PETpla.net Insider 11 / 2019

MOULD MAKING PET planet Insider Vol. 20 No. 11/19 www.petpla.net 24 Multifunctional device for greater productive capacity Process optimisation and prevention Otto Hofstetter AG is offering a new multifunctional device for its injection moulds. OH Xport helps manufacturers of packaging and preforms increase their production efficiency and further extend the longevity of their tools. During pro- duction, the device transmits crucial performance values to a cockpit, allowing for optimisation of production rou- tines and error detection before malfunctions or quality loss become evident. Otto Hofstetter AG is upholding its tradition of maintaining close contact with its customers. The Swiss mould manufacturer thus realises the chal- lenges that producers of packaging and PET preforms are confronted with on a daily basis. Significantly increasing annual productive capac- ity using an existing infrastructure is a formidable task. However, with OH Xport, Otto Hofstetter AG is confident of having created the prerequisite to do precisely that. Measured in terms of potential for improvement, an investment in the multifunctional device pays off even before the first year of use is over, states the com- pany. OH Xport is a small, smart multi- functional device that supports pack- aging and preform manufacturers in numerous ways. It provides both a basis with which to optimise produc- tion routines and also identifies errors before malfunctions or quality losses are detected by the system operator. The entire process is defined by sim- plicity and security. Visualisation of relevant data OH Xport records the number of uses, system efficiency, cooling circuit and hot runner temperature, coolant flow rate, machine standstill times and the cause of a possible machinery stop. Based on the recorded data, the add-on device helps determine the right time for preventive maintenance. OH Xport gathers data on the tool and transmits it via a 3G data connection to an analysis site where it is automat- ically aggregated. The values are dis- played as clear charts in a cockpit that can be controlled by all current inter- net browsers. Users who have been predefined by the operator can access the information necessary to prevent a machine standstill or improve produc- tion processes, for example. The cycle is complete once the plant manager learns of the increase in line efficiency thanks to the optimisations during the course of short-term, medium-term or even long-term reporting on the degree of process improvement. Retrofitting existing systems OH Xport is available immediately as an add-on for all new injection moulding tools from Otto Hofstetter AG. Existing systems can also be retrofitted thanks to its easy installa- tion. Installation, commissioning and instruction are stated to be minimal and to require just two days. Likewise, the required machinery stop is negligi- ble and lasts only two to four hours. Otto Hofstetter states that OH Xport provides major benefits such as higher annual production, increased longevity and preventive maintenance, and thus also more security during production - while being moderately priced. The benefits accrued in production should compensate for the investment before the first year of use is over. The Swiss mould producer provides an extended guarantee of either two or three years for new moulds equipped with OH Xport. www.otto-hofstetter.swiss Information gathered by the new OH Xport of Otto Hofstetter AG is presented in a cockpit, which is accessible via any standard internet browser. OH Xport is a new multifunctional device that helps to increase produc- tion efficiency and extend the longevity of moulds. MOULD MAKING