Spirals of adhesive

 

Nordson Corp. introduced its PatternJet Labeling System with new EcoPattern Technology at Pack Expo in Chicago. The new technology allows bottlers who use the PatternJet system to gain better control of materials and energy, improve recyclability and optimize operational efficiency, the company says. The system uses non-contact adhesive guns to deliver spirals of adhesive onto multiple sized PET bottles and cans. By using the EcoPattern Technology vs. a wheel-pot labeling system, clients can expect a 90 percent a dhesive reduction and a 50 percent energy savings. - Nordson Corp., 11475 Lakefield Drive, Duluth, Ga. 30097; 800/683-2314; nordson.com.

 

Roll-fed labeler

 

KHS USA Inc. unveiled its newest labeler, the Innoket 360 Labeler. The Innoket 360 Labeler is a roll-fed labeler and incorporates an ergonomic and hygienic design. All of the machine parts are accessible for operations and changeover, and the labeler reduces maintenance times, the company says. The glue tank and the gluing roller are designed with energy efficiency in mind, and the gluing roller uses induction heating with sensors in the roller shell. The capacity of the Innoket 360 is 50,000 bottles per hour. - KHS USA Inc., 880 Bahcall Court, Waukesha, Wis. 53186; 262/797-7200; khs.com/us.

 

Multi-purpose packaging system

 

Graphic Packaging International Inc. launched the Quikflex 600G3, the company’s third-generation packaging system for cans, bottles and PET. Quikflex 600G3 is ergonomically designed and the feeder is positioned waist-high for loading. The machine can be custom-ordered or retrofitted in the field as needed to run a variety of containers and pack sizes. The system is capable of 150 packs per minute or 180 packs per minute, if needed during a surge. Quikflex 600G3 has a swing-out tucker wheel and jam detection as well as non-stick compression belting, which reduces glue build up. The machine displays a touchscreen interface and weighs approximately 15,000 pounds. - Graphic Packaging International Inc., 814 Livingston Court, Marietta, Ga. 30076; 770/644-3000; graphicpkg.com.

 

Robotic palletizer

 

FKI Logistex displayed its latest palletizing technologies, including the PL-950 Series, at Pack Expo. The PL-950 Series features a robot-based case divider and uses one or more robotic arms for pattern forming, manipulating and orienting the product into the pallet layer. The palletizer can be reconfigured for any type of product and is suited for small packages and complex patterns, the company says. The equipment is able to manipulate the packages gently, and the company says this feature reduces secondary packaging without compromising the integrity of the finished product. The PL-950 Series can handle sizes from six-packs to 24-packs of bottles or cans. - FKI Logistex, 9301 Olive Blvd., St. Louis, Mo. 63132; 877/935-4564; fkilogistex.com.

 

No waste ink jet printer

 

Videojet Technologies Inc. offers the Videojet 1510 small character continuous ink jet printer. The 1510 can be operated through its user interface and fluid replacement system, which uses a microchip-enabled fluid bottle called Smart Cartridge. The Smart Cartridge is shaped to drain completely, which wastes no residual ink and reduces further costs, the company says. The printhead automatically sets up and adjusts to environment changes. The ink jet printer is designed for medium-duty applications that involve printing codes from 16 to 20 hours per day, six day per week. Preventative maintenance is required every 9,000 hours or 18 months, and the machine is designed to be customer-replaceable in 30 minutes without needing a trained technician. - Videojet Technologies Inc., 1500 Mittel Blvd., Wood Dale, Ill. 60191; 800/843-3610; videojet.com.

