PETpla.net Insider 10 / 2018

TRADE SHOW PREVIEW PET planet Insider Vol. 19 No. 10/18 www.petpla.net 46 ASB to demonstrate new & upgraded “1.5-step” moulding and advanced control systems Extended ISBM range The Nissei ASB Machine Co., Ltd., booth (W2-2B36) at China Brew & China Beverage exhibition will feature live demonstrations of the latest and most advanced versions of its machines for injection stretch blow moulding of PET and other plastics. It will also be exhibiting recent updates in its injection stretch-blow moulded packaging technology. ASB says that the PF36 series extends the range and capabilities of the PF platform, first shown as the PF24-8B 1.5 step injection stretch blow moulding machine at K2013 in Düs- seldorf. The latest version is claimed to provide higher productivity and greater efficiency. The model on the stand will be the PF36/36-600. The designation identifies it as being able to mould 36 preforms per cycle, producing bottles of up to 600ml capacity. Blow moulding is car- ried out by an integrated 12-cavity linear blow system that operates three times per injection cycle. PF36/36-600 has a footprint 30cm longer than its predecessor but is claimed to offer productivity increase of 50-80%, to 14,000-17,000bph, subject to container specification. The machine will be demonstrated moulding a 500ml, 8g water bottle with a 26mm threaded neck, which is currently the lightest prac- tical weight in this class of container. Other models on the same platform currently available are: PF36/24-1500 (24 preforms and 8 blow cavities up to  Faster response & communication speed than dedicated PLC systems enhances machine cycle efficiency and control precision.  PC based system makes it flex- ible in use and compatible with the Industrie 4.0 standard for enhanced factory networking into the IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things).  Larger, 18.5 inch easy to read panel provides easier access to relevant information without chang- ing pages.  Most manual operation switches are replaced by touchscreen opera- tion.  Improved operator feedback improves troubleshooting response time and minimises down-time.  Internal hard wiring is reduced.  Major machine functions can be added or updated via software installation only.  Easier & faster service support.  Standardised interface planned across the model range assists in operator training. 1.5-step moulding method The 1.5-step moulding method is a unique process originally developed by ASB in 1995, that has since been utilised in a wide range of machine models sold by the company resulting in significant sales revenue and growth. Before its introduction all PET bot- tles had either been moulded using the one-step or two-step process. In the one-step process, PET resin is moulded directly into the finished container in one machine using residual preform heat from the injection process to enable blow moulding of the bottle into an equal number of blow cavities. In the two-step process, preforms are injec- tion moulded on dedicated machines then stored or transported before being re-heated and moulded into container on a dedicated stretch-blow moulding machine. 1,500ml); PF36/18-2000 (18 preforms and 6 blow cavities, up to 2,000ml); and PF36/12-5000 (12 preforms and 4 blow cavities, up to 5,000ml). ASB says that further models based on the same mechanical function and footprint are currently under develop- ment, which will enable high com- monality of machine parts, potentially reducing parts inventory across multiple machines; reduced manufacturing cost and competitive purchase price; and simplified operator training and trouble- shooting. While injection moulding is car- ried out hydraulically, all downstream systems are fully electric including the blow mould clamping and servo-driven stretch rods. Next-generation advanced control system At China Brew & Beverage, the PF36/36-600 being exhibited is utilis- ing ASB’s all new advanced control system. This industrial PC based system provides a long list of advan- tages for potential users of the PF36 series: Temperature optimised preforms are seen just before transfer into the PF36/36-600 blow station Overview of PF36/36-600 1.5-step injection SBM machine