22 PETplanet Insider Vol. 25 No. 04/24 www.petpla.net PETproducts A bigger extrusion unit for ultra-high output preform production Sipa has expanded its lineup of extrusion units compatible with the Xform 500 injection moulding system. The EE155 extra-large extruder is designed to provide added convenience for processors utilising the company’s unique 200 cavity PET preform moulds for high-speed production. The EE155 is an addition to its range of extrusion units that fit on the Xform 500 injection moulding system. Sipa says that sales of its Xform systems are growing yearon-year and around 15% of current purchases of the Xform 500 are for use with 180 or 200 high-cavitation moulds. The company describes the introduction of the higher capacity machine, with a capacity of around 1,700 kg/h, as a “logical step”. The capacity is much higher than its previous top-of-the-range unit and is intended to offer customers more flexibility when making preforms with higher weights, across the full range of mould cavitations. Sipa started 2024 producing new Xform 500 systems equipped with the EE155 extruder, scheduled for delivery in April. The company now offers three sizes of Xform, with clamp forces of 250, 350, and 500 tonnes; each model can be equipped with at least three different sizes of extruder. There are now four extruder options for the Xform 500: the existing EE100, EE120, EE140 and the latest addition, the EE155. www.sipasolutions.com Quality control for flawless preforms Sacmi’s PVS156 vision system offers continuous, in-line quality preform control without interrupting machine operation. Offering real-time data analysis and user-friendly reporting, the system is claimed to empower preform producers to elevate both quality standards and production efficiency. The PVS156 features a comprehensive camera system, utilising six cameras to inspect preforms from every angle. Camera 1 focuses on the top seal area, detecting defects like dents and short shots, while also measuring inner diameter and ovality for precise shape control. Camera 2 examines the preform bottom, identifying issues such as crystallisation, gate flash, and pinpointing holes through the gate. Camera 3 is dedicated to dimensional analysis, capturing 44 images during a 360-degree preform rotation to measure critical dimensions like neck diameters and support ring heights, customisable to specific requirements. Camera 4 utilises polarised light and artificial intelligence to differentiate good preforms from bad with accuracy. Camera 5 provides an unrolled view of the neck, detecting inclusions, black spots, and reading cavity numbers with dual lighting. Camera 6 analyses the preform body, measuring diameters, gate length, wall thickness, concentricity, and colour variations, ensuring adherence to colour standards and rejecting preforms showing signs of excessive yellowing (indicative of RPFT degradation). Beyond inspection: empowering data-driven decisions Beyond inspection, the PVS156 delivers valuable data and comprehensive reports, including defect types, defects per cavity, measurement statistics, weight distribution, and historical performance data for informed decision-making. Operators can fine-tune the inspection process to their specific requirements by adjusting sensitivity, focusing on specific columns, and permanently rejecting problematic cavities. At NPE 2024, Sacmi will be showcasing its PVS156 vision system incorporated in the IPS 300 press (see also page 45). www.sacmi.com PREFORMS
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