Fifth generation robot controller
A fifth generation robot controller and new software is to be launched by ABB Robotics and demonstrated as part of a complete packaging line.
A spokesman says: “Recognising that some companies remain fearful of the perceived complexity of programming robot lines, the new PickMaster 5 software simplifies the integration of picking, packing and palletising operations via an intuitive interface.”
The PC based software uses graphical interfaces to configure applications, where up to 16 robots work alongside conveyor belts.
Also on display will be the IRB340 FlexPicker, which the company says is the fastest in the world at 150 picks per minute and has a payload up to 2kg. The demonstration line will also include an IRB 260 packing robot and an IRB660 palletising robot.
Hall 5, Stand 5291
ABB Robotics
T: +44 (0)1908 350396; www.abb.com
Strategic partnership pays dividends
End-of-line packaging equipment manufacturer Endoline Machinery will be promoting a new compact case erecting and packing system developed with Quin Systems.
The two companies formed a strategic partnership last year to provide a complete case packing line, combining the Quin high-speed automatic RTheta Casepacker and the Endoline 221 case erecting machine. Endoline managing director Tony Hacker says the bringing together of two machines has enabled a system to be designed without compromises. “The new machine which will run at 20 cases and 100 picks/min and is a unique specification for such a compact machine.”
Fully working systems on show will include the best-selling Endoline 221 case erector, the 310 series pick-and-place robotic case packing machine for low speed applications and the Endoline 602 case sealer.
Hall 4, Stand 4250/1
Endoline
T: +44 (0)1767 316422; www.endoline.co.uk
Smarter coding solutions from Markem
Markem will demonstrate its coding equipment combining in-house hardware, software and professional services to “eliminate human error and increase productivity”.
The company's SmartDate thermal transfer coders incorporate features to remove the risk of invalid or incorrect date codes and through its CoLOS Enterprise networking, manufacturers can centralise code management and automate the coding process.
Hall 4, Stand 4421
Markem
T: +44 (0)161 333 8400; www.markem.co.uk
Case erectors to make Total debut
A re-designed series of Superformer stainless steel case erectors and bottom tapers will be launched by OK International.
The compact in-line machines have a low level, easy load, powered case magazine with low cases and no-case alarms, an electronic case squaring system and taping heads with low tape and no tape alarms.
The company says the machine runs at 10-25 cases/min and is suitable for very short production runs as a three dimensional size change can be accomplished in about a minute. Other features include welded stainless steel frame, full guarding and a Nema 4X electrical enclosure with Allen Bradley controls and self diagnostics.
Hall 4, Stand 4131
OK International
T: +44 (0)1359 250705; www.okcorp.com
Aetna at full stretch
Aetna UK plans to show a number of new additions to its range of semi- and fully automatic pallet stretch wrapping machinery from Robopac, Dimac and Euroimpianti.
There will also be the chance to see Aetna's mobile battery operated pallet wrapper and the Euroimpianti Skilled 504 Robotic Palletiser, which in a working area of 3600, can palletise up to 1,600 boxes/hr and has a guaranteed positional accuracy to +/- 0.5mm.
A spokesman says rapid growth of logistics, bulk purchase and standardisation for major food and drink retailers and the increasingly specialised warehouse facilities has driven the trend toward standardisation.
The company says its key range is the Robopac semi automatic systems, with unit sales steadily increasing year-on-year. Its best selling unit is the Rotoplat 506 pallet stretch wrapper.
Hall 5, Stand 5766
Aetna UK
T: +44 (0)1234 825050; www.aetna.co.uk
Allen to mark 30 years with Foxjet unveiling
Allen Coding Systems will celebrate 30 years in the industry by unveiling a new ITW Foxjet inkjet printing system.
The stand will also feature the recently launched LaserSYSTEM Plus range of laser coders, TP4000 intermittent multihead, multilane thermal transfer printer, the 55SST combination intermittent and continuous thermal transfer printer, and 4ACC offline carton coder.
