PackagingTechnology Showcase

PACK EXPO Las Vegas hits the jackpot with best show yet

PackExpo_sl1 — Key Technology introduced the all new VERYX digital sorting platform, a suite of belt-fed and chute-fed sorters that share a common user interface.

PackExpo_sl2 — Heat and Control, Inc., Hayward, Calif., displayed a range of equipment for weighing, packaging, product inspection, seasoning application, controls and food processing.

PackExpo_sl3 — Graco highlighted its new LineSite remote monitoring solution and InvisiPac GM100 Plug-Free hot melt applicator, shown here, which is ideal for original equipment manufacturers and end user packaging equipment for the food and beverage industry.

PackExpo_sl4 — JLS Automation launched the Osprey CL automatic chub loader, which handles chub packs ranging from 2- to 4.5-inch diameter, 4- to 24-inch length and weights from 8 ounces up to 10 pounds on applications such as ground beef, turkey, chicken, pork or sausage, cookie dough, sauerkraut, chili, liver sausage, polenta, meatloaf and more.

PackExpo_sl5 — Presto Products launched a new zipper tape to help manufacturers of individual-quick frozen (IQF) foods improve line efficiencies.

PackExpo_sl6 — NJM Packaging redesigned the beltorque high-speed capper to include a new servo-driven, patent-pending cap elevator-feeder.

PackExpo_sl7 — Eagle Product Inspection showcased its inline inspection technology and launched a number of cutting-edge x-ray inspection machines, including the new-to-market Eagle FA3/M inline fat measurement and contaminant detection machine, which provides automated quality checks on fat analysis and contaminant detection of loose meat products.

PackExpo_sl8 — Butler Automatic announced its new SP3HSL Series automatic film splicer, an automatic web splicing system for printed sleeve films for consumer packaged goods.

PackExpo_sl9 — tna presented complete turnkey system solutions, including the tna robag FX 3ci, a compact, easy-to-clean machine designed to package a wide range of applications at rapid speeds.

PackExpo_sl10 — METTLER TOLEDO exhibited a variety of its checkweighing, metal detection, x-ray and vision inspection equipment with enhanced connectivity capabilities.

PackExpo_sl11 — Standard-Knapp featured its flexible 298 Tritium trayshink packer, which is a single machine capable of tray, pad and unsupported pack styles ideal for co-packers.

PackExpo_sl12 — Agr International exhibited the Process Pilot automated blowmolder management system in conjunction with the Pilot Profiler system interface with the re-heat stretch blowmolder, as seen here, which provides precise material thickness distribution management and defect detection for PET bottles.

PackExpo_sl13 — Bradman Lake debuted the FT120 horizontal form-fill-seal flow wrapping machine for a wide range of products, formats and sizes.

PackExpo_sl14 — Bosch Packaging Technology presented several technologies, including the 6400-S servo inline machine for filling liquid, viscous and various other food types into pre-formed cups, which stemmed from its most recently acquired company, Osgood Industries Inc.

PackExpo_sl15 — Motion Controls Robotics partnered with Combi Packaging Systems to launch a new automated case packing product called the Ergobot, an automated version of Combi's Ergopack ergonomic hand packing station.

PackExpo_sl16 — Shurtape introduced the ShurSEAL solution with folded-edge technology to eliminate the need to open cartons with a knife.

PackExpo_sl17 — The new Spirex spiral conveyor from Nercon provides a compact solution to elevate or lower a variety of products in a production line.

PackExpo_sl18 — Kluber Lubrication showcased its food-grade lubricants.

PackExpo_sl19 — Schneider Packaging exhibited its gable top case packer, a solid-body, stainless-steel case packer that provides optimum sanitation and consistent performance.

PackExpo_sl20 — Interroll showcased a lineup of state-of-the-art conveyor technologies and conveyor rollers that offer optimized protection against dirt and dust, low noise level and run-out tolerances and smooth surfaces for easy cleaning.

PackExpo_sl21 — Douglas Machine showcased the Axiom IM horizontal case/tray packing machine, which provides gentle product handling at speeds up to 40 cases per minute with pack-pattern flexibility.

PackExpo_sl22 — MGS Machine introduced the Vortex, a new high-speed tray denester that separates trays, clamshells, flanged lids, tubs and buckets from a nested stack and accurately places them, ready for filling, on a flighted or flat-belt conveyor at speeds up to 300 per minute.

PackExpo_sl23 — Automated Packaging Systems introduced the Autobag850S, which marries state-of-the-art engineering and superior ergonomics to create a mail order fulfillment system with a small footprint.

