Synchronised solution for bag-in-box manufacturer
LIQUIBOX, a global leader in bag-in-box packaging solutions, has vastly improved the performance of its extrusion capacity at its Cape Town plant following an upgrade by local equipment supplier Syncplas.
The project was brought about as the extrusion line was becoming unreliable due to both software and hardware issues. Liquibox needed to upgrade the machine or invest in new technology, a situation that all manufacturers face at one time or another.
“It was as if we had a fine car but weren’t able to drive it,” notes Liquibox SADC’s director Milton van Noie.
Neil Smith of Syncplas from Philadelphia in the Western Cape – and the agent for Syncro in Italy – enters the picture. Syncro is a global leader in the field of automation for the plastic extrusion industry.
The upgrade involved a complete replacement of the electrical control panel. The previous system, from Macchi in Italy, was installed nearly 20 years ago (and deterioration over this time is inevitable).
The OEM supervisory system was replaced with the latest Syntrol Infinity™ supervisory system from Syncro, which is a key part of the overall project and gives Liquibox far better control of the extrusion process. Next, the gravimetric blender was replaced with a Syncro Easybatch 4™ gravimetric blender and vacuum loader. Lastly, the IBC control was replaced with new sensors and valves that have allowed for substantially improved bubble control and, hence, higher film output.
“During the installation, we synchronised the current rewinding system into the new installation,” Smith adds.
The result gives Liquibox a reliable machine with better control of its material blends. Due to fewer stoppages, the film quality has improved along with the output.
The Syntrol Infinity control system provides an integrated management reporting system that can be linked to individual products and production. This allows Liquibox to monitor their production more closely than before. The system is user-friendly and extends onsite training with the company’s operators, making the changeover as smooth as possible.
“Our solution gave Liquibox the best economical solution,” Smith concludes.
- Liquibox in South Africa is part of the global Liquibox group. It is a manufacturer of bag-in-box solutions for the packaging and dispensing of beverages, consumer goods and industrial end-markets.
