PACKAGING RESOURCE CENTER
Pressure Sensor Film
A pressure-indicating sensor film is designed to help manufacturers monitor and ensure consistent package seal integrity. Pressurex film measures pressure from 2 to 43,000 psi. The film is designed to instantly and permanently change color when placed between two contacting surfaces. The color change is proportional to the actual pressure applied, and the pressure magnitude can be determined by comparing the resultant color intensity with the film’s color correlation chart. The variation in color in the film after sealing alerts manufacturers to weak spots, channels, and wrinkles in the sealing surface. Sensor Products, Madison, NJ; 973/884-1755; www.sensorprod.com.
Bar Code Verifiers
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A line of bar code verifiers is designed to verify both 1-D linear and 2-D matrix codes on the same reading device. The Integra 9505 flat-bed verifier features a read head that attaches to the user’s computer. This design feature was engineered as an inexpensive alternative to the company’s Integra 9500 bar code verification workshop. The Integra 9505 does not require any read head changes for aperture size or symbology. It displays problem areas in specific parts of bar codes as part of its code grading analytical process. It also can grade several bar and matrix codes at one time. Free software upgrades are offered to extend the system’s operating life. Label Vision Systems Inc., Peachtree, GA; 770/487-6414; www.lvs-inc.com.
Tray Wrapper
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A manufacturer offers a servo-driven machine designed to handle and pack loose containers and multipacks into large trays and then shrink-wrap them. The Continuum Integrated Tray/ Shrink System can load packaged materials, such as glass, PET, HDPE, metal, and more into corrugated or chipboard trays. Both freestanding and integrated shrink-wrappers are available. A tray stacker feature also can be integrated. The machine can process up to 100 trays per minute. Touch screen controls and a push-button grouper are designed to ease operation. The system also features zero-gap infeed technology for balanced, jam-resistant packing lanes. Standard-Knapp, Portland, CT; 860/342-1100; www.standard-knapp.com.
Shrink-Wrapper
A provider of automated packaging systems offers a machine designed to handle and shrink-wrap products of various sizes at high speeds. The Contour S-75 shrink-wrapper features the manufacturer’s proprietary servo-driven wrapping wand. The wand performs circular, elliptical, or trapezoidal wand paths that are engineered to increase film control and provide accurate film placement during product wrapping. The wand cam can be removed easily for changeovers. The machine also features a proprietary tunnel system with heat and airflow management technology designed to tightly wrap packages with minimal graphic distortion and to preserve package integrity. Speeds of up to 75 cycles per minute can be achieved. Douglas Machine Inc., Alexandria, MN; 320/763-6587; www.douglas-machine.com.
Automatic Carton-Size Adjustment
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A continuous-motion cartoner automatically adjusts its stations to accommodate different carton sizes from job to job. The C 2504 is designed to output up to 500 cartons per minute. The machine also features automatic initial filling of its blister magazines. Quiet operation, touch screen controls, tool identification systems, and safety glass doors for easy accessibility are features designed to make the machine more operator-friendly. Leaflet folders, closing and coding systems, and a checkweigher are integrated. Uhlmann, Towaco, NJ; 973/4028855; www.uhlmann-usa.com.
Horizontal Cartoner
A continuous-motion cartoner is designed to output up to 400 cartons per minute. The Dynamica horizontal cartoner operates almost silently and to be simple to operate and clean. Changeovers require only a few quick adjustments on the machine. Several models are available to cover a large range of sizes. It can be integrated with various coding, inspection, and feeding systems for multiple carton types and product literature. IMA S.p.A., Bologna, Italy; +39 051 783111; www.ima.it.
