Originally Published PMPN October
2004
Show Coverage
Pack Expo International Chicago
Conferences, new pavilions, and 1900 machinery, materials, and components exhibitors provide attendees with a host of packaging solutions.
Following FDA’s anticounterfeiting initiative and the ongoing buzz over
RFID, security packaging is more of a hot topic now than ever before. This year’s
Pack Expo event, which takes place November 7–11, 2004, at McCormick Place,
Chicago, will debut several pavilions focusing on technologies to secure your
product’s packaging. The RFID Pavilion will highlight technologies for
case and pallet tagging and verification as well as upgrading conventional lines.
Packagers can also find the tools they need for enabling RFID-driven printing
and writing for validation electronic product code tags. Smart packaging machinery
that uses RFID to adjust operational settings will also be showcased.
Also making its debut, the Pack-aging Security Resource Center is designed to
focus on protecting packaging operations against the threat of bioterrorism,
counterfeiting, and product adulteration. A range of safety measures and protection
solutions will be featured, from overt to covert and from active to passive
technologies. Attendees can visit tabletop exhibits from package-security technology
companies, service providers, and government stakeholders.
Winning packages
Innovative and award-winning package designs will be on display at the Showcase
of Packaging Innovations. Fourteen organizations are scheduled to participate
in the exhibit:
Brazil Packaging Association: Packaging Design Award.
DuPont: DuPont Awards for Inno-vation in Packaging.
ExxonMobil Chemical Co.: Golden Mummy Award (Packaging); Pyramid Award (Labeling).
Flexible Packaging Institute: Packaging Achievement Awards.
Foodservice & Packaging Institute: Best-of-the-Best Foodservice Packaging
Awards.
Glass Packaging Institute: The Clear Choice Awards.
Healthcare Compliance Packaging Council: Compliance Package of the Year Award.
Instituto Argentino del Envase: Estrella del Sur.
Institute of Packaging Professionals: AmeriStar Awards.
Mexican Packaging Association: Stellar Packaging Award (Envase Estelar).
National Association of Container Distributors: 2004 Packaging Awards.
New Jersey Packaging Executives Club: Package of the Year Award.
Paperboard Packaging Council: National Paperboard Packaging competition.
The Tube Council: Tubes of the Year Awards.
New products will also be demonstrated at the New Product Spotlight located in the Grand Concourse between the North and South halls. Six 30-minute sessions are planned daily beginning at 10:00 a.m. and running every hour on the hour. Attendees will have the opportunity to view new product demonstrations based on their area of interest. A schedule of the sessions will be posted at www.packexpo.com.
Barrier materials
Attendees can also examine a range of innovative materials on the exhibit
floor. Barrier materials, for instance, have become more complex and targeted
than ever before to provide features beyond barring oxygen and water vapor transmission.
Packagers also frequently need barriers combined with durability, sealing, and/or
peeling, along with reduced cost. Rollprint Packaging Products will showcase
its ClearFoil with Oxygen Scavenger film, which combines a passive aluminum
oxide barrier coating with an active barrier layer. Alcan Packaging has created
an active barrier sealant film to package diagnostic strips for Johnson &
Johnson’s LifeScan Co. The reverse-printed polyester/foil extrusion lamination
contains a heat-sealable film with built-in desiccating properties.
Pentapharm Aclar G03, a three-layer laminate from Klöckner Pentaplast of
America Inc., incorporates a barrier layer of ethylene vinyl alcohol to protect
pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products requiring protection from moisture
and oxygen.
Conferences
To complement the technologies that attendees learn about on the show floor,
Pack Expo offers a conference program divided into four concurrent sessions.
These sessions cover a variety of tracks, including RFID, security, operations,
plastics, materials/ containers, robotics, closures, and flexible packaging.
At 8:00 a.m., an “eye opener” session featuring a keynote presentation
from packaging marketplace leaders will kick off each day of the conference
program. Complete program details are available at www.packexpo.com.
Exhibitor Products Fillers
A new technology has been integrated into a company’s existing Linoline
machine. This monoblock-design machine with a rake transport system will be
featuring an electronic two-headed tablet counter with 100% in-process control.
The newly named Linocount machine can be equipped for liquid or powder filling,
in addition to different closing stations, e.g., stoppers, spray pumps, and
screw capping for pharmaceutical applications. The machine offers a short product
transportation distance, small footprint, and secure production. Optima Machinery
Corp., Green Bay, WI; 920/339-2222; www.optima-usa.com.
