Originally Published PMPN April 2005
PRODUCT UPDATE
Easy-to-use Cartoners & WrappersA selection of machines provide fast changeover times and efficient production processes.
Packaging Machine
A packaging machine provides speed and flexibility in end-of-line packaging systems. Specifically designed to overcome the limitations of standard robotic packaging machines, the A+F TwinLine features a gripper arm drive with two pairs of identical drive arms made from lightweight carbon fiber and driven by two servodrive motors. This technology enables the machine to perform pick-and-place motions in less than 0.5 seconds and to handle loads of up to 63 kg at a cycle time of less than 2 seconds. The machine's applications include collating primary product and pick and placement, using either a suction or mechanical gripper system with additional tilting, turning, or pushing capabilities. The TwinLine provides precise product orientation for optimum presentation and handling. Hassia USA, Morganville, NJ; 732/536-8770; www. hassiausa.com.
Cartoners
Rotary-carton-feed cartoners feature a balcony design and a touch screen interface. The Cartopac line of cartoners includes built-in, easy-access PC technology for fast setup, toolless changeover, and on-line troubleshooting. 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. They feature quick glue-to-tuck changeover and automatic chain tensioning, as well as gentle product and carton handling. The careful handling is a result of the unique rotary carton feed combined with opposing vacuum that squares cartons prior to placement into the transport chain, and an enclosed transport chain that reportedly eliminates dragging and scuffing. Other key characteristics of each cartoner are a leaflet feeder on the operator side, a leaflet clip chain for positive control, and mechanical opening fingers for 100% carton opening prior to placement in lugs. IWKA Pac Systems, Fairfield, NJ; 973/227-5575; www.iwkapacsystems.com.
Modular-Design Packaging
A packaging machine's modular design can handle all tasks related to the erecting, feeding, filling, and closing of multiproduct packages. The T 2060 TopLoader offers flexibility to accommodate changing package designs, dimensions, and requirements. It was developed to help pharmaceutical companies bring new products to market quickly and economically. Each of the machine's filling modules measures 1200 x 1535 x 1950 mm. Strung together, the modules create a customized machine to meet almost any multiple-component package need. The T 2060 features GMP-conforming construction, short changeover times, ease of operation, fast format changes, easy cleaning, low maintenance, and suitability for process networking. Uhlmann, Towaco, NJ; 973/402-8855; www.uhlmann-usa.com.
Intermittent-Motion Cartoner
A highly flexible intermittent-motion cartoner runs at speeds of up to 90 cartons per minute and handles cartons measuring up to 10 x 4.5 x 12 in. The machine's 7.5 x 4.5-ft footprint is reportedly one of the smallest in the industry. The Eclipse cartoner features a walk-in design for ease of operator use, and a state-of-the-art human-machine-interface and motion-control package. Toolless changeover can be accomplished in less than 15 minutes. A spec sheet is available in hard copy, e-mail, and CD formats. It includes feature and benefit highlights on the front; and technical details, application information, and a floorplan drawing of the base machine on the back. MGS Machine Corp., Maple Grove, MN; 763/425-8808; www. mgsmachine.com.
Horizontal Case Packer
A horizontal case packer can pack up to 20 cases per minute and requires no change parts for different case sizes. The GSL20 features main machine movement via servomotors, with all drivers controlled by Elau soft PLC technology. It features a balcony design for ease of maintenance and cleaning, as well as an advanced operator touch-screen interface. The main machine movements are done through the use of servomotors. No changing of parts is required for different case sizes, and the product offers perfect case erection from loading to machine discharge, according to the company. Packing is performed in a 20,000-sq-ft facility in New Jersey; the in-house team of 15 employees is responsible for sales, service, and parts. The company is a manufacturer of high-speed, fully automated capsule-filling machines and serves the end-of-line packaging needs of the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and other industries. MG America, Fairfield, NJ; 973/808-8185; www.mgamerica.com.
Shrink-Wrapping Forming Head
A company has introduced a self-threading forming head to one of its shrink wrappers. The Self-Threader head, which is designed for use on the SW-5000 shrink-wrapping machine, delivers a perfectly centered lap seal without setup adjustment. It also changes over in seconds with the help of a quick-disconnect feature. The SW-5000 uses flat film to help packagers reduce cost and eliminate film scrap. The machine comes with a static emitter and contains an optional hot block to close the lap seal. In addition, the flight-lug infeed provides excellent control of products, while quick-change pins allow the entire infeed conveyor to be rapidly set up for new product dimensions. All setup parameters, including electronic film collapse and product spacing, are displayed in a single view on the color touch-screen LCD control. Options for the SW-5000 include print registration, gated infeed, exit transition rollers, and custom infeeds. Lantech, Louisville, KY; 800/866-0322; www.lantech.com.
Carton Sealer
A manufacturer of moderate-speed cartoning, tray-forming, and case-packing systems offers an economical carton sealer that can seal up to 1800 cartons per hour. The Econoseal Twinseal seals two flaps, and its size can be adjusted in minutes. Completed, sealed cartons are automatically removed by an optional delivery chute access. All models in the Econoseal line can accommodate either paperboard or corrugated material. Cold glue, hot melt, hot air, tuck closure, and pressure-sensitive tape closure systems are available. In addition, Econoseal models can be customized for applications beyond the standard size range. Econocorp, Randolph, MA; 781/986-7500; www.econocorp. com.
Hood Stretcher
A company offers a hood-stretching machine that is capable of wrapping more than 150 pallet loads per hour. The Multi Flex machine is highly flexible and is capable of wrapping all pallet sizes in one machine with automatic change between the different pallet sizes and without compromising load stability. The system's flexibility lies in a gripper system that enables each of the four grippers to be adjusted individually horizontally and vertically, adapting to the actual load size. Lachenmeier Inc., Hollywood, FL; 954/987-9945; www. lachenmeier.com.
Case Erector
A case erector and bottom sealer is capable of performing the work of two machines simultaneously. The Model 335 automatically erects and seals Tablock cases and runs regular-slotted and half-slotted cases with an integral divider. A built-in Tablock flap-folding module folds and crimps the Tablock flaps smoothly while flipping into bypass mode for sealing other case types, requiring no changing of 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.
Carton Erector
A packaging machine manufacturer has expanded the capabilities of its carton erecting machine. Originally designed to erect boxes and cases, the updated SKA machine is now able to erect cardboard trays, display trays and merchandising, and displays with reinforced corners. Schubert Packaging, Addison, TX; 972/233-6665; www. schubertpackaging.com.
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