Three lines of European machines come to U.S. (Blow Molding).

Blow molding machines from a trio of little-known European producers are now being offered here by MBK North America in New Hope, Pa This newly established distributor plans to offer sales, technical support, and spare parts for two German firms--Maschinenbau Koetke GmbH (MBK) and Rikutec--as well as Meccanoplastica srl in Italy. None of these companies has previously market actively in North America.

The new firm's v.p. of sales is Jack McGarry, formerly of SIG Plastics. At NPE in Chicago this month, his firm will share the booths of Jackson Machinery and A.L.B.A Enterprises.

3D suction blow

MBK supplies continuous shuttle-type and discontinuous accumulator-head extrusion blow machines, as well as modules for 3D suction blow molding of complex shapes. MBK's continuous-extrusion shuttle line comes in single- and double-station versions for PP, PE, and PVC containers of 2 cc to 30 liters. Models range from the TBA-15 (6-ton clamp and 14 x 14 in. platens) to the TBA-800 (96-ton clamp and 59 x 43 in. platens). Special versions for medical fluid containers are offered.

In addition, MBK offers accumulator-head models with clamp tonnages ranging from 7 to 88 tons in single- and dual-station versions. Machines can make 0.5L to 8L parts (multi-layers optional) with shot sizes from 0.75 to 12 lb. Modules for 3-D suction blow molding are said to integrate easily into the machines for making highly convoluted and sequentially coextruded (hard-soft) automotive ducting and fuel filler pipes. MBK offers a lower-cost blow pin rather than the needle used on other 3D suction blow equipment. An optional cylinder change doubles the clamp force, allowing for 3D parts up to 60 in. long.

For giant parts

Rikutec offers accumulator-head machines with head and platen sizes said to far exceed those of other systems. The largest, the GBM 6000, has a head capacity of 400L and shot weight of around 640 lb, surpassing by 300% or more the largest U.S. models. It can also coextrude up to seven layers.

Rikutec machines open up to blow molders some oversized hollow parts that have been supplied mostly by rotomolders and twin-sheet thermoformers, says McGarry. He cites L-ring drums, IBCs, in-ground tanks, industrial trash containers, recreational-vehicle panels, and boat hulls.

All-electric

Meccanoplastica makes continuous shuttle-type, single- and double-sided machines aimed at 1L to 5L containers and toys. Options include coextrusion, view stripes, angled-neck calibration, and in-mold labeling. In addition, the firm offers an injection-blow machine with all-electric drive, which is said to provide 30% energy savings and clean, quiet operation. This model JET60 is a 60-ton, three-station unit with up to 10 cavities.

Tel: [phone], www.koetke.de; www.rikutec.de; www.meccanoplastica.com

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