INSPECTION 18 PETplanet Insider Vol. 24 No. 09/23 www.petpla.net machines and moulds. Typically, there are several projects running at the same time. “R&D projects are also very important as they are the future of the company” explained Mr De Luca. “A typical R&D project involves making a completely new bottle from zero. We have a department dedicated to this activity to capture ideas and feeling from the market. Sometimes these are brand new designs. We also refresh bottle designs and work through the process.” To support this work, the lab strictly interacts with the prototyping department where several machines – injection press, onestage machines, single cavity blow moulders – are dedicated to prototype new containers. This provides a realistic check before releasing the bottle for commercialisation. Whether brand new or existing, the lab supplies the testing necessary to validate the design. Long-term relationship Another important part of the decision to purchase the Gawis 4D is Sipa’s long-term relationship with Agr. The Gawis 4D is now the third Gawis measurement system working in the Sipa lab. The first was purchased in 1999, another in 2016 and the latest Gawis 4D, last year. “Before purchasing the latest system, we evaluated other devices – but we found that the Gawis 4D was the only system that had all the features we wanted, particularly the capability to do preforms and containers with the same system and simultaneous thickness and dimensional measurement ... these were most important features. The Gawis 4D was a significant upgrade over the previous systems.” In addition to the Gawis systems, the Sipa design, testing and qualification laboratory also includes the Agr PPT3000 pressure tester, Agr Combi tester for volume and top load tests and an Agr vacuum tester for qualifying vacuum strength of hot fill containers. As Sipa continues to grow and sell more equipment and moulds, the demands of the lab increase as well. According to De Luca, the new equipment has helped them keep up with these demands. Additionally, they are planning a lab expansion targeted for January of next year to aid with these increasing demands. In essence, the faster the measurements and response, the better it is for everyone. Since the work in the lab plays a critical role in the Sipa operation, it is imperative that the testing related to the qualification of moulds and equipment for shipment have no delays. “The new Gawis 4D system is essential to this effort as it has made it possible to increase our throughput and help us work faster and better. The faster we give response the better it is for everyone. The laboratory is of such importance to Sipa operation that any improvement in quality and throughput is a definite advantage.” www.agrintl.com www.sipasolutions.com The Gawis 4D from Agr International plays a critical role in the qualification process of moulds and machines for both bottles and preforms that are produced at the Sipa facility. 2023 Training Schedule Technology&Application of PET Plastic Packaging for Hot-Fill &Aseptic Beverages Join our expert team for small group training on a variety of subjects - frommaterials to recycling. Scan to learn more & register for classes! ©2023 Plastic Technologies | 1440 Timberwolf Drive, Holland, Ohio USA 43528 www.pti-usa.com [email protected] [email protected]
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