Medical Device Link.

Pharmaceutical and Medical Packaging News Magazine
PMPN Article Index

Originally Published April 2000

PRODUCT UPDATE

Cartoners Feature Flexibility and Speed

A top-loading cartoning system is suited for small production lots and clinical trial packaging. The NeoTOP 304 uses a fully automatic process to form and erect cartons. The machine is designed for applications where high flexibility is required, such as small production lots, combination packs, and clinical trial packages. The NeoTOP 304 handles up to 33 cartons per minute. Changeover can be completed in 10 to 30 minutes without tools. The NeoTOP 304 can handle printed or plain paperboard fluted trays, open-top trays, cartons with a top opening, reclosable lids, and multiple leaflet inserts. Rondo Dividella, Grabs, Switzerland.

A case packer provides an alternative to using double-walled corrugated cardboard to ensure stacking strength for pallet loads of heavy cases. The case packer automatically inserts a center partition into the case load as the product is packed. This center partition increases case stacking strength without increasing the base weight of the corrugated case. Either a single-wall or a double-wall corrugated partition may be inserted, depending on the case weight and warehousing requirements. For packagers running multiple products on the same line, the partition inserter may be bypassed when not required. A-B-C Packaging Machine Corp., Tarpon Springs, FL.

An intermittent-motion cartoner automatically produces up to 80 straight or reverse-tuck cartons per minute. The B15 operates smoothly because all moving parts receive a constant oil bath. A wide range of infeeds makes the B15 suitable for almost any cartoning application, according to the company. In addition to cartoning equipment, the company offers a complete line of case packers, tray formers, pouchers, overwrappers, palletizers, and other packaging machines. MG America, Fairfield, NJ.

A high-speed cartoner is designed for flexibility and high speed and is suitable for applications such as bottles, ampules, blisters, tubes, and syringes. The C2205 cartoner, which is capable of producing up to 250 cartons per minute, provides more than a dozen new safety and product control features, including InstaTec, DialJust, and DataJust. These systems work in conjunction to guarantee instantly reproducible machine settings and instant start-up following a tool changeover. This reduces downtime. All peripheral data concerning products and formats are stored in the memory of Pacmation, a computer system that provides the C2205 with man-machine communication and control capabilities.The Twinstar carton feeder is a dual, rotary carton pickup and erection system with individual mechanical prebreaking for positive carton feeding on a constant motion carton chain. Twinstar is designed to reduce changeover time. Uhlmann Packaging Systems Inc., Towaco, NJ.

PC-controlled cartoners offer high productivity, flexibility, advanced diagnostics, and operator training. The cartoners offer a user-friendly touch screen that can be provided with on-line troubleshooting diagnostics, operator and parts manuals, and remote reprogramming capabilities. The machine features a positive cartoning erecting system and a quick-change modular assembly for glue-to-tuck conversions. Cartoner models include continuous-operation Models SC4 and SC6, which provide outputs of up to 450/min. An intermittent series of cartoners is also available with outputs up to 120/min. IWK Packaging Machinery, Fairfield, NJ.

Operating at speeds up to 100 cartons per minute, a compact, intermittent-motion cartoner is suitable for blister packs, sachets, and small bottles with leaflets. The Pacliner 5/100 can handle reverse tuck-in closure cartons 60–200 mm long x 20–80 mm wide x 15–85 mm high. The Pacliner 5/100 is designed for fast tool changeovers and easy operation. Klöckner Medipak, Clearwater, FL.

A continuous-motion cartoning machine includes a traverse pick-and-place unit and is designed for easy changeovers. The NP 3002 includes an Allen Bradley control system and is compatible with the company's tube filling and sealing machines. The NP 3002 can easily be upgraded separately or applied as part of the company's Total Concept, which features a matching robot tube loader, a tube filler, cartoning machines, and tubes. Other cartoners available include the NP 700, NP 1400, and NP 2002 with outputs of 70, 140, and 220, respectively. Norden Inc., Branchburg, NJ.

An intermittent-motion cartoner processes 120 cartons per minute. The P150 features a small footprint, separation of mechanical and carton-handling areas, a carton feeding belt for increased autonomy, continuous-motion carton closing, motorized belts for carton exiting, a movable mouthpiece for product introduction, and an adjustable coding unit. Romaco Inc., Morris Plains, NJ.

An economical, flexible cartoner can run tuck, glue, display panel, locking tab, and autobottom-style cartons. The Model Vertuck 74 automatically erects and closes cartons at speeds up to 120 cartons per minute with no change parts. Speeds are easily adjustable, and both continuous- and intermittent-motion are offered. A three-dimensional changeover can be performed quickly and easily; optional PLC control is available. The unit comes equipped with fully enclosing safety guards. Bar code scanners, coders, labelers, and other options can be attached. Bivans Corp., Los Angeles, CA.