Leaders (UNIVERSAL TAXONOMY PW): Page 1340

Controls & Machine Components

Additional stepper drives

The STAC6 family of High Performance Stepper Drives from Applied Motion Products is now available in 220 VAC models.

April 5, 2007

Controls & Machine Components

Rockwell Automation: Additional power ranges

The high precision and advanced control capabilities of Kinetix servo technology are now available in lower power ranges with the new Allen-Bradley Kinetix 2000 servo drives from Rockwell Automation.

April 5, 2007

Controls & Machine Components

Increased drive flexibility

AC Technology has released communication modules for the SMVector Drive, which has a power range to 25 Hp and includes 4 modes of operation (V/Hz, Enhanced V/Hz, Vector Speed, and Torque).

April 5, 2007

Controls & Machine Components

Compact microstepping driver

Measuring just 5 cu”, the extremely compact new MForce MicroDrive from Intelligent Motor Systems delivers performance and smoothness using the same technology as the M3000-based MDrivePlus product line.

April 4, 2007

Containers

Automated multipacking

Primary packaging of Bifi snacks isn’t the only operation that has been upgraded through automation at Unilever’s Ansbach plant. Multipacking of unit packs into multipacks also took a step forward about a year ago when a Model CP5.14.14/S vertical form/fill/seal system from Hastamat (www.hastamat.com) was installed.

April 4, 2007

Blisters/clamshells/thermoforming materials

Unilever gets a boost from Robotics

Quick-change versatility and a boost in throughput are two of the benefits gained since a four-robot packaging cell was installed at this Unilever meat plant in Germany.

April 4, 2007

Flexibles

Air cushioning brightens Sunrise Medical's shipments

Shipments of the company’s Quickie-brand wheelchairs now arrive undamaged. Sunrise packaging personnel also appreciate the new protective cushioning.

April 4, 2007

Blisters/clamshells/thermoforming materials

Bottle compartments protect tablet nutrients

Many essential nutrients are fragile and degrade quickly when exposed to light and oxygen. Emmi Switzerland AG believes it has found an answer to this challenge. Packaging for its Lacto Tab brand, distributed in Switzerland, provides these sensitive ingredients in tablet form and seals them in individual blister compartments in the bottle top, where they are separated from the liquid. With this approach, the nutrients receive barrier protection and are precisely dosed into the beverage immediately before ingestion.

April 4, 2007

Flexibles

Slimmer sun-block bottle is easier to grip

In Brazil, Schering-Plough has introduced Coppertone Sun Block for Kids with a flip-top closure and a ribbed, slimmer waist. These features combine to make the 15-mL bottle easier for seniors and kids with moist hands to grip and operate using one hand. The bottle improves on earlier editions by discarding polyvinyl chloride shrink film, which eliminates the costs of applying the film in production.

April 4, 2007

Blisters/clamshells/thermoforming materials

Inventive pack marries form, function in household goods

Innovative package design gives Oxi Clean Toss-N-Go an entirely different look in household cleaning products. A thermoformed polyvinyl chloride clamshell inside a conical paperboard sleeve, all produced by Display Pack (www.displaypack.com), bring together critical function and eye-catching form. The package forms a liquid-tight seal, allowing it to double as the mold for the detergent ball inside the sleeve.

April 4, 2007

Blisters/clamshells/thermoforming materials

Package doubles as razor's carrying case

Schick brings a new dimension to convenience in the shaving aisle for its Quattro for Women Go! brand. On-the-go women can take this four-bladed razor with metal handle anywhere, as it comes in an injection-molded clear, reusable travel case that is stylishly secured by a printed shrink-sleeve label and a header card. By making the package the carrying case, Schick eliminates the need to discard the polyvinyl chloride blister upon opening the package for the first time, a common ritual with other razors.

April 4, 2007

Blisters/clamshells/thermoforming materials

Storage case wins Best of Show

Bic won Best of Show honors at the Institute of Packaging Professionals’ (IoPP) 2006 AmeriStar competition for bringing originality to the permanent marker segment. The Bic Mark-it variety pack of markers comes in a reusable bi-fold clamshell from SCA Consumer Packaging (www.scapackaging.alloyd.com). The clamshell acts as a reusable storage case that draws attention to all 36 markers, providing a discernable new look on retail shelves.

April 4, 2007