PACK EXPO

Complete PET bottling system Sidel Matrix is the latest modular generation of PET packaging solutions. It is a broad, proven and upgradeable system that yields high performance, flexibility, cost savings and sustainability. The system comprises PET blow molders that can produce up to 2,250 bottles/mold per hour. The Sidel Matrix fillers have been designed with a particular focus on hygiene for both still and carbonated beverages. The Matrix Combi blow-fill-cap solution is a single, hygienic enclosure to cut costs to bottle still or carbonated beverages. The Matrix Rollfed labeler uses direct-drive technology to reduce energy consumption up to 30 percent. It is capable of handling bottle diameters from 45 to 160 mm and managing different types of materials and ultra-lightweight bottles. Several options and upgrades are available to suit changing needs.

Sidel, 678-221-3200
www.sidel.com
Booth #C-1209

Shrink labeler The R-500 TS-CB shrink labeler applies shrink sleeves at speeds between 500 and 600 labels per minute on a single inline feed. The machine incorporates a continuous movement of sleeving materials during the cutting and application process, using the lowest web speed possible and eliminating indexing. Mandrels, feed screws and other change parts can all be switched out quickly thanks to the company's tool-less changeover feature and menu-driven parameters. Engineered for 24/7 operation, the machine is available in standard or customized configurations, including optional stainless steel construction for wash-down environments.

PDC Intl., 203-853-1516
www.pdc-corp.com
Booth #C-2333

Offset-printed sleeves Shrink sleeves made with innovative variable sleeve offset printing (VSOP) technology produce a seam that is 29 percent narrower than typically found in the industry. The new process eliminates edge-lift for a smoother finish, and avoids print gaps at the seam line when the sleeve shrinks. Other VSOP benefits include no plate costs, allowing for frequent graphics changes; plates made in minutes, allowing for last minute changes; and combination printing that provides greater flexibility in controlling label inventories.

Hammer Packaging, 585-424-3880
www.hammerpackaging.com
Booth #S-5546

Valve manifold The G3 fieldbus valve manifold offers improvements in application, performance and maintenance for original equipment manufacturers and end users alike. The machine offers half-turn SPEEDCON connectors for rapid, yet reliable cable connection, an integrated plain-language graphic display on every module, components easily removable with clips and screws, and more. There is also an optional auto-recovery module to safeguard configuration data during any critical failure.

Numatics, 248-956-3200
www.numatics.com
Booth #C-4933

Laminating adhesive The Flextra Fast SF8700/XR1000 laminates barrier films together, with line speeds up to 1,200 feet per minute with 800 fpm on barrier-to-barrier laminations, slits in as few as six hours and offers PAA decay and pouching in as little as one day. With film and pouch at full performance in one day, packaging is safe for filling with foodstuffs 24 hours after laminating.

H.B. Fuller, 651-236-5900
www.hbfuller.com
Booth #C-4938

Vacuum pumps Using Mink MM 1402/1502 AV vacuum pumps, applications requiring higher pumping speeds can enjoy the same benefits of a rotary claw vacuum pump. The pumps offer non-contacting design and a "smart silencer" design enables quiet operation. Mink claw vacuum pumps are available in a range of sizes. Special models for specific applications-such as dust and gas explosion protection, high water vapor content, gas tightness and increased oxygen content-are also available. 

Busch Vacuum Pumps and Systems,
757-463-7800
www.buschusa.com
Booth #S-6647

Motion control The FAST software tool provides a complete range of standard software modules for positioning, registration, cam profiling, multi-conveyor coordination and other synchronized motion control tasks, including modules for feeding, unwinding, sealing, cross-sealing and discharging applications. Machine motion and control functions are contained in individual, autonomous modules that can be selected, exchanged and tested completely independently. Software modules created using the application template can be assembled with minimal effort to create complete and reusable systems. 

Lenze, 800-217-9100
www.lenze.com
Booth #S-6033

Inkjet label printers The Kiaro! inkjet label printer creates color labels at high speeds to keep up with production lines, up to 40 feet per minute (from 2 to 8 inches per second). Users print only what is needed to save costs; the machine prints full rolls of labels without stopping, cutting and splicing label material. The labels are high resolution (1,200 dots per inch).

QuickLabel Systems,
877-757-7978
www.quicklabel.com
Booth #C-2225

Renewable protective packaging Restore Mushroom Packaging is a 100 percent renewable protective packaging solution made from non-food agricultural byproducts and mycelium, or "mushroom roots." The packaging is home compostable and completely biodegradable, and its cushions are custom-engineered to meet customers' individual needs and are grown through a low-energy and automated process. The mycelium is mixed with regionally sourced agricultural waste and grows indoors without the need for light, watering or petrochemicals. 

Sealed Air, 201-791-7600
www.sealedair.com
Booth #C-1141

Intelligent inkjet printing The A320i inkjet printer eliminates the service routine, while guaranteeing predictable start-up. The intelligent ink/solvent management system called i-Tech is used in the machine to monitor ink usage and automatically calculates the maximum life of your ink. For touchscreen printers, the A320i offers a new user interface called QuickStep. This simplified visual display allows operators to select and send a message to a printer in just three clicks. 

