“All systems go” for the drinktec: the new Contiform generation

These optimised features not only benefit our natural environment but also upgrade the the efficiency of the Contiform and reduce its operating costs compared to its predecessor model. However, the machine’s eco-friendliness is not limited to its operation. Top priority is also attached to sustainability for its production. As an example, the protective panels used are made of recycled plastic.

Efficiency thanks to reduced downtimes

Moreover, it was clear that unplanned standstills must be further reduced. To give an example: Hitherto, a preform that could not be reliably inserted in the moulding cavity caused an emergency stop. As a result, all preforms and bottles in the machine at that time could not be used. That is no longer the case, thanks to the newly developed skip-and-run-technology, which monitors the mould-hanger locking device and allows a blow-moulding station that is not locked to pass along the main cam and to eject the defective preform without triggering an emergency stop of the entire machine. That considerably reduces the scrap rate and eliminates the need for operator intervention.

A machine that learns

To help relieve operating personnel of challenging tasks across the board, Krones has developed Contiloop AI, an automatic process control system. Artificial intelligence enables the system to control the bottle blow-moulding process autonomously. In a trial run based on design of experiments (DOE), various process settings are determined which are used to train a control agent. This agent can then act like a highly qualified operator, who knows all the processes involved inside out, and can automatically adapt them appropriately – even if parameters change over the course of time. The control agent can be retrained at any time. That renders the operation of the Contiform less dependent on ambient conditions, preform material properties and operators’ knowledge and skills.