New blow moulding machines for diverse packaging demands

The race to create a wider variety of packaging has intensified - - pushing producers of blow moulding equipment to create better and more efficient equipment that suit today's market requirements. Sidel, for instance, launched its SBO Universal 2 range, which accelerates industrial blow moulder outputs by 10% - reaching 2,000 bottles per hour per mould - 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 mould, Sidel has expanded 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 down time 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 optimised 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 mould. New lamps and oven adaptations enable a decrease in energy consumption of up to 10%. Reaching this new performance level for blow moulding represents a new step forward in reducing the environmental impact of each PET bottle during its production. Equipment for clear packaging in demand Clear bottles are currently in great demand because of their overall appearance and texture. This type of containers becomes more attractive with engravings and embossing making them look even better. In response to this trend, Kautex Maschinenbau has developed a blow moulding equipment for the manufacture of highly transparent packaging such as those used in the cosmetics sector. 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 of Germany, and are ideal for bottles and containers of up to 30-litres capacity and simple technical parts. The larger KCC30 model can also be used to produce 20-litre 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 moulder 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 moulding equipment is necessary to achieve such a cherished unclouded result. The KCC 10 D blow moulder is marketed on its ability to help packaging firms on their quest fir clearer bottles in an economical and energy efficient manner. The double-station machine is described as "a true all-rounder" among the shuttle blow moulding machines. 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-litre cans may be manufactured. Comparing this machine to previous models, a spokadidas