In an innovative theme park at Interpack in Düsseldorf (8 to 14 May, 2014, Halle 13, Stand B45) Netstal is showing how state-of-the-art drive technology, supreme reliability and maximum availability and performance can sustainably reduce unit costs.Netstal has longstanding experience as a system solution partner. The company is a global market leader specifically in the configuration of machines and systems with and without in-mold labeling (IML). "Longstanding application technology experience gained from implementing projects all around the world and a compact network of technology partners to support all our processes and components enables us to provide exceptional plug and play systems that are reliable and simple to operate in a productive environment," emphasized Markus Dal Pian, Vice President Sales at Netstal. In the highly competitive market for innovative, weight-optimized packaging solutions, maximum performance in combination with the manufacturing safety and reliability of production systems play a central role when it comes to unit costs. Following optimization of material input on the injection unit, which is the main cost driver, other elements should not be neglected when considering costs. "A sound machine design developed for continuous high performance and exceptional injection performance coupled with a high-precision controller and energy-efficient drive concept form the basis for positively influencing unit costs," explained Dal Pian. The Vice President Sales went on to say that "At Interpack, we will be presenting the four core elements required to successfully reduce unit costs in the packaging sector."
In addition to a state-of-the-art injection molding machine and high-quality, multi-cavity mold, a typical system concept for an IML system also includes complex automation with integrated parts quality control and product stacking. "Only perfect interaction between all the individual system components can guarantee a high OEE (overall equipment effectiveness) index," declared Patrick Scharpf, Area Sales Manager for the PAC business unit. Today, the OEE index is defined by means of the traditional criteria availability, output and quality rate to describe the overall efficiency of a system. The typical availability of a Netstal injection molding machine is around >98 percent. Functional interaction with high-quality and optimally designed system components, such as molds and IML handling systems, ensure that Netstal IML systems achieve an impressive OEE factor of around >94 percent. In order to make a clear statement regarding the individual factors of availability, output and quality rate, it is essential that all information on rejects, downtimes, etc., is precisely recorded and documented in detail. Ultimately only a sound factual basis will enable the derivation of the relevant measures and system requirements needed to maximize optimization of the OEE index as a key success factor. The packaging team at Netstal draws on a broad range of experience in mold making, the development of components suitable for plastics, and comprehensive application- and process-specific know-how in the field of thin-wall packaging. "This enables us to design, plan and implement complete production cells as turnkey systems and commission them on site. We provide our customers with support and advice from the conception stage of a new product, right through to handover of the turnkey production system," said Scharpf.