 

Horizontal and vertical packaging

 

Schneider Packaging Equipment Co. unveiled the newest upgrade to its packaging line, the HVCP case packer. The HVCP is robotic and also is designed to pack vertical, horizontal or a combination of pack patterns on one machine. The machine works for packaging operations that have multiple products and pack orientations, the company says. HVCP is designed to pack rigid cases, bags, cartons and trayed products at high speeds. The machine maneuvers a product into the pack pattern by a Fanuc robot and a second Fanuc robot picks up the product and places it into an erected case. The case is moved through the flap folding and sealing stations and discharged from the machine. The HVCP also incorporates a Human Machine Interface as well as an Ethernet port for remote monitoring and diagnosis. - Schneider Packaging Equipment Co., 5370 Guy Young Road, Brewerton, N.Y. 13029; 315/676-3035; schneiderequip.com.

 

Laser coders

 

Domino Amjet Inc. introduced the Domino D-Series Plus Laser Coders at Pack Expo. The laser coders are designed to provide high-quality codes for a range of product and production line speeds, the company says. The lasers print series numbers, batch codes, 2D codes, real-time numbers, logos, graphics or complex European and Asian characters. Domino offers three laser powers (10W, 30W and 55W) for the specific application and production line speed requirements. The D-Series Plus features a touchscreen option with user interface, flexible laser head orientations for integrations in multiple directions, stand-alone and 19-inch rack-mounting options. Blue tube technology is available as is a built-in Web server for remote control via any Java-enabled Web browser. In addition, the separate controller can be mounted or stacked and/or stored away to minimize the carbon footprint, the company says. - Domino Amjet Inc., 1290 Lakeside Drive, Gurnee, Ill. 60031; 847/244-2501; dominoamjet.com.

 

 

Teledyne Taptone launched the Taptone 4000-Dual Sensor Compression (DSC), an inspection system for flexible plastic containers, stand-up pouches and tubes. The design incorporates the company’s dual sensor technology and high-speed compression belts for accuracy and container handling. The system can be used in harsh and wet environments, and when combined with the optional X-ray sensor, also can perform fill-level inspection. Taptone 4000-DSC features rotations up to 1.27 meters per second, an electro-polished stainless steel frame, full view and access to containers from both sides, and a large color touchscreen. The system can find the physical defects in containers such as high or cocked caps, and missing caps, labels, tamper bands or foil seals. - Teledyne Technologies Co., 49 Edgerton Drive, North Falmouth, Mass. 02556; 508/563-1000; Teledyne.com.

 

Shrink packer

 

Douglas Machine Inc. offers the Contour Series SPS-75 Shrink Packer, which can pack bottles into trays and wrap with printed film. Features of the SPS-75 include the patented Smartrak Steady Stream Infeed system, patented Slipstream HS pinless metering, ergonomic tray blank magazine, a servo-driven film wrapping wand for accurate film placement and a heat tunnel that uses heat and airflow management to deliver tightly wrapped packages. The equipment operates at speeds up to 75 packages per minute. When a 24-pack of bottles is packaged with the Contour Series SPS-75 Shrink Packer, uniform bullseyes are formed on either side, the company says. - Douglas Machine Inc., 3403 Iowa St., Alexandria, Md. 56308; 308/763-6587; douglas-machine.com.

 

 

Markem-Imaje showcased the 9040 Continuous Ink Jet printer, part of the 9000 Series small character product line, at Pack Expo. The 9040 combines the features of the 9020 and the 9030. It uses single-jet and bi-jet printheads, three printhead resolutions, several umbilical lengths and a selection of inks and quick connection and disconnection accessories. The printing capabilities include up to four lines of text, character heights from 0.7 mm. to 18.2 mm., and printing of all types of codes such as Datamatrix and alphabets. The 9040 also integrates shortcuts to menus, direct access to consumables and an automatic rinsing system with a new inside cleaning cycle. Options are available for the 9040 such as the IP65 option, which is designed to work in humid and dusty environments. - Markem-Imaje, 150 Congress St., Keene, N.H. 03431; 800/258-5356; markem-imaje.com.

