Through its German subsidiary, Japan-based cosmetics company Kao has invested in a FP 18-1 filling platform, new from packaging machinery manufacturer Oystar IWK, for processing its shampoo and conditioner tubes.
The installation of the Oystar FP 18-1 machine at its Darmstadt plant means that Kao – with brands including John Frieda, Kanebo and Goldwell – can fill tubes and products of various shape formats and product formulations all on one “powerful and efficient” machine.
The FP 18-1 produces 50ml tubes with a performance of up to 120 strokes/min, as well as 250ml tubes with a performance of up to 80 strokes/min.
“That’s a peak performance, especially in light of how difficult it is to bottle this particular product”, says Peter Wrobel, Kao’s Darmstadt-Eberstadt plant manager.
“The machine allows for the processing of up to fifty different product formulations as well as up to five base materials without any problem whatsoever.”
The FP 18-1 is also capable of processing metal and plastic tubes with a diameter of 10-60mm and a length of 60-250mm.
Oystar IWK brand manager Mathias Ponzelar says the company has reduced downtime on the new machine: “Because all of the parts coming into contact with the product can be exchanged without tools when the product is switched.”
Kao’s Peter Wrobel confirms that changeover lasts only “a few minutes in each work station, regardless of the format or material being switched.
The FP 18-1 is operated via the new HMI from the Oystar group – an “ergonomically designed, future-oriented touch screen”. The company says its use is intuitive, similar to an iPhone, and takes place via a modern multi-touch system.
Both the machine processes and any current messages are systematically presented on the 15.4-inch widescreen display from Kao and are immediately recognisable.
“That makes it very easy to use,” says Wrobel. “We can then see all the information we need to while always maintaining a good overview.”
Kao is currently making use of three TFS series tube fillers at its plant in Darmstadt, both for the production of hair-dye and hair conditioning products.
“Each machine is running flawlessly and makes a considerable contribution to our productivity,” says Wrobel.
The Oystar FP 18-1 at Kao's plant in Darmstadt, Germany
