Blowmolding

Blowmolders seeking cost savings through reduced material usage in large containers might want to consider the latest coextrusion blowmolding machines from Fong Kee International Machinery Co. (Tainan).

Controlling material distribution on stretch blowmolding machinery, with outputs that can exceed one million bottles per day, can now be realized with the help of a new system developed by Agr International. The need for such control is only increasing as the weight and wall thickness of polyethyelene terephthalate (PET) bottles processed on these machines decreases at the same time as outputs increase.

Small particles of gas-generating additives infused into the polymer melt during processing can reduce resin requirement by up to 50% and carbon footprint by up to 45%, according to its developer, Polyfil Corp. (Rockaway, NJ). The additives create a microcellular structure (cells less than 100 µm in size) via a chemical reaction that releases a small volume of gas, producing a cellular structure at a size unachievable with present-day chemical foaming agent (CFA) technology.

Now being offered by Croda Polymer Additives is a new PET slip concentrate said to help reduce surface friction by up to 60%. Marketed under the company's Atmer tradename, Atmer 7510 is a 10% concentrate of IncroMax 100, the company's slip additive for use in polyester-based polymers, in a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) carrier system.

A company whose fortunes as a developer of natural resource properties in Canada didn't pan out has been transformed, with a new name, new management, and a new mission to process biodegradable preforms and maybe more.

Extrusion blowmolded packaging supplier Graham Packaging Co. (York, PA) went forward with its initial public offering (IPO), announcing on Feb. 10 it would offer 16,666,667 shares of its common stock at $10.00 per share, with trading on the New York Stock Exchange having begun on Feb. 11 under the ticker symbol GRM. The offering closed last week on Feb. 17, and as of press time on Friday, Feb. 19, the shares were trading for $10.35, down $0.05/share from the day before, on volume eclipsing 50,000 shares.

Packaging machinery manufacturer Krones AG has developed a new system, called MouldXpress Advanced, to help operators of the company's Contiform stretch blowmolding machinery reduce mold changeover times by up to 75%. 

Custom industrial parts blowmolder Agri-Industrial Plastics entered the non-automotive fuel tank market in 1995 and now has made another big bet on that market, adding another multilayer continuous extrusion blowmolding machine in a move that effectively doubles its capacity for these fuel tanks.

Rigid packaging manufacturer Silgan Plastics will cease operations at its Port Clinton, OH blowmolding facility, with the site to be completely shut down by the third quarter. Alan Koblin, Silgan Plastics president, said the move will improve the company’s flexibility and increase cost competitiveness. Existing business and equipment will be relocated to other Silgan Plastics plants in the Midwest. Silgan acquired the Port Clinton, OH facility in 1989.

Lack of maintenance on processing equipment can cost a company a lot in energy, 
processing inefficiencies, and downtime. The flip side, proactive maintenance, is almost 
purely positive and can pay big dividends in the long run.