Krones EvoLite Bloc plastic bottle packaging system

Krones’ EvoLite Bloc comprises the EvoLite pack strapping machine which has been directly synchronised with the Robobox pack grouping station and the Modulpal Pro 1AD palletiser. Any non-conforming packs are removed from the flow by means of a rejection unit located at the transition to the Robobox. Electronic digital displays visually simplify any changeover to a different type of pack.

The machine is made up of three components. The pack strapper produces packs with an integrated carrying handle. As compared to shrink-wrapped packs, producing a LitePac of six plastic bottles is said to offer, in terms of both packaging material and energy, cost economies per pack of up to 74%. EvoLite does not need a shrink tunnel or a handle applicator, thus cutting energy consumption by up to 90%. The packer comprises a container infeed module and a container strapping module.

The Robobox pack grouping station is a compact, flexible functional unit for fast and reliable grouping of packs of non-returnables. It distributes and turns them, offering maximised scope for any variant of layer formation. As the grouping system can be provided with up to two concatenated modules, it can be optimally adapted to suit any line output.

The Modulpal Pro 1AD non-returnables palletiser has been designed for top speeds of max 500 layers an hour with a low-level infeed. The 1AD has a sturdy construction and low-maintenance durability, and is said to cut operating costs as no compressed air or lubrication is needed. It operates with a fully automatic format changeover.