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November 16, 2016
Veteran packaging journalists file updates direct from the show floor, sharing hot news on emerging packaging technologies, exclusive interviews, new product debuts, video clips and more. Get the latest report here.
Let’s talk ‘open design’ for packaging machinery
Every Pack Expo, new packaging themes/trends emerge. After three days of walking the show, one for this year is machine accessibility—for faster changeover, and easier maintenance and/or cleaning.
The 9500 vertical form-fill-seal system from Pacmac (Booth S-2451) is the poster child of machine accessibility, with doors that open in front and on both sides. The newest sanitary design launched at Pack Expo.
Addressing the need for easy-to-clean machines, Pacmac built VFFS systems with a forming tube and sealing jaws that slide out, solid 2-inch stainless steel frame (no tubing), and angled cabinets and doors.
The intermittent-motion system can run various bag formats, including pillow and zipper bags. Speed varies with bag size and product loading, but one customer is running bags of fresh carrots at about 150 bags per minute.
While easy cleaning was the impetus for the open design, it also helps reduce changeover time and facilitates servicing.
— Lisa McTigue Pierce, executive editor
Page 2: Meet the IoT cloud-connected pallet
Page 3: Multiserve reclosable FFS tub eliminates an overcap
Page 4: Manual case sealing engineered with superior consistency
Page 5: Low-cost servo motors reduce bagger changeover by 75%
Page 6: Self-driving vehicle rides outside the lines
Page 7: New blister machine changes over in 10 minutes
Page 8: Design services, serialization support
Page 9: Safe access key to bag loader’s easy operation and changeover
Page 10: Laser system makes a high-resolution impact on beverage cans
Page 11: Stretch wrapper brands pallet loads for easy identity and added security
Page 12: Rapid clean servo-driven precision filler has HMI-free wireless interface
Page 13: Unique palletizer business model puts stock in standardization
Page 14: New pallet wrapper solves 3 common complaints
Meet the IoT cloud-connected pallet
RM2ELIoT (Electronic Link to the Internet of Things) is not just a radio-frequency-enabled pallet—by the way, it does have an RFID tag as well—but one introduced during Pack Expo Intl. that provides unprecedented track-and-trace visibility into the supply chain using cellphone technology. Embedded in the pallet is AT&T’s LET-M network connection housed in a credit-card-sized form factor and powered by a battery with a 10-year life. The data collected as the pallet travels through the supply chain is available via the cloud.
With a January launch planned, the reusable pallet is suitable for pharmaceutical supply chains and other applications. Rick San Martin, executive vp, says food manufacturer interest in the technology is also high.
The technology enables the vendor to track the pallets to help reduce pallet shrink and make the high-end pallet available at a lower cost, notes David Kalan, vp marketing and business development.
The pallets are available for rent, lease or purchase.
RM2 Booth E-6785
— Rick Lingle, technical editor
Page 1: Let’s talk ‘open design’ for packaging machinery
Page 2: Meet the IoT cloud-connected pallet
Page 3: Multiserve reclosable FFS tub eliminates an overcap
Page 4: Manual case sealing engineered with superior consistency
Page 5: Low-cost servo motors reduce bagger changeover by 75%
Page 6: Self-driving vehicle rides outside the lines
Page 7: New blister machine changes over in 10 minutes
Page 8: Design services, serialization support
Page 9: Safe access key to bag loader’s easy operation and changeover
Page 10: Laser system makes a high-resolution impact on beverage cans
Page 11: Stretch wrapper brands pallet loads for easy identity and added security
Page 12: Rapid clean servo-driven precision filler has HMI-free wireless interface
Page 13: Unique palletizer business model puts stock in standardization
Page 14: New pallet wrapper solves 3 common complaints
Multiserve reclosable FFS tub eliminates an overcap
SnapLid technology extends the applicability of form-fill-seal rigid cup production beyond single-serve products.
SnapLid opens up the multiserve realm for in-line FFS cup packaging by sealing and resealing the container and eliminates the need for a separate overcap.
Containers can range from 16oz to 32oz made of either PET or PP with a corresponding heat-sealed lid.
