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Optima electric PET blower
Optima is a series of PET bottle blowing machines, characterised by its efficiency and reliability. All key functions of Optima Series machines are handled by a state-of-the-art drive system utilising servo motors.
Thanks to such innovative solutions as an efficient NIR-based heating system, a recuperation system, special air collectors and blowing blocks, as well as the ability to blow bottles from ultra-light preforms, Optima machines enable stable and cost-effective production of high-quality PET bottles.
Optima ‒ efficient PET bottle production
As of today, the Optima Series comprises 20 types of machines suitable for the production of PET bottles with a capacity ranging from 100ml to 7,000ml. Optima 16 and Optima 20 offer the highest efficiency, enabling the manufacturing of about 28,000 and 32,000 of 500 ml bottles per hour, respectively. Optima 8 is by far the most recognisable SMF product, which offers a nominal efficiency 14,000 of 500 ml bottles per hour and 12,000 of 1,500 ml bottles per hour.
Providing you with an easy-to-change neck format, blowing mould format change in 15 minutes, minimised bottle seam visibility, broken bottle detection, and blowout pressure and control, Optima allows you to manufacture the perfect bottle with a one-of-a-kind shape and design. Optima Series bottle blowing machines are our response to the needs of the most demanding customers.
FAQ
What bottle capacities can be produced using SMF blow molding machines?
SMF blow molding machines allow for the production of a wide range of PET packaging capacities. The range includes machines designed to mold small bottles from 0.2 liters, standard sizes from 0.5 L to 2.0 L, and large containers of 3.0 L and 5.0 L, as well as specialized kegs and gallons with capacities of 10 L, 20 L, and 30 L. SMF also designs molds for non-standard capacities, such as 0.3 or 1.4 L.
How do the Optima series electric blow molding machines differ from traditional pneumatic machines?
The Optima series blow molding machines are modern linear machines in which traditional kinematics based on pneumatic actuators have been replaced by precise electric servo drives. This ensures smoother and faster mechanical movements, complete control over the mold closing and preform stretching process, and eliminates the delays typical of compressed air-powered machines.
What performance do SMF machines and production lines offer?
SMF linear blow molding machines are highly scalable. In smaller installations, the nominal capacity is approximately 3,000 bottles per hour (bph), while fully electrified and automated multi-cavity systems can operate at capacities ranging from 16,000 to 24,000 bph. Complete bottling solutions can, in turn, achieve variable throughput tailored to production needs, ranging from 1,000 to 34,000 bph.
How do SMF systems optimize energy consumption and production costs?
The machines are equipped with advanced modules that effectively reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO). In electric machines (e.g., the Optima series), motors draw power only during movement, while servo drives drastically reduce the need for expensive compressed air. Cost optimization is also facilitated by heating ovens with high-efficiency IR lamps and integrated compressed air recovery systems (Air Recovery Systems), which allow for reuse of compressed air for pneumatic drive or pre-blow molding.
Are the machines compatible with preforms made from recycled plastics (rPET)?
Yes, all modern SMF blow molding machines are fully compatible with preforms made from 100% recycled rPET. Precise stretching systems and advanced heating ovens compensate for the natural differences in heat absorption of these materials, ensuring the highest transparency and mechanical strength of the final packaging.
Why are electric blow molding machines suitable for production with stringent hygiene requirements?
The Optima series machines are ideally suited for cleanroom production environments. The elimination of pneumatic drives means there is no risk of exhaust system deposits, compressed air contamination, or oil mist leaks. For this reason, these machines are widely used in the dairy, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and food industries.
How quickly is the machine's conversion process for a different bottle shape or format?
Thanks to the use of innovative technologies, the conversion process is highly automated and takes only a fraction of the time required in older generations of machines. Motion and speed parameters can be digitally adjusted by instantly loading the appropriate recipe for the new format on the HMI control panel. Furthermore, the physical replacement of molds (so-called quick changeover) has been simplified to the utmost, drastically reducing potential downtime.
Are SMF machines suitable for the production of unusual and highly specialized packaging?
Absolutely. The machines are equally effective in producing asymmetric and non-standard-shaped bottles, used in industries such as the chemical and cosmetics industries. Additionally, the offering includes solutions for specialized blow molding of hot-fill bottles, machines for handling wide-necked preforms (used for the production of PET jars), and equipment for the production of large-sized containers (over 5L).
What benefits does SMF technology provide for the Maintenance Department?
Servo-driven technology significantly reduces the number of moving parts in the machine subject to wear, such as seals in valves and pneumatic actuators. This translates into an increased mean time between failures (MTBF) and reduced noise. An additional advantage is the advanced control system, which facilitates real-time diagnostics of potential errors and seamless monitoring of the machine’s overall condition.