Chicago is known as the “Windy City,” an old reference to its long-winded politicians. Yet anyone who’s felt the gusts that blow in from Lake Michigan, or from the long, flat prairie, can be forgiven for thinking the city’s nickname is entirely atmospheric in origin. This year, especially, most people coming to town for the National Plastics Exposition, June 23-27, will doubtless prefer the meteorological explanation, in hopes that the Big Show will prove to be the economic wind that lifts the plastics industry out of its three-year recession and lofts it to heights of sustainable growth.

Indicators this year bode well for a successful NPE — successful, of course, being a relative term this time around. The show won’t be like NPE2000 or 1997, but business should be a lot better than it’s been in the past 36 months. The economy, while not out of the woods by any means, is showing signs of recovery. More oems are releasing funds for new projects, processors are beginning to invest in capital equipment (though not on a widespread basis), and there’s a sense that better times are coming.

Importantly, machinery and equipment suppliers continue to develop new and upgraded versions of their products, whether in primary processing, auxiliaries, molds and dies, components, or testing and quality control. As the sampling of products in this second installment of our pre-show report indicates (see the May issue for a preview of materials), innovation and, in some cases, groundbreaking developments have proceeded despite the recession. Processors will find a wealth of machinery and equipment at NPE that can make a qualitative difference in their capabilities, competitiveness, and bottom line. In that respect, NPE2003 will be no different from its recent predecessors.

NPE is always a must-see show for the benefits it provides in product knowledge, business opportunities, supplier relationships, and networking with peers and potential customers. The success of this year’s show will be a good indication of how business develops for the rest of this year and into 2004.

As they approach the great halls of McCormick Place for NPE2003, attendees and exhibitors will be looking to feel the first breezy stirring of a wind that will provide the lift necessary to carry business up. Here’s to NPE2003, and to the Windy City.

ENGEL TO DISPLAY DIVERSE TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO

Engel will show its proprietary X-Melt expansion molding technology that enables small cavities to be filled quickly and accurately without the need for high-speed injection. It will also show the Watermelt water-assist molding process. Other exhibits include: the smallest two-platen Duo machine to date (720 tons/6500 kN), producing an automotive manifold; the new 200-ton E-Motion — the largest machine in the all-electric range; a 600-ton Classic Speed high-speed toggle machine producing a thinwall food container; a vertical clamp/vertical injection insert molding machine; a 300-ton multicomponent tiebarless machine; and a 1000-ton Duo press processing long glass fiber by injection compression. All are integrated with the latest Engel robots. Engel, Stand 1685

KRAUSS MAFFEI DEMONSTRATES TWO-PLATEN TECHNOLOGY

Exhibits include the KM 80-220 C2 multicomponent machine, which has a second, standalone “bolt-on” injection unit complete with its own power pack and movable control unit. An Eltec KM 110-390 E electric machine will process liquid silicone rubber, with part removal conducted by a multiaxis robot. Aquatec water-assist molding will be demonstrated on a KM 150-700 C2 press. The new KM 180-700-520 C3 Revolution press for overmolding incorporates rotating stack mold technology. A KM 450-3500 C3 model for packaging applications will run a 144-cavity stack mold. Krauss Maffei, Stand 2002

MILACRON’S ROBOSHOT IS FASTER, MORE INTELLIGENT

Milacron/Fanuc’s Roboshot Si-B machines combine new servo technology, 0.1-ms control updates, a reduced-inertia injection unit, and new artificial intelligence. There are four models from 55 to 330 tons. Milacron says that with a 0-to-300-mm/s injection acceleration time of 27 ms, and ai control of mold/ejector protection and metering/injection, the machines are well-suited for molding thinwall or precision parts (e.g., electronic connectors and cell-phone components), as well as lights-out molding of medical devices, gears, and packaging. The machines are claimed to have the fastest acceleration among all-electric models on the market, but with lower injection pressure switchover variations. A new injection unit is more rigid and robust, with up to 50% less inertia; a new temperature-control board holds variation to ±0.2°C or less; and a synchronized barrel/nozzle heat-up function offers faster heat-up times while minimizing black speck problems caused by overheating. Milacron, Stands 1640, 1440

