IndexSB: a unique approach to bottle production

Bolton, Ontario, Canada — Using Husky Injection Molding Systems’ patented Index technology, the new IndexSB delivers faster preform cycle times than competitive one-step machines. The result is higher output for the same number of cavities. The system’s versatility allows molders to produce a broad range of container shapes and sizes ranging from 25 ml to 5 litres on a single machine.

“In developing the IndexSB, our market research underscored a real demand for a versatile system that allows customers to use it for a wide range of different applications,” says Dave Whiffen, Husky’s Sales Manager for the IndexSB. “The IndexSB gives molders this kind of flexibility in one system without having to operate and maintain several different machine models.”

Husky is targeting lower volume applications with the IndexSB—primarily those under 50 million parts per year. “This is part of our aggressive strategy to strengthen our leadership position in PET while opening up new areas of this market where we haven’t been before,” says Husky’s Vice President of Index Systems, Jeff MacDonald.

Customers want productivity, flexibility, and bottle quality. The IndexSB was designed with these criteria in mind. The IndexSB can adapt quickly and cost effectively to changing production demands. The system supports a wide variety of applications including household cleaning products, cosmetic, health and personal care, and food and beverage containers.

Other key features include:

• Easy-to-access molds and quick change hardware speed up tooling changeovers—it takes two technicians less than 2 hours for a complete changeover. Changing only the blow molds takes 15 minutes

• Standard IndexSB systems have a 2:1 ratio of injection to blow cavities for optimum tooling utilization. Systems with higher ratios of 3:1 and 4:1 are also being developed for special applications

• An electric screw drive, variable displacement pumps and accumulator-based injection improve efficiency

• Our proven Index platform allows flexibility in multiple cavitation configurations through simple tooling alternatives

• Polaris Control increases speed and repeatability

• Husky offers complete factory planning and bottle development services for additional customer support.

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