FlexBlow has rolled out a new stretch blow moulder (SBM) in response to growing demand for niche PET containers.
The two-cavity FlexBlow2 enables the production of a wide range of PET containers, with necks ranging from 18mm up to 110mm, and bottle volumes from 50ml up to 600ml.
Changing the bottle format, including moulds, neck and gripper parts, and fine-tuning the machine afterwards, takes no longer than 30 minutes, according to the company.
The Siemens control panel has several new functions to make the experience of operating the machine intuitive, and there is an integrated operator’s manual that guides the user along each step of operation.
The challenge of automatically loading a range preforms with significant differences in neck diameter from narrow neck to wide mouth has been tackled by the use of a dual-preform loading system.
When it comes to minimising the support ring, FlexBlow uses the precision adjustable feeding slides that allow loading preforms with support ring starting from 0.8 mm – suitable for cosmetic application containers.
Inversed preforms with body wider than support ring is also compatible with FlexBlow universal feeding system due to agate-like structure that opens slightly at the end of preform slide to allow the thicker preform body to come out.
FlexBlow will be exhibiting at NPE 2018 in Orlando, FL on 7-11 May.
