Pack Expo: Product Preview

Pack Expo International is scheduled to be held Nov. 2-5 at Chicago’s McCormick Place. PMMI, the owner and producer of the show, expects the events to draw a combined 2,000 exhibitors and 50,000 attendees to the more than 1.1 million net square feet of exhibits. Here is a preview of some of the products on display at the show.

Pack, wrap cases and trays at high speeds
Capable of reaching speeds of up to 45 cases/trays per minute, the high-performance PC-4500 continuous motion wraparound case/tray packer uses up to 20% less corrugated material than regular slotted cases for material savings. The rugged machine reduces labor, increases productivity, reduces packaging costs and integrates easily into new or existing packaging lines. It can be used with metal cans, paper cans, glass jars, glass bottles, plastic jars and plastic bottles. The system collates the products, loads the corrugated cases or trays, and closes them with hot-melt glue. Because it creates tight packages, the packer minimizes the need for partitions to protect glass containers from damage (options permit automatic insertion of partitions and dividers if needed). Easily adjustable to accommodate varying product sizes, speeds and product patterns, the machine runs both trays and wraparound cases. Arpac, 847-678-9034, http://www.arpac.com. Booth 2948.

Electric-powered lift and half pallet system for small-format direct store deliveries
The DSD one-touch delivery system features an electric-powered lift and custom half pallet. The compact half pallet is ideal for small-format direct store deliveries and can be dropped as end-cap displays or in storage for post-delivery merchandising. Individual store orders picked onto the pallet can be efficiently loaded into a more versatile transport trailer. By picking product at the warehouse level, more SKUs can be efficiently handled and delivered from one truck. The device eliminates picking and loading of individual orders from a side bay trailer, reducing worker injuries by eliminating awkward and repetitive
truck-side case lifting. Rehrig Pacific, 800-421-6244, http://www.rehrigpacific.com. Booth 6800.

Simplified protective foam packaging system conserves energy
The Instapak Simple protective packaging system makes it easier for low-volume producers to make foam-in-bag cushions as needed. Lightweight and easy to install, the device is ideal for operations producing fewer than 25 cushions a day. It operates in a condensed footprint without heated hoses, pumps, external controls or containers required, and it can be transported between multiple packaging stations. The system runs on household electrical voltage and requires a single button push to produce materials at rates of three bags per minute. Sealed Air, 864-433-3800, http://www.sealedairprotects.com. Booth 2939.

Reusable packaging solutions optimize supply chains
Reusable packaging solutions that optimize supply chains include a selection of products engineered specifically for beverage applications, including SmartTrak asset tracking software; the impact-resistant NovaLock plastic pallet for use with plastic and metal beverage containers; and the PureMaxx top frame for secure load handing. Also highlighted is a new line of dunnage products—for use with the supplier’s handheld totes or bulk containers—customized to protect part quality while optimizing pack density. For high-speed automation operations, a new series of picking totes for fulfillment is offered. ORBIS, 800-890-7292, http://www.orbiscorporation.com. Booth 6700.

FDA-friendly dry conveying option
The System Plast N Evo conveyor chain features a proprietary, low-friction FDA-approved thermoplastic resin material for dry conveying in food packaging applications. The chain is a new version of the previously released NG Evo chain for dry conveying in the bottling industry and has been engineered to provide a higher breaking load, greater elasticity, lower coefficient of friction and much greater abrasion resistance. It can be operated without water-and-soap lubrication, eliminating slip hazards, pumps, leaks and failure of bearings, sensors and other components. Emerson Industrial Automation, 859-727-5263, http://www.emersonindustrial.com. Booth 6132.

Protect palletizer operators with integrated safety features
The high-speed HL7200 complete inline palletizing system with robotic depalletizer is equipped with Category 3 safety features, fully integrated guarding and dual latching hoist pin. Capable of handling 75 to 120 cases per minute with zero-time changeovers from one pattern or product type to another, the flexible system allows patterns to be added or modified through the human/machine interface with an adjustable programmable laner. Standard components include dropped case detection, smart squeeze technology, multi-colored light stack to indicate machine status, advanced diagnostics, and input/output status screens that quickly communicate messages to the operator. Columbia Machine, 360-694-1501, http://www.palletizing.com. Booth 6106.

