16 March 2018

NISSEI ASB MACHINE CO., LTD.

(TSE 1st section Code Number 6284)

ASB Demonstrates Wide Ranging Technologies

for Improved Productivity & Next Generation

Manufacturing at NPE 2018

Nissei ASB Machine Co., Ltd. (Head office: Komoro-shi, Nagano-ken, Japan -

President: Junichi Miyasaka), a world leading manufacture of machines for injection

stretch blow molding of PET and other plastics, will exhibit at the NPE 2018 exhibition

(Booth S19045), to be held in Orlando, USA from 7th to 11th May 2018. Live molding

will be demonstrated featuring five machine models together with a display of some of

the most interesting recent updates in injection stretch-blow molded packaging

technology.

NPE 2018 In 2015 the NPE exhibition set new records by attracting 2,029 exhibitors from 37

countries in a floor area of more than 104,000sq.m. More than 65,000 registered

visitors attended, showing a 19% growth over the previous exhibition. Most importantly,

the quality of the visitors is traditionally very high with the majority representing their

respective companies as senior management with strong decision-making power. In

2015, 44% of exhibitors and 26% of visitors were from overseas.

As the largest plastics exhibition in the Americas, and the US economy showing strong

growth, NPE 2018 is expected to exceed the records set in 2015 making it one of the

most important marketing events for Nissei ASB to attend.

Reflecting consistent sales growth over the last 3 years, ASB will represented by its

largest ever presence at NPE with a 740-square meter booth and five different machine

models making live molding demonstrations molding a variety of products that

showcase the versatility of the company’s technology and integration with the Internet of

Things.

Featured models will include;

1. ASB-12M v2 – Entry level & niche market four station one step injection stretch

blow molding machine featuring next-generation control system and radically

shortened cycle time for heavyweight cosmetic containers using standard PET

resin.

2. ASB-70DPH v4 – Superbly versatile mid-range four station one-step injection

stretch blow molding machine demonstrating visually perfect molding of Tritan

Co-polyester resin.

3. ASB-150DPX – World’s first triple row, one-step injection stretch blow molding

machine molding in 48 cavities and over 20,000 bottles per hour

4. HSB-2M/6 – 2-step re-heat stretch blow molding machine featuring ASB’s

double-blow heat-set technology for heat resistant large necked jars.

5. HSB-6N – 2-step re-heat stretch blow molding machine featuring ASB’s

double-blow heat-set technology for heat resistant beer bottles complying with

the industry standard tunnel pasteurizing process.

The booth will also be exhibiting a full line of matched molding ancillary equipment that

ASB is able to supply, such as resin dryers, chillers, mold dehumidifiers and mold

temperature controllers. In-house custom designed pick and place take-out units with

conveyor systems will also be demonstrated allowing prospective customers to easily

install the molding machines up-stream of other processing equipment or a filling line.

All models will be operating on a daily molding schedule and the booth will include a

wide range of samples and displays of other specialized technologies from ASB.

Detailed descriptions of each of the featured models can be found on the following

pages. Additional high-resolution images are also available separately.

ASB-12M v2 – Fast Cycle Cosmetic Molding & Next-Generation Advanced

Control System

The ASB-12M, first launched in 2012, has been hugely successful as an entry level and

niche market model that provides a scalable and highly versatile manufacturing solution

with extremely low energy consumption. Now in 2018, ASB is launching a revised

edition that maintains the solid mechanical design and energy conserving

servo-hydraulic system, and adds an all new control system operating to the Industrie

4.0 computerized manufacturing standard allowing factory integration via the so called,

“Internet of Things”.

The v2 machine will be demonstrated molding a 4 cavity, 40ml premium quality thick

walled cosmetic container in a family type mold of two differing designs. With a weight

of over 31 grams, the resulting PET wall thickness of 2mm perfectly simulates the

high-grade appeal of glass – but most notable is the cycle time improvement for this

class of heavyweight container from a typical requirement of 40+ seconds down to an

outstanding 13.4 seconds resulting in a three-times increase in productivity.

