Next-gen cartoning at interpack

We start with what Italy's CAMA Group calls its Breakthrough Generation of machines, specifically the CL 175 cartoner. An alternative to standard top- or side-loading cartoners, it's a pitchless machine powered by a modular, scalable linear motor system that allows for independent control of multiple movers on straight or curvilinear paths. The linear motor is Rockwell's iTrack, which eliminates chains, belts, and gears and replaces them with simple, effective software profiles that redefine speed and flexibility in automation applications. In addition to greatly increased flexibility, the machine has a remarkably small footprint of approximately 13 x 8 ft. By Rockwell's calculations, a more traditional cartoner with comparable capabilities that did not deploy a linear servo motor might have a footprint of 26 x 11.5 ft. Worth noting is that adhesive application on the CL 175 shown at interpack was just as next-gen as the machine's linear servo motor, as CAMA opted for Nordson's Freedom system, a tankless heat-on-demand concept that reduces energy consumption and maintenance-related downtime caused by charred hot melt.