Controls & Machine Components

How packagers decide on machine controls

Research from PMMI shows that electronic controls are a growing part of packaging responsibility. Here's a look at their penetration, and who 'controls' them in the plant.

January 31, 1996

Controls & machine components: Page 446

Controls & Machine Components

Production software

Computer Technology (Milford, OH) has upgraded its popular Interact software to include features that target the needs of users in the food, beverage, paper, pharmaceutical, and personal care product industries even more closely.

January 31, 1996

Controls & Machine Components

PLC with distributed I/O

Alfa Laval Automation (Pleasant Prairie, WI) has introduced SattCon 200, a new programmable logic controller with distributed input/output system.

January 31, 1996

Conveying & accumulation

Sandoz networks labelers for easy control

Sandoz Pharmaceuticals uses custom software on a central PC to control 16 devices--including label printers, applicators and scanners--to comply with customer bar code label requirements. The move saves over $425ꯠ annually.

January 31, 1996

Secondary Packaging

Case sealer

3M Masking and Packaging Systems Div. (St. Paul, MN) has developed a large-sized case sealer specifically for the large appliance and furniture industries.

January 31, 1996

Conveying & accumulation

Print-and-apply labeling lightens Heinz's load

Heinz Pet Products adds a print-and-apply labeling system that applies a label to two adjacent pallet sides. System replaces manual labeling, saving $100ꯠ/yr in labor costs.

January 31, 1996

Controls & Machine Components

Micromini vacuum pump

A microminiature air-powered vacuum pump from Vaccon (Medfield, MA) uses tiny vacuum cups for a wide variety of pick-and-place applications. The Fastvac VP00-0060H Venturi Vacuum Pump is capable of pulling a 28"-Hg vacuum and can be located close to the part and fitted with Microvac Series vacuum cups as small as 1/16".

January 31, 1996

Conveying & accumulation

Marigold sweetens sour cream line

New line lets Marigold Foods double its filling speeds for 8-, 12-, 16-, 24- and 32-oz cups of sour cream or yogurt. Programmable limit switch plays a key role, too.

January 31, 1996

Controls & Machine Components

Container orienter

Bottling Development (Waterloo, Ontario, Canada) has introduced the Model BD2700 rotary orienter. Allows 90°, 180° and 270° orientation of glass and plastic containers in most shapes and sizes.

January 31, 1996

Conveying & accumulation

Ball takes control during can testing

Ball's Columbus, OH, plant is first to use new microprocessor-based controller to monitor leak testing of three-piece steel cans.

January 31, 1996

Controls & Machine Components

Applicator package

Willcox Intl. (Costa Mesa, CA) has developed the Will-Flo(TM) applicator package, a patented device for unit-of-use delivery of fluids, gels and flowable substances onto a target surface.

December 31, 1995

Controls & Machine Components

Extruded plastic profiles

Tri-Seal International (Blauvelt, NY) introduces a new full-color brochure that highlights the company's capabilities in the manufacture of extruded plastic custom profiles and specialty tubing.

December 31, 1995

Controls & Machine Components

Tray lidder

Oliver Products (Grand Rapids, MI) has introduced a self-actuating tray lidder designed for use with heat-seal coated, printed or unprinted, plastic or paperboard tray materials.

December 31, 1995