Normally, molding a container of this thickness at this incredible cycle time would

require the use of specialized or expensive resins to avoid haziness from crystallization.

But, designers at ASB have taken full advantage of the preform conditioning station, that

only exists in ASB’s four station molding machines, to create a (patent pending) system

that modifies the preform’s temperature profile, shape and thickness prior to its transfer

to the blow station. In this process, the molding of containers at this cycle time is

perfectly stable with excellent clarity using standard PET resin making it suitable for use

in real-world manufacturing situations.

While the majority of cycle improvement comes from the intensive use of the

conditioning system in the second station, the dry cycle time and operational movement

of the machine has also been improved by the addition of a next-generation

computerized control and interface system that offers significant advantages to users;

Faster response & communication speed than dedicated PLC systems

enhances machine cycle efficiency and control precision.

PC based system makes it extremely flexible in use and compatible with

Industrie 4.0 for enhanced factory networking.

Larger, easy to read panel provides easier access to relevant information without

changing pages.

Most manual operation switches are replaced by touchscreen operation.

Improved operator feedback improves troubleshooting response time and

minimizes down-time.

Internal hard wiring is drastically reduced.

Major machine functions can be added or updated via software installation only.

Easier & faster service support.

Standardized interface planned across the model range assists in operator

training.

Despite the small size of the machine, it has a vast range of capabilities for production

of all types of PET containers including highly efficient light-weight bottles, and medium

sized jars. The ASB-12M’s popularity is further enhanced by its ability to process a

wide range of non-PET resins combined with very low total cost of ownership.

Key features include;

Ability to process more than 15 resin types in addition to PET.

Molds containers from 5ml or less all the way up to 2,500ml capacity.

Variable cavitation from 15mm neck diameter eye drop bottles in eight cavities

through to 83mm neck diameter jars in a single cavity.

Servo driven hydraulic pumps installed as standard, contributing to major energy

savings and offering smooth and quiet operation.

Backwardly compatible with existing class mold tooling with minimal

modifications.

Small size allows fast mold changeovers will minimal manpower, and minimal /

no special lifting equipment.

In addition, the model displayed at NPE will be fitted with the optional long stroke

injection unit that provides a 50% increase in available shot-size, expanding the scope

for large containers, heavy-weight cosmetic bottles, or materials such as polypropylene

that have lower density.

These benefits make it an ideal platform for a start-up company looking to make

future-proof investments into an ever-changing market.

ASB-12M v2 Images

Figure 2 - New Generation Controller Interface Screenshots

Figure 1 - ASB-12M v2 with New Generation Control Interface

ASB-12Mv2 Images (continued)

Figure 3 - Family Type Cosmetic Mold

Figure 4 - Perfect Clarity, Fast Cycle, Standard PET Resin

ASB70DPH v4 – High Versatility Model Maintains Its Position as Best Seller

The ASB-70DPH is a medium sized, four station one-step injection stretch blow molding

machine which can produce containers from PET and a wide range of other resins.

It has a long production record, with its extreme molding versatility and continually

updated specifications it continues as one of ASB’s best-selling models, with current

sales of over 2,100 units.

Already supremely versatile in its standard form, the ASB-70DPH is also available with

a wide range of options that allow global users to further adapt its capabilities to cater to

their local market needs.

Key to the success of this model are its many standard features;

From raw material to finished product in one compact machine,

Ability to process more than 15 resin types in addition to PET.

Molds containers from 50ml or less all the way up to 10 liters’ capacity.

Variable cavitation from 18mm neck diameter small bottles in 12 cavities through

to 149mm neck diameter jars in a single cavity.

The ASB four-station molding process with preform conditioning at the second

station that radically increases flexibility and molding stability can also provide

increased production stability production over competitors’ three-station

systems.

