Highest flexibility for complex flip-top applications
Using the production of flip-top closures on an all-electric Elion 2200-870, Netstal will demonstrate its high expertise within the closure sector at the Plastpol trade fair. The complex polypropylene parts are manufactured on a 16-cavity mold from Ermo in a cycle time of 12 seconds, which is very fast for this application. A particular emphasis will be placed on the optimal molding of the film hinges required for the flip-top closures, which places high demands on machine components, mold and material. "The extremely complex processes of the mold and core traction movements as well as the screw-down device integrated within the mold that functions during demolding require a high degree of precision and reproducibility, as well as a control system that is extremely flexible and, above all, configurable," explains Peter Schmid, manager of closure application technology. "With its extremely precise yet efficient movement axes, the all-electric Elion 2200-870 used for production provides the required performance as well as unrivaled precision and process stability," adds Schmid.The closure sector for food and non-food packaging is characterized by mass production and high cost sensitivity. Drawing on its experience and product portfolio, which is honed for high performance, Netstal provides the ideal basis for systems focusing on mass production. The integrated flip mechanism seen in flip-top closures often places high demands on the production process. In recent times, the concept has also found its way into lighter design solutions as well. Higher output quantities combined with increasingly complex and heavier molds speak in favor of the Netstal product portfolio.
"To operate flip-top molds cost-effectively and remain competitive on the market, a high injection performance, an energy-efficient drive unit and a machine control system that permits complex motion sequences are required. Netstal has combined these characteristics and perfectly implemented them into the Elion series," explains Horst Kogler, head of the Business Unit Caps & Closures.