Booth #N-4628
 |
A label printer-applicator makes it easy to print, encode, verify, and apply pressure-sensitive RFID smart labels to cartons and pallet loads in one operation. The Model 5200rfid offers a selection of print engines that use thermal/thermal-transfer technology to produce smart labels with text, bar codes, and graphics at 203 or 300 dpi. As labels are printed, digital information is instantly encoded on thin, ultra-high frequency transponders that are embedded in the smart label material. That encoded information is verified by the system, which then applies the smart label to the top or side of a carton or pallet load as it moves via conveyor. If a label cannot be verified, it is rejected before it can be applied. Labels up to 4 ¥ 6 in. can be dispensed at up to 12 in./sec and are applied using the tamp-blow method. Weber, Arlington Heights, IL; 800/843-4242; www.webermarking.com.
Booths #S-2259, E-9437
Desiccants
 |
In addition to its full line of desiccant and absorbent packaging, a company
will display its new line of oxygen absorbing canisters for the pharmaceutical
and diagnostic industries. Pharma- Keep absorbs oxygen at low relative humidity
levels. Manufacturers can protect pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products
from both oxygen and moisture. The rigid cylindrical shape of PharmaKeep canisters
is designed for automatic high-speed insertion into pharmaceutical packaging,
feeding 500 canisters or more per minute. They can be continually run in a hopper
system with no need to stop a filling line. PharmaKeep is also available in
packet form. Süd-Chemie Performance Packaging, Albuquerque, NM;
505/244-7068; www.s-cpp.com.
Booth #N-3536
In-Line Printing System
A company will introduce its in-line printing system at the show. This programmable
thermal-transfer printing system is capable of imprinting bar codes, text, and
graphics on two sides of the bag at speeds of 80 bags per minute. It is designed
to work with the new line of Autobag packaging systems for high-speed, high-accuracy
“Print-n-Pack” operations. The company will also introduce the AccuCount
100 and 200 high-speed counters for integration with its line of Autobag packaging
systems. These next-generation, automatic in-feed systems include the Auto Touch
color touch screen; and an operator-friendly command center for controlling,
monitoring, and diagnosing counter, printer, and bagger operations. Automated
Packaging Systems Inc., Streetsboro, OH; 888/AUTOBAG; www.autobag.com
Booth #S-2206
Blister Machinery
 |
Designed to provide pharmaceutical manufacturers with convenience, ease of
operation, and regulatory compliance, a series of blister machines offer built-in
advanced technology highlighted by servo-drive performance, balcony-style design,
and a positive- transfer system. The balcony style design separates the mechanics
of the machines from the drives, eliminating product clogs caused by particulate
generation and dust. The BP series is completely driven by independent servos
that enable the adjustment of individual process times without affecting the
rest of the stations. In addition, the machines’ positive-transfer system
ensures that blisters are always guided and transported through the machine
in a continuous fashion to eliminate the potential for jamming. IWKA PacSystems,
Fairfield, NJ; 973/227-5575; www.iwkapacsystems.com.
Booth #S-1213
Oral Dispenser
 |
A company has added a 1 ml size to its oral dispenser line. The new 1 ml size—along
with 3, 5, and 10 ml sizes—gives the oral dispenser a wide range of dispensing
capability. It allows for precise dosages to be administered economically when
very small amounts are required. The dispenser offers design characteristics
that reduce the risk of choking and product contamination. It features a unique
two-piece design with no rubber in the tip. The advanced tip design prohibits
acceptance of hypodermic needles, and the clarified barrel allows enhanced visual
dosage monitoring. The dispensers are available with colored plungers. Dispenser
stands can be matched to the colored plungers to provide a color-coordinated
package. Comar Inc., Buena, NJ; 800/962-6627; www.comar.com.
Booth #E-5939
Labeler
A company will exhibit its RFID tagging solutions at the show’s RFID Pavilion.
The Model 400 print-and- apply labeler is a rugged system that can be customized
to support the next- generation RFID tagging technology being developed. Designed
for versa-tility and reliability, the Model 400 achieves vertical and horizontal
labeling of cases and cartons at speeds up to 50 items per minute. With optional
application tools, the system can also achieve side labeling, corner wrap labeling,
and two-panel labeling at speeds up to 20 per minute. NJM/CLI, Lebanon,
NH; 800/432-2990; www.njmcli.com.
