Looking to the future with swabbing robots

A strong combination of innovative technology and access to the worldwide market of renowned glassmakers recently resulted in four new customers. Factories in Asia, Central Europe and Turkey together commissioned 15 SR200 Swabbing Robots. The success is a logical result of the proven concept that Novaxion has developed in recent years. More than 30 units are already in operation, worldwide.

Lubricant application

The SR200 Swabbing Robot is capable of applying lubricants to any type of blank, from NNPB lightweight bottles to heavy Blow-Blow bottles (e.g. champagne). Extensive experience with a variety of products has resulted in a very efficient lubricant application, dedicated to any blank profile. How much, when and where the lubricant is applied is easy and flexible to program, in the intuitive User Interface of the SR200.

Efficient & effective and safe

The system can swab on-the-fly (no section stops), is able to lubricate the full profile of the blank and even the neck rings. The greatest benefit is that swabbing of the blanks is standardized, with equal application of lubricant in each blank. At the same time less lubricant is applied compared to manual swabbing. This allows blank temperatures to return to normal levels faster. Logically this results in a significant efficiency gain , with fewer defects produced. In addition, relieved from his swabbing task, the operator is gaining time to control the IS-Machine more effectively. Furthermore, the system also reduces the safety risks for the operators.

User experience indicates that the swabbing robot provides more stability in swabbing than the best operator and it outperforms manual swabbing even more by following its duty: no swabbing cycle is delayed or ignored.

Less lubricant

With the efficient application, savings in lubricant consumption can be more than 70%. The SR200 accepts a variety of lubricants from different suppliers, allowing the customer to maintain relationships with current vendors. However, Novaxion is currently working on a specific spraying oil with a specialist oil producer. Another positive side effect is that blanks stay cleaner for a longer period of time. This means increased stand time and the blanks require less maintenance and repair at the mould shop.

Immediate payback

Conclusively, the SR200 Swabbing Robot, proven at more than 30 installations, is an easy to operate automatic blank swabbing system that provides immediate payback on process performance (quality and efficiency), less lubricant consumption, less mould repair, longer lifetime of blanks and a reduction in operator tasks. Additionally, it increases safety for the workers on the shop floor.

Development and integration

With the SR200 Swabbing Robot, the first step has been made to introduce robotics to the container glass forming process. Together, XPAR Vision and Novaxion will continue to develop the SR200 Swabbing Robot for greater effectiveness, introduce multi-tasking and seamless integration with other XPAR Hot End solutions, such as IR-D and GobAssist/BTC and even with IS-timing systems.

Order now!

For ordering the SR200 Swabbing Robot, or for more information, please contact XPAR Vision at sales@xparvision.com.