Shuttle technology (SBG series) extrusion blow molding machines

Key Advantages• Generous daylight and

clamp tonnage, enablingefficient production of larger containers, as well as personal care and smaller bottles

• Double station horizontalclamp transfer on linear rails for ergonomic designand energy efficient usage

• Proportional hydraulics for all machine movements,including clamp, calibration, and bobbingextruder

• Extremely fast dry cycletimes

• For smaller bottles, the ability to minimize clampopening stroke using thestandard clamp proportionalhydraulic control feature

• Bottle transport to the rearof the clamp directly fromthe trim station via a two-axis, servo-driven, pick-and-place system; system is adjustable, sobottles of all heights can beplaced on same height conveyor

• Back conveyor can switchback and forth to runeither right or left

• Quick mold changes madepossible by a single pointoriented bottle takeout conveyor that also requiresminimal floor space

• Machine mountedhydraulic de-flash systemwith air for flash cooling;flash removal punch isfront-to-back motion; de-flash assembly is machinemounted and height isadjustable up or down

• Horizontal mold movementon linear rails

• 28:1 extruders• Closed loop control with

linear transducers for constant process control

• Two-step proportional blow air

• Totally segregated clampsection vs. extruder base tominimize vibration

• Blow pin calibration stations adjust side to sideon linear rails

GRAHAM’S SBG SERIES:NEW STANDARDSIN SHUTTLE EFFICIENCY

Although long known for itshighly productive wheel tech-nology, Graham Engineeringhas always recognized thatrotary is not the only way toblow mold superior bottlesefficiently. Since 1999,Graham has produced a highly reliable line of shuttlemachines.

In 2007, Graham developed a new line of shuttles for anincreasingly competitive global marketplace — thenext generation SBG series.

MAJORHIGHLIGHTS

There are many highlights toGraham’s new SBG shuttletechnology. Here are some ofthe major ones that pertain tocritical subsystems and theoverall machine:

Horizontal Clamp Design• Front adjust blow pins• Robust clamp design with

bench levers to develophighest possible clamptonnage

• Creep speed with remote formold set-up

• Horizontal design allows forlow profile

• Mechanical synchronization

Bottle Transfer and De-FlashSystem• Single-sided bottle transfer

to rear of machine• Single conveyor bottle exit• Machine-mounted

hydraulically actuateddeflash

• Two-step motion with flashcooling air

Other Select Features• Rexroth hydraulics with

open side access• Electrically adjustable

extruder height• Extruder platform side

adjust via ratchet mechanism in back

• Ball valves located close tomolds; circulation easilyshut off for mold change

• Air pressure system withdrain valve for emptyingwater from the molds priorto their removal

• Motorized (and ganged) parison length control

• Adjustable parison airwhile running

• Blow pin height adjustableat floor level by two-metertool

XBM NAVIGATOR™:PC-BASED CONTROLSDEVELOPED BY BLOW MOLDERSFOR BLOW MOLDERS

The efficiency of a productionline is closely linked to theaccuracy and ease of use ofits controls. That is why everyGraham blow moldingmachine uses the XBMNavigator™, a proprietary PC-based system designed byus. The hardware is a standard, 24-volt industrialPC, which eliminates anyneed for manufacturer-specific components or system expertise. The man-machine interface is aflat panel color display withtouch screen capabilities. Butthe real beauty of the systemlies in its Windows® platformoperator interface software— it is a package developedby Graham, whose years ofblow molding experienceensure that set-ups, trending,analysis, and troubleshootingfunctions will all be intuitiveto the operator.

• All machine control parameters and process variables are easy to callup, check, and adjust

• 100-point parison programming

• Remote diagnostics viaEthernet connection —enables fast, easy troubleshooting byGraham's technical support team

• Swing arm mounted operator station (optional)allows for improved line-of-sight setup and operation

Graham's XBM Navigator™ PC controls utilize intuitive, graphical screens, allowing operators to come up-to-speedquickly. The graphical approach aids insetup and troubleshooting; for example,the color of the heater bands changes tored when heat is applied, and to bluewhen cooling is applied. Multiple accesslevels allow different levels of control foroperators, technicians, and maintenancepersonnel. The screens can be switchedbetween dual languages with the touch ofa button. Other features include remotediagnostics, trending of key variables, andcomplete logging of process changes.

XBM Navigator,™winner of

Control Design’s 2008 Innovator

Award

Graham Engineering Corporation • 1203 Eden Road, York, PA 17402-0673 • USA Tel: 717-848-3755 • Fax: 717-846-1931 • www.grahamengineering.com • sales@grahamengineering.com

• Graham’s equipment manuals represent a valuable added resource for customers. They are available in paper andelectronic formats. Theycan be accessed from themachine’s PC as clickablePDFs offering helpful photos, schematics, andparts lists.