Controls & Machine Components

Packaging trails the networked future

An astonishing 71% of respondents to an exclusive PW survey report that few or none of their packaging lines are networked. Packagers identify top reasons for wanting packaging-line networks and the major obstacles that hold them back.

August 31, 2001

Controls & Machine Components: Page 287

Controls & Machine Components

Blue Diamond networks coders

Networking multiple coders to a host PC saves time and provides flexibility for nut cooperative Blue Diamond Growers.

August 31, 2001

Flexible packaging

Packaging technologies blossom at seed company

Filling of plant seeds into cans and pouches sold to commercial growers took a big step forward when Seminis built a new plant. Front-and-back labeling systems are standouts.

August 31, 2001

Conveying & accumulation

Furman polishes up brightstock packing

Furman Foods increases output with a new depalletizer, tray packer, tray stacker, film wrapper, and shrink tunnel. Conveyors assist flow control to keep things running smoothly. See in-plant video

August 31, 2001

Controls & Machine Components

OMAC releases position papers, solicits feedback

After 15 months of studying how best to remedy the complexity that results from proliferation of packaging machine controls, the OMAC Motion for Packaging Initiative working group has issued a series of position papers documenting its recommendations. See them at http://omac.packworld.com.

August 31, 2001

Controls & Machine Components

Vaccon Company, Inc: Silencers

Vaccon (Medfield, MA) offers a line of silencers that can be used on all pneumatic devices and in any facility operating equipment that uses compressed air.

July 31, 2001

Controls & Machine Components

Rockwell Automation: Rockwell Automation: Glossary of motor terms

Rockwell Automation (Milwaukee, WI) has compiled a glossary of motor terminology. Definitions of axial thrust, capacitor, and 216 other terms provide a refresher for experienced motor users and a primer for beginners.

July 31, 2001

Controls & Machine Components

Roberts PolyPro: Roberts PolyPro: Spray bottle carrier

Roberts PolyPro (Charlotte, NC) introduces the PolyLift spray bottle carriers, available in narrow-center and wide-center versions. Bottle carrier is available in any Pantone color to match color graphics and has ample space for UPC codes/stickers.

July 31, 2001

Controls & Machine Components

PSI: PSI: Direct-coupled pumps

Bosch Automation Technology (Racine, WI) has introduced VPV 16-80cc variable-displacement vane pumps in a direct-coupled pump-to-motor arrangement. The pumps and motors use hardened spline technology for long life and are rated for 3ꯠ psi continuous service.

July 31, 2001

Controls & Machine Components

Brecoflex Co., L.L.C.: Timing belts and pulleys

High-precision steel and Kevlar® reinforced timing belts from Brecoflex (Eatontown, NJ) come with a complete assortment of matching pulleys, clamps, tensioners, and slider beds.

July 31, 2001

Controls & Machine Components

Parker Hannifin Corporation: Electric cylinder

The Automation Actuator Div. of Parker Hannifin Corp. (Wads-worth, OH) has released a new 125-mm electric cylinder. The ETB125 electric cylinder is designed to handle thrust loads to 45ꯠ Newtons (10ꯠ lb) and stroke lengths to 2군 mm (0.0787”).

July 31, 2001

Controls & Machine Components

J. W. Winco, Inc: Leveling mounts

J.W. Winco (New Berlin, WI) has introduced a new line of snap-lock, nonskid leveling mounts called Mounts for the New Millennium. Snap-on elastomer cup is said to outperform standard flat glued-on nonskid elastomer pads, which can separate from the mount with use.

July 31, 2001

Controls & Machine Components

Technology report

“Polymer Foams—Trends in Use and Technology” is the latest industry analysis report from Rapra Technology (Shawbury, Shrewbury, Shropshire, UK).

July 31, 2001