guaranteed yields of 97% and optimized production costs. In addition, the new SBO Universal 2 machines benefit from the same heating reserve that is already available with SBO Universal equipment. The oven configuration with 50 mm pitch (distance between two spindles) ensures a sufficient heating time for an output rate of 2,000 bottles per hour per mold. New lamps and oven adaptations enable a decrease in energy consumption of up to 10%. Equipment for clear packaging Clear bottles are currently in great demand because of their overall appearance and feel. These types of containers are more attractive with engravings and embossing making them look even better. In response to this trend, Kautex Maschinenbau has developed a blow molding equipment for the manufacture of highly transparent packaging. The standard KCC packaging series comprises of the KCC10, KCC20 and KCC30 single clamp models and the double-clamp models KCC10- D and KCC20-D with up to two times ten cavities. The machines are based on designs by Kautex Maschinenbau, Germany, and are ideal for bottles and containers of up to 30-liters capacity and simple technical parts. The larger KCC30 model can also be used to produce 20-liter PC water bottles. The hydraulic clamping unit shuttles perpendicular to the extruder axis, so that articles are discharged laterally. Automatic deflashing stations can be installed next to the easily accessible clamping units. The KCC 10 D blow molder is designed for the production of clear bottles made from polypropylene resin and is therefore particularly well suited to products such as shampoo and shower gel. Beyond having the right resin, Kautex claims the right blow molding equipment is necessary to achieve such a cherished unclouded result. Up to 14 bottles of 50ml capacity can be produced in a single blowing process. On the other end of the scale, up to two 5-liter cans may be manufactured. Comparing thi s ma chine to previous mode l s , a spokesperson from Kautex said that after a couple of successful years a facelift seemed appropriate. Then the stroke was slightly enlarged, the clamp force increased from 100 to 120 kN (10 to 12 tons) and the hard and software of the BlowCommand machine controls was upgraded. Promoting the use of recycled PET At the same time, Sidelis also committed to improving the environmental footprint of the bottle itself, by facilitating the generalization of bottles made from recycled PET resin. The 1.5-liter mineral water bottle produced by an SBO 14, at aAir Max 1 Ultra Essential