AUTOMOTIVE APPLICATIONS LEAD BATTENFELD STAND

Battenfeld Injection Molding Technology will demonstrate production of large polycarbonate windows. This is a joint development with Summerer Technologies. The two companies will also show the IMCmore process, where B-pillar trim is decorated with a textile cover and trimmed in the mold. Textile shapes are cut from a roll with a laser mounted on a Battenfeld Unirob robot. Fully-automated production of airbag initiators on a Vertical R machine will be demonstrated. Standardized machinery and a robot available from stock, as shown in the “cash & carry” tower, make it easy for molders to expand production capacity on short notice, the company says. Also, the new, fully-electric EM machine and the Microsystem for molding microcomponents will be highlighted. Battenfeld, Stands 1602, 1802

DEMAG PLASTICS GROUP IS EXTENDING U.S. RANGE

Van Dorn Demag and Demag Ergotech, newly merged within the Mannesmann Plastics Group, will show a broadened product portfolio. An all-electric IntElect 165, a new machine size at 165 tons, will be molding Frisbees using the Twinshot coinjection process; the range will go to 385 tons. The range of two-platen Calibers is also being extended with a 950-ton model; smaller machines of 500 and 730 tons are already commercial. A high-speed Van Dorn El-Exis S 420/810-3300 press with a 12+12 stack mold from tool builder Tradesco will make pp yogurt cups. Multiplug injection units are now offered for retrofit on existing Van Dorn machines. They convert them to multicomponent machines, and are available in seven sizes, in the horizontal L position or vertical V position. An HT 85 press with core-back technology will be producing two-component ladies’ cosmetic nails. Demag Plastics Group, Stand 2202

NETSTAL SHOWS ELECTRIC OPTICAL-DISC MOLDING PRESS

After its world premier at the Media Tech optical-media show in Las Vegas, nv, in May, Netstal is bringing its new electric disc molding machine to NPE. The E-Jet is designed for all known disc formats. It will produce dvds in 2.8-s cycles. The company is also demonstrating the new Im-Pak injection-impact-compression technology for ultra-thinwall packaging. A Synergy 1000-230 press will produce pp water cups on a prototype single-cavity mold. A Synergy 5000-3700 model will run another packaging application, on a four-cavity mold. Both molds are supplied by Tradesco. Netstal, Stand 2632

ARBURG TO HIGHLIGHT ‘ALLROUND’ MODULARITY

“Modularity allround,” Arburg’s new motto, is intended to emphasize how its Allrounder machines can be freely configured for specific customer requirements. Its S, C, A, K, and T-series will all be represented, along with Multilift robotic systems and the Thermolift combination material dryer and conveyor. Applications being demonstrated include multicomponent molding, thermoset processing, insert encapsulation, gas-assist molding, and micromolding. Modularity applies to the drives as well as major elements like both injection and clamp units. In the case of the Allrounder A models, the electrical main axes for clamping, injection, and dosing can be combined with electrical or hydraulic auxiliary axes, while the Allrounder C “Advance,” derived from the A, has an optional electro-mechanical dosage drive, energy-saving system, and position-controlled screw. Arburg, Stand 1860

A NEW SMALL BOY WILL BE SHOWN

Boy Machines is introducing a 40-ton vertical machine for insert molding, the Boy 35 V. Most of its components are the same as the horizontal version, so pricing is said to be favorable. The press, which has a footprint under 2.6 m2, has four tiebars and a fixed lower platen. Another vertical machine, the 22 A VV, will make Allan keys. A fully articulated robot, positioned on the machine frame, will insert the metal key into the mold and the head of the key will be overmolded in glass-reinforced nylon 6. The Boy 55 and 90 models are being shown for the first time. The “A” version of the 90 has a servo-electric screw drive. Boy Machines, Stand 1470

