Automated Packaging Systems will be showcasing the AB 180 bagging machine, capable of bagging and sealing a wide range of bag sizes at speeds up to 80 bags/min, with pack size changes possible in less than two minutes.
For high accuracy automatic counting the company says the AccuCount 200 is capable of counting and batching at speeds up to 2,500 packages/hr.
Also on show is the recently introduced AirPouch Express 3 Void-Fill System for product protection during shipping. This compact desktop void-fill system is said to be fast and easy-to-use, providing protective air-filled cushions at a rate of 15 linear m/min.
Automated Packaging Systems T: +44 (0)1684 891400 www.autobag.co.uk
DAN-Palletiser extends range
DAN-Palletiser A/S, which designs and manufactures internal transport and palletising systems, latest development is the MK9 which can handle 70 cartons or bundles/min on either EURO or Chep pallets.
The company provides equipment, covering capacities from 10 to 70 cartons or bundles/min and says that one of its strong points is that all equipment, including software and hardware, is designed, produced and tested in its own factories, "giving the company full control of the finished product".
Among its range is the compact "cost saving" MK1 palletiser which fits on one truck and requires minimal installation time. Offering the choice of manual or automatic pallet handling, the equipment is available for a two week trial period, the only cost being transport if the palletiser is rejected.
DAN-Palletiser A/S T: +45 58382193 www.dan-palletiser.dk
First-time exhibits on E&B's stand
Engelman & Buckham's stand will host a number of principals, including Pattyn Packaging Lines which will show its new Flexim bagmaker inserter. The machine boasts format changes in one minute with speeds up to 18 cases/min on a wide variety cases trays and boxes. Changeover of the film roll tales 45 seconds and that of the new finger grip system just 10. Pattyn also offers printing on the bags as an option for traceability.
Making its first appearance at the show, Hachmang will show a TZ counting machine designed for small products. The machine has a high capacity of 20 products/channel/sec with 99.9% accuracy and no undercounts and can be fitted with 1, 21 or 24 channels.
Breitner will be will be showing a linear six head inductive flow meter filling model IDL 2065 configured for cosmetics. The machine is said to be virtually maintenance-free with no wearing parts, Rapid changeover is combined with full CIP capabilities.
The filling quantities can be are adjustable from 20ml to 5000ml, up to 999 product formats can be stored and retrieved at the push of a button and no change parts are required for different bottle sizes.
Engelman & Buckham T: +44 (0)1420 www.buckham.co.uk
Improvements in PET coding
Making its debut at PPMA 2005 is Domino's S200WB scribing laser system, which builds upon the performance of the S200 laser to offer higher speeds and increased performance, especially in PET applications. Two-line code printing at higher speeds of up to 152m/min is achieved in PET applications due to an increase in field size of more than 50% available to track the product.
The S200WB is fitted with high-resolution optics as standard to offer a smaller spot size. As a result, it reduces line-width by 35% to give high quality codes which are highly legible even for small characters.
Alongside the S200WB, Domino will demonstrate the extensive capabilities of its DSL1 Pharma high performance scribing laser. Launched in May, the GAMP 4 and 21CFR Part 11 compliant DSL1 Pharma is said to meet the increasing demands for improvements in print quality and line efficiencies combined with reducing batch sizes.
Domino UK T: +44 (0) 1954 782551 www.domino-printing.com
Low-cost pallet wrapper
Alongside its range of Robopac semi-automatic pallet wrappers, Aetna UK will be showing for the first time in the UK the Robopac Genesis Futura pallet wrapping system which has been introduced for lower speeds of between 45 and 60 pallets/hr with top sheet. The company says this system makes "ring" wrapping available at a "very interesting price" and is available with two rotation speeds. Aetna says the machine is robust, easy to operate and has a minimum footprint.
In addition, Aetna will also be showing for the first time a new side seal shrink wrapping system for wrapping a range of smaller cartons, boxes or packages and a new polyethylene spiral wrapper called the Compactor.
Aetna UK www.aetna.co.uk T: +44 (0)1234 825050 www.aetna.co.uk
BL's proven performers
Three "proven performers" will be highlighted on the Bradman Lake stand.
The fully automatic SL902 Endloader is designed for companies want a robust, automatic cartoning machine for moderate throughputs. It has a wide size range with simple changeover and operates at up to 250 cartons/min.
