Chinaplas: SACMI brings smart vision inspection system

With more than 680 CCM presses installed, SACMI is highlighting its strengths to China’s capping line market. Now, in the run-up to the 35th edition of Chinaplas, a key event that draws visitors from every corner of the globe, SACMI is getting ready to showcase multiple innovations on the latest-generation CCM presses.

The press range now benefits from an integrated range of ‘smart vision’ inspection systems, from the CHS (for caps), produced directly in China as of this year, to the PVS (for preforms), which can be incorporated on the next-gen IPS 300 and IPS 400.  Visitors to the SACMI stand (n. 10H41) can also see several Laboratory-made products, such as market-ready neck+cap and tethered-friendly solutions designed to aid the lightweighting transition: solutions already adopted by some of the industry’s major players.

CCM machines

More stylish outside, more digital and technological inside than ever, SACMI will be showcasing the latest CCM machines, equipped with the brand new CM-Flow extruder. These latest machines feature energy savings of up to 9% and up to 50% fewer black specks compared to the same resin processed with traditional extruders.

In particular, the CMFLOW™ produces caps that have the same resistance to stress cracking as those produced with traditional extrusion technology and operates at lower temperatures. CMFLOW™ is not only effective as it is also simple and compact. This machine allows for quick and easy maintenance because, unlike a conventional extruder, the motor is coupled directly to the screw without any need for a gearmotor. CMFLOW™ is as-standard on the new SACMI CCM48SD presses yet can also be implemented on the CCM24SF and CCM32MC versions.

All latest-generation CCMs – and existing versions such as the CCM24SF, CCM32MC, CCM48SD and CCM64MC – can be equipped with SACMI Smart Pack. A digital control package that integrates advanced sensors and on-board controls, Smart Pack simplifies operation, increases machine availability and reduces the risk of errors or line stoppages.

How? Through, for example, an automatic system that verifies correct dose insertion and positioning. Through automatic (and predictive) hydraulic oil quality control. Through cutting-edge thermoregulation to prevent on-mold condensation, thus boosting system availability and extending machine and mold component lifespans while improving the quality of the molding process.

Smart vision system 

To provide customers with ever-closer support, SACMI has begun producing its CHS cap inspection vision system range at one of its Chinese plants. The goal: to further accelerate delivery times and punctuality of service. This system offers the market a revolutionary approach that is already as-standard at SACMI: inspection is no longer simply about controlling individual defects/caps, it’s a tool to gather valuable information to improve processes and predict drifts.

Key innovations include a patented SACMI solution that inspects tamper band slitting on the new tethered caps. The tethered standard is also of growing interest in China and SACMI offers a range of advantageous ready-to-use solutions, such as simple slitting of the tamper band in post processing.

Fully integrated cap-preform production with a new generation of SACMI IPS machines

SACMI aims to help manufacturers transition to new lightweight standards. To do so, it also works alongside key international certification bodies like CETIE. For example, the new GME30.40 ‘multi-purpose’ 26/22 neck standard is gaining popularity in China and around the world as it offers a tethered-compatible solution that delivers net plastic savings of more than 30% without affecting performance.

Through SACMI Lab, each development is accompanied by a series of dedicated, customized, ready-to-use caps. Some of these will be showcased on the SACMI stand to illustrate their outstanding versatility, as they can all be customized to meet production requirements.

The entire process is streamlined by SACMI's ability to provide comprehensive technology, which spans from CCM presses to the latest-generation IPS preform presses. The IPS 300 and 400 are, in fact, the first solutions on the market to integrate, directly on the press, intensive preform inspection with the PVS 156 vision system. This reduces the risk of incorrect batches and makes settings and changeovers easier.

To sum up, the SACMI CCM+IPS combination means customers can count on a sole provider at each stage of the process, allowing them to accelerate the adoption of new standards and develop distinctive products that meet the strict specifications of the main international brand owners.