Medical Device Link.

Originally Published PMPN October 2004

Product Update

Cartopac

A company’s line of cartoners features maintenance-free balcony construction and built-in intelligent, easy-access PC technology. Available in both intermittent and continuous-motion models with 4- or 6-in. centers, the cartoners run at speeds of up to 450 cartons per minute. The machines’ user-friendly, self-teaching HMI/MMI touch screen interface enables fast setup; toolless repeatable changeovers in less than 10 minutes; and on-line machine diagnostics, parts information, and schematics. In addition, the Cartopac features quick glue-to-tuck changeover and automatic chain tensioning. The machine also features gentle product and carton handling due to a rotary carton feed combined with opposing vacuum that squares cartons prior to placement into the transport chain and an enclosed transport chain that eliminates dragging and scuffing. IWKA PacSystems, Fairfield, NJ; 973/227-5575; www.iwkapacsystems.com.

MA 150

A cartoner series is designed specifically for pharmaceutical applications. Available in both intermittent and continuous motion, the series can accommodate the widest range of phar- maceutical products and components. With a balcony design for ease of operator use, full accessibility, and simplified component reconciliation, the MA 150 series also has a small footprint and minimal change parts. It features an oscillating carton-erection system, reducing particulate contamination. All drive mechanisms in the MA 150 series are in a constant oil bath that eliminates the need for routine lubrication while greatly reducing operating noise levels. Marchesini Packaging Machinery Inc., West Caldwell, NJ; 973/575-7445; www.marchesini.com.

Shrink Wrappers

New continuous-motion shrink wrappers offer speedy changeover and the Ever-Clean seal system. Designed to tame the temperamental shrink-wrap process, the new SW-2000 belt-infeed and SW-3000 flight-lug machines feature intuitive setup based on package dimensions, along with on-the-fly tracking adjustment and side-seal/cross-seal systems that never need cleaning. Suitable for contract packagers and retailers, the new machines deliver rates up to 60 and 75 packs per minute respectively. They are especially suited for end-of-the-line wrapping where uptime is at a premium, changeovers frequent, and packages come in all shapes. The machines are suited for polyolefin, PVC, and LDPE films. Lantech.com, Louisville, KY; 800/866-0322; www.lantech.com.

The Dominator

A vertical ring wrapper reaches speeds of 45 rpm. To increase productivity, the user can stack one load on top of the other and wrap them individually. The machine has a carbon fiber ring. It is very light, causing it to accelerate and decelerate faster, resulting in smooth operation. The system’s compact, two-legged cantilever design makes it suitable for small spaces and tight corners. Its infrared film-tail seaming device provides a full-width seam for less maintenance and better longevity. The Dominator’s multiple wrap patterns can reduce film use by up to 40% without compromising holding power. Programmable banding allows band film to be applied at selectable load heights. One-way wrap starts the film at the bottom of the load and finishes the cycle at the top or the other way around. Split wrap allows two stacked loads to be wrapped and sealed individually. Siat S.p.A., M.J. Maillis Group, Turate, Italy; +39 02 96495 358; siat@siat.com.

E 4046

A casepacker features extremely easy operation, quick changeover of formats, and an adjustable format setup. With a processing speed of up to 400 cartons or 40 bundles per minute, the E 4046 can package up to six shipping cartons per minute with maximum measurements of 600 ¥ 500 ¥ 400 mm. The casepacker also features a double-sided package closure with adhesive tape or hot melt and a user-friendly operator terminal and printer interface. Uhlmann, Towaco, NJ; 973/402-8855; amayer@uhlmann-usa.com.

Model 335

A case erector and bottom sealer performs the work of two machines. It automatically erects and seals Tablock cases and also runs regular slotted, half- slotted, half-slotted cases with integral divider, and center special slotted cases. Key to its multipurpose performance is the built-in Tablock flap- folding module that folds and crimps the Tablock flaps smoothly, yet flips into bypass mode for sealing other case types, requiring no change parts or downtime. The Tablock forming module offers fixed- or variable-speed operation to match line speed. The control system provides all operating data at the user’s fingertips, including case count, sensor input/output status, and internal program status. All machine functions may be operated independently from the touch screen. A-B-C Packaging Machine Corp., Tarpon Springs, FL; 800/237-5975; www.abcpackaging.com.

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