How good is the reseal? The nonaluminum polymer lid remains leak-free when the tub is filled with water and turned upside down, says Synerlink’s Justin Stovall, key accounts manager USA.
Applicable products include pumpable foods like yogurt and dips as well as dry foods like snacks and cookies.
The system operates at 25 to 30 cycles per minute, or 10,000 to 40,000 cups per hour.
Introduced this month after years of development, SnapLid was the innovation that drew the most interest in the large Barry Wehmiller booth, according to Stovall.
SnapLid permits FFS rigid plastic packaging to compete against preformed containers. Packaging Digest also learned that the first application is expected to be in Europe.
Synerlink, Booth S-2100
— Rick Lingle, technical editor
Page 1: Let’s talk ‘open design’ for packaging machinery
Page 2: Meet the IoT cloud-connected pallet
Page 3: Multiserve reclosable FFS tub eliminates an overcap
Page 4: Manual case sealing engineered with superior consistency
Page 5: Low-cost servo motors reduce bagger changeover by 75%
Page 6: Self-driving vehicle rides outside the lines
Page 7: New blister machine changes over in 10 minutes
Page 8: Design services, serialization support
Page 9: Safe access key to bag loader’s easy operation and changeover
Page 10: Laser system makes a high-resolution impact on beverage cans
Page 11: Stretch wrapper brands pallet loads for easy identity and added security
Page 12: Rapid clean servo-driven precision filler has HMI-free wireless interface
Page 13: Unique palletizer business model puts stock in standardization
Page 14: New pallet wrapper solves 3 common complaints
Manual case sealing engineered with superior consistency
How can case-sealing tape be engineered to apply manually with the consistency and reliability akin to automatic taping systems, even by different operators? It’s a sticky problem that Shurtape Technologies LLC addressed by tapping its taping expertise in developing the Folded-Edge Hand Dispenser. Its debut at Pack Expo represents the company’s entry into the manual case sealing market.
Bradley Dunlap, product manager, packaging explains that the dispenser offers:
Improved wipe-down pressure as tape is applied, which results in deeper penetration of the tape’s adhesive into the carton to produce tamper-evident seals;
A retractable/pivoting safety blade that is shielded from accidental contact during the application process;
Visible tape length indicators provide tab length control to reduce excessive tape use.
The dispenser is available in 2-inch and 3-inch wide versions, the FE-2” and the FE-3”.
The company’s Folded-Edge Technology strengthens the tape edges to the point that CPG customers can downgauge the tape itself, for example from 1.9mil to 1.6mil, according to Dunlap.
Shurtape Technologies LLC, Booth N-4940
— Rick Lingle, technical editor
Page 1: Let’s talk ‘open design’ for packaging machinery
Page 2: Meet the IoT cloud-connected pallet
Page 3: Multiserve reclosable FFS tub eliminates an overcap
Page 4: Manual case sealing engineered with superior consistency
Page 5: Low-cost servo motors reduce bagger changeover by 75%
Page 6: Self-driving vehicle rides outside the lines
Page 7: New blister machine changes over in 10 minutes
Page 8: Design services, serialization support
Page 9: Safe access key to bag loader’s easy operation and changeover
Page 10: Laser system makes a high-resolution impact on beverage cans
Page 11: Stretch wrapper brands pallet loads for easy identity and added security
Page 12: Rapid clean servo-driven precision filler has HMI-free wireless interface
Page 13: Unique palletizer business model puts stock in standardization
Page 14: New pallet wrapper solves 3 common complaints
Low-cost servo motors reduce bagger changeover by 75%
To automate bag width changeover and severely cut changeover time, the AutoPro servo adjust feature changes five axis of motion on the Morpheus or Apollo vertical form-fill-seal machines from Matrix Packaging Machinery:
1. Printer registration;
2. Printer position;
3. Registration sensor;
4. Edge-guide sensor location;
5. Vertical seal position.
All this at a low cost because Matrix builds the servo motors itself by fitting a common DC motor with an encoder, packaged in an IP65 enclosure.
In addition to increasing output by cutting changeover downtime, packaging operations will also experience less wasted film/product/electricity/air.
