technical window

01/2017

SIPA HIGHLIGHTS EVOLUTION OF SFL LINEAR STRETCH-BLOW MOLDING

The evolution of SIPA range of best-in-class SFL linear blow molding systems has been recently presented at Interpack fair in April this year. The new all-electric SFL 6/8 features all the technological advantages of the existing SFL 6/6 system, but has even better performance: output is 10% higher, meaning that production levels of as many as 2000 bottles per hour per cavity are now possible. This is due to faster press movements and improved blowing valve.

Reduced energy and air consumption
Despite the increased capacity, energy consumption in preform heating is down, thanks to a 25% reduction in oven pitch, and lower air consumption, with 30% less dead volume. The SFL 6/8 EVO has a new blowing block and the pneumatic circuit has been upgraded. Blow mold pitch is now 100 mm, suitable to blow bottle up to 1.5L.
Another innovative feature is the new clamp opening and closing system: directly driven by brushless motor, the stroke of the clamp can be adjusted directly from the user interface (HMI) in accordance with the container being blown, providing improved efficiency and extra production flexibility.
Ergonomics have also been a focus of attention in the development of the SFL 6/8 EVO. The layout of the unit has been simplified and the HMI has been completely renewed.

SINCRO capability improved
The SFL 6/8 EVO also exhibits evolutionary improvements elsewhere. A new preform transfer system, for example, handles the preform necks more gently; and the “SINCRO” connection to enable integrated bottle blowing and filling has also been improved, with a compact system to release blown bottles to a rotary filler star-wheel now possible.
“The SFL 6/8 EVO is an ideal solution for medium beverage filling lines,” says Paolo De Nardi Product Manager SBM at SIPA. “It also provides a perfect scale-up opportunity for the big converter, enabling them to manage complex packaging with a small and flexible blowing platform. Plus, all the new developments we have built into the unit, together with the low cost of maintenance, result in the lowest total cost of ownership, TCO, on the market, to guarantee both operational excellence and business flexibility.”
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