Näfels, Switzerland — KraussMaffei High Performance AG has developed a new Netstal PET line for beverage preform applications that it says is fully compatible with legacy side-entry molds and post-mold cooling stations.
Officials of the Swiss subsidiary of Munich-based KraussMaffei Group call it a milestone in the history of the business, which has been focused on the top-entry market.
"By switching to side-entry we are re-shuffling the cards within the PET world. The Netstal brand is now also a perfect alternative for users whose production layout focuses on machines with lateral removal and who have a corresponding stock of injection molds," KraussMaffei High Performance CEO Renzo Davtaz said in a news release.
The first machine in the series is equipped with a clamping force of 4,000 kN and a 6,000 injection unit that enables the use of molds with up to 128 cavities. The series will eventually cover all common beverage applications.
The machine maker says it focused on optimizing the processing of up to 100 percent recycled PET with a new screw design for the two-stage injection unit.
The new PET line also reduces energy consumption compared to the preceding top-entry model, which KraussMaffei says was the most energy efficient machine on the market.
In addition, the new operator panel has a central touchscreen flanked by haptic keys that the company says simplify operation.
KraussMaffei is the only brand in the PET sector that has preform systems with side and top entry in its portfolio, according to Eric Overbeek, vice president of sales at KraussMaffei High Performance.
However, COVID-19 has made the presentation of the new machine series enormously challenging, he said. Several hundred guests had been invited to a launch event planned in Näfels, but it was canceled because of the pandemic.
Now the company is offering private presentations in Näfels as well as digital visits with machine demonstrations for those unable to travel there. The hybrid event has already started and continues through Dec. 30.
To schedule a digital visit, go to www.kraussmaffei.com/en/experience-new-petline.