Masterbatch range ‘blows away’ competition with 20 percent productivity increases

A UK-based producer of custom colour and multi-component masterbatch says its recently launched range for blow moulders has achieved “staggering results” equating to productivity increases of up to 20 percent coupled with reduced operating costs.

Silvergate Plastics says its recently launched ‘Optiblow’ product range has received great acclaim from customers due to its ability to reduce friction by coating machine surfaces enabling melt to flow smoothly at a faster rate.

It reduces warp on large parts and reduces overall energy consumption by allowing processors to operate machinery at lower temperatures. Optiblo is said to “virtually eliminate” die build up, which eradicates the down time required to strip and clean machines.

“The challenge to develop a range of products that solve the industry’s most common problems has been high on our development list for quite some time,” commented Tony Bestall, Silvergate’s Managing Director. “Our customers are achieving productivity increases of up to 20 percent and even beyond with the added bonus that finished component quality is significantly improved.”

Silvergate recently ran a comprehensive trial of Optiblo with one of the UK’s largest packaging manufacturers. Using a standard masterbatch in the manufacture of 1kg 30ltr drums, the customer was operating an average cycle time of 68.3 seconds. When Optiblo was trialled, a cycle time of 59.8 seconds was achieved without any additional effort, realising a 12 percent increase in productivity. An additional eight drums per hour were produced, equating to 64 additional drums manufactured per shift. Optiblo cost the customer approximately £1 per hour to generate additional sales of £80 per hour.

Silvergate says these results have been mirrored at other blow moulding facilities throughout the country. Decreased energy costs are also being realised, it says, as set temperatures can be easily adjusted and reduced. A processor manufacturing shampoo bottles reportedly saw a 10 percent increase in output, improved product finish and reduced energy consumption.

“Optiblo is one of a kind and this range is only available from Silvergate Plastics,” Bestall concluded.