 

Preferential heating

 

Sidel Inc. displayed its SBO Compact Preferential Heating, a linear blowmolder, at Pack Expo. The machine produces flat bottles and complex shapes in PET at production rates up to 5,600 bottles per hour. It also can be configured to run standard production bottles. Preferential heating produces technical packages with complex designs at low annual production volumes, the company says. The SBO can be reconfigured for different mold shapes in 30 minutes. In early 2009, an air recovery system will be available to provide a decrease in high-pressure air consumption, as well as a neck orientation option. - Sidel Inc., 5600 Sun Court, Norcross, Ga. 30092; 678/221-3173; sidel.com.

 

New graphics

 

High Falls Brewing Co. unveiled new graphics from Ball Corp. for its Dundee Honey Brown cans. The graphics use Eyeris enhanced beverage can printing technology. The new packaging was initiated to position Dundee cans in the craft beer category, the company says. In addition, Eyeris improves definition and fine details on beverage can graphics to create premium, on-shelf differentiation. Ball Corp. supplies metal and plastic packaging products for beverage, food and household customers. - Ball Corp., 9300 W. 108th Circle, Broomfield, Colo. 80021; 303/469-3131; ball.com.

 

 

MRI Flexible Packaging introduced three packaging concepts at Pack Expo: the E-Stretch, the Stackpak and the HandyPak. E-Stretch is a “shrink sleeve-like” labeling system, which is able to follow bottle contours up to a 30 percent shrink ratio. Stackpak is a multipack system for cans that can use graphics as well. And the HandyPak is a multipack system for bottles that uses one machine and one consumable to bundle two bottles together, which gives clients an easy-to-carry handle, the company says. All packaging concepts are ISO and AIB certified, and because of in-house maintenance and engineering, the company is able to continue the manufacturing process without external support. - MRI Flexible Packaging, 122 Penns Trail, Newtown, Pa., 18940; 800/448-8183; mriflex.com.

 

Collapsible container

 

Orbis Corp. enhanced its GP4048-46, a collapsible bulk container designed for the handling, storage and transportation of primary packaging preforms, caps and closures. The top cap offers new recessed corners for easy load stacking, the company says. The GP4048-46 also collapses when empty, for reduced transportation costs. Features include an interface with all types of automated dumping, conveying and processing equipment, and multiple identification options and locations. Orbis Corp. recently acquired Norseman Plastics, and Norseman introduced the Norseman NPL351, a reusable pallet for storage, delivery and end cap display. The NPL351 is sized for efficient delivery truck space and the pallet can be moved from truck to story display as well as one end cap location to another. The pallet can accommodate 2-by-6 and 2-by-4 format fridge packs, and also supports 1,200 pounds. - Orbis Corp., 1055 Corporate Center Drive, Oconomowoc, Wis. 53066; 800/999-8683; orbiscorporation.com.

 

Ring measurement tool

 

CMC-Kuhnke partnered with OEG to distribute the Ringmaster, which provides non-contact measurement of inside and outside diameter of ironing dies. OEG developed different types of instruments for the Ringmaster: ID-type measurement of inside diameter and roundness of inside diameter; IOC-type measurement of inside and outside diameter, roundness of inside and outside diameter; and IOC automatic-type provides motorized adjustment to different inside diameters up to 100 mm. by each operator. The software provided also interfaces with tool control systems. - CMC-Kuhnke Inc., 250 Falls Road, Hudson, N.Y. 12534; 518/828-9345; cmc-kuhnke.com.

 

Front air suspension

 

Peterbilt Motors Co. began full production of its Front Air Leaf Suspension, which is available on Peterbilt Models 384, 386, 388 and 389. The Front Air Leaf Suspension is a new generation front suspension with an innovative design and high-performance components that deliver improvements in ride and overall service maintenance, the company says. The equipment has a lower spring rate for better isolation on road imports, and the design uses four air springs to support up to 75 percent of the spring load. Additional features include a ride height compatible with Low Air Leaf and FLEXAir rear suspensions, a suspension weight capacity from 12,000 to 13,200 pounds, and it also works with air disc or drum brakes. - Peterbilt Motors Co., 1700 Woodbrook St., Denton, Texas 76205; 940/591-4016; peterbilt.com.

