MiniLab Helps Improve Container Quality and Achieve Real Cost Reductions

July/August 2009 - Benefits of the MiniLab

Users of the MiniLab™ Statistical Sampling System are some of the glass container industry’s most progressive leaders who have the highest quality standards. They understand that the more informed you are about your glass production process, the more your quality improves. The MiniLab system also is helping these manufacturers cut labor costs, as well as reduce production losses due to molds that have gone out of specification.

The MiniLab system is a flexible configuration of automatic sampling equipment that includes the Emhart Glass ISIS™ Dimensional Measurement System, as well as the MLP+™ pressure tester.

Customers benefit from the MiniLab in several ways.

• The absolute measurement data available is accurate and reproducible, something that is almost impossible to achieve with manual measurements using go/no-go measuring devices.
• The data is available faster, so more bottles can be measured during a day, which helps identify fast-changing process trends. Corrective action often can be made before bad bottles are produced.
• The data can be electronically stored and sort by data reporting software for future retrieval in the event a customer problem has occurred. No more lehr sheets with hand written symbols and handwritten notes that need to be deciphered.
• The data can be used by the hot end to determine when to change mold components before they produce bad bottles.

• QC labor savings are realized when the MiniLab automatically performs tedious and repetitive manual measurements. This allows the QC operator more time to work on problems rather than finding problems.
• Reducing the frequency of having to reselect bottles in the pack saves money in both reselect labor and lost production.
• Overall improved quality can lead to an increased percent pack.

Progressive glassmakers who use the MiniLab system also know something else: the MiniLab helps them save money. To learn more about the MiniLab system, including a look at the MiniLab’s impressive return on investment (ROI), contact your local Emhart Glass representative.

Please forward inquiries and comments to the following address: glass.tidings@emhartglass.com