PAC brings glue application under central control

Tray packing machines are no different than all the other equipment in the packaging machinery universe. To be suitable for today’s marketplace, they must be flexible enough to offer fast and easy format changes.

Pw 6658 Power Panel1

Mecasysteme (www.meca-pac.com) of France understands this fundamental fact of the machine-building scene, and its BTM 12 tray former illustrates how the firm’s designs take ease of changeover into account.

Used primarily in the fresh produce sector, the BTM12 erects corrugated trays from flat blanks and glues them with hot melt emitted by as many as eight nozzles. Until recently, the gluing process was controlled by a module that was entirely independent from the machine’s automation system. Technical manager Philippe Ternois wanted to integrate the gluing control module into the automation system. Knowing about the integrated automation platform offered by B&R (www.br-automation.com), he decided to work with the B&R France team to find out how to integrate the gluing module and, at the same time, ensure fast, accurate, and reliable glue application.

The controls components Ternois selected for his particular application were the B&R PC-based Power Panel 220 as the central control unit together with the X2X bus and X20 IO modules. The Power Panel automation platform is a good example of what has come to be known as a “Programmable Automation Controller,” or PAC. It combines the touchscreen display of HMI, the logic of a PLC, and the motion control of a PC all in one multidisciplined controller.

Annual Outlook Report: Workforce
Hiring remains a major challenge in packaging, with 78% struggling to fill unskilled roles and 84% lacking experienced workers. As automation grows, companies must rethink hiring and training. Download the full report for key insights.
Download Now
Annual Outlook Report: Workforce
Coding, Marking, and Labeling Innovations Report
Explore our editor-curated report featuring cutting-edge coding, labeling, and RFID innovations from PACK EXPO 2024. Discover high-speed digital printing, sustainable label materials, automated labeling systems, and advanced traceability solutions that are transforming packaging operations across industries.
Access Report
Coding, Marking, and Labeling Innovations Report