Europack will show a Starwheel Wrapper that eliminates the need for multiple change parts and produces single row and double row collations, single row and double row double stacks by simply selecting the pattern on the control panel. The star wheel is changed by a quick release mechanism and it operates at speeds up to 200 cpm or 25 single row single stack collations.
Gravfil, the liquid filling machinery arm of Albro Dico Gravfil will exhibit an in-line filler for liquids from edible oils to chemicals and lubricants into cans or plastic containers. Robustly constructed and simply operated, it has a capacity range up to 20 litres.
Bradman Lake T:+44 (0)117 971 5228 www.bradmanlake.com
Solutions for end of line
On Endoline Machinery's stand, the Endoline 221 case erector will be working alongside the 310 Series pick and place robotic case packing machine and Endoline 602 case sealer, all of which can work together as a turnkey system or individually as standalone units. They can be used to handle a wide variety of outer cases – including Shelf Ready Packaging (SRP).
The 221 Series features dual opposing vacuum case opening which is designed to ensure cases are opened positively from both sides, overcoming problems associated with stiff board and glue migration and reducing damage to the case.
The 310 Series of pick and place machines is employed to automatically load regular shaped rigid or semi-rigid products into static cases and trays. The machine range can accept tins, tubs, cartons and bottles, together with some shrink, tight and film wrapped rigid products, vacuum-packed rigid products and some flow-wrapped firm products. These cost-effective units are said to typically achieve a return on investment within 6-18 months.
The 602 case sealer reduces packaging time by taper folding the top flaps of each case before sealing and, to reduce down time, "tape low" and "tape broken" indicators can be provided.
Other exhibits include the new Endoline 734 fully automatic case taping machine which closes and seals a fully random size feed of cases at up to 20/min.
Endoline Machinery T: +44 (0)1767 316422 E: sales@endoline.co.uk
Debuts from Ishida
The new machines on display on Ishida Europe's stand include Ishida's QX Tray Sealer with integrated checkweigher, the R Series multihead weigher and the new Atlas bagmaker, which will also be shown as part of an ITPS (Integrated Total Packing System) for snacks.
The incorporation of an Ishida DACS checkweigher in the QX775 Tray Sealer enables pack weights to be checked prior to sealing and provides production data that can be fed back to equipment further up the line. Offering speeds up to 100 packs/min, it also has easy of product changeover.
Ishida says the R Series has "taken multihead weighing technology to another level". The new machines include more weigh heads per calculation, calculating 16 times as many weight combinations and selecting three suitable candidate combinations for each weighment instead of one, in one fifth of the time taken previously.
Ishida says the extra combinations and selections mean that, despite being much faster, the new R-Series is significantly more accurate and efficient.
Ishida Europe T: +44 (0)121 607 7700 www.ishidaeurope.com
Lock metal detectors
Lock will be exhibiting a wide range of metal detectors, including the ATEX-approved Compact Vertical Fall suitable for the inspection of incoming raw materials in powder or granule form.
Lock Inspection Systems T: +44 (0)161 624 0333 www.lockinspection.co.uk
Print and apply from Logopak
Logopak will show for the first time two of its newly developed 500 range of print and apply labellers, a very high speed side of pack unit (110 packs/min) and a high speed front of pack unit (85 packs/min).
The company says the new machine was designed by Logopak's engineering staff from a blank sheet of paper, but with significant input from its sales engineers and had to include the "ultra reliability" of the current 906 and 920 generations.
The 500 range is a new ergonomically designed shape and has "many novel new features" including an easily removable thermal ribbon cassette, said to be a first for a "truly automatic" labelling system.
A removable drive roller assembly is also being developed for this unit, making it, says Logopak, "the most easily servicable machine on the market".
The 500 range will eventually encompass small to large format of labellers and print widths.
Logopak international T: +44 (0)1904 692333 www.logopak.com
Linx launches fastest coder
Linx Printing Technologies is extending its Linx SL range with the launch of the 500SL, the "fastest laser coder on the market". Also making its show debut is the Linx Clear security ink 3160 that fluoresces red under ultraviolet light. The ink has been developed for discreet coding applications like anti-counterfeiting and internal traceability.
Simon Powell, marketing manager at Linx, said: "I am delighted that the Linx 500SL and the Linx Clear security ink 3160 ink will take pride of place at PPMA. Combining high performance, ease of use and reliability the SL coders are already generating huge interest from the industry."
