Krones to demo next-generation blow molder

Krones Inc. (Franklin, WI) has announced that it will demonstrate the latest enhancement — heated molds — of its rotary CONTIFORM blow molder at Pack Expo International 2000 in Chicago, November 5-9.

Designed for the manufacture of PET bottles, the high-speed CONTIFORM now includes heated molds that allow more time for stress reduction during stretching. This results in a bottle with less shrinkage — whether the shrinkage is from the process itself or comes following storage — enabling more consistent fill levels. In addition, the CONTIFORM is able to mold difficult, uniquely shaped bottles.

This latest generation of the CONTIFORM builds on the system's well-established engineering. CONTIFORM's two-stage process enables quick mold and product changes and easy operation. Preforms are warmed by short-wave infrared radiation, which requires minimal energy, and then moved to the blowing unit for shaping. The end-product offers accurate, uniform shape, precision material distribution and uniform wall thickness.

All the transfer points of the CONTIFORM contain a synchronous drive. Four separate drive motors on the heating wheel and starwheels are powered by one frequency converter. Motors run synchronously — even in the case of power failure and restart — to reduce wear.

The compact blow molder unit features a 14.5-sq-meter base area and vertical design in which the heating unit is positioned over the blowing unit. The CONTIFORM is available in seven models with six to 24 stations and output capacities ranging from 8,400 to 33,600 bottles per hour. Stored programs can be called up at the touchscreen control panel.

For more information: Krones Inc., Tel: 414-409-4000, Fax: 414-409-4100, Email: salesusa@kronesusa.com

Edited by Bill Noone