A BDS carton coder, a selection of compact and super compact hot foil coders, and AllenCode NX2 intermittent and continuous thermal transfer machine will also be on show
The LaserSYSTEM, with 10 and 30 watt output, laser coding systems can be used for static or dynamic coding on to a variety of substrates including plastics, varnished and anodised metal, glass, paper, and coated and printed cardboard.
A spokesman says its is easily operated by a touchscreen terminal or handheld device, and has an Ethernet interface. By changing lenses, the marking area can be extended to 250mm x 250mm.
Hall 4, Stand 4466
Allen Coding Systems
T: +44 (0)1707 379500; www.allencoding.co.uk
Brace of new equipment from Pago
Pago is launching a 6/3 labelling head for high performance precision labeller, the PAGOmat, a high-speed pressure sensitive labeller that uses an air cushion to support a variable length buffer loop of labels between the unwind and dispensing beak to eliminate inertia in the system and allow high speeds without risk of web snatch or breakage.
A PAGOsystem 80, the entry level inline labeller, will also be demonstrated with a 3 series and a PAGOmat 15 Print and Apply labelling head.
Other machines on the stand will be thePAGOsystem 270i, for inline tube labeling that can handle up to a 100 tubes/min.
Pago will also show examples of self-adhesive labels for decorative and functional uses in all markets and industries.
Hall 4, Stand 4557
Pago Ltd
T: +44 (0)1206 755206; www.pago.co.uk
Historic exhibits - from Victorian times to the present
DS Smith Packaging is to host a display of The Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising.
More than 12,000 original items from the Robert Opie collection are in the new museum in Notting Hill, north London, covering the history of consumer culture from Victorian times to the present.
DS Smith Packaging director Terry Ousley says: “We feel it is very appropriate for us to sponsor the Museum of Brands' presence at Total. In recent years, with the advent of retail ready, the impact of secondary packaging on brand image and in store sales has grown immensely.”
Hall 4, Stand 4680
DS Smith Packaging
T: +44 (0)1753 754380; www.dssmith-packaging.com
Friedheim to be joined by Beck and Imanpack
Friedheim International will be joined by Beck Packautomaten of Germany and Imanpack of Italy, two of the packaging companies Friedheim represent exclusively in the UK and Ireland.
Beck Packautomaten will demonstrate its latest shrink-wrapping machine, the Multiplex pico, in full production with feeder conveyor, shrink tunnel and delivery conveyor.
Imanpack will show the Microvert vertical form, fill and seal machine with attached counter, as well as a machine from its horizontal form, fill and seal range. Products being handled will include nuts, bolts, screws, dog treats, plastic vials, plus other non-food and domestic items.
Hall 4, Stand 4480
Friedheim International
T: +44 (0)1442 206100; www.friedheim.co.uk
Continuous motion wrapper for delicate products
Two packaging machines to improve the handling of delicate products and loose, unsupported produce will be launched by Ilapak.
The Vegatronic 4000 is a high-performance vertical, form, fill and seal machine to wrap products such as prepared salads, potatoes and individually quick frozen foods using a continuous film motion to achieve speeds of 140 packs/min. It operates in a number of pack formats, including pillow bags, block bottom packs and Quattro packs.
The Carrera 1000 PCR is an inverted horizontal, form, fill and seal machine designed to handle loose, unsupported products such as avocadoes, apples and other fruit and vegetables, while eliminating the need for a tray.
Also on the stand will be Ilapak's Delta VacMap, a patented flow-wrapper that produces high-quality, flow-wrapped packs with the extended shelf-life of thermoformed packs at less cost.
Hall 5, Stand 5653
Ilapak
T: +44 (0)20 8797 2000: E:sales@ilapak.co.uk
Weber to show RFID-equipped machines
Weber Marking Systems will be exhibiting a range of printer-applicators, label applicators and label printers, including a number of RFID-enabled machines. It will also demonstrate its capabilities in bespoke label design and manufacture.
In addition, the stand will host a presence from GS1, the association specialising in cross-sector supply chain standards for barcodes and electronic business communications and visitors will be able to obtain independent advice on their coding requirements.
RFID-enabled versions of the Weber 5200 printer-applicator and Alpha 86 label applicator and an RFID version of Weber's Legitronic labelling software will be exhibited and the company will also be demonstrating a range of barcode scanning and verification equipment.
