Instead of classic cutting, the sleeve is now microperforated on the Sleevematic TS from Krones. This eliminates the need for cycle operation during the cutting process. TS stands for Top Speed - with the new technology and the resulting high output, this development puts all previous sleeve technologies in the shade.
The Sleevematic TS realises an output of up to 50,000 containers per hour. This is achieved through a paradigm shift: the Sleeve is microperforated. With the Sleevematic M, the film tube is previously unwound and cut. To do this, conveyor rollers unwind the film evenly from the roll and transport it via the film accumulator to the cutting unit. There, the film tube is pulled over a mandrel and opened. Several servo-controlled knives then cut the sleeves exactly to the set length. After cutting, a feed unit places the opened sleeve directly onto the container. While the films are cut and transferred to the containers in cyclical operation, the containers themselves run continuously under the cutting unit. All sleeve labelling processes worldwide currently work according to this principle.
Krones has now revolutionised this process to a certain extent: instead of stop-and-go operation during sleeve separation, the Film tubes now processed continuously. This is made possible by the use of the high-precision cutting unit, which is already familiar from the Contiroll HS wrap-around labeller. This unit has already proven itself in practice more than 1,500 times. Instead of cutting knives, the Sleevematic TS Two rotating perforation knives are used. These apply a micro-perforation to the sleeve that specifies the exact length required.
This has several advantages: Whereas the previous cutting process was format-dependent and each new container and sleeve size required new sets, perforating now allows Different sleeve lengths without changing the clothing set up. This means that set-up parts and set-up times can also be reduced. The sleeve is still opened mechanically in the Sleevematic TS cutting unit by means of an opening mandrel. Whereas the contact pressure of the conveyor rollers previously had to be set manually using a handwheel, this is now done at the touch of a button using pneumatic cylinders.
Optional modular accessories
As a system supplier, Krones also offers the Correct shrink tunnel for the new Sleevematic: the Shrinkmat steam tunnel is based on a modular concept and can therefore be expanded at a later date if required. The films mould perfectly to the container contour in the steam tunnel. It is used to decorate closed containers and produces a high shrink rate. It is possible to shrink selectively and adapt the sleeve precisely to the container shape. The Sleevematic TS can also be combined with an automatic Multireel S sleeve magazine. This holds six to eight sleeving reels and enables the Sleevematic to work autonomously for up to eight hours.
Krones at the drinktec 2017: Hall B6, Stand 100
