Rocheleau Tool & Die is out with its largest reciprocating screw machine to produce blow molded containers for the dairy, industrial and consumer markets.

Based in Fitchburg, Mass., the family-owned business is marking its 80th anniversary this year as it rolls out the RS-90, which produces gallon items in six cavities or smaller items in up to 16 cavities. With a 90 mm extruder, output is expected to exceed 750 pounds of high density polyethylene per hour.

Rocheleau machinery, Booth W5573, is used to process mostly HDPE and polypropylene resins but customers also run engineering-grade resins, glycol-modified PET, PVC, polycarbonate and thermoplastic elastomers with the various reciprocating screw models as well as a series of continuous extrusion blow molding machinery.

The RS-90 can be integrated with Rocheleau's new VT-3 deflash automation package, which transfer parts in an upright orientation to the punch station for trimming scrap plastic. The trimmer has a triple-station nest and punch die for rapid cycle times.

Powered by a hybrid system of variable-frequency drive electric technology and hydraulics, Rocheleau says the RS-90 offers energy efficiency and ease of operation. Two high-torque, high-force rotary actuators generate clamp tonnage and "extra thick" nickel-plated platens that are 16-inches tall by 48-inches wide evenly distribute clamp force and minimize deflection, according to the company.

Customers also can choose options for parison programming, pull-up or down-style neck calibration for handled bottles, or spin trim systems for non-handled bottles. Four generations of the Rocheleau family have built up a customer base that spans more than 40 countries.

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