Ensuring user-friendly digitalization in the machinery sector, Krones has laid the cornerstone for a new smart drive system for its Lavatec series of bottle washers. As of early 2021, the system is now standard equipment on all single-end and double-end series machines. Krones set the bar high for this development because they wanted to combine our many years of positive experience with innovations to bottlers’ greatest advantage. Successful field tests with several machines in Germany and South Africa prove that they accomplished it.
Benefits of Krones new smart drive system:
Easy to understand
A major challenge in developing the drive system for a bottle washer is to deliver robust, simple technology and at the same time provide operators with smart, transparent diagnostic information. That is why Krones focused heavily on making expert knowledge accessible and understandable for users.
A highly intelligent servo controller continuously monitors all drive-related information. Any deviations trigger immediate user notification, which includes recommended actions. Even when things don’t go exactly as planned, clear instructions make it easy for operators to get the system back up and running quickly at any time. The controller serves as the digital base from which relevant information is made available to all users through various hierarchies and IT products from Krones’ SitePilot series.
Higher energy efficiency, lower TCO
The built-to-last drive system also positively impacts the bottle washer’s energy efficiency and total cost of ownership (TCO): It uses over 20 percent less electrical power than its predecessor, while maintenance cycles can be extended by around 20 percent.
An eye to the past and the future
For Krones, they needed to enable operators of older-generation Lavatec bottle washers to reap the new system’s benefits. Krones specialists are happy to consult on the possibilities.
For example, with a new motor or gear type, discontinued components, or components coming from a different manufacturer, operators can simply import the parameters via a wizard at the touch panel. The system can then immediately be put back into operation – no need to update the servo controller or the HMI system.
