Combi machines incorporate blow molding, filling and capping operations for PET bottles. Sidel is expanding its range of Combi equipment to meet strong manufacturer demands for high-speed equipment and solutions for smaller size bottles, especially for water. This new generation of high-speed Combi equipment is the culmination of synergies in blow molding and filling developed at Sidel and is highly effective at keeping operating costs down.
High speed and flexibility
The new range features several models. The Combi 26 and 30 models are designed specifically for the multiserve segment (bottles over 0.7 liters). They can produce bottles as large as 2 liters at rates of up to 51,000 bottles per hour. Not only are they fast; their flexible design makes format changeovers easier. Next, the ultra-high-speed Combi 24xs and 34xs (extra small) produce small bottles, from 0.2 to 0.7 liters, for the booming single-serve package sector, popular with today’s on-the-go consumer. A Combi 34xs recently installed at an American customer’s plant is turning out filled and capped water bottles at speeds of 61,200 units per hour. That’s 17 bottles per second. This machine, the world’s fastest Combi, is a brilliant fusion of technological expertise. Such high speeds demand perfectly synchronized blow molding, filling and capping, totally reliable mechanical components, and flawless preform and cap feeding.
Higher efficiency
The Combi requires no intermediate conveying or accumulation equipment, making it 2 to 4 percent more efficient than traditional lines. And, its compact design, easy operation and energy efficiency contribute to lower bottle costs as well. With the Combi, air conveying is a thing of the past, so format changeovers are easier. Without air conveying, the Combi is ideally suited to lightweight bottle production, which significantly lowers costs for purchasing raw materials. Another factor contributing to the Combi’s considerable success is the equipment’s level of hygiene. By incorporating Sidel innovations (preform treatment, environmental control) at various steps in the production process, Sidel ensures the cleanest possible production environment.
To date, Sidel has installed over 200 Combi machines around the world. The equipment serves three main market segments: water, sensitive products (juices and dairy products) and carbonated drinks. A total of 60 percent of all Combis sold are purchased by satisfied customers who already have one or more Sidel Combi machines and are pleased with the cost savings and production gains. In addition, they know that Combi equipment is backed by Sidel expertise and service available around the world.
The Sidel Group is one of the world’s largest suppliers of complete packaging lines for liquid foods. It has 5,300 employees around the world and is a division of Tetra Laval.
