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The table on the previous page shows the complete range of FlexBlow machines. The standard FlexBlow models employ intermittent preform feeding, which sacrifices some speed in return for maximum flexibility, as shown by the wide range of neck and bottle sizes. The FlexBlow Hybrid models (pictured below) combine rotary and linear motions and have larger numbers of cavities for higher speed, though with somewhat less range in neck-size flexibility (as shown in the table), but they retain fast mold changes. The largest model, FlexBlow Multi, is essentially two eight-cavity Hybrid models linked to one infeed system; it's designed to compete with high-output rotary systems. For the U.S. market, Sirvinskas sees two- to six-cavity machines as the most attrac- tive models. He says they fill a gap in the custom bottle market for highly variable production batches as small as 10,000 to 20,000 bottles at a time. Features include Siemens color touchscreens with easy-to-use, intuitive program- ming. Air-recovery systems take exhaust high- pressure blowing air and return it to the low-pressure system. FlexBlow machines can use molds from competing systems (KHS, Sidel, etc.). The company is particularly proud of its proprietary preform heating technology. Preferential heating to produce oval or asymmetric bottles uses eight lamps arranged horizontally—rather than vertically as in other machines. These lamps, 30 cm long, are arranged on two sides of the preform, which stops spinning for 5-7 sec to soak up the heat. Multiple lamps allow creation of different heat zones along the length of the preform body. FlexBlow machines also boast special protections against neck overheating. First, the preforms are heated with the neck down, rather than neck up as in most machines. This protects the neck from rising hot air from the body heaters, and also traps heat inside the preform for greater efficiency. Preform neck-support rings are cooled while the body is heated. Sirvinskas notes that keeping the preform neck cold and the body hot allows for optimum material distribution and maximum design freedom for lightest preform weight. Competitive cost is another edge for the FlexBlow line, says Sirvinskas. "Did you know that Lithuania is ranked one of the 10 most educated countries in Europe? That means we have highly qualified labor at a reasonable wage rate. And that makes us price competitive." QUESTIONS ABOUT BLOW MOLDING Visit the Blow Molding Zone "In Lithuania, we have highly qualified labor at a reasonable wage rate. That makes us price competitive." FlexBlow Hybrid models combine rotary and linear motions and larger numbers of cavities for higher speed, though somewhat less flexibility. Make Perfect Parts and Save Money! • Preload cores for perfect parts. • Save $$$$ with a smaller cylinder. • Simplify mold operation and design. • Smaller mold base = low cost parts. • Fully Preloads at only 1,500 psi. • Stays locked without hydraulics. • 400˚ F systems available. • Rush 0-2 day shipping available. pfa-inc.com N118 W18251 Bunsen Drive Germantown, WI 53022 (262) 250-4410 Fax (262) 250-4409 KOR-LOK ® , Hydra-Latch ™ and Hydra-Jaws ™ are trademarks of PFA, Inc. ©2016 PFA, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Mold OPEN Core Out Mold CLOSED Core OUT Mold CLOSED Core IN Core PRE-LOADED Against FULL Injection Pressure CAN'T DO IT! CAN'T DO IT! KOR-LOK ® TRADITIONAL SIDE-ACTION VS. SIDE-ACTION SYSTEMS SYSTEMS YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! SIDE-ACTION SYSTEMS Designed & Made in USA HYDRA-JAWS ™ Every Mold, Every Machine, Every Time! Adjusts to Fit Every Mold Quick and Secure Consistent Clamping Force 14 SEPTEMBER 2017 Plastics Technology PTonline.com B L O W M O L D I N G Close -Up On Technolog y