Booths #E-9329, N-4206
Printer
A company has introduced a flexographic press for all types of web packaging
materials. The TruFlex UV is designed to provide the highest quality in-line
printing of all text, bar codes, and graphics in either registered or random
format. The printer operates in the true rotary flexo-printing method, offering
ease-of-use along with low- operating and minimal-maintenance costs. The simple
design of the ink- transfer system provides for the highest quality printing,
from large solid areas to small details, including all bar code symbologies.
The use of UV inks means no cleaning during a production run, as well as simple
start-up and shut-down procedures. Griffin-Rutgers Co., Ronkonkoma, NY;
800/237-6713; www.griffin-rutgers.com.
Booth #N-3438
Checkweigher
 |
A starwheel-based checkweigher maintains high throughput and accuracy while
handling the widest range of container sizes. One Starweigh checkweigher can
be changed over to handle containers from 30 to 2000 cm3. It achieves an accuracy
of ±3 mg at 3 sigma and line speeds up to 200 or 400 cpm, depending on
the specific Starweigh model selected. The checkweigher is suitable for hard-to-handle
packages including round, oval, rectangular, and square containers made of plastic,
metal, and glass from 0.75 to 6.5 in. in diameter as well as odd-shaped products.
Product is fed from a conveyor into pockets in the starwheel. Multiple packages
are accumulated into each pocket, which features as many as six subpockets,
each aligned to a separate scale so each package is isolated as it is weighed.
Hi-Speed Checkweigher Company, Inc., Ithaca, NY; 800/836-0836; www.hispeedcheckweigher.com.
Booth #S-421
Labeling System
A pressure-sensitive labeling system may be configured for front and back or
wraparound applications for speeds up to 100 ppm. According to the company,
EconoLine was specifically designed to set a new low-price standard and fill
the gap between slow, semiautomatic labelers and other in-line labeling systems.
The system uses a 6-ft-long conveyor with adjustable conveyor height. Label
applicators feature leadscrew, no-tool adjustments. A simple microprocessor
controller allows reliable label dispense accuracy and time-delay adjustments.
Quadrel Labeling Systems, Mentor, OH; 440/602-4700; www.quadrel.com.
Booth #S-2830
Capper
A company has added a new FSI-PP Pick & Place capper series to its current
line of liquid fillers and cappers. The machine series incorporates FSI’s
Pick & Place capper and is offered in both a new stand-alone model and a
monoblock filler and capper model. Features include a stainless-steel base and
individually adjustable stainless- steel magnetic clutches with quick changeover
capping heads. This rotary style, gear-driven system with variable speed control
is available in various sizes to meet speeds from 50 to 700 bottles per minute.
It is engineered to handle even the most difficult container and cap combinations.
Filler Specialties Inc., Zeeland, MI; 616/772-9235; www.filler-specialties.com.
Booth #N-4433
Case Packer
 |
A horizontal case packer has the ability to pack up to 20 cases per minute.
The GSL20 requires no change parts for different case sizes and features main
machine movement via servo-motors with all drivers controlled via Elau soft
PLC technology. The company is also a leading manufacturer of high-speed, fully
automated capsule-filling machines. It operates from a 20,000-sq-ft facility.
MG America, Fairfield, NJ; 973/808-8185; www.mgamerica.com.
Booth #E-7013
Printers
 |
A company will demonstrate two new printers for the first time at the show.
The Jet-a-Mark DOD 8400 ink-jet printer is capable of printing up to five lines
of small or large characters at speeds up to 780 ft/min. Two new printheads
are available for the new DOD 8400: the IP 65 water-protected printhead for
washdown applications and the 8000 Maxi series printhead with IP 54 rating.
The company is also demonstrating its Coditherm digital thermal transfer printer.
A patented double-ribbon design makes the Coditherm the only digital thermal-transfer
printer capable of marking directly onto nonweb, porous materials without premature
wear on the printhead, according to the company. The printer is suitable for
marking variable information, such as date and time codes, or for printing small
machine-readable bar codes of 300 dpi on chipboard, corrugated cartons, or other
uneven surfaces. Matthews International Corp., Pittsburgh, PA; 412/665-2500;
www.matthewsmarking.com.
Booth #S-1882
Conveyors
A manufacturer of industrial vacuum conveyors and components showcases its C-series
of vacuum conveyors. Due to their hygienic and sanitary construction, the conveyors
are suitable for packaging applications in the pharmaceutical industry. Powered
by the company’s pneumatically driven vacuum pumps, the conveyors safely
and hygienically transport up to 15 tn of material per hour into a hopper of
filler tubes. The conveyors are available in diameters of 21, 33, and 56 cm
and are made of AISI 316L stainless steel. PIAB USA Inc., Hingham, MA;
800/321-7422; www.piab.com.
