MATERIALS / RECYCLING 23 PETplanet Insider Vol. 23 ensuring a clear, high-resolution image of the base at the start of production. The high-resolution imaging is suited for managing bottles with rPET where the presence of small particle contaminants can increase the incidences of holes in the highly stretched regions of the foot and base. The Pilot Vision+ system offers a number of tools to assist operators with setup and job management. These include adjustable ROI tools, digital image filtering, zone scaling and the ability to display live and historical inspections images that can be used for evaluation or setup purposes. Defects are correlated to the mould/spindle to easily identify the source of a defect. Defects are also categorised using colour codes for quick and easy identification of offending characteristics. Process control for managing rPET variability One of the challenges to efficient bottle production is variability in the resin and as a result, lack of consistency in preforms. Recycled resin significantly compromises preform consistency, and as a result, the bottle becomes increasingly more difficult to make. Preforms made of recycled PET, because they are inconsistent in makeup and colour, behave differently in the blowmoulder and require continuous adjustments to the blowmoulder controls in order to maintain proper material distribution. The Process Pilot system takes and analyses real-time measurements of sidewall thickness of every bottle leaving the mould, then adjusts the blowmoulder control parameters if material distribution starts trending out of spec. The result is an optimised blowing process that ensures consistent container quality and performance over the entire production run. Process variability related to rPET material, such as variations in colour that affect heat absorption, can be effectively managed by the Process Pilot system, eliminating the need to constantly adjust the blowmoulder. This avoids the production of defective and non-conforming containers, minimising product waste and related downstream issues. The Pilot Vision+ and Process Pilot automated blowmoulder control system are part of a complete line of products offered by Agr International Inc. to help bottle manufacturers and brand owners manage container quality and production efficiency, particularly with the ever-increasing use of rPET. www.agrintl.com
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