No hydraulic components above the molding area eliminates the risk of product

contamination,

At NPE, the ASB-70DPH v4 will be utilizing a set of options that further increases its

already formidable versatility;

Servo-Driven Hydraulic System - offers extremely low power consumption. In

tests using the same molds, an energy consumption reduction of 40% was

achieved compared with the standard pump equipped model, and approx. 64%

reduction compared with the previous generation ASB-70DPH v3.

Increased Injection Unit Capacity – ideal for larger containers, heavy-weight

cosmetic containers or non-PET resin with lower densities, the optional IU-50

injection unit provides a 78% increase in shot size.

Extended Daylight for Injection Clamp – a factory option of extended injection

clamp daylight provides even greater flexibility in molding of longer preforms as

is often required when molding non-PET resins where optimum stretch ratios are

different from those of typical PET containers.

The machine will be demonstrated molding a 700ml Copolyester (Tritan) 90 grams

re-usable drinking flask in a four-cavity family mold at a cycle of 14.4 seconds. The

design of the container has been carefully selected to show off the superb visual quality

that is only achievable with the one-step molding process.

ASB-70DPH v4 Images

Figure 5 - ASB-70DPH v4 with Optional NVES-70 Take Out Unit

Figure 6 - 700ml Sports Drink Bottle in Tritan Copolyester

ASB-70DPHv4 Images (continued)

Figure 7 - Optical Perfection from One-Step Injection Stretch Blow Molding

Figure 8 - Extended Daylight Increases Versatility

ASB-150DPX – World’s First Triple Row, One Step Injection Stretch Blow

Molding Machine

Making its debut on the American continent at NPE 2018, Nissei ASB’s triple row, high

output ASB-150DPX model for small bottle production will demonstrate the latest in a

long line of world firsts that the company has achieved throughout nearly 40 years at the

forefront of the PET container industry.

The recently developed ASB-150DPX expands the company’s flagship ASB-150 based

models to three variants;

ASB-150DP – Single row molding up to 16 cavities, for very large bottles and

jars.

ASB-150DPW – Double row molding of medium sized bottles and jars up to 32

cavities.

ASB-150DPX – Triple row molding of small bottles in 24, 36 or 48 cavities.

All models are built on a common architecture so factory layout, key functions, spare

parts, maintenance and operator training are common to all, thereby reducing total cost

of ownership for users of more than one model type.

In addition, the newly added DPX model has specific design features to maximize

efficiency in small container molding with several areas of the machine design having

patents pending or already approved;

1. Injection clamping stroke is optimized to minimize dry cycle time for short cycle

small containers.

2. Upgraded hydraulic components provide faster cycle of injection clamping while

maintaining smooth machine movement.

3. Servo hydraulic pumps as standard offer up to 30% reduction in energy

consumption.

4. Blow air circuit is optimized for small container production offering up to 50%

reduced air consumption over standard systems.

Although these features were specifically developed for the ASB-150DPX, many of

them are also planned for future updates of its stable-mates ensuring that the entire

model range maintains its lead over the competition.

At NPE, the ASB-150DPX will be conducting daily molding demonstrations of a 50ml,

10.5-gram liquor miniature bottle in an unprecedented 48 cavities mounted in a triple

row molding layout. With a cycle time of 8.6 seconds the machine will operate at a

production rate in excess of 20,000 bph.

This container design requires a very small preform that would be impossible to handle

and re-heat in a two-step system so the one-step molding process, where the container

is formed directly from resin within one machine and held securely by its neck

throughout, is the only practical choice. The smaller the container, the more

advantageous it is for production using a large one-step machine with high output.

Molding the container on a one-step system also provides superb visual quality and

ensures that the neck remains free of any scuffing or damage that could compromise

the neck seal.

Even if a container design such as this could be molded by re-heat blow molding, the

required floor area for a similar capacity two-step production unit is typically 3-4 times

greater, so this one-step solution provides not only technical superiority and enhanced

quality, but manages to achieve it in a significantly reduced production space.

