Automated Resin Management and Blending System for Tight Spaces

The LIAD Smart BlendSave Compact from Ampacet LIAD is an automated resin management and blending system for new and existing operations with up to 10 machines and limited available space.

LIAD Smart BlendSave Compact uses patented weighing and blending technology to manage the increasing number of resin and PCR materials, and recipe change requirements demanded by today’s processors. This smaller system includes a compact, dust-tight Octobatch automated manifold for up to 1,500 kg/hr or up to 3,300 lbs/hr total throughput. BlendSave Compact weighs resin materials of up to 40 ingredients and distributes individual blends to any 10 machines for total flexibility, unmatched accuracy and automated blending of custom recipes. The compact model takes only 6 ft × 6 ft. (1.8 × 1.8 m) of floor space and is 14 ft. (4.27 m) high.

BlendSave Compact precisely weighs each ingredient individually for accurate batches and delivers them to the machines using dedicated material lines. A separate storage and weigh hopper for each raw material means there are no cleanouts required, no hoses to switch and no operator mistakes.

Unlike conventional blending systems, which can be inefficient and overly complex, BlendSave accurately weighs each ingredient individually and conveys a unique recipe through dedicated lines to a mixer on each molding machine or extruder, eliminating the risk of material contamination and segregation during conveying. Through ERP integration, the recipe selection function is managed automatically, virtually eliminating manual setup and daily operator interactions and enables true “lights-out” operations, a competitive advantage within the highly competitive plastics industry.

BlendSave’s automated manifold system, OctoBatch, distributes the individual ingredients of a recipe to as many as 10 hoppers, one dedicated for each machine, eliminating the risk of contamination and human errors that result in downtime. BlendSave’s total traceability and verification of raw materials in each batch formulation; real-time data management of all resin ingredients per run, per shift, for the entire operation through a centralized control; and existing ERP systems assure adherence to Industry 4.0 objectives.

Ampacet LIAD also provides the option to integrate LIAD Smart ColorSave gravimetric feeders on the machines, which will significantly save on additive and color usage, and enable quick color changes without the threat of contamination.