Extrusion International 6-2025-USA

31 Extrusion International 4/2025 Patent Cooperation for New Drivetrain for Reciprocating BlowMolders Velocity Equipment Solutions, a leading supplier of packaging ma- chinery, has filed a Patent Coopera- tion Treaty (PCT) patent application for the use of its new alternative drivetrain technology, trade named Thunderbolt, on reciprocating blow molding machines. This action fol- lows the provisional application filed last year in the U.S. The current filing protects Velocity’s intellectual prop- erty rights in the 158 countries that are signatories to the PCT. As previously announced, Veloc- ity’s technology provides dramati- cally improved energy efficiency as well as significantly lower main- tenance costs over the life of the machine. Velocity has completed the design of new reciprocating machines with 90-mm and 65-mm extruders as well as a bolt-on ret- rofit kit for older 3.5-in and 90-mm extruder machines. The company is currently building the first 65-mm machine which is slated for comple- tion in the second quarter of 2026. It has already drawn interest from potential buyers. Under its PCT patent application, Velocity Equipment disclosed fur- ther technical details, specifications, and benefits of the new Thunder- bolt technology. “We believe this is a game-changing innovation that will provide major operational ef- ficiencies for blow molders,” said Tom Blaszkow, President of Velocity Equipment Solutions. “Energy rep- resents the Number 2 cost for pro- cessors, so this new technology will significantly improve the industry’s bottom-line results.” The new drivetrain features a breakthrough synchronous elec- tric motor that runs at very low speeds while generating high levels of torque. It is capable of running down to 0.1 rpm while maintaining stable operation. The drivetrain has an integral thrust bearing and the motor runs with only integral fan cooling. Among the technology’s key ad- vantages are a very flat efficiency curve. The drivetrain operates at 92 to 95% efficiency through its entire operating range unlike standard motors whose efficiency falls off dramatically as speed is decreased. The drivetrain eliminates the need for a gear reducer allowing for the direct drive of the extruder screw. This also eliminates the need for belts, sheaves, and motor and ball spline which are all efficiency rob- bing components. Typically, a new Thunderbolt drive will operate at 94 to 95% efficiency while a new stan- dard drivetrain will typically operate at less than 87% if operating at near full rpm. According to Velocity Equipment, the Thunderbolt drive’s efficiency remains constant throughout its life cycle. The efficiency of a standard drivetrain degrades with every hour of operation as components wear, says the company. The drivetrain’s lower operating temperature eliminates the need for water cooling of the motor or gear reducer. The only maintenance requirement is greasing the thrust bearing every six months, eliminat- ing the daily greasing of the ball spline, and disassembly and repack- ing the thrust assembly. Today’s more costly and inefficient drivetrain systems consist of some combination of hydraulic cylinders, hydraulic motors, gear reducers, v- belts, and ball spline thrust bearings. A new reciprocating blow mold- ing machine equipped with the new drivetrain would cost less than a ma- chine with today’s existing drivetrain technology, according to Blaszkow. Similarly, an existing machine retro- fitted with the new drivetrain would be equivalent in cost to a standard replacement. The technology is fo- cused on packaging applications for the agricultural, pharmaceutical, in- dustrial, and dairy industries. Velocity Equipment Solutions LLC www.velocityes.com