Blowmolding: Adding a row helps double the output

With its second row of molds, a new single-stage stretch blowmolding machine offers processors the ability to double output on the same footprint as a more established model, while also reducing energy consumption per bottle by about 40%.

Nissei ASB added a seond row of molds without adding to the footprint.

Blowmolding machine manufacturer Nissei ASB Co. (Atlanta, GA), the wholly owned U.S. subsidiary of Japan's Nissei ASB Machine Co. Ltd., offers the machine, marketed as the ASB-150DPW. The new machine has the same footprint as the company's established ASB-150DP model but features a double-row mold configuration, doubling the cavitation available to a maximum of 36 compared to 18 on the single-row machine.

The ASB-150DPW can make containers with volumes ranging from 50 ml to 1.5L at a rate of up to 4050 bottles/hr, depending on design and cavitation. Targeted applications range from small hotel-amenity, liquor, and energy-drink containers (50-ml) to wide-mouth containers for peanut butter, mayonnaise, and toys. Tooled appropriately, the machine is capable of processing PET, PLA, PC, and recycled PET in neck sizes up to 94 mm.

PP processing can also be handled when the machine is fitted with conditioning blow capabilities.

The new ASB-150DPW one-step machine reduces the energy cost per container by approximately 40% compared to the company's single-row machine. Since the machine's design is based on the existing ASB-150DP, almost 70% of the components are the same on both machines, meaning processors already using the established machines can reduce maintenance costs by sharing spare parts.

Nissei says it has installed about 50 of its ASB-150DP units in North America since its introduction in 2003. For the new machine, marketed globally, it expects 12 orders in this fiscal year, which ends for Nissei ASB in September. —[email protected]