MIR LINEUP INCLUDES ELECTRIC PRESSES AND NEW CONTROLLER

MIR USA is unveiling several injection machines and a touchscreen controller, the Tomicon, which boosts operational ease and has improved diagnostics. Machines to be shown include the “e-power” all-electrics with toggle clamping and claimed 20% faster operation than hydraulics; MPOG 105 series with reciprocating screw and piston clamp for elastomer and silicone processing; RMP 750, a 750-ton toggle press for high-speed molding of precision parts; and PVP 90 TR, a vertical press with two injection units and a rotary table for overmolding and insert molding. MIR USA, Stand 1076

HAITIAN BROADENS RANGE WITH ELECTRIC PRESSES

Haitian will introduce all-electric, two-platen, high-speed, and vertical machines to the U.S. market. It claims to have sold 8000 units worldwide last year. Haitian, Stand 170

NISSEI DEBUTS FAST PACKAGING SOLUTIONS

FN4000-50AN1 and FN6000-100AN1 hydraulic injection presses are designed for short-cycle packaging applications. The 1750-kN FN4000 molds tamper-proof pe caps, while the 2740-kN FN6000 molds thinwall pp caps. Both machines operate in sub-10-s cycles. Nissei will also demonstrate insert molding of an automotive cooling-fan shroud using its Elject TD150RE all-electric vertical press, which injects at the parting line. The 1520-kN machine is 500 mm lower in height than its hydraulic counterpart. Supplier is also debuting the Elject NEX500 liquid silicone rubber molding machine. Nissei Plastic Industrial, Stand 1449

FORTUNE EQUIPMENT OFFERS QUALITY AND CONSISTENCY

Fortune International, a maker of injection machinery from 22 to 1760 tons, will exhibit three models: the Va-100 all-electric press and standard toggle/hydraulic machines of 88 and 200 tons. The Va is Fortune’s new series of all-electric machines from 55 to 110 tons. Using Fanuc’s toggle-clamp system and four Japanese servo motors and ball screws, the series offers fast cycle times and multisequence operations. Swiss-made load cells and Fortune’s VPC2000 controller provide a fully closed-loop system with reported excellent positional accuracy, quick response times, and rapid movements. Fortune Intl., Stand 6303

STACK-TURN MOLD IS OPTION FOR MULTICOMPONENT PARTS

Foboha is demonstrating its Stack-Turn technology for two-component parts. One component of a part is shot into the mold cavities, which then rotate horizontally 90 or 180 deg. The second component is then injected to complete the part. The process will be demonstrated, molding two-color pc/abs mobile-phone bodies. Benefits include higher output and improved production economy. Foboha, Stand 4975

DRIVES PROVIDE POWER FOR MOLDING APPLICATIONS

Intended for injection molding equipment, the Posirack rack-and-pinion drive system is based on parallel gearboxes with a double-toothed rack. The flange-mounted motor makes for a compact design and achieves high performance due to good load distribution on the rack. Case-hardened and ground gear wheels result in high accelerating torque. Gear wheels have been designed to have low noise, and rack speeds of more than 2000 mm/s are possible. Rack clamp force is up to 450 kN. PIV Drives, Stand 5798

SOFTWARE HELPS SPEED ALL-ELECTRIC EQUIPMENT

Newly-developed control software for all-electric machines is based on the supplier’s Simotion motion-control system. Simotion runs on three hardware platforms: Simotion C controller, on the Simatic format; Simotion P, which is pc-driven; and a drive-based version. Included in the software is the Scout engineering system, which allows the machine to combine engineering for motion control, logic, and technology functions in a single system. It also provides tools for programming, testing, commissioning, and diagnostics. Siemens, Stand 4791