 

 

The Eco-Connect Bottle is a patent-pending beverage packaging system targeted to beverage marketers that allows empty plastic bottles to be stacked or screwed together and locked into place. The bottle can result in reduced waste and provide humanitarian benefits because the bottles can be used at very low-costs for building insulation with the air inside the bottle, which is already in place in many third-world nations, the company says. Features include a connector that is molded into the bases of existing plastic bottles without affecting the brand’s package design. - Eco-Connect Bottle, 325 Beacon Ridge Lane, Walnut Creek, Calif. 94597; 866/553-4623; eco-connectbottle.com.

 

Hybrid tractor

 

Navistar International Corp. expanded its line of diesel electric hybrid trucks with the International DuraStar Hybrid tractor. The tractor targets general freight haulers and beverage distributors, and provides fuel savings from 20 to 25 percent on standard in-city pickup and delivery applications, the company says. The DuraStar Hybrid emits up to 33 percent less hydrocarbon emissions and 35 percent less nitrogen oxide emissions vs. standard diesel trucks. The trucks employ a parallel-type, diesel-electric hybrid architecture, which is supplied by Eaton Corp. - Navistar International Corp., 4201 Winfield Rd., Warrenville, Ill. 60555; 800/448/7825; navistar.com.

 

 

AdvantaPure introduced its APEWF, a wire-reinforced EPDM hose engineered to handle a variety of fluids in applications that require elevated pressure and vacuum. APEWF is constructed with a smooth, white EPDM rubber core, which also is reinforced with a wire helix and multiple layers of durable rubber. The hose provides a sanitary inner surface for unrestricted flow, and easy management of bends, turns and corners, the company says. The inner surface also resists bacteria buildup and is compliant with FDA standards. APEWF can handle temperatures from -40 F to 248 F and is available in 0.75-inch to 4-inch sizes. A line of crimp-style fitting and collars also are stocked and custom hose assemblies are available. - AdvantaPure, 145 James Way, Southampton, Pa. 18966; 888/755-4370; advantapure.com.

 

Community Web site

 

ClearOrbit launched the Community Site, a Web resource for its customer and partner communities. The Web site is a place to share industry knowledge and exchange ideas to better understand and solve key supply chain challenges, as well as drive innovation and shape future product direction, the company says. Four sections comprise the Community Site: Idea Exchange, where customers can post requests for new products or services; Forum, a place to discuss topics affecting customers; Support Center helps with technical issues; and Resource Center provides links to articles about best practices, tips and tricks. To access the ClearOrbit Community City, visit community.clearorbit.com. - ClearOrbit Inc., 6805 Capital of Texas Hwy., Suite 370, Austin, Texas, 78731; 800/324-5143; clearorbit.com.

 

High-capacity spirals

 

Ryson International Inc. unveiled its Ryson High Capacity Spirals. The new spirals handle double the capacity of the regular spirals and ship in one piece, which reduces the time and cost of installation, the company, says. Load capacity is 75 pounds per linear foot at conveyor speeds of up to 200 feet per minute. One drive motor is required and models with 16- and 24-inch wide slats are available. The Ryson High Capacity Spirals are of the chain slat type and incorporate a low-friction design which facilitates high speed and low noise. The spirals can be delivered in powder coated steel, stainless steel or washdown versions. - Ryson International Inc., 300 Newsome Drive, Yorktown, Va. 23692; 757/898-1530; ryson.com.

 

 

Cat Lift Trucks unveiled a new customer Web site, designed to provide up-to-date product details and information. The Web site, cat-lift.com, features a new look, new navigation tools and business content to highlight the customer service aspect of Cat Lift Trucks. Visitors can find detailed product specifications and download product brochures directly from the Web site. Tips such as avoiding lift truck abuse and effectively managing a fleet also are included to boost lift truck efficiency and reduce costs, the company says. In addition, the Web site also features customer testimonials, parts and service program information as well as the latest Cat Truck news and events. - Cat Lift Truck, W. Sam Houston Pkwy., Houston, Texas 77043; 713/365-1000; cat-lift.com.

