A Total of three shows in one

This year's Total Processing & Packaging event comprises three dedicated hubs: visitors to the show can discover the latest innovations in packaging design at the Pakex Hub; machinery to enhance productivity at the PPMA show; and new manufacturing
solutions for the pharmaceutical industry in the Interphex hub.

More than 320 exhibitors will be at the show, including ABB on stand K50, who will showcase key new features of the IRB 360 FlexPicker - unveiling an innovative modular concept solution offering high speed precision pick and placement with a host of options specific to packaging.

Another of the live robot demonstrations on the ABB stand is to be the compact IRB 460 - said to be the 'fastest palletising robot in the world'. Capable of up to 2,190 cycles/hour, this 4-axis robot is billed as "perfect" for high speed end-of-line and bag palletising. It occupies 20% less floor space and runs 15% faster than its nearest rivals, according to ABB.

Visitors to the stand can also find about the "easy-to-use" RobotStudio Palletizing PowerPac software. This program, which runs on a PC, allows users to configure, simulate and program ABB robots and grippers for palletising solutions, with little or no robotprogramming experience required - to make palletising simpler, faster and more efficient.

The stand will also feature ABB's smallest 6-axis multi-purpose robot, the IRB 120, together with the IRC5 compact single-phase controller, offering all the functionality and expertise of the ABB range in smaller package. The IRB 120 is also available as an ISO 5 (Class 100) cleanroom model for food and beverage, and pharmaceutical applications.

Initially released for the IRB 120, but now an optional controller with other robots in the range, the IRC5 Compact controller offers the capabilities of the extremely powerful IRC5 controller in a space saving format with easy commissioning through a single-phase power input.

Stand E30 will display Endoline's latest case erector. Designed specifically to handle SRPs, the 248, fully automatic case erector is a high speed, servo driven machine incorporating a gluing system to seal the bottom of each case as it is formed.

The use of glue is essential with SRPs as tape interferes with the functionality of the cases once in use at the retailer, but it also supports the higher running speeds made possible by the use of servos, while also "significantly reducing" the cost of consumables by eliminating the need for tape.

The 248 incorporates Endoline's signature dual opposing vacuum case opener and a top hopper which results in an extremely compact footprint, enabling the machine to be installed as an upgrade in space constrained packing halls as well as in new production sites.

Other items from the Endoline range will be on show, including a case packing module and a fully automatic random case
sealer.

On stand M20, Harford Control will show the major benefits to be achieved through integrated factory floor information management and performance improvement. Harford has developed a set of factory floor solutions which integrate to "reduce operator error, improve operational discipline, achieve total compliance, reduce manufacturing costs and increase profits".

Harford's single turnkey solution facilitates automated production line setup, including coders and labellers, automated Short Interval Control, automated line efficiency, downtime analysis and OEE, yield management, Right First Time Quality, elimination of factory
floor paperwork, full electronic traceability and information management, which are analysed, prioritised and distributed acrossexisting networks.

New developments by Ilapak (stand H22) include an upgraded version of the Delta 3000 LDR flow wrapper with enhanced sealing capabilities and new control system; the Vegatronic 4000 continuous film motion, open frame bagging machine; a Vegatronic 1000 with a new resealable pack; and the "versatile and easy-to-use" Smart flow wrapper.

The Delta 3000 LDR is an inverted, electronic flow wrapper designed to produce hermetically sealed modified atmosphere packs at up to 140 packs/min. High integrity sealing is ensured by a sealing head with an 'oval' jaw motion profile to ensure a long dwell time, and this has now been redesigned to give increased pressure and greater reliability. The control system now uses only commercially
available electronic components, an industrial Nexcom PC with ABB servodrives and state-of-the-art B & R input/output.