SYSTEM BALANCES MULTICAVITY MOLDS

The Fill system balances multicavity molds where the nozzle temperature of hot runners is controlled automatically by cavity-temperature sensors to insure simultaneous filling. Another function in Fill includes a system to control multicomponent applications such as toothbrushes, keeping the injection volume of the different components constant. It controls hot-runner nozzle temperatures cycle by cycle for each component, independent of viscosity variations. Priamus System Technologies, Stand 4295

HOT-RUNNER LINE HAS PRECISE HEAT CONTROL

ESP system from Seiki Spear is designed for temperature-sensitive engineering resins. Each externally-heated nozzle has two heaters, one on the body and one on the tip. This yields precise temperature readings. Tip heaters have supplier’s established on-off function for optimal gate vestige: when on, the heater melts and ejects resin at the gate; when off, it freezes the gate with semi-solidified resin. Seiki Spear, Stand 4491

SYSTEM PRODUCES 3-LAYER BLOWN FILM FOR LAMINATION

The I-Flex System produces value-added coextruded blown film for lamination. Good gage control is needed for lamination film. The AutoGauge Control Lip achieves a 2 to 3% 2-Sigma gage variation with typical pe-based lamination film from 30 to 150 microns. Based on sensor readings, the proprietary software tells the mechanical actuators in the die lip to physically distort the lip by pushing or pulling movements. Brampton Engineering, Stand 4749

INDIAN SUPPLIER MAKES FORAY INTO NAFTA MARKET

Multifoil RECF2390IBC 3-layer blown film line has a maximum output of 500 kg/h. The line has three 90-mm grooved-feed universal barrier screw extruders and includes internal bubble cooling with ultrasonic-sensor thickness monitoring and gravimetric feed. It has a stack die with horizontal melt flow paths. Also featured is an electro-hydro-pneumatic plug-assist pp thermoformer with in-mold cutting, the Dispocon RETF 6530PP. The forming area measures 65 by 30 cm and operates at 25 strokes/min on a 16-cavity mold. Rajoo Engineers, Stand 13313

GLOUCESTER SHOWS HOW IT HELPS IMPROVE PRODUCTS

Battenfeld Gloucester is featuring equipment for blown film, sheet, and foam extrusion. Its exhibit will show how Battenfeld works with processors to engineer solutions for production needs. One example of this on display is a 3-layer blown film line that increases clarity of food packaging while decreasing production cost. The line achieves this by running a blend of ldpe for the core and lower-cost lldpe for the outside layers, and with product-specific engineering enhanced by components like the Optiflow die, Autoprofile air ring, and Extrol control. Rolls are, moreover, produced without edge trim.

Also on display are the new Machine Direction Orienter; a chopper-granulator inline reclaim system for stretch-film producers; TSL thermoforming sheet line; Tandem Foam Line; and Horizontal Hauloff, which is especially well-suited for soft films. Battenfeld Gloucester, Stands 1602, 1802

KIEFEL BLOWN FILM LINE SPORTS ENHANCEMENTS

The “T” haul-off on a Kirion coextrusion blown film line enables different flattening lengths. Processors can set a minimum flattening angle of 11 deg. This angle is particularly advantageous for technical films, which tend to bag in. Brushes on the rolls insure minimum heat transfer and no sticking. Both flattening angle and central tubular film guide are adjustable from the control console and the haul-off. Kiefel Extrusion, Stand 1649

SMALL-FOOTPRINT BLOWN FILM LINE OFFERS HIGH OUTPUT

With an ability to process a wide variety of polyolefins including metallocene-based resins, eva, ionomers, as well as ps with a low-neck bubble, 3-layer Coex flex line provides economy in a compact design. The line includes two Plastex 55/30D extruders and one 65/30D unit. It is equipped with a 300-mm automatic die, an oscillating take-off, the company’s NonMarking bubble guide, and a BO Plus 1800-mm winder with autogap, axial winding, and reverse system. Macchi, Stand 185