The machine has already generated strong interest in the dairy sector for products such

as flavored milk and yoghurt based drinks where it will typically mold lightweight

containers in 36 cavities. In its 24-cavity configuration the machine is capable of

molding round or oval containers up to 300ml with a 38mm neck which also makes it

ideal for single serving juice or water bottles.

ASB-150DPX Images

Figure 9 - ASB-150DPX Overview

Figure 10 - 50ml Liquor Bottle at 20,000 per Hour

ASB-150DPX Images (continued)

Figure 12 - 48 Cavities at Container Eject Station

Figure 11 - Triple Row Blow Cavity (left)

HSB-2M/6 – Increased Molding Capacity for Heat Resistant Jars up to 1 Liter

The HSB-2M/6 is a 2-step, re-heat stretch blow molding machine featuring ASB’s

unique double-blow heat-setting process and expands the range of models in the HSB

series, with the capability to mold 6 cavities of 1-liter jars with thread diameter up to

86mm.

These models have been developed specifically for the production of wide mouthed hot-

fillable & pasteurizable jars, ideal for many foodstuffs including pickles, jams,

marmalade and a wide range of sauces. They utilize the same tried and trusted

double-blow technique used in the HSB bottle production machines, so high container

performance is assured.

Preforms can either be molded in-house using one of ASB’s PM Series preform

injection molding machines, then processed by a CM Series neck crystallizer, or for

those users wishing to minimize capital investment, customized preforms can be

supplied direct from ASB to anywhere in the world.

To optimize the process efficiency, molding can be adjusted to apply almost any degree

of heat resistance to a PET container as required by the filled product. However, as

the 2-step double-blow heat-set process of the HSB-2M/6 can achieve heat resistance

all the way up to the practical maximum of PET – approx. 95°C with a suitable container

design and cap – it is extremely effective for those projects that exceed the capability of

other heat-setting processes.

With fully electric mold clamping, the machine is smooth, quiet and energy efficient and

for added flexibility, with a simple change of blow mold and a suitable preform it is

equally capable of molding standard (non-heat resistant) PET containers.

At NPE, the HSB-2M/6 will be molding a 500ml jar with an 80mm neck suitable for a

metal, twist-off lug type closure designed for filling at 88°C. With a 6-cavity

configuration, the 4.5 second cycle offers an output of 4,800 bph. The container

features a panel-free design where the body is plain round for easy labelling and

internal vacuum forces generated by cooling products are absorbed by a patented base

design that flexes during filling, heating and cooling to ensure no distortion in the

labelled area.

Use of the industry standard metal lug-type cap is essential to provide current filling

companies with an easy change-over route to PET, but it exerts uneven force on the

neck that could cause problems with distortion or leakage. However, with the use of a

crystallized neck and ASB’s advanced molding techniques the jar passes all tests with

ease.

The demonstrated jar has been specified to satisfy a practical filling requirement for

cheese sauce;

Filling at 88°C to reduce product viscosity, which also initiates pasteurization in

the product,

Tunnel showering to maintain the core temperature at a minimum of 72°C for 10

minutes to complete pasteurization,

Controlled cooling to below 30°C over a period of 35 minutes.

This filling process is typical for sauces such as cheese dip that have a high viscosity,

the elevated temperature allows faster filling with no voids in the contents. Higher

viscosity products such as these place a higher heat load on the container during the

cooling phase as convection currents cannot form to aid cooling, however the advanced

and stable heat resistance achieved by the HSB double-blow molding technique

assures satisfactory container performance.