A number of enhancements have been incorporated into the Vegatronic 4000 continuous film motion vertical form, fill and seal machine's design, including a more robust front safety guard, new rear and side safety guards providing easier access to the machine's printer area, and a more hygienic cabinet design for easier cleaning. Another Vegatronic, the 1000 mid-range, entry-level machine will be shown with a new resealable feature using a new type of film.

Completing Ilapak's display is the Smart flow wrapper, an "easy-to-use" model for first-time users of automatic packaging machines. Capable of high speeds of up to 100 packs/min, the PC controlled Smart is allegedly "around 30% cheaper than flow wrappers of a similar specification".

On stand D80, HepcoMotion will be showing linear and continuous motion products for high speed and high duty applications. The company has developed a family of actuators to enable each axis to operate optimally and contribute to the system's overall efficiency and longevity.

The X-axis foundation of the system is the HepcoMotion PDU2 linear actuator, a "cost-effective and compact" belt driven unit featuring ultra-high performance Herculane wheel technology. The PDU2M system meets the particularly high load capacity and stiffness against twisting loads required by the Y-axis. And the PSD80 linear actuator is "perfectly suited" to the enhanced linear force and higher gearing requirements of the Z-axis.

There will be a focus on the PRT2 range at the show, featuring gear driven rings and the new PRT2 1-Trak. This system is said to give designers complete freedom in 2D bearing track design. "It allows every conceivable configuration to be realised, far exceeding the scope of traditional technology that is limited to simple combinations of straight lines and curves," according to HepcoMotion.

Linak (stand H60) will introduce iFLEX, a new range of electric linear actuators said to be more cost-effective than traditionalactuators - as no additional cable installation and alignment is necessary.

Instead of connecting a classic actuator to some form of control system by wires and relays, iFLEX offers actuator solutions with integrated intelligent communication. BUS electronics ensure high control of the actuator's positioning and speed. A configuration tool makes it possible to set the speed, the stroke and the current limit of the actuator. This feature also makes service maintenance easier.

The integrated BUS control unit provides a diagnostics tool that will help technicians in troubleshooting as well as preventivemaintenance. With a service interface, it is possible to reduce operating costs, says Linak. Equipped with a data readout function, service and improved maintenance planning can be achieved.

Detection specialists Loma Systems and Lock Inspection, will debut their new collaboration on stand FG60. Specialising in "cutting edge" metal detection, checkweighing and x-ray inspection systems for the food and pharma industries, their joint stand at Total will display eight working systems, including the launch of Loma's new X4 X-ray and the UK show debut of Lock's latest PH pharmaceutical detection system.

Along with vertical fall, pipeline and throat detectors on the stand, the show will launch Loma's new X4 X-ray system, which has been designed to match any line speed. It automatically detects contaminants including metals (including metallised packaging), bone, glass, PVC, stone, rubber and flavour/sugar clumps. A new feature is advanced image processing software that automatically calibrates for each product and sets the optimum power levels for quick set-up and changeover without operator aid. This is said to ensure the best performance setting per product - ideal for manufacturers with large and varied product ranges.

New to Lock's Insight range and its first show debut, the PH pharmaceutical system can inspect up to 30,000 tablets/min "at the
highest documented levels of sensitivity in the industry". With live trials on the stand, the new system will "promote best-in-class
stability even in the chaotic environment of an exhibition".

On stand J81, Newman Labelling Systems will be displaying its S150 fully automatic labelling system for the first time in the UK. Designed for maximum versatility and regulatory compliance, the S150 can apply paper and clear self-adhesive labels to a wide range of products, including cylindrical, rectangular or square containers from 10-150mm diameter, in glass, plastics, metal or composite materials. The 150 containers/min system "requires virtually no change parts, making it both easy and efficient to use". It is fully compliant with FDA cGMP requirements, optional 21CFR Part 11 capability, and can be supplied with validation completed up to PQ.

Omron Electronics, on stand C20, will demonstrate automation solutions for quick and simple integration of motion, safety,
vision and robotics into packaging lines. Central themes on display will demonstrate how Omron can help companies control
and automate processes including pick & place, sealing control, label and inspection, handling, and motion control.

