Robotics

Schneider Electric ELAU Packaging Solutions: Robotic software library

Elau has released its IEC-conforming robotic software object library for its PacDrive automation system. This approach allows the controller running the rest of the packaging process to control multiple robot arms as modules in the control software program.

January 31, 2006

Secondary Packaging: Page 210

Secondary Packaging

Shrink wrapping developments and trends

Five developments are cited including for meat, cheese, and ready-made foods.

January 31, 2006

Secondary Packaging

Midwest Poultry: Random case sealer for egg cartons

The private-label egg packer Midwest Poultry, North Manchester, IN, relies on a Marq Model HPR random top-and-bottom case sealer that accepts the total outflow from more than a dozen production lines. It operates at rates of 12-18 cases/min. A light curtain at the infeed identifies the case size via its height. The sealer\'s servo-driven assembly adjusts quickly and accurately to various case heights.

December 31, 2005

Secondary Packaging

Brenton acquires Robocaser product line

Pro Mach's Brenton Engineering div. acquired the Robocaser product line from Mettler-Toledo Hi-Speed, Inc.

December 31, 2005

Blisters/clamshells/skin packaging

Item-level ePedigree implementation

An item-level serialized RFID solution with "parent-child" association software is rolling out with five pharma pilots including for Pfizer's Viagra.

December 31, 2005

Secondary Packaging

Flexible case sealers

Pearson offers its new line of case sealers including two base models, the CS25 and the CS40. Both models can be configured to fit all sealing needs.

December 31, 2005

Cartoning

Software, servos, and controller breed a new kind of cartoner

Carton forming, filling, and sealing are all integrated in a single unit that occupies minimal space on the factory floor.

December 31, 2005

Secondary Packaging

Companies

Leister Process Technologies, Sarnen, Switzerland, formed a new master distribution network for the United States. The U.S. market will be serviced by the following factory-trained sales and service centers: Assembly Supplies Co., western region; Heely-Brown Co., southeast region; Hy-Tech Products, midwest; and Malcom Co., northeast region.

December 31, 2005

Conveying & accumulation

Simpler is better

Simplified wiring requirements and a reduction in components needing to be inventoried are key gains yielded by this move toward standardization.

November 30, 2005

Cartoning

Pondering the puzzle

Facing a Pandora’s box of global issues, and technological developments such as advanced machine controls and RFID, packagers of healthcare products forecast the future.

November 30, 2005

Conveying & accumulation

Information solves wine bottling problems

It takes more than engineering skill to solve some packaging manufacturing problems. People skills help, too.

November 30, 2005

Cartoning

Are you ready for lean design?

Opening presenter at PMMI’s annual meeting, ELAU NA president Christopher Zei described how packaging machine OEMs can reduce Total Cost to Develop along with packagers’ TCO.

October 31, 2005

Secondary Packaging

Coors seeks OEMs who 'get it'

In a recent conversation with Doug Gray, engineering project manager at Coors, on the subject of automation technology, a number of issues and concerns about packaging machinery automation and integration surfaced.

October 31, 2005