The 500SL is said to be ideal for printing on substrates that are traditionally difficult to mark, such as rubber and certain plastics, is capable of speeds up to 740m/min and has IP65 rating.
A full range of Linx's CIJ and laser coding equipment will also be on show.
Linx Printing Technologies T: +44 (0)1480 302100 www.linxglobal.com
Rapid robot technology
Specialist in wrapping machines for chocolate, dry baked goods and confectionery, LoeschPack, will exhibit robot technology for tray loading and charging wrapping machines.
The core element of the wrapping operation is the FlexPicker which has parallel geometry, making "ideal for fast applications". Combined with the 54 C robot plus control, the system can achieve up to 150 pick-and-place cycles/min, depending on the application. High repeating accuracy is also claimed, "even if the products are picked from fast-moving conveyor belts".
Supplementing the robot system with the Pick Master control enables the robots to be controlled by means of graphics processing, which LoeschPack says is the optimum solution for tasks such as product detection, conveyor tracking, quality control and sychronisation of multiple conveyors.
Complete lines can be supplied including product feeding, box erecting, denesting of plastic trays, cushion, cellophane lid-placing devices and wrapping machines for performing a full-wrap.
LoeschPack T: +49 (0)9545 4490 www. Loeschpack.com
Mettler Toledo has range of solutions
Mettler Toledo will be exhibiting a range products and solutions including new formulation and Statistical Quality Control software as well as the latest traceability options.
Equipment on display includes the Garvens S3 Shark checkweigher which is specifically designed for the food industry to meet HACCP guidelines. It is said to have a flexible design plus a hole free framework and open construction to facilitate cleaning.
Also shown will be the BBA platform, which offers a weighing range of 3kg-600kg and is claimed to be the world's first IP69K scale capable of withstanding high pressure hosing and steam jet cleaning.
The company's new Compact Food Scale is protected to IP65 and offers "numerous features" including basic weighing and checkweighing, easy to read dual display (front and back), portable battery operation and stainless steel platform.
Finally, Mettler's ID7 application terminal has a rugged stainless steel design, IP68 protection and is available in bench, wall or panel mount. It can be connected to up to three scales and integral software "Pacs" extend the basic weighing functions into areas such as counting, formulation, dispensing, totalling or checkweighing.
T: +44 (0)116 234 5074 E: enquire.mtuk@mt.com www.mt.com/uk-events
MAP flow-wrappers
The Alpha 6 series of flow-wrappers built in Japan by Fuji is being launched in the UK by agent Paramount Packaging Systems, which is putting two models designed for modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on show for the first time.
These form part of a new range of Alpha 6 flow-wrappers that also includes high-speed machines for confectionery and bakery, a four-side seal model for food and medical devices and inverted machines for soft and sticky products. All are built as standard in stainless steel on a balcony basis for hygiene and ease of cleaning.
On show is the FW3400, which signals Fuji's move into high speed MAP. It is said to use a new design of box motion sealing jaws that move with the film to give extended dwell times for hermetic seals at speeds up to 200 packs/min for both food and medical devices. Two servo motors are used to drive the jaws, rather than a single drive, "providing the higher speed and more accurate control".
Also shown is the new FW3710B, aimed in particular at MAP for fresh meat, fish and poultry. Sealed to IP67 for high pressure hose down, the machine employs Fuji's standard box motion sealing jaws and gives speeds up to 120/min.
Paramount Packaging Systems T: +44 (0)1252 815252 www.paramount-packaging.co.uk
Food Filling and sealing
Packaging Automation will launch the "low cost, high quality", pot filling and heat sealing Fastfill 40. Targeted at producers within the convenience food sector, it is capable of a production speed of 33 packs/min and has quick release locator segments for easy accommodation of different pot sizes.
The Fastfill 40 will seal pre-cut lids as well as film and a date coder can be provided for both. It can be used with both dry and liquid products and is available for hire or purchase.
Also on display will be the Fastfill 60 which incorporates a control system with programmable recipe control, self diagnostics, and real time adjustment of all operating parameters including fill weights, seal time and film feed.
