PACK EXPO International 2006

PACK EXPO International 2006 was held October 29–November 2 at McCormick Place in Chicago, focusing on the latest developments in packaging technology and showcasing state-of-the-art advances in packaging machinery, converting machinery, materials, packages and containers, and components. The biennial event featured numerous product introductions—including those on this page—and was expected to attract 50,000 attendees, including more than 6000 international visitors from more than 75 countries. For detailed information on the exposition, contact Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute at 703-243-8555 or [email protected].

Printing/Marking Controller

The HSAJet-TCU controller offers HP-based printing solutions for applications requiring high-resolution and high-quality printing for limited runs. It is available with or without display and keypad, prints with up to two HP printheads, and is ideal for such routine tasks as check stamping, paper documentation, precoding, internal logistics, data documentation, date codes, lot codes, expiration codes, and pharmaceutical applications.
HSA USA, Perth Amboy, NJ 732-324-0800 www.hsausa.com

Horizontal Bagger  

The SwiftyBagger SB-36 horizontal bagger is an intermittent-motion bag-filling and closing machine that is easy to use, easy to clean, and has a speedy changeover time. It handles bag sizes from 51¼2 × 31¼2 × 11¼4 in. up to 11 × 81¼2 × 3 in. at speeds of up to 3600 bags per hour. The nonwicket bags may be flat bottom, gusset, pillow, stand-up, or zipper styles. The unit automatically takes the bag from the delivery station and then positions it to be opened, filled, flattened, and sealed before discharging it at the other end. Available options such as code dating, bag deflating, hole punching, and corner or center capping are available.
WeighPack, Las Vegas, NV 702-450-0808 www.weighpack.com

Flow-Wrap and Top-Load Carton Packaging

Bradman Lake Group introduced three new machines. The line ran at 600 bars/min to match typical speeds of candy, cereal, or bakery bar production. The LJ.DRT collator/loader features dual-racetrack product collation with servo infeed and pick and place robotic loading for running speeds up to 600 ppm. It handles a wide range of product sizes and cartons up to 700 mm long, yet changeovers can take less than five minutes. The automatic distribution system (ADS) has a height-adjustable, 1.1-m-wide, single-belt feeding system with see-through light curtain guarding that improves product visibility and line efficiency across a wide range of products and sizes. Erecting the cartons was an all-servo AMI double-head glue former that glues or locks form cartons and trays in solid or corrugated board at speeds up to 80 strokes/min, with the double header producing up to 160 cartons/min. Completing the high-speed line was the lugless Triliner carton closer with rubber-fingered conveyors for flexible control during closing and sealing of top-load cartons.
Bradman Lake Group, Charlotte, NC 704-588-3301 www.bradmanlake.com

Robotic Palletizer

The EC-201 Robotic Palletizer has a payload capacity of 440 lb and a palletizing capacity of 1600 cycles/hr. It palletizes bags, cases, pails, etc. and has four axes for maximum flexibility. The weight of the mechanically balanced arm can be supported by a single finger. This design allows the EC-201 to use less energy and reduces stress on the arm joints, bearings, pivot points, and floor supports. A standard touch screen allows personnel to change palletizing programs in less than 5 seconds, utilize onboard warning systems, review error occurrences and take corrective measures, monitor I/O in real time, track inventory by specific programs, compare running and powered-up hours, and monitor the machine in real time.
American-Newlong, Indianapolis, IN 317-787-9421 www.american-newlong.com