FUTURE DESIGN WILL OFFER A VARIETY OF EQUIPMENT

The Saturn Genie automated air ring is equipped with linear actuators that measure and record air-positioning settings to achieve higher repeatability than manually-adjusted units. It stores recipes, which can be recalled for speedy ramp-ups in production conditions. It can allow a designated air-flow set by digital control. The exhibitor will also feature its Bubble Management System, the Little Giant Cantilevered Winder, and the Saturn Titan hdpe air ring. Future Design, Stand 3206

W&H DOUBLE-DECK AIR RING RAISES BLOWN FILM OUTPUT

Promising up to 35% higher output compared to conventional air rings, the Multicool D double-deck air ring also supports and draws the bubble. As the melt emerges from the die, a single lip gives initial cooling. It is also designed to allow purging of the die lips during production. The second, height-adjustable air ring, located above the first, provides added cooling. The unit processes lldpe and pp films as thin as 0.1 to 0.145 mm. Windmöller & Hölscher, Stand 1885

BIAXIALLY-ORIENTED FILM LINES OFFER ECONOMY, ADDED VALUE

Sequential film stretching lines with a working width ranging from 4 to 10 m and speeds up to 500 m/min will be key highlights at Brückner’s stand. The company sees a trend toward more tenter frames producing multilayer (3- to 7-layer) films for a variety of packaging. The company will also feature its Lisim simultaneous stretch technology for pet and pp. These lines can run at up to 400 m/min. Brückner, Stand 12713

TECHNOLOGY ENSURES HIGH TRANSPARENCY, GOOD GLOSS

Sleeve Touch produces pp, nylon/evoh, and pet/pe cast film structures and overcomes poor optical properties associated with webs above 100 microns. pp sheet processed on conventional 3-roll stacks reaches its lowest limits at 350 microns, when stresses make thermoformability difficult. Sleeve Touch enables highly transparent films from 80 to 500 microns. Twin-sided cooling of the melt curtain provides surface flatness. Calendering promotes gloss and lowers film orientation. The process can be used for 5- to 7-layer barrier films. SML, Stand 11036

CONICAL, PARALLEL EXTRUDERS HIGHLIGHT D-S OFFERINGS

Davis-Standard has a modified version of its Gemini parallel (GP) 94-mm twin-screw extruder. The GP line is for pvc pipe and profiles. The new model has a 20-l/d barrel instead of the 28-l/d version on the standard GP-94 and GP-128 extruders. Despite this, it yields high output due to screw design, gearbox, and torque capacity — 550 to 850 lb/h (225 to 390 kg/h) for rigid or flexible pvc. The extruder also has internal screw cooling and an air-cooled barrel. The GC-61 conical extruder has an output of 270 kg/h. It is the only extruder in its class equipped to run flood-fed material due to a gearbox that is said to have twice the torque capacity of competitive units. Davis-Standard, Stand 5107

MAPLAN LINE FOR SMALL PROFILES IS VERSATILE AND ECONOMICAL

American Maplan is showing extrusion machinery, dies, and other equipment for pipe, profiles, and siding. Included is the AMC Compact line for small technical profiles like trim moldings, cable ducts, and corner strips. An integrated, turnkey system with state-of-the-art controls, the line offers process flexibility, low maintenance, and small footprint. Downstream equipment includes calibrating table, belt haul-off, and saw. Four different extruders can be specified. At NPE, a conical twin that processes 300 lb/h of pvc dry blend is featured. Maplan claims the line is up to 30% less expensive than acquiring individual machines. The SS75-30 single-screw extruder raises hdpe pipe output, as well as pelletizing of natural-fiber composites. American Maplan, Stands 1602, 1802, 1070

