R I G I D PAC K AG I N G
Double layer moulding process for quality containers Japan-based Nissei ASB Machine Co. is an innovation leader in the manufacture of machines and moulds for injection stretch blow moulding of PET and other plastics.
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he company has announced the Double layer food or beverage container with recycled material as exterior layer (only virgin material makes food contact)
introduction of a new moulding process that enhances the versatility of its line-
up of one-step four-station injection stretch blow moulding machines. The new technology will provide ecological and aesthetic container manufacturing solutions.
MOULDING PROCESS Previously, multi-layer preform moulding was used to improve container performance by inserting a thin layer of a secondary material between two outer body layers of the preform. ASB’s newly developed double layer moulding process (patents pending) enables the container to be moulded with an inner and outer layer in the body section in a variety of thicknesses, configurations, moulding orders or resins. The aim of the new technology is to provide additional value and flexibility to the standard one-step ISBM process. This method broadens container moulding options, not only in food safety, function and design, but also encourages increased manufacturing of ecological containers utilising recycled PET resin. To enable this double layer moulding method, ASB developed a prototype machine named the ASB-12N/DL, which is similar in size to its existing small-scale
“To enable this double layer moulding method, ASB developed a prototype machine named the ASB12N/DL, which is similar in size to its existing smallscale ASB-12N/10 fourstation injection stretch blow moulding machine”
ASB-12N/10 four-station injection stretch blow moulding machine.
This unit consists of five stations, with a second injection mould occupying the additional station being supplied by its own injection unit. The ASB Series one-step moulding process is well-known for its extreme versatility in moulding high-quality containers in a vast range of moulding resin. With the addition of the double layer moulding process, it is now possible to dramatically enhance the visual or physical properties using different materials for inner or outer layers.
APPLICATIONS The moulding concept has produced a range
The ASB-12N/DL prototype machine for double layer moulding
of additional applications, including: • Ecological container – Using recycled PET, flake PET Current production of food-grade containers using recycled PET is limited in many countries due to food safety regulations. By moulding a container where the inner layer is virgin PET resin, food safety can be assured even while moulding the outer layer with lowerquality recycled resin. The result is the ability to expand the use of recycled resin to a wider range of applications to reduce pollution and preserve resources. • Airless pump container The container can increase the pre and post-retail shelf life of various food products. A collapsible inner layer comprising of a suitable resin is formed during container moulding. As the product is pumped out, the inner layer separates and shrinks away from the outer layer to ensure that
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Food Review | April 2020
