Smart Plant
Heye BlankSide Robot
Automatic swabbing for higher product quality and efficiency
An important breakthrough in the automatic swabbing of glass forming equipment
The BlankSideRobot is the latest in a series of equipment developments from Heye International, aimed at optimising the glass container production process. In combination with the company’s Multilevel Safety and Protection Concept, the SpeedLine IS-Machine not only increases work safety but also delivers superior product quality and enhanced productivity.
With its newly developed spray tool for swabbing in closed* blanks, the Heye BlankSideRobot can now apply either swabbing method (in open or closed* moulds), flexible to match the customer’s operational requirements.
*licensed by Verallia France
WHAT’S NEW ABOUT THE BLANKSIDEROBOT?
There is a new compact design with the integrated LED strips. The robot’s LEDs not only offer a clear visual representation of its operating status (the operating mode, the direction of travel, the countdown to the robot’s start) but also serve as a convenient way to monitor the lubricant level in the tank. Particular attention was paid to the safety of both the system and the user personnel. When it comes to system safety, the focus is on detecting and preventing collisions between the robot and the invert, as well as the use of a non-destructive tool. The first stage is collision avoidance, where the SpeedLine’s invert mechanism stops as soon as the swabbing robot enters the potential collision area. The second stage involves collision detection. If a collision does occur, the section will automatically stop to avoid any additional damage. The third stage involves the use of a “non-destructive” lubrication tool. Heye International uses a breakaway magnetic coupling. If there is physical contact between the invert and the lubricating head, the front part of the tool disconnects from a magnetic coupling on the lubricating tool. A safety rope, similar to the wheel tethers used in Formula 1, prevents the lubricating tool from falling uncontrollably into the machine.
With its newly developed spray tool for swabbing in closed* blanks, the Heye BlankSideRobot can now apply either swabbing method (in open or closed* moulds), flexible to match the customer's operational requirements.
*licensed by Verallia France
Details
- Compact design: No additional control cabinets necessary (the entire control system is integrated within the robot and the set-up section)
- Multi-weight production possible (different articles on one machine)
- Oil storage tank and oil mixing unit both integrated in the robot
- Short piping (reduced risk of sedimentation) and less wiring
- Patented operator protection: Special robot housing for maximum protection
- 7th axis (decoupling) for manual robot relocation along the production line
- Magnetic coupling between the spray tool and the robot arm
- Neck ring swabbing (in combination with a servo invert)
- Clear display of operating status by LED lights
- Easy-to-use touch panel for programming and set-up
Advantages
- No need to interrupt production for the lubrication process
- No need to reject bottles after swabbing
- Avoidance of section stops
- Up to 75% savings on lubricants
- Improved operator safety
- Permanently consistent emulsion mix, the lubrication points always precisely targeted
- More time for the operator to focus on production optimisation
- Innovative automation solution and closed loops to reduce manual interventions
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- Heye BlankSideRobot (pdf)
Published Article
FAQs Heye BlankSideRobot
What is the Heye BlankSideRobot?
The Heye BlankSideRobot is an advanced robotic solution for automated swabbing of blank moulds and neck rings on IS machines. It replaces manual swabbing, increasing consistency, safety, and hot end productivity. The robot can be used for all forming processes (BB, PB, NNPB), on single and tandem IS machines, for SG, DG, and TG applications.
Can the BlankSideRobot swab both in open and closed* blanks?
Yes. The system supports both swabbing methods: in open and in closed* blanks, offering maximum flexibility for different production requirements.
*licensed by Verallia France
Can the BlankSideRobot swab “on the fly”?
Yes. The robot performs swabbing “on the fly” during the production cycle — without stopping the section and without losing a production cycle — which reduces downtime and ensures consistent lubrication conditions.
Does the BlankSideRobot also handle neck ring swabbing?
Yes. Neck ring swabbing is fully integrated. Spray areas and oil quantities can be individually parametrized both for moulds and for neck rings.
How easy is the BlankSideRobot to set up during commissioning and job changes?
A dedicated set-up section allows parameter adjustments and job preparation while production continues. No section needs to be stopped. A different job can be set up from the one currently running in the machine.
How does the BlankSideRobot improve production efficiency?
The system reduces lubricant consumption by at least 75% through precise dosing, the shortest possible oil piping, and stable oil quality at the nozzle. This results in less spray mist, reduced contamination, and a cleaner hot end environment.
Reduced – if any – rejects further increase throughput and improve pack-to-melt by up to 2%.
How does the BlankSideRobot ensure operator and equipment safety?
For personnel safety:
A laser scanner prevents collisions with personnel, while only the 7th axis stops if someone enters the monitored area. Work can continue at the section after next and subsequent sections.
The retractable side panels protect against reaching inside the section during robot operation. LED status indicators further enhance operational transparency and safety.
For equipment safety:
A magnetic overload clutch on the spray tool protects the robot in case of collision, preventing damage and ensuring quick fault recovery.
How user-friendly is the BlankSideRobot?
The user-friendly HMI provides intuitive programming via a touch panel. Blank mould and neck ring profiles are visually displayed, and spray areas and oil quantities can be individually parametrized for each mould sector and neck ring.