Modular expanding spindle for PET blow molding efficiency
This modular expanding spindle uses hybrid additive/subtractive manufacturing to optimize PET blow molding processes. With adjustable diameters, it minimizes changeover time and inventory while ensuring over 2 million cycles of wear-resistant durability.
Overview
The modular expanding spindle by Multiscale Systems is a cutting-edge solution designed to enhance the efficiency of PET blow molding lines. Utilizing hybrid additive/subtractive manufacturing, the spindle offers an adjustable mechanism with expanding petals, allowing for internal neck diameter adjustments from 26mm to 38mm. This innovation reduces changeover time and inventory, maximizing operational efficiency while ensuring durability for over 2 million cycles.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Adjustable diameter: The expanding petals actuated by a conical sleeve allow for internal neck adjustments, accommodating variations in neck height and ensuring flexibility in operations.
- Hybrid manufacturing: Combines additive deposition for optimized structures with subtractive machining for precision surfaces, providing a lightweight, wear-resistant construction.
- High durability: Designed to withstand over 2 million operational cycles with minimal wear and deformation, thanks to the even load distribution across the preform neck.
- Efficient design: The conical locking system simplifies mechanics, reducing failure points and enhancing manufacturability for high-cavitation environments.
Technology readiness level
The modular expanding spindle is currently at Technology Readiness Level 2. A phased development plan is in place, with detailed engineering design and finite element analysis (FEA) underway, followed by prototype manufacturing and testing. The project is scheduled to progress through in-situ evaluations, ensuring alignment with budget and performance goals.
About Multiscale Systems
Multiscale Systems is an advanced engineering and manufacturing company that specializes in solving complex technical problems for industries such as aerospace, defense, energy, and robotics. The company provides a vertically integrated approach that spans research, design, development, testing, and production. Their core capabilities include hybrid metal additive and precision machining, polymer forming and composites, and advanced material solutions like metamaterial composites. By maintaining engineering continuity from initial research and development through to production-ready hardware, Multiscale Systems addresses challenges involving extreme environments, complex geometries, and tight performance margins where conventional manufacturing models often fail.
The company's services are structured to manage technical risk, making them particularly valuable to customers developing high-consequence hardware or systems that must operate reliably despite uncertainty. They support programs that require design iteration, advanced inspection, and engineering judgment rather than simple build-to-print execution. With a history of federal research programs and an ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100:2016 certified facility, Multiscale Systems works with industrial and government partners to translate emerging technologies into deployable, repeatable manufacturing solutions. Their structured engagement model ensures that technical scope, schedule, and budget remain aligned as programs evolve from early-stage discovery to finalized production hardware.
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