HSB-2M/6 Images

Figure 13 - HSB-2M/6 Overview

Figure 14 - Panel-Free Heat Resistant Jar & Preform

HSB-2M/6 Images (continued)

Figure 15 - Jar Preforms Just Prior to Inversion & 1st Blow

Figure 16 - Completed Jars Leave the 2nd Blow Mold

HSB-6N – Leading Performance for Heat Resistant Bottle Molding

The HSB-6N machine performs double-blow re-heat stretch blow molding in a compact

solution for heat resistant PET bottles with neck diameter up to 38mm. Preforms with

either amorphous or crystallized neck may be molded with equal ease, the choice of

neck type depends on factors such as neck and cap design, container filling,

pasteurization and cooling specifications.

To optimize the process efficiency, molding can be adjusted to apply almost any degree

of heat resistance to a PET container as required by the filled product. However, as

the 2-step double-blow heat-set process of the HSB-6N can achieve heat resistance all

the way up to the practical maximum of PET – approx. 95°C with a suitable container

design – it is extremely effective for those projects that exceed the capability of other

heat-setting processes.

With fully electric mold clamping, the machine is smooth, quiet and energy efficient and

for added flexibility, with a simple change of blow mold and a suitable preform it is

equally capable of molding standard (non-heat resistant) PET containers.

At NPE, the machine will be demonstrated molding a heat resistant PET beer bottle that

meets the standard industry requirements of 65°C contents temperature, to be

maintained for 15 minutes to fully kill off any remaining yeast and provide long stable

shelf life with no apparent flavor change. Despite this relatively low temperature of

pasteurization, a combination of long processing time and carbonation pressure creates

additional forces on the container that can only be adequately handled by the

double-blow heat-setting process in combination with the 36.5 grams weight. It can be

molded in standard PET, or where required, oxygen scavenging or carbon dioxide

retention additives can be included to further enhance the shelf life.

The demonstrated 650ml bottle will be molding at a cycle of 4.5 seconds producing

4,800bph and the featured container uses an industry standard neck suitable for crown

caps, but could be molded to any required standard.

The container specification adheres to the standard industry bottling process for

pasteurized beer;

Filling at 5°C and capping,

Hot shower until core temperature is 65°C (approx. 35 mins)

Maintain 65 °C for a period of 15 minutes.

Cold shower back to room temperature.

The HSB-6N offers an ideal solution to converters and fillers of all types of bottled

beverages that require a versatile, small to medium output machine that provides the

highest heat resistance PET containers currently available in the industry.

HSB-6N Images

Figure 17 - HSB-6N Overview

Figure 18 - PET Beer Bottles with Standard Caps

HSB-6N Images (continued)

Figure 19 - Re-Heated Preforms Just Prior to 1st Blow Molding

Figure 20 - Bottles Are Ejected After 2nd Blow Molding

General Images

Figure 21 – Nissei ASB’s Live Molding Demonstrations at NPE 2018 (L to R), Fast Cycle

Premium Cosmetic Bottle, Tunnel Pasteurizable PET Beer Bottle, High Output PET Liquor

Miniature Bottle, Tritan Copolyester Sports Drink Container, PET Heat Resistant Jar

＃ ＃ ＃ ＃ ＃

NISSEI ASB MACHINE CO., LTD.

NISSEI ASB MACHINE CO., LTD. is a major stretch blow molding machine manufacturer for the

production of plastic containers including PET bottles.

Head Office Address: 4586-3 Koo, Komoro-shi, Nagano-ken, Japan

Foundation: 8th November 1978

Employees: 1,693 staff (Consolidated: September 2017)

Capital: 3.8 billion Japanese yen

Sales: 29.2 billion Japanese yen (Consolidated accounting: September 2017)

＃ ＃ ＃ ＃ ＃

Inquiries:

NISSEI ASB MACHINE CO., LTD.

Marketing Group

Sales Department

Mr. Paul Atkin

4386-3 Koo, Komoro-shi, Nagano-ken, Japan 384-8585

Tel：+81 (0)267 23 1565 Fax：+81 (0)267 23 1564

E-mail: sales@nisseiasb.co.jp URL: www.nisseiasb.co.jp