AutoPro comes standard on Morpheus systems and is available at an added cost (between $10,000 and $15,000) on Apollo baggers.
Matrix Packaging Machinery, Booth S-3726
— Lisa McTigue Pierce, executive editor
Page 1: Let’s talk ‘open design’ for packaging machinery
Page 2: Meet the IoT cloud-connected pallet
Page 3: Multiserve reclosable FFS tub eliminates an overcap
Page 4: Manual case sealing engineered with superior consistency
Page 5: Low-cost servo motors reduce bagger changeover by 75%
Page 6: Self-driving vehicle rides outside the lines
Page 7: New blister machine changes over in 10 minutes
Page 8: Design services, serialization support
Page 9: Safe access key to bag loader’s easy operation and changeover
Page 10: Laser system makes a high-resolution impact on beverage cans
Page 11: Stretch wrapper brands pallet loads for easy identity and added security
Page 12: Rapid clean servo-driven precision filler has HMI-free wireless interface
Page 13: Unique palletizer business model puts stock in standardization
Page 14: New pallet wrapper solves 3 common complaints
Self-driving vehicle rides outside the lines
“Intelligent bridges between islands of automation” that's how Bill Torrens, director of sales of Otto Motors (Booth E-10147), described their intelligent automated guided vehicle (AGV) system. Unlike most AGVs that must navigate based on fixed paths or beacons, Otto works the way we do. It maps the plant and carries materials where needed as needed. It frees up valuable floor space on the line because it can bring a single box of components where needed multiple times when needed rather than an entire pallet at a time.
It is the Uber of materials movement in the modern plant.
— John Henry, contributing writer
Page 1: Let’s talk ‘open design’ for packaging machinery
Page 2: Meet the IoT cloud-connected pallet
Page 3: Multiserve reclosable FFS tub eliminates an overcap
Page 4: Manual case sealing engineered with superior consistency
Page 5: Low-cost servo motors reduce bagger changeover by 75%
Page 6: Self-driving vehicle rides outside the lines
Page 7: New blister machine changes over in 10 minutes
Page 8: Design services, serialization support
Page 9: Safe access key to bag loader’s easy operation and changeover
Page 10: Laser system makes a high-resolution impact on beverage cans
Page 11: Stretch wrapper brands pallet loads for easy identity and added security
Page 12: Rapid clean servo-driven precision filler has HMI-free wireless interface
Page 13: Unique palletizer business model puts stock in standardization
Page 14: New pallet wrapper solves 3 common complaints
New blister machine changes over in 10 minutes
Gregory Zaic (above), president of Maruho Hatsujyo Innovations (MHI), is highlighting the company's new blister machine, the Eagle, at Pharma Expo booth #W-960. MHI is the U.S. subsidiary of Kyoto-based Maruho Hatsujyo Kogyo, Japan’s second largest pharmaceutical packaging machinery manufacturer, and the Eagle is an American version of MHK’s PF-D1S, a compact, servo-driven, blister forming machine.
The Eagle can produce up to 100 blister cards per minute at a maximum index length of 90 mm and maximum index width of 130 mm. It can handle all commonly used forming and lidding materials.
Changeover can be performed in less than 10 minutes, Zaic explains. The system features both platen forming and rotary sealing.
For more information, visit www.mhi-innovations.com.
— Daphne Allen, executive editor
Page 1: Let’s talk ‘open design’ for packaging machinery
Page 2: Meet the IoT cloud-connected pallet
Page 3: Multiserve reclosable FFS tub eliminates an overcap
Page 4: Manual case sealing engineered with superior consistency
Page 5: Low-cost servo motors reduce bagger changeover by 75%
Page 6: Self-driving vehicle rides outside the lines
Page 7: New blister machine changes over in 10 minutes
Page 8: Design services, serialization support
Page 9: Safe access key to bag loader’s easy operation and changeover
Page 10: Laser system makes a high-resolution impact on beverage cans
Page 11: Stretch wrapper brands pallet loads for easy identity and added security
Page 12: Rapid clean servo-driven precision filler has HMI-free wireless interface
Page 13: Unique palletizer business model puts stock in standardization
Page 14: New pallet wrapper solves 3 common complaints
Design services, serialization support
Mike Mazur, Essentra's senior vice president, commercial health & personal care Americas region, says that the packaging solutions provider focuses on helping its pharmaceutical and medical device customers get products to patients faster. Mazur points to the company's new Design Hub service, which helps customers design packaging for new product launches. Design Hub offers both structural and creative packaging design and can reduce supply chain complexity. The one-stop-shop packaging and design service is led by Alan Davies, who has more than 20 years of experience enhancing some of the world’s best-known consumer brands, Essentra reports.
