Blow Molding Controls Upgrade brings old technology into modern era

JBT Food & Dairy Systems has been producing high quality blow holding machines for over 100 years under the SF&DS brand. Their reliability is such that machines produced in 1971 are still in service today, but the very fact of their age – with many installed over 50 years ago – means they typically contain obsolete hardware and software. However, JBT has introduced a new solution which will enable customers to continue to benefit from the machines’ quality and reliability, while bringing them into the modern age.

The Blow Molding Controls Upgrade replaces essential parts of the machinery as an interesting alternative to replacement, which resolves many of the problems encountered when using old systems, including lengthy breakdowns due to a lack of spare parts.

To overcome such challenges, the Blow Molding Controls Upgrade introduces a new controls system using state-of-the-art software, trending and remote support. By replacing the HMI terminal, processing computer, mold control boxes and IO modules, an old machine is brought up to a modern standard. The new controls system significantly reduces the risk of breakdowns, but should one take place, JBT can swiftly supply spare parts to limit downtime.

JBT's BottleTec™: the modern version of the Extrusion Blow-Molder.

Cost-effective solution “Many of these machines are still out in the field and are being used by companies to produce sterile plastic bottles, but because the control system is obsolete, the possibilities to repair them and keep them running are becoming fewer,” explains Auke Bouwense, JBT’s Customer Care Manager for Blow Molding and Filling Systems.

“There is trade-off between investment in repair and investment in a new machine. Replacing the control system is a very invasive operation, so we have developed the Blow Molding Controls Upgrade to manage that risk.”

JBT carried out its first installation of the new controls system during the summer months of 2019 and it has proven to be both cost-effective and efficient. “The system is up and running and has become a very good example of a successful development project,” says Bouwense. The customer now has a year-over-year strategy to convert the rest of their blow molding machines.”

“The Blow Molding Controls Upgrade makes an old system relevant again and the investment is a lot lower than if they had bought a new machine,” he adds.

Learn more about the Blow Molding Controls Upgrade