TWIN CORRUGATED TUBING IS EXTRUDED AROUND XLPE PIPE

A line of extruders can produce twin corrugated polyolefin pipe extruded directly around the crosslinked pipe it protects. This enables time savings when installing potable water and heating water networks. The extruder introduces the crosslinked pipe in the die head. Supplier is also showing extrusion equipment for polyolefin and pvc square-mesh netting used to protect fruits, vegetables, and flowers, as well as for fencing, wind-breaks, and filtration applications. Corelco, Stand 9459

CORRUGATOR MACHINE MAKER TAPS NORTH AMERICAN MARKET

First-time exhibitor sees opportunities in the North American market for its corrugated pipe equipment. It will be discussing demand for larger water drainage and sewage pipe. The company’s F-630 machine produces 600-mm flexible pvc pipe. For smaller applications, the company offers the F-250 unit. ITIB Machinery Intl., Stand 10618

QUICK SIZE CHANGES MAKE TUBE MACHINE EASY TO RUN

The KMK Maschinen HPM heading machine for seamless cosmetics tubes allows rapid changeover of product sizes without hand tools. Generally, one operator can change from 50-mm tubes to 60-mm tubes within 10 min. The unit has an output rate of 120 tubes/min, and tube length varies from 60 to 240 mm. It can produce oval tubes and products with an inner barrier liner for tube shoulder protection. PackSys Global, Stand 8512

EXTRUSION HEAD IS CAPABLE OF 120 LAYER COMBINATIONS

For production of under-the-hood automotive tubing, the MLH110 multilayer pipe extrusion head can produce monolayer to 5-layer pipe in 120 different layer material and thickness combinations. It is suitable for a wide range of compounds including nylon, pvdf, pe, pbt, and etfe. It has eight easy-access entry ports for different extruder configurations and includes conical distributors with helical flow design. The unit is built to withstand a maximum pressure of 600 bar, and the head comes in either nitrated steel or steel with corrosion-resistant nickel-plated alloy. Maillefer, Stand 5579

CROSSHEAD SAVES ON POLYMER USAGE, DOWNTIME ADJUSTMENT

FlexiSpiral crossheads and inline dies improve extrusion performance for pipe, wire, and cable, as well as hoses and tubing. The units have a patented adjustment system in the die holder. Called FeatherTouch, it is a cartridge-style ball assembly that requires no loosening or retaining screws to make adjustments. Special seals eliminate leakage between deflectors. FlexiSpiral tooling can be used for mono- to 5-layer extrusion with multifeed port locations, so that processors can vary extruder layout. Guill Tool & Extrusion, Stand 4381

EXTRUSION-COATING DIE TEAMS CONTROL WITH FUNCTIONALITY

An automatic extrusion-coating die, designed by exhibitor’s German division, can be used for monolayer or coextrusion applications. The 310A is a 1.2-m-wide die with a slot width range of 600 to 1320 mm and a nominal lip gap of 0.4 to 0.8 mm, capable of throughputs up to 850 kg/h. It has a two-piece external wedge-type deckling system. The die body has six heating zones and its thermal-expansion bolts feature internal thermocouples. Exhibitor will also show the AB coextrusion foam die manufactured by Sentinel. It offers a 4:1 blow-up/stretch ratio and requires fewer blowing agents to achieve a low-density product. The die is capable of processing rigid and foam structures simultaneously. The die is used for barrier packaging, absorbent foam technology, and meat tray processing. It is available with remote die lip gap and choke adjustment, fully-automated die lip gap, and choke assembly with plc control and recipe storage. Davis-Standard, Stand 5107

INJECTION BLOW MOLDING FOR AUTO PARTS HIGHLIGHTED

The Pressblower DSE140 injection blow molding press can be a competitor to traditional blow molding of specialized automotive applications. It can be used to produce rack-and-pinion boots, bellows, and constant-velocity joint boots that need to withstand permanent stress. The unit achieves accurate wall thickness via measurement and regulation of all machine movements. The unit’s pc-based control system, P-open, allows production visualization with the help of a touch-screen terminal. Ossberger, Stand 2855

