Switch bottles faster with BottleSwitch

Stretch blowmolding machine manufacturer Sidel has developed what it claims will be a much more efficient way for processors to change molds on the company's machinery. The company says its new system enables processors to switch molds in less than a minute per mold.

Sidel says it has patented its quick format changeover system. The initial goal is to improve blowmolder flexibility by reducing the mold changeover time. Another benefit is that processors need not invest in storage silos or intermediate palletization.

The changeover principle involves a simple, semi-automatic solution that places the required blowing station right in front of the operator. Easier unlocking of the mold support units ensures automatic opening. The operator just has to change the molds and removal/installation in the mold support units is done tool-free. The results are an easy-to-use system with no tools, optimal ergonomics, increased safety, and a 50% decrease in machine downtime.

According to Sidel, on an SBO 20 Universal2, for example, with 20 tool sets, full format changeover is now 18 minutes "bottle to bottle" for a single operator, instead of 33 minutes for two operators with the previous system. This changeover consists in replacing the shells, body and mold base as well as the stretching thrusts. About 15 Bottle Switch systems have already been sold. This new system is available as an option and upgrade for all the most recent generations of SBO Universal blowmolders and will be available by the end of 2010 for all SBO Series2 and Combi (blowing and filling) machines. —[email protected]