A new control platform enables packaging engineers to work with one software language and connection type. Part of this will be a demonstration of the recently launched Delta robot system, controlled by the powerful Sysmac NJ Machine Automation Controller.

The NJ uses EtherCAT as its machine network, with servodrives, inverters, I/O, safety and vision systems all residing on the same network, reducing complexity, increasing response speed and simplifying programming for the user.

Omron is also showing its latest vision systems and sensors, and giving particular attention to automated checking of humanreadable
text.

Pacepacker Services will launch its Blu-Robot Pick & Place range of second-user automation solutions on stand J22. The reconditioned systems, which are said to be ideal for seasonal packers or low volume product producers, are claimed to halve the cost of a new system and can be used to handle primary and secondary packaging, including punnets, netted produce, cartons, retailer trays and sacks.

The new range incorporates a second-user high quality FANUC robotic arm, typically originating from the automotive industry, which is approximately 35% of the way through its expected 100,000 operational hour lifespan - "helping producers automate arduous processes cost-effectively and with a fast ROI".

RA Rodriguez, exhibiting on stand D60, will be featuring the Universal Robot lightweight and "highly economical" robotic arm - billed as an ideal entry level automation device that provides six axes of movement and is quick to install. It can be easily moved around the factory and has an "exceptionally simple" user interface.

Universal Robots comply with the ISO standard for collaborative robots, so can be operated without safety guarding, providing the application meets certain criteria. Two models are available, to handle payloads up to 5kg and 10kg. Both will feature on the stand, one demonstrating added value automation, the other enabling visitors to try out the robot for themselves.

RA Rodriguez will also be demonstrating IEF Werner palletising systems. Four basic, fully programmable models complete the range, all of which can be tailored to suit the precise needs of the application.

The Noack 930 blister system with rotary sealing will be shown by Romaco on stand E80. It offers a high level of automation, short cleaning times and quick format changes. The interchangeable QuickFeed unit enables product changes to be completed "in next to no time". One unit is removed, cleaned and prepared separately while production of the next batch takes place using the second module.

In addition, QuickChange enables the format sets to be fitted without using tools and with easy access to all machine parts, to speed up retooling. When teamed with the Promatic PC 4250, the Noack 930 system can package up to 400 blisters and 250 folding cartons a minute.

Automated packaging system specialist Schubert UK (stand H70) will be presenting an F44 picker line capable of packing products ranging from chocolate bars and biscuits to bottles, tubes, sachets and cans in complex collations. This flexibility is due to the TLM transmodule - an intelligent transport vehicle driven by a servomotor. Transmodules are equipped with a path control and can be used both for continuous operation and for a combination of cyclical and continuous movement.

Visitors to the Schubert stand will see TLM F4 robots transferring Tunnocks teacakes from the product belt onto a Transmodule in a non-stop operation.

Videojet, sharing stand C10 with partners Sunala and Interactive Coding Equipment, will present the new 50 series (1550/1650) small character inkjet printers. They are designed to "minimise planned and unplanned downtime and maximise printer availability" in daily and multi-shift applications, with line speeds of up to 293m/min and 278.6m/min respectively.

Among the features are Dynamic Calibration for optimisation of print quality in changing environmental conditions; CleanFlow printhead technology to reduce ink build-up for longer runs between printhead cleanings; and a core life of up to 14,000 hours.

www.totalexhibition.com
www.endoline.co.uk
www.harfordcontrol.com
www.hepcomotion.com
www.ilapak.com
www.interactivecoding.co.uk
www.linak.co.uk
www.lockinspection.com
www.loma.com
www.newman.co.uk
www.industrial.omron.co.uk
www.pacepacker.com
www.rarodriguez.co.uk
www.romaco.com
www.schubert-uk.co.uk
www.spiroflow.com www.sunala.com
www.sunala.com