Flexible packaging

Auger filler

The Servo 3000 auger filler from Spee-Dee Packaging Machinery (Sturtevant, WI) uses a patent-pending "sliding key" auger adapter shaft to remove auger screws for changeovers without tools.

June 30, 1996

Materials: Page 833

Additives, coatings & inks

Resin identifier

The Plastics Group of America (Woonsocket, RI) has introduced a unique teaching and specification tool called The ResinKit(TM). It is available to help molders and plastics specifiers establish the identity of unknown resin samples.

June 30, 1996

Blisters/clamshells/skin packaging

Skin packaging and die-cutting

The EZ-Skin/Trim Combo from Zed Industries (Vandalia, OH) combines a skin packaging line with hydraulic die-cutting in one space-saving frame. The machine operates hydraulically and does not require an external air supply.

June 30, 1996

Closures

Dispensing closure

Rexam Closures (Evansville, IN) has introduced the CC-6, a one-piece PP dispensing closure suited for food products, such as salad dressings and catsup, as well as for household cleaners.

June 30, 1996

Additives, coatings & inks

Automotive product containers

Plastic Bottle Corp. (Libertyville, IL) has introduced offset- and center-neck oblong bottles. They can be filled to either 32-oz or 1-L capacity for both international and domestic distribution.

June 30, 1996

Filling/capping, liquid & viscous

Hot probe sealing of tubes

The Tonazzi line of tube filling machines from Key Intl. (Englishtown, NJ) uses hot probe tube sealing system for closure of HDPE, LDPE, PP, laminated, and coextruded tubes.

June 30, 1996

Conveying & accumulation

Anti-stat conveyor for f/f/s

Easy-to-operate vertical form/ fill/seal machines from KEY-PAK Machines (Lebanon, NJ) have anti-static exit conveyors to permit the passage and safe grounding of static electrical charges created by sliding surfaces in the packaging of foods and beverages in metallized plastic film.

June 30, 1996

Protective/transport packaging

Corporate overview

Astro Valcour, Inc. (Glen Falls, NY) offers a complete overview of its protective packaging capabilities in its new color brochure. The brochure highlights AVI divisions that produce products such as protective foams, cushioning, shipping mailers and packaging systems for industrial packaging distributors.

June 30, 1996

Blisters/clamshells/skin packaging

Vend packs turn to new materials for new markets

Designed initially for vending sales, a new material blend permits skin-packed frozen Mini Meals for microwave heating to expand into diverse outlets.

June 30, 1996

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

Coffee packer finds Virtues in thin film

By downgauging the film by half for foodservice coffee packs, Virtues of Coffee reduces material, energy consumption and labor costs. Structure improves machinability and even puncture-resistance, while maintaining shelf life.

June 30, 1996

Coding, Printing & Labeling

NutraSweet drum labeler keeps on ticking

Pity the printer/applicator that must withstand NutraSweet Kelco's Augusta, GA, aspartame plant. The artificial sweetener used in diet soft drinks is a granular substance that creates a harsh, dusty environment that's brutal on packaging equipment.

June 30, 1996

Labels

Gatorade shrink label satisfies the need for speed

Roll-fed labeler combines adhesive and shrink application to provide the look of a shrink label, the tamper-evidence of a neck band, and the speed of a wraparound.

June 30, 1996

Coding, Printing & Labeling

Chernin's uses labels of another color

Color on-demand labeling does not necessarily have to mean dedicated color printing hardware or costly color ribbon media. Chicago-based shoe retailer Chernin's Shoes has been producing color thermal labels since January with nothing more than a standard direct-thermal label printer.

June 30, 1996