BROAD EQUIPMENT RANGE HIGHLIGHTS SIG PRESENTATION

SIG Corpoplast, SIG Blowtec, and SIG Kautex, the blow molding machinery divisions of the SIG Beverages group, have a joint stand. Corpoplast will run a Blomax 20 Series III stretch blow machine processing 0.5-L pet flat-water bottles. Blowtec will show a double-station BlowPac 4/6-100D with a 20-tonne clamp and six cavities per station. The machine comes with the Windows NT-based BlowCommand 004 control system. The software, developed by Blowtec, offers remote access to machine controls and direct interfacing with the control panel. Kautex will exhibit a SB-8 suction blow molding machine with sequential coextrusion. SIG last year acquired Ryka Blow Molds, a Canadian maker of all types of blow molds. SIG Ryka is at stand 10701. SIG Beverages, Stand 1615

STRETCH BLOW MACHINE MAKES BIAXIALLY-ORIENTED BOTTLES

Stretch blow molding machine maker is presenting a unit to produce biaxially-oriented pet containers. The SSB-02 has a new preform-loading system, and its productivity is said to be 10% higher than the previous model. Power consumption is reduced by 30%, and the press offers optional preferential heating of specific areas of the preform. Magplastic, Stand 9158

3-STATION STRETCH BLOW PRESS PROVIDES HIGH OUTPUT

The SBIII-250LL-50S is a 3-station, single-stage injection stretch blow molding unit offering high output and fast cycle times. At the show, it will produce lactic-acid beverage bottles at a rate of 4800 units/h using an 8-cavity mold. Also on display is a new recycling unit to produce 100% post-consumer pet flake from beverage bottles. Aoki Technical Laboratory, Stand 9933

NISSEI ISBM MODELS MEET MULTIPLE NEEDS

The company offers two new injection stretch blow molding machines. The ASB-50MB is a low-volume, one-step model for pet that Nissei says may be the lowest-priced fully-automatic version on the market — U.S. and Canadian price is under $115,000. The ASB-150DP is for medium outputs, and is described as an advance over (and a future successor to) the company’s established ASB-650 series. Nissei ASB, Stand 5901

PET BOTTLE PRESS TARGETS SMALL, MID-RUN APPLICATIONS

AZ range of linear machinery for stretch blow molding pet containers is being highlighted by exhibitor. The equipment is designed for low- to medium-output rates. To be shown at NPE is the largest, the AZ 5600, with a capacity of 5600 0.33-L to 2.5-L bottles/h. The firm has applied for a patent for its air-conveyance system used in the line. The company recently shipped its first two lines to the U.S., both to West Coast processors. Steca, Stand 12427

ROTARY SOLUTION FOR POLYOLEFIN EBM BOTTLES

Belvac Production Machinery is launching a rotary solution for polyolefin extrusion blow molded bottles. Rated at up to 100 logs, or 200 containers per minute, the MT/F 200 Series Rotary Moil Trimming & Finishing Machine allows extrusion blow molders the opportunity to eliminate costly waste from poor separation of dual bottle logs. The system incorporates container uprighting and a “burnishing” system for smoothing out rough edges on the inner neck finish and top sealing surface. In addition to eliminating rough and sharp edges, the MT/F Series ensures seal integrity, whether packagers use induction seals or closures. Belvac Production Machinery, Stand 13531

TAKEAWAY-DEFLASH SYSTEM FOR BLOW MOLDING USES

MTM Systems has a versatile takeaway and deflash system for blow molding applications. The 2001A features a touch-screen display for on-the-fly programming and changeover times can be accomplished in 15 min. Improvements have been made to the robotic hands, the scrap throat opening, and carriage transfer system. The robotic hand uses improved toggle-clamp-type angular grippers to del