Press Release: Automation at Thames Plastic Bottles Ltd

17 July 2008

PCE has supplied automation to enhance productivity and provide 100% in-line testing of blown plastic bottles.

PCE Automation Ltd has been offering products for the blow moulding market for over 30 years and can now offer one of the most comprehensive equipment offerings on the market from a single source.

Thames Plastic Bottles Ltd of Maidenhead; now part of the Thames Packaging Group Ltd has been supplying PE, PP, PVC and PET bottles for twenty years. Having steadily expanded the range of moulding machines during this time, it was realised that improvements in downstream equipment was required to improve efficiencies, minimise costs, and guarantee quality product reaching their customers.

Tony Atkins (Chairman) and Keith Kelly (Managing Director) of Thames were looking for a supplier who would supply a turnkey and flexible system with good service support. After looking at several suppliers, Thames chose PCE Automation as their partner. This was based on the technical quality of the products, support prior, during and after the order was placed and price competitiveness.

The order comprised conveyors from the Rexroth VarioFlow range for three Bekum EBM machines equipped with TPI-12 Collation Tables and in-line LL-2H Leak Testers. Other EBM machines are now having dedicated take-off conveyors fitted to accept the re-locatable TPI-12 Tables to facilitate flexibility of use. In addition, a MK4 Robot, VarioFlow conveyor and in-line LL-1H Leak Tester was purchased for the Aoki SBIII-250LL PET line. The new single LL-1H and twin head LL-2H Leak Testers are based around a Siemens plc combined with Pro-Face HMI’s.

This combination gives a higher data resolution to find smaller defects in a faster time. The Pro-Face HMI is a touch screen unit giving simpler set-ups; friendlier screens and is supplied with a USB port as standard to down-load test data for off-line analysis. The above models can be supplied with block bore testing as a cost option. The MK4 PET Take-out Robot is easily configurable for a wide range of bottles with easy to change tooling. Built on a welded steel frame for rigidity and using Festo Electric Drives for the main axis. The robot eliminates damage to bottle surfaces, allows the out feed conveyor to remain at a fixed height regardless of bottle height.

Released By

PCE Automation Ltd