Automated, semi-automated secondary bottle packaging equipment
A complete line of secondary bottle packaging equipment is offered as either stand-alone machines or integrated into a complete bottle packing system. Included are automatic and semi-automatic carrier formers, case and tray erectors, carrier inserters and case/tray packers. Features include product collation and accumulation; modular packing heads for flexibility and quick changeovers; heavy-duty case lift and transfer; and a choice of hot melt glue or adhesive tape case sealing. The products are ideal for the craft beer market, allowing small breweries to start with basic automation and then add additional pieces as production increases. Combi Packaging Systems, 800-521-9072, http://www.combi.com. Booth 4721.

Robotic mixed-load order fulfillment solutions
Outfitted with end-of-arm tooling to handle multiple case sizes in a single pick, the Alvey robotic mixed-load palletizing system delivers increased speed and product handling flexibility. The solution is ideal for direct-to-retail manufacturers building less-than-full pallet loads of mixed products and retail-ready display pallet loads. On display is a mixed-load robotic palletizing cell integrated with a stack-and-wrap solution for stable pallet loads. An autonomous mobile robot transports the loads to a vision-guided robotic mixed-load depalletizing station to complete the loop. The supplier’s full range of robotic mixed-load order fulfillment solutions includes configurable end-of-arm tooling, software, controls and vision technology. Solutions integrate with other automation components. Intelligrated, 866-936-7300, http://www.intelligrated.com. Booth 3536.

Label printer, applicator prints in two colors
Using two in-line thermal print engines, the Tandem label printer/applicator can print Globally Harmonized System (GHS) labels that classify chemicals in two colors: red and black. The first print station uses red thermal transfer ribbon to print the diamonds; the second prints the balance of the label information and pictograms with a black ribbon. Supplied with Zebra or Intermec print engines, a variety of label stocks can be used. The machine applies the label after printing with a vacuum belt applicator (for drums and pails), or tamp and tamp-blow. It can also be used for anti-counterfeiting and traceability labeling—printing overt, covert and forensic authentication marks including a holographic printed image, a specialized color or a scratch-off patch. Fox IV Technologies, 877-436-2434, http://www.foxiv.com. Booth 6221.

Help for retailers with omni-channel requirements
To address omni-channel requirements, the new Ship to Store protective packaging platform is ideal for retailers with multiple channels. The supplier’s dedicated team of packaging professionals evaluates a retailer’s go-to-market strategy and recommends solutions that will work across all of the desired channels. Offerings include a full range of protective packaging materials and equipment—including plastic-based inflatables, paper solutions, foam components, mailers and more. Pregis, 877-692-6163, http://www.pregis.com. Booth 8113.

Handle glass bottles more easily
Ideal for craft breweries, small wineries and distilleries, the economical EZ Picker tool is engineered for quick and easy handling of glass bottles, both full and empty. The device may be specified in a variety of sizes, including a standard 12-bottle carrier with notched centers for six-pack loading, carriers for 7 to 40-ounce beer bottles, and carriers for wine and liquor bottles ranging from 750 milliliters to 1.75 liters in multiple arrangements. Weighing less than 4 pounds, the unit features robust stainless steel construction and smooth gripping action for gentle product handling. The tool can be customized to pack 12-bottle rainbow packs and a variety of bottle sizes. Standard-Knapp, 860-342-1100, http://www.standard-knapp.com. Booth 5506.

