Definition and Sectoral Role of Centralised Systems
Labotek Centralised Systems are comprehensive process infrastructures that integrate raw material conveying, drying/heat treatment, and material distribution operations through a centralised architecture in plastic production facilities. These systems enable granules, powders, and regrind materials to be processed with high efficiency, low energy consumption, automation-supported control, and high reliability in various thermoplastic production lines such as injection moulding, extrusion, recycling, and thermoforming.
Thanks to centralised system solutions, process optimisation across the entire plant, increased capacity, and continuous production can be achieved.
Application Areas of Centralised Systems
Plastic Manufacturing and Processing Plants
The primary application areas of Centralised Systems are found within the plastics manufacturing sector, including:
Injection Moulding Material Feeding:
Through vacuum conveying, raw materials are automatically transferred to machine hoppers, minimising operator intervention and significantly increasing process continuity.
Extrusion and Die Feeding:
Ensuring accurate and stable material transfer in extrusion improves dimensional tolerances and surface quality. With centralised conveying, in-line vacuum levels are kept at optimum values.
Recycling Facilities:
For the controlled transfer of regrind or elastomeric materials, centralised systems minimise the transport of dust and contaminant particles.
Masterbatch and Additive Applications:
With coupling stations, different materials can be conveyed and dosed simultaneously into the same production line, increasing process flexibility.
Energy- and Environment-Efficiency-Driven Production
With Centralised Drying Systems, the drying processes of polymers requiring high moisture removal are optimised. Using the Labotek Energy Saving System (LESS), energy consumption of the drying air is reduced and overdrying is prevented. This is particularly critical for hygroscopic materials such as PET, PA, and PBT.
These systems not only reduce long-term energy costs but also contribute significantly to environmental sustainability.
Facilities Requiring Multi-Line Coordination
Labotek Centralised Systems are preferred in plants that require feeding from multiple sources, simultaneous material transfer, and advanced process control.
Typical examples include:
Large-Scale Production Lines:
Vacuum conveying systems can supply multiple receivers simultaneously, increasing overall plant capacity.
Complex Production Layouts:
With Labo-Sync technology, synchronised conveying between different lines is achieved, minimising the risk of production errors.
Why Choose Labotek Centralised Systems?
1. Performance and Durability
Centralised systems are built on high mechanical strength, modular design, and long-lasting vacuum technologies. Vacuum stations transport materials gently by providing deep vacuum at low air velocities, preventing material degradation.
Thanks to filtration systems such as self-cleaning filters, dust cyclones, and blow-back valves, conveying lines remain clean and maintenance intervals are significantly reduced.
2. Energy Savings
Frequency-controlled vacuum stations independently regulate the air speed of each station, optimising energy consumption. Compared to conventional vacuum conveying systems, this approach delivers significant energy savings.
3. Process Control and Operational Flexibility
Labo-Sync technology synchronises multiple conveying cycles simultaneously, maximising production line efficiency and reliability.
Coupling stations and advanced control options such as LaboLink enable the controlled transfer of different raw materials into the same line, reducing dosing errors and increasing overall process flexibility.
4. Low Noise and Maintenance Costs
Centralised conveying systems typically operate at low noise levels below 69 dBA, improving the working environment within the plant. In addition, maintenance-free blower designs significantly reduce long-term operating costs.
Industrial and Operational Advantages
Advantage Impact
Energy efficiency Low energy consumption and long-lasting components
Process control Advanced synchronisation and automation
Flexibility Compatibility with different raw material types
Low operating cost Minimal maintenance and low noise levels
Production continuity Increased performance in multi-line operations
Conclusion - A Strategic Advantage in Modern Plastic Manufacturing
Labotek Centralised Systems provide a technologically advanced, energy-efficient, and highly controllable infrastructure for modern plastic manufacturing. Through vacuum conveying, centralised drying, and coupling station solutions, production facilities optimise material flow, ensure continuous production, and reduce total operating costs.
This system architecture represents a strategic engineering solution, particularly for plastic processing plants requiring high production capacities and advanced automation.