Smart Molding International 2-2022

25 machinery www.smart-molding.com The highest productivity under all conditions Since the machine performs the optimizations automatically, only minimal expertise is required on the injection molding machine for optimum production. Molds and EOAT with RFID chips are not nec- essary. Nevertheless, these third- party molds can be used on the new PET-LINE without any loss of perfor- mance. The simple operation of the entire preform production system is additionally supported by SMART OPERATION. This feature, which is included as standard, allows all sequences to be freely stored and the entire system to be operated with just four keys. New operators are trained in no time at all and can independently control one or even several lines. Instructions printed on paper are not necessary, as all work steps are shown on the display. The new PET-LINE always works under optimum conditions. CYCLE GUARD and integrated preform quality control The CYCLE GUARD also contrib- utes to this by reliably preventing non-removable preforms, so-called short shots, in harsh industrial envi- ronments with unstable power grids, thus ensuring maximum system avail- ability. The optionally available safety function permanently monitors the power supply to the injection mold- ing machine and, if necessary, pro- vides sufficient energy to bridge pow- er failures in the millisecond range. In case of prolonged power failures, the current cycle is completed in a con- trolled manner. The preforms are fin- ished and ejected from the cores of the mold. Injection for the next cycle is interrupted and the entire system is stopped in a controlled manner. As soon as the power is back, produc- tion can be resumed after a short system check. CYCLE GUARD works without batteries and is particularly low-maintenance and cost-effective in operation. The integrated Pecolux inspection system from IMD Vista monitors and documents preform quality in real time. Quality deviations are checked in continuous inline operation. The system checks key features of the pre- form such as the gate and the thread. In addition, the preforms are checked for color differences, black specs, bubbles and crystallinity. Thanks to the fast feedback and compact inte- gration into the post-mold-cooling unit, this solution is a particularly in- telligent and economical inspection routine to produce preforms. Users are thus able to document the qual- ity of the produced batches to their customers at any time. "The successful launch phase of the new PET-LINE with side removal has given us a thoroughly positive mood. The good compatibility with existing molds, the particularly low energy consumption, as well as low AA values and the fastest cycle times have been attested from all sides. Up to 100% rPET, but also combinations with flakes, colors, and additives, are processed stably and gently within a large process window," emphasizes Stefan Kleinfeld. Sustainable preform with thread for tethered caps NETSTAL is producing 10.5 g light- weight CSD preforms for 0.5-liter PET bottles at its booth. The high-perfor- mance mold with 72 cavities comes from mold partner MHT Mold & Hot- runner Technology. Partner company Eisbär Trocknungstechnik from Aus- tria handles material preparation and the dehumidifier. The chiller is pro- vided by Swiss company ef cooling. Equipped with a GME 30.40 thread, the preform already meets the new EU requirement for tethered caps, ac- cording to which from July 2024 caps must remain attached to the bottle after opening. This design is intended for disposable bottles, has venting slots, and reduces the amount of ma- terial used on the bottle thread and cap. PET granulate from the Neogroup company is processed, which consists of 25% chemically recycled PET. The new PET-LINE 3000 will be producing at drinktec from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. daily. The preforms produced at drinktec are later fed into PET recycling so that new PET bottles will be produced from the material. NETSTAL www.netstal.com/en The new PET-LINE comes with the latest generation aXos control system, equipped as standard with SMART OPERATION