Controls & Machine Components

Rockwell Automation: High-power motor

The new Allen-Bradley High-Power Kinetix motors from Rockwell Automation combine the efficiency of simple induction motors with the precision of servo motor technology.

May 8, 2007

Trends: Page 548

Controls & Machine Components

Watlow: Safety-limited controller

Watlow’s new EHG SL10 process controller and safety limit, an integrated/adjustable, agency-recognized safety limit and temperature controller all-in-one system is now available with several heater component choices for efficient lower amperage packaging systems.

May 8, 2007

Controls & Machine Components

Communications protocol

IMS offers the new CANopen MDrivePlus™ products, which combine a technically advanced, highly integrated microstepping driver and motion controller with NEMA 17, 23, and 34 high-torque brushless DC motors and NEMA 34 and 42 brushless AC motors.

May 8, 2007

Controls & Machine Components

Beckhoff Automation: Platform-independent communication

Beckhoff Automation offers its OPC UA in TwinCAT software—one of the first to implement the new OPC UA specification, company says.

May 8, 2007

Controls & Machine Components

Fluid power catalog

Clippard Instrument Laboratory has released its new 388-page, full-line catalog, which includes features, specs, technical drawings, color photos, and application highlights throughout.

May 8, 2007

Controls & Machine Components

Everett Graphics, Inc: Artisan chocolate bars on-the-go in sleeve-pouches

Recchiuti chocolate bars debuted in February 2007 in innovative, pouch-like sleeve packs that allow consumers to break off a few pieces and tuck the rest of the bar back into an elegant “sleeve-pouch” for safekeeping for carrying and travel.

May 7, 2007

Contract Packaging

Hi-Res printing--it doesn't have to be computer science

Squid Ink’s PZ Pilot Plus is designed for people who run packaging lines, not computers. Watch this short informative video for more.

May 1, 2007

Controls & Machine Components

Why demographics will drive your packaging automation

Don't wait for a workforce crisis to develop before you consider the effect of automation on your employees.

April 24, 2007

Flexible packaging

Co-packing industry assesses opportunities and challenges

The contract packaging industry has no shortage of opportunities and challenges, and some of them were discussed formally and informally at the Contract Packaging Association’s annual meeting, which concluded April 2 in Tucson, AZ. First, the opportunities. One of the hottest segments of contract packaging today is pharmaceutical products, and it’s promising even more growth for co-packers with the right facilities, capabilities, and certification approvals. Speaking to association members, Bill Sharpless said the $400 billion pharma industry is growing at 3% annually. Sharpless is marketing director of pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and medical packaging at Alcoa Flexible Packaging.

April 17, 2007

Contract Packaging

Modified Packaging Summit spotlights contract packaging

Changes will integrate former Packaging Services Expo and Containers & Materials Expo. Outsourcing will be one focal point of this year’s conference sessions.

April 12, 2007

Contract Packaging

Study identifies product damage risks of poor unit load wrappings

Losses during transport could cost CPGs $388 million annually. Closely examining a load unitization may yield answers, with stretch hoods being one possible solution.

April 12, 2007

Contract Packaging

J Lieb Foods expands services with purchase of Welch's Plant

Ready-to-operate facility in Kennewick, WA, triples the company’s capacity and adds flexibility in co-packaging services to Pacific Northwest.

April 12, 2007

Contract Packaging

Amenities put the TLC in hospitality

It’s a $400 million industry for motels through five-star resorts. The flexibility needed to package in-room ‘freebies’ provides insights into contract packagers’ work.

April 12, 2007