Industry's first take-out system with integrated deflasher and leak tester

28-Sep-12

The industry’s first integrated take-out system which incorporates a deflasher and leak testing system for space savings and reduced cost has been launched by Proco Machinery Inc., a leading supplier of automation systems for the plastics container industry. “Our new technology has taken the take-out system to a new level, providing a reduced footprint and substantial cost savings, since processors don’t have to purchase all three machines separately,” said John McCormick, president of Proco Machinery. The company’s patent-pending Robopik Plus, which is an upgraded version of Proco’s original Robopik model, accommodates a wide range of shuttle extrusion blow molding (EBM) machines (including Bekum H style) without modification or adjustment. The Robopik Plus takes the container and transfers it directly from the deflasher where the tail and top flash is removed. In the same station, a special optional spin trimmer is also available to spin off any dome flash that exists. After deflashing, a specially designed articulated vacuum conveyor extends into the deflasher and retracts with the container in an upright orientation. The container is then leak tested on this same conveyor. The integrated system permits the use of only one set of tooling (unlike two sets required for the previous system) and also facilitates easy changeovers. The Robopik Plus is not limited by shape or size; it can also handle tottle-type containers with any number of mold cavities. Container heights can range from approximately two inches to 15 inches. The unit is designed to keep pace with the cycle time of extrusion blow molding machines. The new take-out system boasts an upgraded control system with a color touch screen and the capability to store job recipes for easy recall. The Robopik Plus utilizes many of the same components as the previous model and offers similar durability, reliability, and easy-to-use features. Scrap collection is easier with one common scrap conveyor to collect both tail flash and neck flash instead of two in the original system. The integrated system has just two servo drives and fewer moving parts for easier maintenance. The new system features a more convenient conveyor height of 34 inches, making integration with other equipment easy to implement. Proco Machinery offers the new system globally and is currently working on a number of successful projects at both domestic and global custom blow molding facilities.