The role of compressed air in the plastics industry
Compressed air is widely used in the plastics industry, especially in the moulding (bottles, bottles, containers in general) and extrusion (PVC pipes) of parts.
Unlike other industrial sectors, in this case very variable compressed air delivery pressures (from 8 to 40 bar) are required, depending on the material and the product treated and on the process phase.
Very often the plastic processing lines work continuously 24H/7; this requires the use of reliable compressors and the availability of a technical assistance service and punctual and programmed maintenance.
The applications for which we provide solutions in this sector are:
- Blow moulding of PVC and PET bottles;
- Forming of PP and PVC pipes in combination with belling machines;
- Forming of food trays.
CMC is able to provide the two solutions that are most commonly used:
- Rotary screw compressor to obtain a pressure of 8-10 bar to supply air to the services and automatisms of the machines and of the plastic processing line. This compressor is combined with an alternative lubricated or oil-free booster to compress the air up to 40 bar to feed the blowing and forming machines of the containers.
- Oil-free, non-lubricated reciprocating compressor that draws in air at atmospheric pressure and compresses it up to 40 bar. This second solution has the advantage of providing 100% oil-free compressed air.
In both cases the plant is completed with auxiliary units for the storage and treatment of compressed air to achieve the quality standard required by the process.