SIPA launched SFR EVO3 stretch blowmolding system for PET bottles

PET packaging technology provider SIPA recently unveiled new rotary blowmolding machines for PET bottles. The SFR EVO3 model range is available now in versions with 6, 8, 12 and 16 cavities. The new 10-cavity platform and larger units, with 20 and 24 cavities, will debut later this year.

SIPA stated that the SFR EVO3 machines are the result of the company's ongoing program to improve performance and reliability across its product range, which starts with preform injection molding systems (including molds) and takes in every step along the blowing and filling process through to palletization.

"Particularly during this difficult phase for industry, SIPA's approach is to put increasing emphasis on improvements that bring savings and added value to our customers' investments," said Pietro Marcati, blowmolding systems sales director at SIPA. "The SFR EVO3 shows that it is still possible to make significant improvements in output rates, flexibility, efficiency and total cost of ownership (TCO)."

Special features include new designs in the clamp unit and in the cams that help the SFR EVO3 achieve a maximum output rate of 2250 bottles per hour per cavity, which SIPA believes puts  puts the machine on par with the competition. A new blowing valve block is more compact than before, and has 35% less dead air volume.

SFR EVO3 users also have the option of taking advantage of mechanical compensation in the blowing process. In traditional pneumatic compensation, the total stroke is made with high pressure blowing air, but in SIPA's new mechanical system, high pressure blowing air is used only on the final fraction of a millimeter. This leads to a massive reduction in air consumption, particularly with smaller bottles.

The SFR EVO3 also features "green" ovens, which are said to reduce electrical consumption by up to 40% while keeping process conditions stable, due to the use of new lamps and special materials and coatings for the reflectors.

Also available for the SFR EVO3 are electrically driven stretching rods. Stretch rod timing, speed, acceleration and distance can all be controlled with ease and flexibility from the machine controller (HMI). Electric drives are also well suited for SIPA's Sincro Bloc integrated blowing and filling system, to match the blowing operation to different filler speeds.

With electric drives, there is no need for the stretch rod decelerator and the stretching cam, which among other things helps shorten product change-over times. The electric stretching system on the SFR EVO3 also has a 'smart' self-learning procedure to identify preform/bottle dimensions.

The SFR EVO3 has a new standard mold changeover system. In addition, a new optional feature that SIPA is currently perfecting should make mold changes even more efficient.

SIPA says that the SFR EVO3 is much easier to convert from production of hot-fill to cold-fill containers because, while the heating circuit remains in the shell holder, the cooling circuit is now built into the cavity. Only a cavity change is required to switch from production of one type of container to another, while the shell holders remain in place.