Alongside the Fastfill models, Packaging Automation will also have two tray sealing solutions. The compact Vision 400 will be exhibited with a denester and a short conveyor. This fully automatic, high speed traysealer offers atmospheric, MAP-F, MAP-V and high oxygen flushing for meat, poultry, seafood, vegetables and convenience foods. Product changes take just two minutes and it operates at up to 80 packs/min. Completing the line up will be the semi automatic, hand turned rotary table tray sealer - the PA 182.
Packaging Automation T: +44(0)1565) 755000 www.pal.co.uk
Schubert to show chocolate picker
On the Schubert stand the spotlight will be on its F44 picker line which will be placing 600 chocolate bars a minute into trays. Also represented will be its subsidiary International Packaging Systems which provides turn key project management within the Schubert Group.
Gerhard Schubert T: +49 7951 4000 www.gerhardschubert.de
Labeller launches
Among the new models being shown by Sato UK is the AL800 economy label applicator, said to be an ideal entry level machine for use in small-medium sized packaging operations.
Also new is the GT400e label printer which has software enabling it to be easily be integrated into existing computer systems, "replacing other makes and types of printer without the usual need for extensive reprogramming".
A complete system capable of producing large hazard warning labels on
demand, using the Sato M10e label printer, will also be demonstrated. While at the other end of the size spectrum, the MB200i portable label printer, which can be worn clipped to a belt, has been upgraded to make it faster and more robust with a longer battery life, while including all the advantages of wireless technology and interface options.
Finally a new label dispenser, the S-70, is said to make the handling of ready printed labels before and during application to products and packs, a more efficient and less wasteful operation.
Sato UK T: 0800 614105 Email: enquiries@sato-uk.com www.sato-uk.com
Ulma grows portfolio
Alongside Ulma Packaging's existing portfolio will be a number of new machines making their UK debut.
Amongst these will be the TF Supra, a mid-range thermoforming machine suitable for medium volume production. It can handle flexible or rigid base film up to a 700 micron and is of a modular design enabling numerous configurations including a longer loading area, additional cutting stations and pre heaters if required.
The Artic will also be on display for the first time in the UK. Designed to pack fresh food products with modified atmosphere. The company says the long dwell sealing head ensures a perfect hermetic seal even at high production speeds.
One of Ulma's latest traysealers, the compact Smart 300, will also be launched at PPMA.
Ulma Packaging T: +44(0)1909 506 504 www.ulmapackaging.com
Sessions' latest models
Among the latest models on Sessions of York's stand will be the Sequence Total and the SLL Mk2 Catchpoint self-adhesive linerless label applicator.
Based on the Sequence range, the Sequence Total features a digital control box providing "greater speed and accuracy" as well as rapid format change. The company says the machine will label "virtually any sized or shaped container" and is "extremely user-friendly".
The compact SLL Mk2 machine overcomes the challenges of handling the Catchpoint label – with no backing paper and exposed adhesive – from the reel to consistently accurate placement at high speeds onto a product. The machine also features a patented system to separate the labels as well as twin stepper motors and is fully controlled by an onboard plc.
Sessions' stand will also feature selected machinery from its ranges of label systems covering the food, beverage, pharmaceutical and industrial markets.
Sessions of York T: +44 (0)1904 659224 www.sessionsofyork.co.uk
Demonstrations on Videojet's stand
Videojet Technologies says it will be holding an on-stand demonstration to show "the importance of reliability, performance and uptime peace of mind" as it exhibits its newly launched Marsh 110 and 3100 large character ink-jet printers and P3400 label printer applicator.
The new products will feature alongside Videojet's portfolio of marking and coding technologies – including inkjet, laser, TTO, large character marking and RFID.
The Marsh 1100 and 3100 printers for online printing onto corrugated cases and trays can print at 17mm high (1100) or 70mm high (3100). Built for "sustainable print quality with minimum maintenance and downtime", the patented automatic self-cleaning and self-maintaining system is said to ensure "a perfect and repeatable print quality in every kind of environment".
The modular designed P3400 features "premium-quality" thermal transfer printing for high-resolution barcodes and text for shipping labels and is said to require fewer label changes and offer increased uptime. Ethernet connectivity, with a host PC, makes the P3400 simple to set up and control through HTML web page interface.
Videojet Technologies T: 0870 240 5542 www.videojet.co.uk
Spanish steriliser makes debut
For the first time Planet Flowline will be displaying a pilot overpressure autoclave from Surdry of Spain. The stainless steel sterilisers are available both in static, rotary and agitation mode and are primarily designed for use in the canning and ready meal industries.