New PLC platform offered for robot, packaging line equipment
A single MLX200 Robot Gateway PLC enables control of multiple robots entirely through Rockwell Automation ControlLogix and CompactLogix programmable automation controllers (PAC). The unit also provides easy-to-use programming add-on-instructions for the Rockwell RSLogix 5000 software, while a full-featured robot teaching and maintenance interface can be used with Rockwell’s PanelView. Other applications (including those requiring vision guidance and line tracking) can be controlled through the platform, including assembly, part transfer, picking, sorting, kitting, case packing, palletizing and de-palletizing. Yaskawa Motoman, 937-847-6200, http://www.motoman.com. Booth 1733.

Mark cans, bottles and more with continuous inkjet printer
The 9232 S inkjet printer covers all beverage sector uses, including coding packages such as cans, bottles, returnable glass bottles, bricks, flexible pouches, caps, packs and shrink-wraps with a range of high-contrast inks. Capable of printing quality codes on up to 120,000 products per hour with excellent readability, the print head and cabinet are entirely stainless steel and IP56 protected. The unit produces up to five lines of printing for best before dates, logos, alphanumeric text and 1D and 2D bar codes at font heights up to 32 dots. Markem Imaje, 866-263-4644, http://www.markem-imaje.us. Booth 2814.

Palletize up to 50 fragile products per minute
Ideal for handling fragile packages, the SPLX MKII high-level palletizer provides smooth case palletizing at up to 50 units per minute, depending on sizes, stacking pattern and configuration. Measuring 8 feet high, the compact palletizer fits in areas with tight clearances and produces 6-foot-high pallet loads. It handles a variety of items, including kraft-wrapped bundles and bales and thin-walled containers in almost any stacking pattern. Easily adjustable for changes in patterns and product size, the machine’s key components are nearly maintenance-free, and can be easily accessed through removable guards and doors. Also offered is the RPK robotic case packer, which reaches production rates up to 90 products per minute and can be scaled up to include multiple robots. vonGAL/Premier Tech Systems, 334-261-2700,
http://www.premiertechsystems.com, www.vongal.com. Booth 5121.

Hygienic drum motor certified by USDA
The supplier’s Asynchronous Drum Motor (models 113i, 138i, 165i and 217i) has gained approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for compliance with the guidelines for sanitary design and fabrication of dairy processing equipment. This hygienic conveyor drive ensures that food manufacturers are in compliance with food safety and materials handling regulations. Engineered to be compact and easy to install, the unit can be cleaned and disinfected regularly using high-pressure water, steam and chemicals to eliminate harmful micro-organisms in a production environment. The motor is configured to drive all modular-belting applications and is IP66 rated. Interroll, 678-491-5858, http://www.interroll.us. Booth 8805.

Move small loads vertically with compact spiral conveyor
With an outside diameter of 45 inches, the super compact NT 1000-120 Narrow Trak spiral conveyor handles small loads on 5-inch-wide slats. The slats provide end-transfer of small cartons and packages or side-transfer of small bottles and containers—either in a single file or in mass. Easily custom configured from modular components to match unique application requirements, the conveyor accommodates an expansive range of vertical elevation changes. Features include a low friction chain slat arrangement for high capacity, high-speed operation with low energy consumption and minimal maintenance. Space saving, the unit is ideal for pharmaceutical, personal care and food applications. Ryson, 757-898-1530, http://www.ryson.com. Booth 4732.

New series of conventional, robotic palletizers for end-of-line packaging
Offered in conventional and robotic models, a line of palletizers builds loads at rates of more than six layers per minute in end-of-line food, beverage and consumer packaged goods applications. The machines, including the new 7 Series all-electric model (with either high- or low-level in-feed orientation), can be installed stand-alone or fully integrated with existing conveyor and other materials handling equipment. Features include the ability to handle products in cases, bags, bundles, trays or buckets; storage of up to 99 patterns; concurrent wrapping; and sheet or pallet handling options. TopTier Palletizers, 503-353-7388, http://www.toptier.com. Booth 5941.