 

 

Amcor PET Packaging introduced the “Lemon Top” package for Cliffstar Corp. bottled brands. The 32-ounce PET bottle has a lemon-peel texture and a lemon-shaped top, and also reduces upper bottle weight by more than 21 percent, the company says. The bottle also is detailed with embossed leaves and the “Cliffstar green” color, synonymous with its lemon juice packaging. Cliffstar also is packaging Lime juice in the same bottle for many of its private label clients, the company adds. The “Lemon Top” package is cost effective by reducing emissions with every case and truckload shipped from Amcor to Cliffstar and throughout stores nationwide. - Amcor PET Packaging, 935 Technology Drive, Suite 100, Ann Arbor, Mich. 48108; 734/428-9741; amcor.com.

 

 

Kenworth Truck Co. offers its Kenworth T2000, now available with Kenworth Driver Information Center, Kenworth GPS Navigation System and multiplex instrumentation system for performance and serviceability. Kenworth T2000 also is acknowledged as a SmartWay program certified truck by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. An indicator on the truck gives visual cues when the optimum rpm is reached and a bar graph displayed current mpg against trip mpg, the company says. The Kenworth GPS Navigation System also aids drivers with functions such as routing, multiple rout and waypoint selection and turn-by-turn voice commands. The system is incorporated into a new dash which shows LED back-lighting in the face plate and pointers. - Kenworth Truck Co., 10630 N.E. 38th Place, Kirkland, Wash. 98033; 425/828-5000; kenworth.com.

 

Tray packer improves efficiency

 

Arizona Beverage Co., Lake Success, N.Y., produces and distributes beverages such as black and green tea, fruit juices and coffee. The company relied on co-packers to keep up with increasing demand, but in August 2003, Arizona purchased a 200,000-square-foot production facility and is able to produce its own products now. Recently, executives from Arizona searched for equipment that would help them increase production speed and provide reliable, flexible performance and changeover capability, the company says. The Standard-Knapp Continuum 296T Tray Packer was selected to use in the production plant. The Standard-Knapp Continuum 296T Tray Packer can package 12-packs of both 16- and 20-ounce bottles. Packaging speeds increased by 20 percent with the Standard-Knapp Tray Packer, Arizona says. The Continuum 296T Tray Packer can accommodate trays from 2- or 2.75-inch walls up to 4.5-inch walls. The products move in even lanes without any jams, the company says. The machine also incorporates its “Zero-Gap” infeed design, which divides products from mass flow into individual lanes using geometry and frictionless rollers. The “Zero-Gap” infeed design eliminates the need to break up bottlenecks with oscillators, which could damage sensitive beverage labels. After products are fed into the packer, a servo-driven grouper meters them into the desired amount, the company says. Arizona Beverage Co. produces a variety of beverages and therefore must make frequent changeovers to the equipment. With the Standard-Knapp machinery, the changeover time has been reduced by 50 percent and fewer adjustments needed to be made. “With the older equipment, it was typical to have a half hour or one-hour period where you’re tweaking things to maximize efficiency,” says Vincent M. Lotito, vice president at Arizona. “Plants in general are trying to get away from tweaking because you can’t afford that.” Changeovers can be done by operators rather than mechanics, and with color-coded parts and numbered change points, the changeover for packs of 12, 14, 18 and 24 bottles or cans takes half an hour. “At Arizona, we strive to create products that look as good as they taste,” Lotito says. “To do that, we have to keep trying to do things. We need equipment that can keep up with our ideas, and Standard-Knapp is helping us to do that.” - Standard Knapp, 63 Pickering St., Portland, Conn. 06480; 860/342-1100; standard-knapp.com.