Page 35 - Plastics News August 2020

Proseal develops web-based platform targets Ampacet launches Gravimetric feeder LIAD
downtime Smart ColorSave 1000

T ray-sealer manufacturing firm Proseal has
introduced a web-based platform that analyses
valuable machine data to improve production line
performance and efficiency. ProVision has been mpacet has launched a gravimetric feeder
developed for Proseal's GTe and GTs range of tray- Adesigned to remain accurate in industrial settings
sealing machines to help identify and understand the affected by vibration and other potentially disruptive
causes of downtime and other inefficiencies. The goal, influences. The LIAD Smart ColorSave 1000 ensures
Proseal said, was to maximise the production capacity accuracy in challenging environments by being the
only gravimetric feeder on the market to have an
of the tray sealer and increase overall equipment outer protective shell with an inner floating weigh
effectiveness. The platform can also be integrated
hopper and single-point load cell, Ampacet said. The
with existing third-party equipment to accurately
ColorSave 1000 uses advanced algorithms to deliver
deliver information and drive improvements “unmatched dosing precision”, regardless of material
throughout the whole production line, Proseal added. density changes or other dynamic parameters. This
ProVision's reporting tools can be used to generate enables manufacturers to save on masterbatch costs
advanced reports that inspect machine data and by feeding expensive colours and additives at the
compare historical performance analysis over any lowest possible let-down ratio and at the low end of
given time. Proseal said this helps to identify any line the tolerance specification. The new feeder is able to
inefficiencies and pinpoint factors that may affect receive signals from an injection moulding machine –
productivity in terms of both personnel and operating both in the recovery (screw time) and injection phases
procedures. Additionally, data patterns can be – meaning masterbatch can be added throughout the
monitored to identify root causes of problems that entire process. Ampacet said the ColorSave 1000 could
could otherwise be hard to diagnose. Data from the save up to 35 per cent on masterbatch use when
compared to remote batch blending systems, up to 15
platform can be viewed on any web-enabled device,
per cent compared to a batch blender at machine
including a PC, smartphone and smart TV. The Live throat, and up to 50 per cent compared to a
View function offers real-time and remote
volumetric feeder. The feeder is also said to benefit
performance monitoring, enabling operators to work from a user-friendly design, which allows operators to
away from the line and operate multiple machines, and quickly empty components between jobs through a
allowing engineers to check on machine performance quick-purge auto system, resulting in “significant
and intervene if problems are detected. Proseal said savings” on labour and production time. In addition,
ProVision is available at no extra cost with all new GTe the loss-in-weight controlling function allows
and GTs machines that are supplied with an Ewon operating points to be optimally adjusted. Automatic
device to allow internet connection. As part of the calibration enables processors to consistently feed at
company's future proofing of its equipment, updated the desired set point. According to Ampacet, the
software and Ewon devices can be retrofitted to pre- ColorSave 1000 can be used with any injection-
existing GTe and GTs machines. moulding, extrusion and blow-moulding machine.

August 2020 33 Plastics News