Blow moulding with laser heating

Sidel's new EvoBLOW Laser technology has been developed for blow moulding lightweight containers in virgin and recycled PET for food and beverages, guaranteeing efficiency, quality, simplicity and sustainability. The new laser solution enables manufacturers to overcome the limitations of halogen lamp heating technology used until now and is distinguished by its extreme precision.

The high level of accuracy allows for the production of containers that are both lighter and more resistant. EvoBLOW Laser utilises up to 36 heating lines in a comparable halogen solution. This provides a new level of control over the material’s thickness all along the container, to achieve record-breaking results. This mastery of PET distribution enables lightweighting even for premium bottles, thanks to the creation of invisible ‘power rings’, or small rings of thicker material invisible to the consumer. These rings make the bottle feel and act stronger, while using less material overall. They replace conventional ‘geometrical ribs’, offering greater design freedom. Lightweighting also becomes possible in previously inaccessible areas such as just beneath the bottle's neck.

Halogen solutions are sensitive to environmental conditions and necessitate frequent and complex adjustments to achieve desired results. These alterations demand time, effort, and expertise, thereby limiting production time. Laser technology is unaffected by its surroundings, ensuring total and consistent quality with unprecedented ease. It requires only one process setting per heating line (intensity). This stability guarantees that every preform, from the very first to the last, receives the precise thermal profile needed, consistently delivering the desired result regardless of ambient temperature changes. 

The "cold start" function enables enhanced efficiency levels. Whilst halogen solutions require time to heat up and cool down, the laser oven is always ready, eliminating downtime at every start and stop and making standby mode superfluous for keeping the oven warm.

Line efficiency is also improved thanks to live speed modulation, where the blower can automatically and temporarily adjust its speed in real-time to meet changing conditions or circumstances on the line. The EvoBLOW Laser also makes it easy to blow a wider range of formats and shapes from the same preform, simplifying logistics.

Knowing that the EvoBLOW Laser can restart instantly with consistent quality reduces the stress of unplanned stops. The cold oven technology also allows fast access to the oven without waiting for cooling, with zero risk of burns. When adjustments or changes are needed, an intuitive 'touch and shape' interface supports simple and quick settings. Maintenance is also easier due to the absence of ventilation fans and filters, and the longevity of laser diodes.

The new blow moulder represents a step forward on the sustainability front as well, enabling greater use of rPET thanks to reduced sensitivity to its variations and the immediacy of any adjustments needed to adapt the process to material properties. Furthermore, stretching operations are optimised by faster heating and achievement of higher preform temperatures, despite a smaller oven. Finally, preform waste is reduced compared to traditional solutions.