Pneumatic solution ensures model bottles

23 August, 2017

In collaboration with a major filling company, Aventics performed extensive research on the blow molding process. By combining a proportional valve, control electronics, and software, the patent-pending solution records the actual values occurring during the process and compares them with the set points.

The new solution is intended for applications in the pre-blowing process. The set points for this step can either be stored in the electronics or transmitted via all common real-time Ethernet protocols and fieldbuses. During a blowing period of around 200 milliseconds, enough control cycles are available to precisely control bottle formation. This allows process technicians to intervene as needed, for example to reduce material consumption and fine-tune the formation of the bottle wall. Additional energy savings are possible by lowering the pressure level or reducing the furnace temperature.

The electro pneumatic solution also meets new requirements in bottle production resulting from the trend towards more and more complex PET bottle shapes and smaller batches. As a software-based solution, the bottle formation process can be changed easily, without any mechanical alterations, and specific to each blowing station on the machine.

The software can also automatically control process events, for example reaching the yield point and target bottle volume, according to specifications and keep them constant provided no wear limits have been reached. Once saved, parameters for a bottle type or specific material can be opened and activated at any time, significantly reducing waste during start of production. In close collaboration with product designers, the developers at Aventics validated numerous sample settings during the pilot production phase of new bottles.

At drinktec 2017, held from 11 to 15 September, Aventics will present this new solution to the professional public for the first time.

www.aventics.com