Essentra is also highlighting its approaches to serialization and tamper evidence in Pharma Expo Booth W-584. Essentra can serialize cartons through late-stage customization, and it offers a range of tamper verification technologies.
For more details, visit www.essentra.com.
— Daphne Allen, executive editor
Page 1: Let’s talk ‘open design’ for packaging machinery
Page 2: Meet the IoT cloud-connected pallet
Page 3: Multiserve reclosable FFS tub eliminates an overcap
Page 4: Manual case sealing engineered with superior consistency
Page 5: Low-cost servo motors reduce bagger changeover by 75%
Page 6: Self-driving vehicle rides outside the lines
Page 7: New blister machine changes over in 10 minutes
Page 8: Design services, serialization support
Page 9: Safe access key to bag loader’s easy operation and changeover
Page 10: Laser system makes a high-resolution impact on beverage cans
Page 11: Stretch wrapper brands pallet loads for easy identity and added security
Page 12: Rapid clean servo-driven precision filler has HMI-free wireless interface
Page 13: Unique palletizer business model puts stock in standardization
Page 14: New pallet wrapper solves 3 common complaints
Safe access key to bag loader’s easy operation and changeover
Without compromising safety, the new AutoBag 550 design gives unprecedented access to the machine for easy loading of premade-bags-on-a-roll, as well as easy and fast no-tool changeover and servicing.
Bag changeover takes less than two minutes, thanks to the system’s open design, auto-thread feature, servo motors and operator-friendly tension-control unit.
According to Automated Packaging Systems’ global marketing communications manager Lynne Greenfeather, the company was able to design in advanced features, like servo motors and the Android-based human-machine interface (HMI), without driving up the cost.
Another notable feature is how some components, like the valves, are tucked away in a drawer—out of the operator’s way but highly accessible for servicing.
And about safety…because the heater bar assembly unit doesn’t strike with immediate force, which is inherently safer, the company was able to remove guarding for better access all around, but especially important to speed up bag loading for higher productivity and output.
A new heater control board provides consistent and instant heat for the impulse-wire sealing mechanism. Automated Packaging even consulted with an industrial design firm to create the machine’s sleek, attractive appearance.
While I was talking with Lynne about the machine, a trio of existing customers came up to the machine and pointed out to me the new features they appreciated the most: one of which is next-bag-out. Moving the printer to the front of the machine (instead of keeping it at the back) means you don’t have to count how many bags you need printed before the end of the run. You finish your run and switch to something else, without wasting a lot of already-printed-with-the-previous-info bags.
Automated Packaging Systems, Booth S-2438
— Lisa McTigue Pierce, executive editor
Page 1: Let’s talk ‘open design’ for packaging machinery
Page 2: Meet the IoT cloud-connected pallet
Page 3: Multiserve reclosable FFS tub eliminates an overcap
Page 4: Manual case sealing engineered with superior consistency
Page 5: Low-cost servo motors reduce bagger changeover by 75%
Page 6: Self-driving vehicle rides outside the lines
Page 7: New blister machine changes over in 10 minutes
Page 8: Design services, serialization support
Page 9: Safe access key to bag loader’s easy operation and changeover
Page 10: Laser system makes a high-resolution impact on beverage cans
Page 11: Stretch wrapper brands pallet loads for easy identity and added security
Page 12: Rapid clean servo-driven precision filler has HMI-free wireless interface
Page 13: Unique palletizer business model puts stock in standardization
Page 14: New pallet wrapper solves 3 common complaints
Laser system makes a high-resolution impact on beverage cans
Domino’s inkjet-replacing F720i high-performance fiber laser delivers high-resolution laser marking onto aluminum beverage cans. The IP65-rated F720i applies standard codes at a rate of 90,000 cans per hour and has the capability to deliver complex codes of more than 60 characters at a rate of 42,000 cans per hour.
