With 190,000 caps per hour and 1.5 billion per year, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag together with its partners, Total and Plastisud, has set a new world record in the production of HDPE caps with tamper-evident band without post-moulding operations.Displayed at Chinaplas 2014, the El-Exis SP 420-3000 packaging machine produces 1.3g HDPE screw caps on a 96-cavity hot-runner mould (29/25 design) with a production cycle of only 1.9s. This machine is equipped with a 25:1 L/D ratio barrier screw and has been designed with a special backflow barrier aiming to improve reproducibility.
The fast cycle time results on one hand, from the combination of optimised mould dynamics by Sumitomo (SHI) Demag's unique independent hybrid clamp system and optimised injection and plasticising performances.
On the other hand, this achievement has been made possible thanks to the close co-operation between packaging partners, including Total, who has contributed with their expertise in polyolefin resins for the Caps & Closures industry. Total High Density Polyethylene HD6081 (d = 0.960 g/cm³, MI2 = 8 g/10min), dedicated to still water application, has proved at Sumitomo (SHI) Demag to be the best HDPE resin capable of achieving fastest crystallisation, thus reducing demoulding time between shots while giving optimised mechanical parts.
According to Arnaud Nomblot, Business Development Manager Packaging at Sumitomo (SHI) Demag, "Total's know-how in the field of materials for caps production has greatly contributed to this success. The material provides a vital contribution in terms of production efficiency. The common goal of Sumitomo (SHI) Demag, Total and partners was to achieve highest product quality with significantly reduced cycle times. The technical breakthrough was made possible thanks to the excellent flow characteristics of the HD6081 material. A cycle time of 1.9s and perfect injection point quality are the result of optimum combined material, machine and mould performance."
"The collaboration with Sumitomo (SHI) Demag is one additional example of Total competitiveness and commitment to the Caps & Closures market, where Total, as the new challenger, brings to the industry optimised resins fulfilling the highest requirements and providing benefits to the complete value chain," said Gabriela Quevedo Silvetti, Market Development Engineer Rigid Packaging at Total.
