Integrated Control and Proven Performance
One platform, one interface. FlexRobot 2 from Bucher Emhart Glass brings FlexRobot control entirely into FlexIS, eliminating the need for a separate control environment. The result: better process visibility, easier operation, and tighter control over the process.
In addition to unifying the user experience by eliminating a separate system, FlexRobot 2 delivers the same consistent swabbing performance, proven safety features, and seamless integration with the forming machine that users have come to expect from its predecessor.
While FlexRobot 2 is the preferred solution for new installations, customers operating FlexRobot 1 can continue to rely on full service, spare parts, and lifecycle support from Bucher Emhart Glass, ensuring continued support throughout the system lifecycle.
Native FlexRobot Integration within FlexIS
FlexRobot control is now a native part of the FlexIS automation platform, bringing forming and swabbing operations together in a single, integrated control environment.
Simplified Operation and Training
Operators can control all FlexRobot functions directly from the familiar FlexIS interface – no separate control system required, which reduces operational complexity. Working within one common environment reduces training requirements, shortens the learning curve for new personnel, and speeds up adoption across the plant.
Centralized Job Management and Process Synchronization
Centralized job management allows swabbing parameters to be included as part of the job setup, simplifying job changes and reducing manual configuration effort. The integrated architecture also enables closer synchronization between machine operation and swabbing sequences, supporting consistent process execution and improved production stability.
Improved Diagnostics and Data Visibility
Unified alarms, diagnostics, and process visibility provide operators and maintenance teams with faster access to critical information, enabling more effective troubleshooting. At the same time, swabbing data becomes part of the broader FlexIS ecosystem, creating new opportunities for process optimization, performance monitoring, and data-driven decision making.
Reduced Lifecycle Costs and Future-Ready Automation
By consolidating control, data, and maintenance within FlexIS, your plant benefits from a streamlined automation landscape with fewer components, lower maintenance requirements, reduced lifecycle costs, and a future-ready platform for further digitalization.
FlexRobot offers significant advantages over manual swabbing, helping improve safety, consistency and overall product efficiency.
Consistent swabbing
A robot is ideal for repetitive tasks like swabbing molds. It is precise, consistent, reliable, and fast, enhancing control of the container forming process.
Smart spraying
The quantity of lubricant sprayed is precisely controlled in relation to the position of the spraying tool in the blank mold. The neck ring is sprayed during the alternate swab cycle without contamination of the plunger.
Reduced swabbing compound consumption
Smart spraying reduces lubricant consumption by up to 75%.
Increased container production output
FlexRobots swab the blank molds on the fly, reducing rejects and thereby increasing the forming machine output.
Cleaner machine and extended mold lifetime
The small quantity of lubricant applied drastically reduces machine contamination. Combined with contactless swabbing, this extends the time between mold refurbishments and prolongs the blank mold life.
More time for production fine tuning
FlexRobots free up operator time that can be allocated to maintenance and fine-tuning the container production process to achieve higher machine output.
Improved operator safety
FlexRobots reduce the operator interaction with the machine.
Elimination of strain injuries
During an 8-hour shift on a 36-cavity machine, an operator performs over 1700 swabbing movements and raises their arm more than 550 times to activate the manual swabbing cycle. Using FlexRobots helps eliminate strain injuries caused by repetitive manual swabbing.
Reduced environmental impact
The small quantity of lubricant used reduces the amount of smoke generated during swabbing.