Domino Amjet, Inc., 800-444-4512
www.domino-printing.com
Booth #S-5819

Off-line packaging printer The Optimizer KR-Universal is designed for medium- to high-volume runs of RSC cases, die cuts and multi-wall kraft bags. The new KR-U staging, indexing conveyor carries stacks of 60 valve bags, 90 gusset bags or 25 RSC cases to a servo-driven lift table where a powerful vacuum feeder moves each piece to the Optimizer printer. Adding a restacker and return conveyor brings throughput to 45 pieces per minute. The system handles case sizes ranging from 10x12 to 36x39 inches (width x length) and bag sizes ranging from 12x18 to 36x36 inches (width x length). The versatility and efficiency of this feeding automation combined with the company's direct contact, plateless printing process provides years of savings by freeing manufacturers from the high costs of short-run preprint.

Iconotech, 800-521-0194
www.iconotech.com
Booth #S-6077

CIJ inkjet printers JET inkjet systems like the Jet2 neo are the next generation continuous inkjet (CIJ) printers featuring the company's exclusive sealed nozzle technology and true Windows embedded operating system. The systems offer the ultimate in reliability, performance, ease of use and low maintenance, and are easy to integrate into any application. Pigmented inks perform well with no additional cleaning required, and inks are available for nearly all materials and products.

Leibinger, 262-642-4030
www.leibinger-group.com
Booth #S-5636

Space-saving spiral conveyors Dual Track Spiral Conveyors have two tracks that operate independently within one spiral structure. Both tracks can go up or down, and can optionally be reversible. Only one drive motor is required for each track, resulting in substantial savings in energy, controls and systems integration. And the spiral conveyors need less floor space than conventional conveyors. Models with dual 8-, 12-, 16- or 20-inch wide slats are available. Some site assembly is required for models with 16- and 20-inch wide slats.

Ryson Intl., 757-898-1530
www.ryson.com
Booth #S-5607

Adaptable roller chains Attachment roller chains may be adapted for conveying duties with the addition of attachments. The standard types of attachments include bent or straight type attachments on one or both sides, extended pin and wide contour attachments. A variety of assembled chain and components are stocked for quick delivery service. The attachment chains are available in carbon steel, nickel-plated, Neptune, WP and stainless steel. Both regular and double-pitch versions are included.

U.S. Tsubaki Power Transmission LLC, 800-323-7790
www.ustsubaki.com
Booth #C-3718

Ultrasonic pouch-sealing The FPA4500-T ultrasonic pouch sealing system has a narrower profile allowing for duplex and triplex applications and enables users to improve seal strength and process reliability with its patented seal technology. The company's entire FPA series of ultrasonic sealing systems have been designed to replace existing heat-sealing equipment on liquid filled pouch form/fill/seal (FFS) machinery or premade pouch systems.

Rinco, 203-744-4500
www.rinco-usa.com
Booth #S-5669

Adhesive-tracking technology The InvisiPac Tank-Free Hot Melt Delivery System for case and carton sealing applications provides adhesive tracking capabilities. The system allows production engineers to view current material usage on the user display or download and save files to a flash drive for a historical look at adhesive consumption. Data may be analyzed and graphed to get a visual indication of material consumption over time. The complete system includes a vacuum feed system, in-line melt chamber, heated hose and applicator. 

Graco, 800-690-2894
www.graco.com
Booth #S-6169

Robotic pouch packer The Swing Machine now has a smaller footprint, suitable for stand-up pouches and pillow bags and can run varied product styles on the same machine without affecting productivity. The machine can run up to 120 ppm, up to 400 ppm with smart-bin collation or up to 500 ppm with smart-trak collation. It offers faster changeover and fewer small parts. The servo-driven robot ensures smooth placement of product into secondary packs such as cases or crates, and changeover can typically be done in under a minute. 

Blueprint Automation, 804-520-5400
www.bpa-flexolutions.com
Booth #C-2136

Recyclable IML decoration In-mold label (IML) substrates for innovative packaging design options are a fully recyclable decoration solution with no liner waste, use no glue and work with any design or shape. They offer outstanding clarity and fidelity in offset, flexographic and gravure processes, eliminate the need for adhesives and backing materials, and resist moisture, chemicals and scratching. 

Yupo, 757-312-9876
www.yupousa.com
Booth #S-6161

Package inspection The TotalVu system is designed for configuration with up to four smart cameras to perform a variety of inspections including label inspection, closure inspection and fill-level inspection. Equipped with either color or monochromatic cameras, the unit is both flexible and cost effective. Features include CCD high-resolution technology, color and monochromatic support, support of 240-1280 dpi resolution, NEMA 4X, IP67 stainless steel enclosure, cantilevered design, logging and tracking of date and time history of rejects, and more. 

Teledyne Taptone, 508-563-1000
www.taptone.com
Booth #C-3500

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