(Näfels, September 15, 2020) The al-new NETSTAL PET-LINE celebrates its world premiere. The first NETSTAL PET system featuring lateral removal offers full compatibility with existing side-entry molds and after-cooling stations. The all-new NETSTAL PET-LINE also impresses with a superlative output, excellent energy efficiency, optimized processing of PET recyclates and a new operating unit. Customers can now personally check out the benefits of the all-new NETSTAL PET-LINE through a variety of channels.

KraussMaffei HighPerformance launches the all-new NETSTAL PET-LINE: “By switching to side-entry we are re-shuffling the cards within the PET world. The NETSTAL brand is now also a perfect alternative for users whose production layout focuses on machines with lateral removal and who have a corresponding stock of injection molds,” explained Renzo Davatz, CEO of KraussMaffei HighPerformance AG. The all-new NETSTAL PET-LINE offers full compatibility with legacy side-entry molds and associated post-mold cooling stations. Kicking off the new series is the machine model equipped with a clamping force of 4,000 kN and a 6000 injection unit that consequently enables the use of molds with up to 128 cavities. The coming years will see the launch of further models to optimize coverage of all common beverage applications.

At first glance, the laterally positioned post-mold cooling station is the most obvious feature of the new preform system; however, a closer look reveals numerous other optimizations. “The NETSTAL brand is a promise! Our customers expect us to provide high-performance machines that they can reliably, sustainably and successfully work with for many years. Fully in line with our value proposition, we have finely tuned the all-new PET-LINE to deliver minimum operational and unit costs,” stressed Davatz. “The proportion of recycled PET will increase further in the years to come. For this reason our focus in terms of application is centered on the optimized processing of rPET,” explained PET systems product manager, Stefan Kleinfeld. A new screw design was developed for the high-performance, two-stage injection unit. Preform molders benefit from an expansive process window and a robust plasticizing process during the processing of up to 100% rPET. Intrusion and automatic metering ensure a homogeneous and consistent melt quality, low AA values, minimal IV drop and gentle material feed.

NETSTAL machines are equipped with toggle levers. This principle also applies to the all-new NETSTAL PET-LINE: Operating within the fully electric driven clamping unit is a dynamic 5-point dual toggle lever. At 1.9 seconds, the lock-to-lock time at 4,000 kN of clamping force is below the magical 2-second mark. Annual output is increased further through the shorter cycle times. “Thanks to the particularly smooth, high-precision kinematics of the clamping unit, reliable and mold-friendly operation is guaranteed under production conditions,” said Kleinfeld. The exceptionally robust design ensures years of reliable continuous operation at high capacity and constant speed. All combined with the best energy efficiency available on the market. “The preceding model with top entry was ultimately by far the most energy-efficient machine on the market. Now, with the all-new NETSTAL PET-LINE, we have once again succeeded in significantly reducing energy consumption. A development that is not only easy on the pockets of our customers, but also on the environment,” explained a delighted Kleinfeld. Removal can be equipped with up to 4 post-mold cooling stations. The exceptionally efficient interior and exterior cooling guarantees a consistent premium and uniform preform quality.

SMART OPERATION is a series feature on the new NETSTAL PET-LINE. Unveiled two years ago, the feature comprises four keys that are used to intuitively operate the system within a production environment. Clear information and color indications enable simple, fast and reliable process control. “During production, operation using SMART OPERATION always follows the same principle, regardless of the preform being manufactured. Preform production is consequently prepared and started using just two keys. Production operators can therefore be quickly trained. “The volume of written process descriptions, checklists and instructions at the machine is drastically reduced,” said Kleinfeld. For customers that means a further augmentation of production readiness and system availability. Development of SMART OPERATION incorporated important insights gained from medical injection molding applications. “In medical technology, compliance with certified manufacturing processes is an essential criterion. SMART OPERATION now also effectively prevents operational errors in PET applications,” declared Kleinfeld.

“Our customers benefit from NETSTAL's decades of experience in the construction and utilization of PET systems. With the new NETSTAL PET-LINE, you get what is currently the most powerful, environmentally-friendly and reliable preform system around,” stated VP Sales at KraussMaffei HighPerformance AG, Eric Overbeek, in highlighting the benefits.

The existing NETSTAL PET-LINE with top entry is also still available on the market. “As such, NETSTAL is the only brand in the PET sector that has preform systems with side and top entry in its portfolio,” emphasized Overbeek as a final observation.