Auto-pack more than 550 pharmaceutical orders per hour
When paired with the supplier’s Max 12 or Max 20 Auto Bagger, the RxPack auto-packs 550 or more orders per hour, boosting productivity and reducing labor costs in new or existing operations. Compact, a single robotic pick and auto-pack pharmacy automation system fits into 125 square feet and includes dual redundant robots that print, fold and insert lit packs faster than five (or more) manual pack stations. The system is ideal for processing any mix of single and multi-bottle prescriptions. Features include camera-based bar code process validation, and five-position envelope/pre-print insertion of marketing literature. Numina Group, 630-343-2600, http://www.numinagroup.com; Sharp Packaging Systems, 262-246-8815,
http://www.sharppackaging.com. Booth 3652.

Robotic palletizer requires minimal space
Featuring FANUC’s M-20ia/35 light payload handling robot with a cable-integrated arm, a new, small footprint robotic palletizer has debuted. Engineered to be simple, economical and portable, the robotic end-of-line palletizer accommodates fluctuating production demands. The unit’s long arm can pack pallets up to 70 inches, and pick, assemble and load multiple products without mechanical changeover. To boost productivity, the rigid arm and advanced servo technology increase acceleration speeds to shorten cycle time. Compact, it fits into small hand palletizing spaces, and can be equipped with semi and fully automatic pallet exchange, product labeling, and bar code reading for product tracking in pharmaceutical and food applications. Schneider Packaging Equipment, 315-676-3035, http://www.schneiderequip.com. Booth 2520.

Divert packages 90 degrees with roller top conveyor belt
Producing 90-degree transfers, the M5482 roller top conveyor belt is ideal for packaging and materials handling applications. Because the rollers can be adjusted in 15-degree increments, any desired divert degree can be attained. The imperial belt width creates a 1-inch distance from the edge to the centerline of the first roller, while lateral roller spacing is in 2-inch increments. Features include strong closed edges for smooth package transfer; a patented smart-fit rod retention system for easy rod removal/insertion; and lug tooth sprockets that provide positive engagement for tracking and increased belt strength. Habasit, 800-458-6431, http://www.habasitamerica.com. Booth 4178.

Reusable plastic pallets
A line of reusable plastic pallets is offered in three standard styles or can be custom engineered. Ideal for handling heavy loads, or for use in high-rack warehouses and automated processes, heavy-duty pallets can be equipped with steel reinforcement rods for increased load capacity, while an integrated anti-slip top deck ensures maximum load safety. Completely closed pallets provide permanent protection against moisture in cleanroom applications. Craemer Group, 844-268-9966, http://www.craemer.com/usa. Booth 6857.

Packaging system creates food pouches
The Simionato Logic integrated packaging system is supported by an in-feed conveyor, radial combination weigher, vertical form-fill seal bagger and take-away elevator. The machine is ideal for a variety of food industries including snacks, fragile, frozen and sticky configurations. Features include a single, user-friendly human/machine interface with interactive graphics that can control multiple units, and stainless steel or painted construction. The machine’s bagging systems can create a large range of bag shapes including D-bag, quad, block bottom, four-side seal and pillow. HayssenSandiacre, 864-486-4000, http://www.hayssensandiacre.com. Booth 2106.

Horizontal flow wrappers for all automation levels
For manufacturers looking to automate packaging processes, the Pack Series of horizontal flow wrappers ranges from entry-level models to fully automated technologies. Engineered for small- to mid-sized businesses, the Pack 101 offers a wide product size range, quick and easy setup and changeovers. Another offering is the Pack 401, a higher speed wrapper with full automation, which can be enhanced with integrated, advanced feeding technology, automatic film splicing, plus product inspection and rejection technology. The Pack 401 comes either as stand-alone equipment or can be combined with other packaging machines, such as robotics, secondary packaging, product handling and multiple in-feeds. Additionally, the Pack series includes inverted wrappers for soft, difficult-to-handle products and multipack items, as well as long-dwell wrappers for hermetically sealed packages. Bosch Packaging Technology, 715-246-6511, http://www.boschpackaging.com. Booth 3514.