Also prominently displayed will be Planet Model 300 triple pass snack food dryer, which is manufactured in the UK and, from Italy, a new Tecnovac Cronos tray sealing machine.
Other items on-show include a range of products which are manufactured using Planet Flowline's wide portfolio of equipment together with illustrations of the latest installations throughout the world.
Planet Flowline T:+44(0)1778 341166 Info@planetflowline.co.uk
Weber enhancements
Weber will be demonstrating an enhanced version of its Legitronic labelling software, which is described as an intuitive software package that combines advanced editing and other key features to maximise the efficiency of labelling formatting, editing, printing and RFID encoding "for virtually any application".
It is compatible with thermal-transfer, direct-thermal and laser label printers and RFID printer-encoders, as well as with standard Windows-based printers.
Other innovations include the new Model 2600 Series label printer-applicator, a lightweight, in-line unit that is said to deliver high quality label printing with simultaneous application for fast, consistent pressure sensitive labelling.
It is capable of printing 203- or 300-dpi text, bar codes and graphic images at speeds up to 12in/sec.
RFID solutions include the Weber 5200 RFID smart label printer-applicator, which features an integrated system that can print, encode, verify and apply pressure-sensitive RFID smart labels to cartons and pallet loads in one operation.
For simple application of RFID labels, Weber offers the Alpha RFID that can apply smart labels up to 4.72in wide and 6in long at high speed, maintaining an application accuracy of ±0.04in.
Weber Marking Systems T: +44 (0)187 5611111 www.weber.co.uk
New form-fill-seal
This year's show will host the European launch of a new top of the range Shanklin form-fill-seal machine. Manufactured and distributed by Sealed Air, the Omni wrapper has plug-and-play in-feed modules which can be changed over in just three minutes, plus servo motion control technology that instantly recognises a new in-feed.
Also making its debut at PPMA is the low cost, entry level, automatic L-sealer from Sealed Air – the Opti 4500 - which operates at speeds up to 35 packs/min.
Other exhibits include a pallet management system manufactured by Mondo and Scaglione. Said to be the first of its kind, the pallet de-staking system deposits pallets directly onto the floor beneath the stack and then pushes it out of the magazine ready for use.
Sealed Air will also introduce the new Pfankuch 450 sealing machine into the UK flexible packing sector and a new form of resealable packaging will also be displayed. The bags have a built-in recloseable feature using pressure sensitive tape to create an easy-open, easy-close package.
Sealed Air T: +44 (0)1274) 23010 www.sealedair-emea.com
Innovations show to run alongside PPMA
Running at the same time as the PPMA Show at the NEC is The Packaging Innovation Show which will focus on brand, retail and consumer needs covering all areas of innovation from blue sky developments and new technologies through to more fundamental packaging challenges and opportunities.
This new event has been launched following the success of the Packaging Innovation Show feature at Total Processing & Packaging 2004 which attracted nearly 6,000 visitors from the brand, design and marketing communities.
The show, which has over 100 exhibitors, has been welcomed by Procter & Gamble's director - Corporate R&D Europe, Neil MacGilp, who said: "By turning loose the creative power of the leading UK and European packaging, design, brand and retailer communities at the Birmingham NEC in a spirit of collaboration and mutual wealth generation, Reed Exhibitions will be creating a forum where great things could happen. This is something we want to encourage."
The headline sponsor for the event is Rexam and chief executive officer Lars Emilson said: "Innovation can be viewed as the bloodline of any business. Rexam is no exception. But it is not just about product innovation. It is also about creating innovation in the way we do business and the way the value chain interacts, to bring innovation to the retail shelves. The successful development of new consumer packaging relies on close collaboration of all those involved."
The show will feature centres for Design and Innovation, including the 2020 Vision Get Smart Design Challenge and seminar programme on the major trends and technologies.
A Smart Pavilion will feature the latest intelligent packaging solutions as well as a seminar on the benefits of smart packaging for the supply chain.
Packaging Today's sister magazine, RFID Solutions will also be hosting series of "beginners guide" seminars on RFID. Speakers include senior management from EPCGlobal, the body responsible for worldwide RFID standards, Pira International, Zebra Technologies, the Packaging Federation and BT Auto ID.
For more details about the show, seminars and special features visit www.packaginginnovationshow.com
