FDBusiness.com

The trend towards combining several units to form a single machine continues unbroken, for quite a simple reason – the advantages this offers to the users far outweigh the disadvantages involved. In the shape of the 3Bloc, Krones’ subsidiary Kosme has now presented its first concept for a block configuration featuring three machines available in two different variants – one for PET and one for HDPE containers.

3Bloc For PET Containers

This consists of the following three concatenated machines:

• blow-moulding machine
• filler
• labeller
  • either for applying pressure-sensitive labels
  • or for reel-fed wrap-around labelling.

This configuration is suitable both for cylindrical or square PET bottles and for special-shaped containers. The maximum output is 16,000 bottles an hour.

3Bloc For HDPE Containers

This consists of the following three concatenated machines:

• unscrambler
• filler
• Labeller.

The unscrambler is tasked with putting the already-blow-moulded HDPE bottles in an upright position before they reach the filler and here takes the place of the blow-moulder needed for PET containers. This 3Bloc variant can handle up to 25,000 bottles an hour.

The 3Bloc concept has been based on technically sturdy components, and when compared to a layout featuring individual machines scores highly in terms of its substantially lower energy consumption, its higher efficiency and its enhanced user-friendliness. Needless to say that the block configuration also benefits the machine’s footprint, plus the capital investment and operating costs involved. No intermediate conveyors are needed, for example, and the times required for format change-overs and maintenance routines are shorter as well.