Athena Automation, a company founded by Robert Schad (founder and former majority owner of Husky Injection Molding Systems), has formed a partnership with SIPA of Italy to supply injection molding systems for PET preforms.

Growing use of electric drives in blow molding machinery gathered steam at the K 2010 show, as suppliers rolled out new all-electric and hybrid models for extrusion blow, injection-blow, and stretch-blow production.

More output, bigger parts, more complex shapes, and more automation are the themes to look for in blow molding equipment at NPE.

Already a familiar sight on European store shelves, the eye-catching appeal of "IML" is gaining traction among North American injection molders. The latest tooling and automation designs can handle the higher volumes needed here.

Several new developments include a brand-new compression blow process, the first foamed PET bottles, and a preform decontamination approach for aseptically filled products sold at ambient temperature. Attendees also saw a new stack-mold Multi-Parting Line concept that doubles bottle output within the same machine footprint. (Additional NPE blow molding news appeared in May and June—see Learn More box.)

While occupying a relatively small category of exhibits, blow molding will present no lack of innovation at NPE.

The ARS Plus air-recovery system from SIPA North America Inc., Atlanta, achieves 50% air recovery for use in blowing and elsewhere in the plant.

Development of all-electric and hybrid-electric blow molding machines may be gaining momentum, as evidenced by several new models introduced in Dusseldorf.

Improved clarity and cost competitiveness, added to its inherent heat resistance, are reviving OPP’s prospects in hot-fill barrier containers. But hot-fill PET containers are raising the bar with higher productivity and ‘panel-less’ bottle designs.

There will be a strong emphasis on energy savings in blow molding machinery at K 2007.

Show-goers will see a range of new blow molding equipment that offers higher speeds, more cavitation, and faster changeovers.

Improving productivity while minimizing capital cost and floorspace will be central themes of blow molding exhibits at NPE 2006.

With single-serve containers raising shelf-life demands, packagers are seeking the barrier with the best cost-performance for PET bottles. Multilayer seems to have the upper hand, but monolayer, coating, and oxygen-scavenger technologies have all won niches.

Among the more unusual blow molding developments at K 2004 was a closed-loop control system that monitors and corrects material distribution in PET containers as they are produced.

One of the most interesting innovations in blow molding at K 2004 will be a top-and-bottom blowing system that is said to double bottle output.

Maybe this time the often-predicted breakthrough will actually occur. What could make the difference are improved resins, clarifiers, and machinery.

No Breakthrough in Beer, But Juice & Soda Surge Ahead

The emphasis in blow molding equipment introductions at NPE 2003 is on higher output capability and greater versatility to take on emerging markets.