PackExpo_sl24 — Carolina Color introduced new G3 color pellets for plastic packaging.

PackExpo_sl25 — Amcor debuted AmLite, which utilizes the company's extensive experience in high-barrier coating and film extrusion to create a lightweight, transparent material that offers excellent product protection, a strong seal and improved packaging appearance.

PackExpo_sl26 — PolyOne highlighted its new aluminum cap liner technology, GLS Versaflex PKG 4190 thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), which meets the need for preserving taste and aroma of sensitive beverages and requires lower processing temperatures than traditional TPEs.

PackExpo_sl27 — Buckhorn launched new distribution pallets, including a new 62x48-inch extended length bulk box, offering maximum trailer cube utilization and allowing more containers to fit in a 53-foot trailer.

PackExpo_sl28 — Intelligrated introduced upgrades to the Alvey 890i and 891i palletizers, which include technological advancements that make the machines easier to operate and maintain, improve safety and offer options to increase capacity.

PackExpo_sl29 — Kliklok-Woodman exhibited the new Certiwrap Elite wrap-around cartoner, designed to wrap a wide variety of tubs, trays, cups and other rigid containers arranged singly or in multiples-even stacked-in a carton at speeds up to 200 cpm.

PackExpo_sl30 — The OML^H1 BF SERIES open-mouth bagging system from Premier Tech Cronos is specially designed for the hygienic bagging of powdery bulk materials such as milk powder, lactose powders and more.

PackExpo_sl31 — Meritech introduced a new boot sanitizing pan incorporated into the CleanTech 2000SB or 4000SB automated handwashing system to allow for the sanitizing of boots or street shoes with a consistent 800-1,000 PPM of sanitizing solution during the entirety of the hand wash cycle.

PackExpo_sl32 — Clear Lam Packaging partnered with Triangle Package Machinery to unveil a new Triangle PrimaPak continuous motion vertical bagging machine for cheese, produce and more.

PackExpo_sl33 — Mondi North America introduced three new IPN Equipment B.V. spout insertion machines, equipped with a robotic case pack unit and a 100% in-line IR inspection system.

PackExpo_sl34 — Making its North American tradeshow debut is the AX8000 servo drive system from Beckhoff Automation, Savage, Mich., which features a highly modular design and various power supply modules, single and dual-axis modules and a capacitor module.

PackExpo_sl35 — JBT constructed a line that features the Frigoscandia ADVANTEC impingement freezer, the TVI GMS 500 single-cut slicer and the DSI 844 waterjet portioning system to provide an automated full-line solution.

PackExpo_sl36 — Food and beverage manufacturers can now achieve high-end graphics on a wider range of label media with an ink technology enhancement launched by Epson America.

PackExpo_sl37 — A&D Inspection introduced the AD-4961 Series checkweigher, which features a newly designed digital load cell and an ultra-high-speed processing module to deliver precision weighing and measurement at .08 g.

PackExpo_sl38 — Multi-Conveyor built a mild steel-constructed conveyor equipped with a camera/vision system that enlarges or shrinks an area of rejection, and detects and rejects any tubes that are missing a nozzle altogether.

PackExpo_sl39 — Printpack debuted a proprietary printing process that allows for photochromic ink to be hidden within standard graphics and remain invisible until exposed to sunlight.

PackExpo_sl40 — Atlas Copco showcased the new GHS VSD+ range of rotary screw vacuum pumps with variable speed drive, which are variable speed drive oil-injected screw vacuum systems said to reduce energy usage by up to 50%.

PackExpo_sl41 — Hitachi America launched the UX Series continuous inkjet printer, which incorporates the same low-pressure ink return system used in previous Hitachi series printers to effectively reduce air mixing with ink, thus minimizing solvent evaporation.

PackExpo_sl42 — A-B-C Packaging introduced the M236 case sealer, designed to deliver performance to 15-25 cpm lines.

As PACK EXPO Las Vegas celebrated its 20th anniversary at this year’s show, owner and producer PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, Reston, Va., served up its largest Las Vegas event to date, with a 4% increase in attendance over the record PACK EXPO Las Vegas set in 2013.

This year, PACK EXPO Las Vegas, which took place Sept. 28-30 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, and Pharma EXPO, produced in partnership by PMMI and the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE), Tampa, Fla., spanned over 800,000 net square feet of exhibit space and hosted over 2,000 exhibitors and 30,000 attendees from more than 40 vertical markets.

Here’s a rundown of newly introduced equipment, materials, technologies and solutions introduced at the show.

