Germany’s Esomatec will launch its new GSM neo cold end inspection machine at glasstec 2016 exhibition in Düsseldorf this September (Stand No 14/E56).
Based on the starwheel drive operating principle, this equipment (pictured) employs the latest servo motor technology and provides stable operating conditions at machine speeds between 10 and 500 bottles/min, with a working radius of 345mm (optional 330mm).
The machine is capable of accommodating ware diameters between 14mm and 180mm and can inspect a wide range of container heights (from 30mm to 500mm).
This flexibility offers opportunities for pharmaceutical and cosmetics customers, as well as those plants that produce glass containers in very specific shapes.
Every element of the GSM neo machine is operated by separate servo motors, enabling Esomatec to deliver a machine that runs almost vibration-free and therefore provides good inspection repeatability.
A key development target was to significantly reduce job change times at the cold end, a feature that is especially interesting for those plants where short job runs are common, affording opportunities to improve productivity levels.
Also important was the possibility to optimise container transport through the machine.
The solution is a second starwheel, which provides optimal container spacing and stable standing on the outfeed belt.
The GSM neo machine can be equipped with up to five separate rotating inspection devices, including a mould number reader, wall thickness detection and check detection.
In addition, there is the opportunity to add further check detection modules to avoid overloading one section within the machine.
A special design holder has been developed for finish check inspection transmitters/receivers, allowing reproducible settings to be provided.
According to Managing Director Hermann Spreen, several of the world’s leading glass producers have observed the prototype GSM neo machine in operation and provided positive feedback.
Their activities embrace small pharmaceutical glass containers, as well as a diversity of round and shaped ware, both narrow neck and widemouth, in a wide spectrum of sizes.
In the coming weeks, operational trials will be conducted in Europe, with the prospect of several equipment sales before the end of 2016.
At glasstec, Esomatec will exhibit its complete range of equipment, including a fully operational GSM neo inspection machine, as well as retrofits and starwheels for existing inspection machines, infeed and outfeed screws, rollers and other spare parts.