It uses no consumables and can create intricately detailed or unique codes for promotions and other applications.
“It can help customers meet legislative requirements for clear, legible and long-lasting characters for traceability,” says Jon Hall, laser product marketing manager. “We’re working with major brands that want to eliminate inkjet coding.”
A system in operation in Europe marks can bottoms with an indelible 30ms focused pulse that oxidizes the aluminum to a depth of 10-15 microns, he adds.
Domino North America Booth S-3536
— Rick Lingle, technical editor
Page 1: Let’s talk ‘open design’ for packaging machinery
Page 2: Meet the IoT cloud-connected pallet
Page 3: Multiserve reclosable FFS tub eliminates an overcap
Page 4: Manual case sealing engineered with superior consistency
Page 5: Low-cost servo motors reduce bagger changeover by 75%
Page 6: Self-driving vehicle rides outside the lines
Page 7: New blister machine changes over in 10 minutes
Page 8: Design services, serialization support
Page 9: Safe access key to bag loader’s easy operation and changeover
Page 10: Laser system makes a high-resolution impact on beverage cans
Page 11: Stretch wrapper brands pallet loads for easy identity and added security
Page 12: Rapid clean servo-driven precision filler has HMI-free wireless interface
Page 13: Unique palletizer business model puts stock in standardization
Page 14: New pallet wrapper solves 3 common complaints
Stretch wrapper brands pallet loads for easy identity and added security
From at least 50 yards down the show aisle, a pallet load beckoned me…what was it? Logo Wrap, a feature on the Raptor Plus HPL (high-profile/logo) semi-automatic stretch wrapper from Muller LCS, caught my eye with its large branded wrap. I had to see this close up.
There is a separate roll, printed however you’d like, that, near the end of unitizing your pallet load, attaches itself to the regular stretch film and makes a full wrap around the load. This lets you quickly and cost-effectively identify shipments for added branding or security.
The Logo Wrap feature can be turned on and off as needed. It comes standard on the Raptor Plus HPL, which costs about $16,000.
Muller LCS, Booth S-3100
— Lisa McTigue Pierce, executive editor
Page 1: Let’s talk ‘open design’ for packaging machinery
Page 2: Meet the IoT cloud-connected pallet
Page 3: Multiserve reclosable FFS tub eliminates an overcap
Page 4: Manual case sealing engineered with superior consistency
Page 5: Low-cost servo motors reduce bagger changeover by 75%
Page 6: Self-driving vehicle rides outside the lines
Page 7: New blister machine changes over in 10 minutes
Page 8: Design services, serialization support
Page 9: Safe access key to bag loader’s easy operation and changeover
Page 10: Laser system makes a high-resolution impact on beverage cans
Page 11: Stretch wrapper brands pallet loads for easy identity and added security
Page 12: Rapid clean servo-driven precision filler has HMI-free wireless interface
Page 13: Unique palletizer business model puts stock in standardization
Page 14: New pallet wrapper solves 3 common complaints
Rapid clean servo-driven precision filler has HMI-free wireless interface
The Rapid Clean Piston Filler for pumpable foods is designed to speed changeovers for volumes of 1oz to 17oz, which Raque says handles 85% of customer requirements. The servo-driven linear actuator piston pumps provide precise delivery of set fill volumes.
Raque claims 5 minute disassembly and 7 minute reassembly paired with faster cleanup.
Additionally, the demo system had no Human Machine Interface—the system is run wirelessly from a tablet or other touchpad device using an HTML5 browser.
For customer lines that can be as much as 160ft long, that mobility is a major convenience and time-savings.
