Controls & Machine Components

Beckhoff Automation: Machine-mount I/O accessories

Beckhoff introduces new ZK1020 IP-Link Bridge connectors and ZS5300 I/O mounting rails. These accessories are designed to simplify the installation of Beckhoff Fieldbus Box I/O.

January 31, 2006

Trends: Page 580

Controls & Machine Components

Festo Corporation: Plug-in valve terminal

Festo introduces its VTSA plug-in style valve series. VTSA is a highly modular valve system using plug-in sub-base style valves. The Type 44 valve terminal is easy to assemble or to modify.

January 31, 2006

Controls & Machine Components

B&R Industrial Automation: Real-time communication via Ethernet

With ACOPOS, B&R Industrial Automation offers bus-capable servo drives for machine manufacturing in the power range from 400 W to 64 kW. With the Ethernet Powerlink network connection, it is possible to operate up to 240 axes on one line using the same network.

January 31, 2006

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

Controls & Machine Components

Hershey reveals new direction on controls

“We invested heavily in controls technology, but in the last few years we’ve changed directions because in too many cases the technologies we implemented were complicating, not simplifying, our packaging operations.”

January 31, 2006

Filling/capping, liquid & viscous

Entering the realm of robotics

John Burleson, president and CEO of English Mountain Spring Water of Dandridge, TN, talks about robotics and other new developments in the world of packaging machinery.

January 31, 2006

Blisters/clamshells/skin packaging

Item-level ePedigree

An item-level serialized RFID solution with “parent-child” association software is rolling out with five pharmaceutical applications including Pfizer’s Viagra.

January 31, 2006

Conveying & accumulation

Pallet conveyor sheds clutch-and-chain connections

Zero-pressure pallet accumulation conveyor offers 51¼4” elevation and simplified field wiring as zone-control boxes replace clutches and chains.

January 31, 2006

Controls & Machine Components

Embracing the promise of sustainable packaging (sidebar)

Microsoft Moves Toward Sustainability

January 31, 2006

Controls & Machine Components

Packagers give OEMs more say in controls

Trend away from rigid control specifications gives OEMs freedom to work with the best control platform for their design, fosters innovation and cost savings.

January 31, 2006

Sustainability

Five ways to better ink-jet printing

Inks are evolving as substrates, industry regulations, and customer demands change.

January 31, 2006

Controls & Machine Components

Now hear this: Packaging World launches podcast

You can now hear the latest packaging developments directly from our editors on PackCast, our new podcast.

January 31, 2006

Controls & Machine Components

ELAU introduces new servomotor family optimized for packaging machinery

New technology makes PacDrive™ SH Series smaller, quieter, smoother running, longer life, more cost effective and powerful.

January 31, 2006