Hall 4 Stand 4210
Weber Marking Systems
T: +44 (0)187 5611111: E: sales@weber.co.uk
Elastic staple system a "replacement" for cable ties
Avery Dennison Fasteners will be promoting the Elastic Staple, the fastening method it says can speed the attachment of products to backing cards by up to 80%.
The Elastic Staple is a replacement for cable or twist ties and metal staples, as well as more expensive packaging options such as blister and clam packs.
A spokesman says: “Once attached, the products can be touched and tried by the customers without having to be removed from the packaging card. This considerably aids the customers' buying decision and reduces the amount of product returns due to damaged packaging.”
The staples are inserted using two needles to punch small holes in the backing card while feeding them and toggling the ends behind the card.
Hall 4, Stand 4600
Avery Dennison Fasteners
T: +44 (0)1628 859578;www.fastener.averydennison.com
Combined weigher and metal detector well suited to ready meals
A new high-speed weigher and a metal detector checkweigher will be showcased by Easiweigh, along with enhancements to existing equipment.
The DRP10-10 is a ten-channel, high-speed linear weighing machine capable of running at 70 deposits/min and is computer-controlled for simple operation and fast product changeover. It handles a range of shapes and sizes, and is particularly suited for fresh goods and ready meals, a spokesman says.
Another showcase product is the Metal Detector Checkweigher, a new system that integrates both operations, saving time and floor space.
The entry level Midi Starter Pack system for small, start-up and low-volume producers will be seen as the MidLite stainless steel compact weigher with parallel filling station and sealing machine.
The Verti-Pack line will be shown in PAL-108S configuration for automated palletising of boxes, particularly returnable supermarket crates, and the W12-126 automatic weighing machine for fresh fruit using electronically operated vibrating plates.
Hall 4 , Stand 4340
Easiweigh
T: +44 (0)1733 202088; www.thegshgroup.com
Compostable film with texture and dead-folds of paper
Paperfeel will launch a new type of compostable film designed to give the texture, print quality and dead-folds of paper with the strength and moisture resistance of plastic.
Technical director Geoff Southwell says PaperfeelECO was developed in response to strong end-user demand and is manufactured using GM starch-based granules, which allow the film to decompose within a few months.
The milky form film degrades in an industrial composter in 90 days, the company says, and fulfils the conditions of EN 13432. It can also be coloured using bio-based master batches, but a clear version is expected by the end of 2007.
Paperfeel pioneered three-layered polyethylene film, in which each of the layers have different properties for ease of filling, stiffening and print quality.
All Paperfeel's existing range of films will be supplied in the new ecofilm.
Hall 3, Stand 3301
Paperfeel
T: +44 (0)1733 404940; www.paperfeel.co.uk
Software for package design optimisation on show
The latest version of the company's TOPS Pro software for package design, case and pallet optimisation will be among products shown by AutoLogic Systems, which provides specialist software and services for eliminating waste, “reducing risk” and improving efficiency.
Also exhibited will be previews of software for optimising RFID tag placement to improve readability, along with “ a host of new features” including support for blister packs and inverted nesting of products.
AutoLogic Systems will also show its powerful modelling capabilities for demonstrating, testing and analysing the performance and control of packaging and material handling systems. Stand visitors can view the company's “revolutionary” Demo3D software that uses “highly realistic true 3D graphics” and physics engines to create accurate models of plant and equipment, A new control system testing capability enables customers to reduce commissioning times by testing PLC logic and control systems against a fully detailed model that responds in the same way as the plant or equipment to be commissioned.
Hall 5, Stand 5423
Autologic Systems
T: +44 (0)1753 647664; www.autologic-systems.co.uk
Six-head flowmeter filler is "virtually maintenance-free"
Breitner, well-known for its range of filling and capping machinery, and exhibiting at Total on the stand of its agent, Engelmann & Buckham, will show its linear 6-head magnetic inductive flowmeter filling machine, the IDL 2065.
