Blowmolding Equipment

Sidel (Le Havre Cedex, France) has developed a new, self-lubricating composite material for studs and wear rings that eliminates the need for greasing moving parts, allowing blowmolders to cut weekly maintenance operations. The Kohlox thermocomposite material has a low coefficient of friction, allowing parts to move freely without any lubrication.

Kirin Techno-System Co.'s (Japan) inline preform inspector can detect cracks, chips, scratches, burnt spots, flashing, bubbles, and other defects at a speed of 330 units per minute. A special image- processing algorithm enables separation by defect type. Images of defective bottles are also stored.

The RS2000E all-electric PET reheat stretch blowmolding machine from Ryozai Kaihatsu Co. (Japan) can simultaneously mold two bottle types in separate cavities. Maximum output is pegged at 2800 bottles per hour (500 ml). High-pressure blow air is recycled for use in machine operation in a closed loop.

Packing 175 tons of clamp force and the ability to run high-cavitation tools and standard resins into a comparatively small footprint, a new injection blowmolding machine (IBM) machine emphasizes space, energy, and maintenance savings. Jomar Corp.’s (Pleasantville, NJ) M-175 has a relatively low shut height of 10-14 inches (254-355 mm), with a maximum trigger bar of 49.25 inches (1250.9 mm). A vertical plasticizing unit furthers space and energy savings on the machine, which also has fewer parts for easier maintenance.