Velocity Equipment Solutions, LLC announced the completion of two new technologies for extrusion blow molding of HDPE containers

Velocity Equipment Solutions, LLC announced the completion of two new technologies for extrusion blow molding of HDPE containers, in collaboration with Nampak Plastics.
The first is the only All Electric Quick Change Reciprocating Blow Mold Machine in the world. This machine uses electro-mechanical actuators to replace the hydraulic cylinders, pumps and actuators common to other reciprocating blow mold platforms. In addition, the failure points common to reciprocating blow mold machines such as ball splines, thrust assemblies, all hydraulic components have all been eliminated. And all motions on this machine are precision guided vs the rails and shoes common on other machines leading to longer life of components. This first machine was specifically designed for Nampak Plastics in the UK to be changed from an Infini ® 4 pint/2.3L 35g bottle on 10 heads to 2 pint/1.1L 22g bottle on 12 heads within an 8-hour shift. The benefits of the machine include:

  • Ability to do complete changeovers including cavitation and molds within 8 hours
  • Lower energy costs
  • Faster motions of clamp and extruder
  • Lower maintenance costs
  • Improved mold trimming, particularly on light weight containers
  • Elimination of hydraulic oil leaks
  • Longer mold life
  • Safer operation
  • Quieter operation (below75db)

The second is a Quick Change High Speed Rotary Impact Trimmer. This machine has also been designed to be capable of changing from one container to another within an 8 hour shift. This first machine is capable of speeds up to 160 bottles per minute. It also eliminates the common problems associated with other rotary trimmers such as scrap handling and a very narrow operating window. All of the drive mechanics are located above the spindles leaving the underside completely open for the scrap handling funnel. Also, although the trim tooling travels in a rotary motion the actual trimming is a conventional impact trim. Therefore, the machine is capable of achieving very high speeds while still enjoying a wide
operating window. This completes a three year R&D effort that was carried out in close cooperation with our client Nampak Plastics Europe Limited. Nampak is the leading producer of dairy bottles in the UK and their patented, award winning, lightweight Infini ® range of handleware bottles is available for manufacture under license worldwide. Velocity Equipment Solutions, LLC is a leading supplier of packaging machinery both in the US and internationally. Velocity supplies machinery and service for extrusion blow molding, the cap and closures
industry, conveyor systems and bulk water fillers. Visit us at http://www.Velocityes.com or call 1-800-521-1368. For Europe, please contact Dave Evans at devans@velocityes.com, call direct +447714218104 or land line +441327263082.