Controls & Machine Components

Why wireless sensor networks are everywhere (almost)

It seems like it was not so long ago that there was a serious debate over whether or not wireless sensor networks — and wireless communications in general — were a technology suitable for industrial applications. If you take a look around, that debate is over.

November 7, 2012

Machinery: Page 469

Flexible packaging

Off The Shelf: Unique dispensing spout for aseptic juice pouch

Editor Pat Reynolds returned from Pack Expo 2012 with a fascinating dispensing spout that he demonstrates in this video.

November 6, 2012

Coding, Printing & Labeling

Determining when to rebuild or replace a labeling machine

Here are some warning signs that may indicate it’s time to either rebuild or recondition your labeling machine.

November 5, 2012

Contract Packaging

How to ignore sales forecasts for more profitable packaging

The key is late-stage customization, says co-packer Kevin Hall of Coregistics

November 5, 2012

Coding, Printing & Labeling

Controls technology leads to breakthrough in PTI-compliant marking

This Florida grower and shipper looked high and low for an automated method of marking palletized cases of produce. Finally, it built its own.

November 2, 2012

Material handling

Cutting through cold chain confusion

Global harmonization efforts involve complexities such as meeting country-specific regulatory needs and optimizing shipping logistics and packaging—all while focusing on the patient.

November 1, 2012

Secondary Packaging

Coffee capsules cartoned fast and flexibly

Because the world’s supermarkets want their single-serve coffee capsules packaged in such a wide variety of formats, this Italian coffee marketer opted for maximum versatility.

November 1, 2012

Controls & Machine Components

Festo Corporation: Energy-efficient electric slide series

Designed for precise pushing motion or handling of work pieces, the electric slide series EGSL from Festo for pick and place systems or planar surface and 3D gantries operates with linearity and parallelism to an accuracy of + .0006 inches (+ 0.015 mm), even with heavy loads.

November 1, 2012

Secondary Packaging

Video: New auto adjust for case sealers

Wexxar/BEL Auto Adjust technology automates major adjustments and makes for faster machine setup and changeover. Auto Adjust is now available on Wexxar/BEL’s popular BEL 290 case sealer. Booth # N-4006

October 31, 2012

Secondary Packaging

Video: New servo driven case packer saves floor space

The all-servo driven, small footprint Brenton Pro Mach-2P case packer runs at up to 25 cases per minute. This new machine offers unparalleled versatility and performance for nearly any case design.

October 31, 2012

Conveying & accumulation

Video: Integrated conveyor vision inspection and handling solutions from Shuttleworth

Shuttleworth vision systems are simple to integrate and are flexible and robust. Simulation procedures early in the design stage enable testing of multiple options to identify the product combination that best fits the application. Shuttleworth’s 360 degree approach to vision lowers risk and ensure optimum throughput. Booth # N-4010

October 31, 2012

Bag/pouch fill/seal (pre-made bags)

Video: Vertical form-fill-seal machine for wash down environments

Matrix demonstrates its Triton heavy duty wash down bagger at Pack Expo. The Triton features stainless steel 4 inch by 4 inch extreme duty welded frame, high torque servo or stepper electric Smart Jaw ST sealing system and speeds of 100 plus bags a minute. Booth # S-853

October 31, 2012

Bag/pouch fill/seal (pre-made bags)

Video: Versatile pouch packing of multiple items

Rennco demonstrates the versatility of its Vertic-L-PP (pouch pack) system. Customers with multiple items to package in a pouch will find both automatic and manual loading options for this rugged, versatile machine. Adding a weigh scale ensures filled pouches meet specifications. Booth # N-4016

October 31, 2012