By Ron Shinn
German blow molding machinery manufacturer BBM Maschinenbau und Vertriebs GmbH demonstrated the prototype of a user-friendly control system powered by artificial intelligence (AI) at K 2025.
“It is like ChatGPT for blow molders,” said Felix Schulte, BBM’s chief technical officer. “Our customers need some help from machine builders. AI can help them solve minor problems.”
Operators can get help solving processing problems by asking questions of the new system through a keyboard or by voice.
BBM demonstrated the AI system on a new all-electric, compact BBM 180 designed for technical parts. It has a clamping force of about 180 tons and can accommodate molds up to 10 feet long, 5.3 feet wide and 1.6 feet deep. Opening stroke is 700mm.
All of BBM’s compact blow molders have a stationary, three-platen clamping system. The rigid clamping unit has solid tie bars.
They can accommodate continuous or accumulator head extrusion with parison transfer.
The new machine, designed for low energy consumption, starts faster since there is no oil to heat. It operates very quietly, Schulte said.
Mold thickness and clamping force adjustments are made through the BBM BlowControl 2 control panel, which has a multi-touch screen and remote control capability.
There are now seven blow molders in the series, with the BBM 180 being the largest.
Contact:
BBM America LLC, Mason City, Iowa, 641-903-0966, https://bbm-america.com
