IPak, powered by Pro Mach, will showcase its new servo-driven TF-350 S-Series tray former at Pack Expo Las Vegas. The enhanced TF-350 delivers superior speed, tray flexibility, and forming consistency in a simpler, easy to maintain design. With the new TF350, IPak engineers leveraged more precise servo control to make the following improvements:
- More efficient and effective system motion
- Better tray handling
- Easy set-up and changeover for time savings and ergonomics
- Fewer parts to maintain and clean
- ‘Quick connect’ electrics for simple diagnostics
- Decreased friction and wear overall
The TF-350 S-Series operates in all-servo mode for most of the tray forming process with an advanced version of the brand’s previous platform. The improved architecture and sequential programming optimizes motion and tray blank handling to deliver faster output and consistent performance and aesthetics. The TF-350 S-Series includes a Compact Logix PLC and touch screen HMI that provides ease of use, greater monitoring of all functions and simplified machine adjustments and size changeovers. Changeovers are clearly defined and repeatable with preset tray size recipes, color-coded dials and handles, and convenient on-machine instructions. Size changes can be performed in less than 15 minutes.
The TF-350 automatically forms common footprint rollover or laminated side trays suitable for agricultural and bakery applications, including Defor, One Touch, and other similar tray styles for flat packs of fruits, vegetables and baked goods. An easy changeover enables the TF-350 to also form MUB style trays. It continuously operates at speeds of up to 30 trays per minute and is fully adjustable to form various sizes and depths including full and half common footprint.
The TF-350 S-Series uses servo control to bring the right amount of speed at optimal moments, such as blank feeding and mandrel operation, then decreases power for the sections that require a finer touch such as the compression section. The efficiency and precision of IPak’s servos allow greater control of speed, monitoring, diagnostics, and sequence programming which translates into higher performance, with less packaging waste and more money saved for the packager. The improved S-Series applies less force during forming for softer handling, a quieter machine and more pleasing tray displays where aesthetics and performance are paramount.
The new S-Series system delivers additional efficiencies by decreasing the overall amount of parts required to operate the machine. The improved operating system also uses a smaller drive and blank advance pattern, which reduces the machine’s overall footprint by 27 percent. The availability of more functionality in less space means greater flexibility for packagers in their packaging line layouts.