Raque Food Systems, Booth S-3634
— Rick Lingle, technical editor
Page 1: Let’s talk ‘open design’ for packaging machinery
Page 2: Meet the IoT cloud-connected pallet
Page 3: Multiserve reclosable FFS tub eliminates an overcap
Page 4: Manual case sealing engineered with superior consistency
Page 5: Low-cost servo motors reduce bagger changeover by 75%
Page 6: Self-driving vehicle rides outside the lines
Page 7: New blister machine changes over in 10 minutes
Page 8: Design services, serialization support
Page 9: Safe access key to bag loader’s easy operation and changeover
Page 10: Laser system makes a high-resolution impact on beverage cans
Page 11: Stretch wrapper brands pallet loads for easy identity and added security
Page 12: Rapid clean servo-driven precision filler has HMI-free wireless interface
Page 13: Unique palletizer business model puts stock in standardization
Page 14: New pallet wrapper solves 3 common complaints
Unique palletizer business model puts stock in standardization
CSi Industries, Booth N-5350, is a name better known abroad than in the U.S. but that is quickly changing. CSI makes a palletizing system based on a 7-axis robot. It is a nice implementation but not all that unusual. There are two things that really brought this to my attention:
1. The standard end-of-arm tooling is universal and can handle bundles, boxes or open trays with no changeover between them. It also has suction grippers so it can handle slipsheets.
2. The best part is their business model. The machine is designed to run a range of products in its standard configuration. This standardization and modular design means that it is low cost compared to similar palletizers and it is fast delivery, sometimes from stock.
I predict that this standardization of packaging designs, using robotics, is going to be the coming trend.
— John Henry, contributing writer
Page 1: Let’s talk ‘open design’ for packaging machinery
Page 2: Meet the IoT cloud-connected pallet
Page 3: Multiserve reclosable FFS tub eliminates an overcap
Page 4: Manual case sealing engineered with superior consistency
Page 5: Low-cost servo motors reduce bagger changeover by 75%
Page 6: Self-driving vehicle rides outside the lines
Page 7: New blister machine changes over in 10 minutes
Page 8: Design services, serialization support
Page 9: Safe access key to bag loader’s easy operation and changeover
Page 10: Laser system makes a high-resolution impact on beverage cans
Page 11: Stretch wrapper brands pallet loads for easy identity and added security
Page 12: Rapid clean servo-driven precision filler has HMI-free wireless interface
Page 13: Unique palletizer business model puts stock in standardization
Page 14: New pallet wrapper solves 3 common complaints
New pallet wrapper solves 3 common complaints
It's not a stretch to say the engineers at Orion (Booth S-3842) have improved on the design and operation of an auto-guided pallet wrapper—and on their first go at it.
The new AG 360 machine solves what product line manager Gene Carlson says are three common customer complaints:
1. Battery life
The AG 360 offers 50% longer life than most competitor, allowing operations to run an 8-hour shift without needing to recharge. And, by monitoring the battery level, the AG 360 knows when to stop wrapping but still keep enough juice to return to its charging area. The charging area can be anywhere there is a standard outlet: 15-amp, 110 volts.
2. HMI interface
The AG 360 uses the same operator friendly and intuitive control system as other Orion systems. It offers easy navigation and on-screen troubleshooting.
3. Flimsy fender
The AG 360 has a robust fender.
It also has a counterweight in the base to offset the 95-inch height of the wrapping tower for greater stability.
— Lisa McTigue Pierce, executive editor
Page 1: Let’s talk ‘open design’ for packaging machinery
Page 2: Meet the IoT cloud-connected pallet
Page 3: Multiserve reclosable FFS tub eliminates an overcap
Page 4: Manual case sealing engineered with superior consistency
Page 5: Low-cost servo motors reduce bagger changeover by 75%
Page 6: Self-driving vehicle rides outside the lines
Page 7: New blister machine changes over in 10 minutes
Page 8: Design services, serialization support
Page 9: Safe access key to bag loader’s easy operation and changeover
Page 10: Laser system makes a high-resolution impact on beverage cans
Page 11: Stretch wrapper brands pallet loads for easy identity and added security
Page 12: Rapid clean servo-driven precision filler has HMI-free wireless interface
Page 13: Unique palletizer business model puts stock in standardization
Page 14: New pallet wrapper solves 3 common complaints
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