PETpla.net Insider 04 / 2016

BOTTLE MAKING 30 PET planet insider Vol. 17 No. 04/16 www.petpla.net High-performance production of PET containers The new Electronic Blowing System (EBS) Ergon series is the outcome of a 2-years R&D project of SMI. The first model of the new range of machines was rolled out in Octo- ber 2015 to SMI’s sales network on the occasion of the new showroom opening at SMI headquarters in San Giovanni Bianco, Bergamo, Italy. From October 19-26, 2016 at the K’ trade fair in Düsseldorf, Germany, SMI will be showcasing its new EBS 10 Ergon blowing system. The current EBS Ergon range numbers seven models from 4-16 cavities, suitable for the production of PET containers from 0.1 to 3l at a maximum 33,600bph and three models from 3-6 cavities, specially designed for the production of large PET containers, from 3.5 to 10l at a maximum 7,200bph. The EBS Ergon stretch-blow moulders are available for stand-alone machines and inte- grated into the Ecobloc Ergon series all-in-one blowing, filling and capping system. The new EBS Ergon focuses on a precise speed of descent of the stretching rod and an accurate con- trol of its position at any stage of the blowing cycle. The system is also said to deliver energy savings. The adjust- ment of the stretch-blowing speed is free from mechanical interventions and control Motornet System, which is said to ensure that optimal working parameters are constantly maintained during the whole production cycle, directly adjusting the machine’s set- tings, thus simplifying format change- overs. Preform heating module The stretch-blow moulders of the EBS Ergon series are equipped with a new preform heating module featur- ing compact size; also featured is the horizontal frame of the preform-hold- ing mandrel chains (37mm pitch) and an enhanced ventilation system. The concept enables the heating module length to be reduced by 50%, with the subsequent reduction in the number of preforms passing in front of the heating panels. The heating module is equipped with heat-reflecting, energy- efficient panels made of composite materials, mounted both on the front and to the rear of the IR lamps, which ensures a higher and better distribu- tion on the preform surface of the heat generated by the heating lamps. Ecobloc Ergon integrated systems All the advantages of the EBS Ergon stretch-blow moulding machines are strengthened when the blower is combined with a filler and capper to form an Ecobloc Ergon model. The modular and compact design of the machine frame requires no conveyor belts connecting blower and filler. This series boasts a high- hygiene filling technology allowing the area underneath the bottles to be kept completely clear, so as to ease the operator’s access to the machine for maintenance and cleaning opera- tions. The automation and control system allows the full running of the whole equipment by one line operator, thanks to a user-friendly man-machine interface. www.smigroup.it (cams replacement) with the key ben- efit of reducing the stress generated by the vibrations the blowing wheel undergoes in traditional solutions. The EBS Ergon series is said to feature high performance, low dead volume valves which have reduced the pre- blowing and blowing times with an advantage in terms of machine’s effi- ciency and bottle’s quality. Running, cleaning and maintenance The safety guard of the new EBS Ergon blow-moulders is a rounded shape, enabling more space inside the machine for cleaning and mainte- nance operations for the operator to carry out easily and safely. There is a new technology of the automation