DIGITAL SORTING PLATFORM

Key Technology, Walla Walla, Wash., introduced the all new VERYX digital sorting platform, a suite of belt-fed and chute-fed sorters that share a common user interface, ideal for sorting fresh, frozen and dried vegetables and fruits, processed potato products and more.

With unprecedented full object surface coverage, multi-sensor data fusion and high-resolution cameras and laser sensors, VERYX achieves new levels of detection and discrimination of foreign material and product defects. Advanced auto-learn, self-adjusting capabilities and recipe-driven operation offer extreme ease-of-use and an intuitive user experience.

The platform includes widths ranging from 700-2,100 mm for belt-fed and 700-1,400 mm for chute-fed configurations. On belt-fed systems, the bottom cameras are positioned away from product splatter to ensure the lower sensor windows are not obstructed by buildup over time. Also, a multi-sensor fusion is situated at the pixel level. This advanced feature integrates the input from multiple cameras and lasers in relation to each image pixel. Fusing sensor data at a pixel level maximizes the signal contrast for enhanced differentiation between good and bad objects to more accurately identify and remove subtle product defects and challenging FM types.

With up to 4 channels of information from cameras and up to 8 channels of information from the laser scanner, combined with advanced LED lighting, this product separation/ejection system can be tailored to each product application, with the distance between nozzles and the power of the valves varying for optimal management of the sort streams.

Smart features such as auto-learning, self-adjustment algorithms, predictive system diagnostics, smart alarms, FMAlert and Sort-to-Grade enable VERYX to operate virtually unattended during normal production. VERYX is also equipped with an intuitive new user interface that provides different views to users of various levels, depending on their needs. Recipe-driven operation ensures customers can count on consistent performance day in, day out, including running the same product across multiple sorters in different lines or locations.

VERYX also features Key’s information analytics, a set of data acquisition and connectivity capabilities that allow users to gather a broad range of product and operational data from the sorter.

Key Technology, Inc.
509-529-2161
www.key.net

WEIGHING, PACKAGING, PRODUCT INSPECTION, SEASONING APPLICATION INNOVATIONS

Heat and Control, Inc., Hayward, Calif., displayed a range of equipment for weighing, packaging, product inspection, seasoning application, controls and food processing.

For weighing, it exhibited the Ishida CCW-RV-214W-1S/70-WP-OF waterproof open frame weigher with the rotary salad sweeper infeed system, as well as the Ishida CCW-RV-214W-1S/005-L1 Micro small target weigher, Ishida CCW-RVE-214W-1S/30-WP waterproof weigher and the Ishida CCW-SE-214-CTS economy weigher.

For packaging, it displayed the Ishida QX-775 Flex tray sealer and Ishida Flexible Strip Pack Applicator.

The Ishida IX-G2-4027 dual sensor X-ray inspection system, Ishida DACS-G-S015-24-SS-M checkweigher with integrated CEIA metal detector and RE-G-015-J3-SS rejector showcased product inspection of refrigerated and frozen foods. Other product inspection machinery on display included CEIA THS/RB with SL21E Slim Line metal detector, Ishida DACS-G-060-45-CR-1 checkweigher, CEIA THS/RB with SLMS21 Slim Line metal detector, CEIA THS/MS21 multi-spectrum metal detector on MBB conveyor, CEIA THS/FFV21-S-150 metal detector for powder and granular products and CEIA THS/PLVMS21-75 metal detector for pumped meat products.

For conveying, seasoning application and food processing, Heat and Control showcased the FastBack conveyor system with revolution mid-gates, control and information systems display, complete food processing systems display and a 2-stage coating system from Spray Dynamics, which Heat and Control acquired in November 2011.

Heat and Control, Inc.
800-227-5980
www.heatandcontrol.com

HOT MELT APPLICATOR, REMOTE MONITORING SOLUTION

Graco, North Canton, Ohio, highlighted its new InvisiPac GM100 Plug-Free hot melt applicator and LineSite remote monitoring solution.

The GM100 fits into tight spaces and mounts into existing packaging lines currently using competitive alternatives. Ideal for original equipment manufacturers (OEM) and end user packaging equipment for the food and beverage industry, the GM100 warms up in less than 10 minutes, and operates at up to 10,000 cycles per minute. Plus, this applicator features an innovative, patent-pending module tip filter that eliminates nozzle plugging to guarantee more uptime.

Meanwhile, LineSite boosts production in packaging industry applications through remote system monitoring. Designed for use with the InvisiPac system, LineSite lets users take control of hot melt dispensing equipment, keeping them in touch with operations by viewing the status of hot melt machines on the plant floor from a smartphone, tablet or computer. With LineSite, operators can observe real-time performance and system parameters such as temperatures, critical performance metrics, adhesive usage and machine diagnostics. Email notifications are sent when alarms or system setup changes occur, allowing users to respond immediately to potential faults and diagnose them remotely.

