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11/10/2015

KHS Blomax Series IV boosts output to 2,500 bottles per hour and cavity

For the first time ever KHS stretch blow molders in the InnoPET Blomax Series IV output up to 2,500 bottles per hour and blow station.

• Optimized stretch blow molder almost ready for market launch
• Efficiency increased by technical know-how and PET expertise
• Existing machines can also be converted or retrofitted with little effort

Dortmund, November 10, 2015 – For the first time ever KHS stretch blow molders in the InnoPET Blomax Series IV output up to 2,500 bottles per hour and blow station. This has been made possible by combining a number of further technical developments and optimizing processes to produce the very high bottle quality typical of KHS machines at an even higher rate of performance. It is also possible to modify existing Blomax machines to boost line capacity. "By combining a number of tried-and-tested features we've again increased the efficiency of our Blomax blow stations," states Marco Böhnke, product manager and head of Technical Sales Support at KHS Corpoplast GmbH. During the pilot phase the individual cavities of the InnoPET Blomax stretch blow molder were able to achieve an output of up to 2,500 bottles per hour. This boost in capacity is mechanical for bottles with a maximum diameter of 95 mm which is the equivalent of a 1.5-liter bottle. The following aspects were instrumental in achieving this new value: the process angle was increased by optimizing the mold opening and closing process. Patented, internal bottle base cooling helps to yield higher outputs for and improve the bottle quality of critical preform designs. In this process the base of the PET bottle, which is often still hot, is specifically cooled in the blow mold without extra air being consumed. With this KHS ensures that the area deemed critical due to the wall thickness cannot become deformed. Benefits right down the line The increased capacity of the individual blow stations directly benefits the entire line. Besides providing a higher overall output, in the future the stretch blow molder can be ordered in a more compact design as fewer cavities are needed. This saves both space and money. A smaller machine also consumes less energy and thus helps to make production more sustainable. In addition, fewer parts mean less maintenance effort and format changeover times are further reduced by the lower number of cavities. The first machine with an increased output of up to 2,500 bottles per hour and blow station is currently undergoing acceptance testing. Says Böhnke, "The internal tests were successful and the market launch is now imminent. We're confident that we can achieve this increase in capacity to up to 2,500 bottles per hour in practice." Operators of existing lines will also profit from the optimized InnoPET Blomax Series IV; on request customers can have their existing stretch blow molders retrofitted to incorporate the new system. About the KHS Group The KHS Group is one of the leading manufacturers of filling and packaging systems for the beverage, food and non-food industries. The KHS Group includes, among others, the following companies: KHS GmbH, KHS Corpoplast GmbH, KHS Plasmax GmbH and NMP Systems GmbH. KHS GmbH manufactures modern filling and packaging systems at its headquarters in Dortmund, Germany, and in Kleve, Bad Kreuznach and Worms. The KHS Group's PET expertise is pooled at KHS Corpoplast and KHS Plasmax in Hamburg, Germany, where light PET packaging and innovative coating systems are developed and produced. NMP Systems GmbH, a wholly-owned subsidiary of KHS GmbH based in Düsseldorf in Germany, designs and markets new, resource-saving packaging systems for PET bottles. The group has an international production and service network with over 4,600 employees. In 2015 KHS was awarded the Top 100 seal of approval for exceptional innovative power and outstanding innovative success among German SMEs. In 2014 the group achieved a turnover of €1.08 billion. The companies in the KHS Group are 100% subsidiaries of the MDAX-listed Salzgitter AG corporation.