Booth #N-4257
Filling and Capping
 |
A monobloc vial filling and capping machine enables pharmaceutical and biotech
filling operations to achieve a 50% increase in output capacity with maximum
flexibility and minimum floor space requirements. The FMB210 is designed for
filling vials, insertion of lyophilization or injection plugs, and overseal
capping of aluminum caps. With an output of up to 85 units per minute, the system
is suitable for sterile filling of liquid volumes between 0.1 and 100 ml with
an accuracy of ±1%. The fillers are suitable for clinical trials, small-batch
production, and filling of shear-sensitive products. Flexicon America Inc.,
Burlington, VT; 802/657-3232; www.
flexiconamerica.com.
Booth #N-5507
Automation Equipment
 |
Machine builders from the United States and Canada will announce Gen3 designs
that use the company’s PacDrive automation system to achieve flexibility
and efficiency. Visitors to the company’s booth can receive a free pocket-sized
machinery locator guide. The guide lists machinery builders and highlights builders
introducing new PacDrive-equipped packaging machines. These include rotary filling,
capping, and labeling machine designs that use the company’s PacDrive SCL
integral servomotor drive technology. Other new machines use the PacDrive C-series
automation controllers to implement modular strategies for packaging, wrapping,
sealing, and palletizing. Elau Inc., Schaumburg, IL; 847/490-4720; info@elau.com.
Booth #E-7523
Printers
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A fully programmable HP-100 thermal ink-jet printer using HP technology is
integrated into the company’s traversing system to produce high-resolution
characters on paper or Tyvek stock. Designed for medical device applications
and easy-to-change colors by switching readily available HP cartridges, the
printer can be configured for a 10-in. print width. The company is also showing
a redesign of its Black Max rotary flexographic printer. Improvements include
electronic sensors for 50% tighter registration; more-rugged construction and
upgraded bearings, belts, and clutch resulting in 50% higher speed, longer wear,
and reduced friction; and Teflon coating of key components to eliminate ink
offsetting. The Black Max series prints graphics and high-quality bar codes
on 4- to 100-in.-wide webs. Greydon Inc., York, PA; 717/848-3875;
info@ greydon.com.
Booth #N-5814
Pick-and-Place Robot
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A new pick-and-place robot will be launched at the show. Visitors will be able
to see demonstrations of the advanced capabilities of the XR31 robot. It is
practically maintenance free and has a more compact design than its predecessor.
With the additional special feature of cameras inside the workspace, the robot
also attains higher levels of accuracy and flexibility. Available in three different
versions, system engineers can choose between three and four axes as well as
having a heavy-duty option for higher payloads to meet the applications requirements.
SIG Pack Systems AG, Beringen, Switzerland; +41 52 6747429; www.sigpacksystems.com.
Booth #S-830
Tablet Counter
 |
A new electronic tablet counter doubles the throughput previously available
for electronic counters having a comparable footprint. Using Swiftpack’s
proven infrared counting system, the new fillers count tablets at a rate of
100-plus bottles per minute in a single-lane configuration or a top speed of
more than 200 bpm in a dual-lane configuration. As tablets feed, the counter
looks at the space between the tablets and adjusts vibrator speeds to deliver
more or fewer tablets to maximize throughput. The tablet counters are designed
to meet CGMP standards to minimize cleaning time, and they are also 21 CFR Part
11 compliant, using an industrial PC. All parts can be quickly and easily removed
and reinstalled without the use of tools to minimize changeover time and maximize
production uptime. Nova Packaging Systems, Leominster, MA; 978/537-8534;
sales@novapackagingsystems.com.
Booth #S-866
Bander and Sleever
A single-head tamper-evident bander and full-body sleever will be displayed
on the same line. The EZ-100 is a continuous-motion tamper-evident banding machine
capable of speeds up to 150 bottles per minute. The EZ-130 is a continuous-motion
full-body sleeving machine with speed capabilities dependant on the width and
length of the sleeve. Each machine has the capability of processing sleeves
or bands with minimal changeover. Both machines will be running side by side
on the same conveyor line, sleeving then banding the same product. Axon Corp.,
Raleigh, NC; 919/772-8383; www.axoncorp.com.
Booth #N-4027
Copyright ©2004 Pharmaceutical & Medical Packaging News