Graco
612-623-6000
www.graco.com

AUTOMATIC CHUB LOADER

JLS Automation, York, Pa., launched the Osprey CL automatic chub loader, which features single or dual ABB IRB 360 FlexPicker robots, boasts a small footprint and produces speeds ranging from 125-200 chubs per minute, depending on chub size, weight and pack pattern.

The CL utilizes the full capabilities of the ABB robot(s) to remove complexities found in other pick-and-place, gantry and wrap-around case packers. Features include:

Simple product handling. Use of special V-TRACK pick conveyor to eliminate rolling during picking.
Simple end-of-arm tooling. Lightweight, changes quickly without tools, cleans easily and features Vacuum On Board, which facilitates high-speed vacuum generation without external pump or blower.
Simple case handling. Flight-free conveyor design allows continuous motion case transport without constant start/stop.
High sanitary design. Stainless-steel round tube construction, continuous welds, NEMA 4X rating.
Modular system design. Case packing, erecting and sealing are all decoupled, allowing for maximum system flexibility.
Extremely fast changeovers. Simply change a recipe, adjust the case guide rails and change the end-of-arm tool.

The CL handles chub packs ranging from 2- to 4.5-inch diameter, 4- to 24-inch length and weights from 8 ounces up to 10 pounds. Applications include ground beef, turkey, chicken, pork or sausage, cookie dough, sauerkraut, chili, liver sausage, polenta, meatloaf and more.

JLS Automation
717-505-3800
www.jlsautomation.com

ZIPPER TAPE FOR IQF FOODS

Presto Products Co., Appleton, Wis., launched a new zipper tape to help manufacturers of individual-quick frozen (IQF) foods improve line efficiencies. Featuring resealable, press-to-close technology, this zipper tape is specially designed for unsupported poly-bag applications on vertical form-fill-seal machinery. The new zipper tape offers a scored tear-off option for improved barrier protection during shipping. Created with an extruded die-line, this tear-off option better protects against particles and potential contaminants.

Presto also showcased its recently launched CHILD-GUARD and Click ‘N Lock innovations in addition to its full range of Slid-Rite and Fresh-Lock offerings. The CHILD-GUARD child-resistant slider meets the standards required for listing on the ASTM D3475 index, allowing regulated brand owners to leverage flexible packaging with a lighter-weight and more compact alternative to rigid formats. To reassure consumers of a secure seal, the Click ‘N Lock PTC double zipper delivers pronounced audible and tactile cues that can be heard and felt when closing the package for a multi-sensory user experience.

Presto Products Co.
800-558-3525
www.prestoproducts.com

HIGH-SPEED CAPPER

NJM Packaging, Lebanon, Ohio, introduced the redesigned beltorque high-speed capper, equipped with a new servo-driven, patent-pending cap elevator-feeder, which features adjustable cleats and indexes on demand.

The in-line beltorque caps up to 300 bottles per minute with simple mechanics, fast changeovers and low maintenance.

This 2-station capper-torquer uses two pairs of belts to gently rotate and tighten caps. Using patented technology, one drive synchronizes the linear displacement speed of the container with the rotating speed of the closure, even when the cap stops turning. This design maximizes product quality by eliminating damage to the cap knurling and cap finish. It also minimizes slippage to achieve more consistent torque values, which prevents leakers and reduces rework associated with out-of-tolerance rejects.

The beltorque capper handles round, oval, square and rectangular bottles made of plastic or glass from 2 to 12 inches in height and from 0.5 to 7 inches in diameter. Beltorque can orient and place challenging flip-top screw caps as well as gear-shaped and rubberized arthritis screw caps, snap-caps and traditional caps, without damaging the cap surface.

An optional torque reader measures applied torque and triggers a reject device to remove capped bottles that are under and over the thresholds set for any given cap. This unique feature displays the applied torque of each capped bottle and the history of the last 30 containers on the touchscreen control panel. An optional cap inspection station identifies skewed or missing caps, missing foil and fallen bottles and triggers the reject device.

NJM Packaging
800-432-2990
www.njmpackaging.com

The NFRA Convention offers the opportunity to meet with the entire industry in one place. Product showcasing and sponsorship opportunities put your brand or new product front and center.

Come to experience innovative solutions in action, explore educational sessions, problem-solve in real time and enjoy networking and idea-sharing across industries.

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