R&D/Leverage is adding a new series Amsler single-cavity LM15X PET stretch blow molding machine to further its ability to test and run molds.
“It's got everything. We had some special things done to the oven for our specifications,” said Dave Brunson, vice president of engineering at Lee's Summit, Mo.-based R&D/Leverage.
He noted that it replaces an older machine and provides a laboratory machine that can do much more than its predecessor.
Amsler said the machine was developed to be used in labs, for small production runs, pilot production, customer trials, mold run-offs, material testing and preform testing. It was designed for a small footprint and advanced capability.
The L15X series can be used for bottles from 20 milliliters up to 5 liters and neck sizes from 18 mm to 63 mm. The neck orientation system works with standard preforms. It also has a heating option designed for oval bottles and can be used to help open the processing window.
Brunson said R&D has a number of different machines in its production lab, which the company uses to help customers design bottles, packaging and new tooling.
“We're a full product development company,” he said.
R&D/Leverage operates out of a five-building campus in Lee's Summit. It also has a division in the United Kingdom.
Richmond Hill, Ontario-based Amsler Equipment Inc. said the LM15X machine sent to R&D-Leverage is the first of its kind, and can make up to 11 million 500 milliliter water bottles per year.