Secondary Packaging

TopTier’s Downstacker uses advanced drive technology

New Downstacker series palletizers from TopTier support from 11 to 30 high performance drives to maximize performance. The control technology, from B&R Industrial Automation, has reduced wiring, simplified startup and maintenance.

December 3, 2012

Machinery: Page 462

Secondary Packaging

Dividella pharma cartoner runs 80 to 240 cartons per minute

Using a hundred servo axes, the reconfigurable, GMP design, modular Dividella cartoner from Koerber Medipak provides rapid changeover, recipe management, data access, detailed diagnostics, and simplified parameterization instead of programming, all from a graphical HMI. The control system from B&R features a unified software and hardware platform and is housed underneath the machine frame, minimizing footprint. Interfaces for vision and coding systems simplify integration.

December 3, 2012

Secondary Packaging

High speed shrink bundler from Cermex

VersaFilm shrink bundler reduces the need for corrugated material and achieves 1,000 bottle per minute throughputs with over 98% efficiency, using a new B&R automation platform. User friendly screen helps operators and technicians access information to maximize uptime.

December 3, 2012

Weighing/combination scales

Dura-Pack scales deliver uncompromising value

Dura-Pack’s family of net linear scales uses a new B&R automation platform that retains the functionalities of a high end control system with the economies of a micro PLC -- while simplifying operation, adding remote connectivity and diagnostics, and replacing pneumatics with precise stepper/servo control.

December 3, 2012

Secondary Packaging

Package Machinery servo overwrapper interacts with operator

Package Machinery Company exhibited a 6-axis servo-driven overwrapper with a B&R control system that includes a 10-inch touch panel providing operational controls, safety, diagnostics, temperature, changeover videos, status, and even a complete machine manual.

December 3, 2012

Coding, Printing & Labeling

Z-Italia roll-fed labeler is first with safe motion

Z-Italia believes theirs is the only existing labeling machine featuring safe motion, a unique capability provided by B&R networked safety technology. The roll-fed rotary labeler also features ergonomic reel loading, servo unwind for optimum tension control, and the ability to run a wide range of labeling materials. A linear tensioner provides constant control regardless of speed or material characteristics. Servo control of turret rotation eliminates 50% of wear-prone mechanical components, therefore reducing maintenance by 50% compared to non-servo designs.

December 3, 2012

Controls & Machine Components

Advanced packaging technologies highlight the show

At a sold-out PACK EXPO show in Chicago, automated packaging technologies were definitely the star of the show, as the video reports in this issue of Automation Strategies attest.

December 3, 2012

Converting equipment

A 500-mL PET bottle weighing just 8.9 g

At the Aoki booth a single-stage ISBM machine was running a 500-mL PET bottle weighing just 8.9 g, and the cycle time was just 8.75 seconds.

December 3, 2012

Coding, Printing & Labeling

Four common pitfalls to avoid on label machinery projects

Remember these bits of advice on container dimensions and production requirements when embarking on a labeling machinery project.

December 3, 2012

Feeding/inserting/unscrambling

Controller on delta-style robot brings the benefits of standardization

Gemini 4 controller on Bosch Packaging’s delta-style robot brings a whole new level of standardization to the controls operating both the robot itself and the flow wrapper that it feeds into.

December 3, 2012

Coding, Printing & Labeling

Combisteam: small footprint plus energy savings

The Combisteam from Sleever International puts shrink sleeve label application and the shrink tunnel into one compact frame capable of handling 500 containers/min and of reducing energy costs significantly.

November 30, 2012

Coding, Printing & Labeling

Tamp labeler does cases at 25/min

Part of a total system from EPI, this case labeler uses a thermal transfer printer adapted to a case taper to apply labels to cases at 25 cases/min.

November 30, 2012

Controls & Machine Components

Pack Expo 2012: Motion Control Options for Machine Builders

The Simotion family comes in three form factors: Simotion D, drive-based package; Simotion P, micro-box option; and a PLC unit. (Approximate Time - 1:52)

November 30, 2012