Said to be ideal for many applications, the system is “virtually maintenance-free” and free from wearing parts, while quick changeover can be accomplished without changeparts. Other key features include high accuracy, full clean-in-place capability, and infinitely adjustable filling quantities - from 20ml -5 litres, plus up to 999 different product formats. The easy-to-use machine control contributes to a claimed changeover time of just five minutes.
Breitner produces a comprehensive range of linear and rotary fillers, alongside 1-12 head capping machines with a maximum output of 15,000 caps/hour.
Hall 5, Stand 5767
Engelmann & Buckham
T: +44 (0)1420 82421; E: eb@buckham.co.uk
Meypack has it in the bag
End-of-line packaging, palletising and bag closing systems specialist, Meypack will be demonstrating its “further improved” FTS-B-HD 32 (fold-tape-seal) bag closer which both closes paper bags and seals plastic inner liners.
The “B“ version now features “maintenance free” toothed belts for bag guiding and the reel holders for the sealing tape and tear strip are now said to be more ergonomically designed, allowing easy reel replacement and negating the need for tape guiding adjustments. The
continuous cleaning station has also been further improved, using less moving which makes machine cleaning easier.
Meypack, represented in the UK by Penn Packaging, also points out that the supplementary equipment available allows “nearly customised configurations of each machine, but at series prices”.
Stand 5150
Meypack
T: +49-40-839 02-0; www.meypack.de
Visidot "supply chain traceability" system on demonstration
Visitors to the ImageID stand will be able to see a demonstration of Visidot, which is claimed to be “the world's first Supply Chain Traceability (SCT) solution to track multiple assets with 100% accuracy, utilising unique imaging-based technology to detect and decode standard linear as well as 2D barcode symbology”.
Said to be designed to deliver automatic, high-speed, high-accuracy acquisition of hundreds of assets in a single read, Visidot 2.0 delivers an image of the captured assets for archiving purposes, to be used as a proof in case of a dispute or insurance claim, for the assets' presence or condition. Certain business logic can be applied to enforce proper arrangement of the assets such as “This Way Up” or heavy items at the bottom, to prevent any shipping damage.
Visidot 2.0 utilises Microsoft's Dot.net technology to “provide seamless integration with ERP and automation systems”. It is also fully compliant with all EU food traceability regulations.
ImageID is a multinational company with partner networks in the US and Europe and r&d facilities in Israel.
Hall 5, Stand 5340
ImageID
T:+972 9777 4217: www.imageid.com
Inspection innovations
Loma Systems and Cintex, part of Spectrum Inspection Systems, will be exhibiting a range of new inspection equipment. Metal detectors will include Loma's new IQ3 checkweighing and metal detection combination system and the recently launched X4 and entry level XR range of X-ray systems.
The company says the IQ3 is a true multi-frequency machine and leads the field in sensitivity, stability and reliability. Case and coil geometry prevents vibration, electrical interference and thermal shock. The IQ3 can also incorporate LomaEnet, an Ethernet reports capture system. The Cintex CS Combo, a combined metal detector and checkweigher, will also be shown.
The Loma X4 range of X-ray inspection systems are the most advanced systems featuring a new high-speed USB sensor and Windows XP operating system.
Hall 5, Stand 5231
Loma Systems & Cintex
T: +44 (0)1252 893300; www.loma-cintex.com
Easier opening and enhanced convenience from MPMA
The latest developments in metal packaging will be shown on the Metal Packaging Manufacturers Association stand. Members participating include Central Tin Containers, Corus Packaging Plus, Crown Holdings, Emballator Packaging, Impress Metal Packaging, Linpac Metal Decorators, Roberts Metal Packaging and William Say.
Among the demonstrations will be technical innovations which provide easier opening and enhanced convenience in metal's volume food market with curved tabs, peel seams in round and oblong cans, and single serve food trays.
Paint cans are also showing a lot of innovation with new developments in closure mechanisms, seaming and graphics. “Nice to hold”, shaped aerosols will offer new promotional opportunities for air fresheners as well as health and beauty products. The shaping technology is also used for promotional beer cans and beverage can manufacturers continue to improve print quality with examples of high quality finishes on beer and soft drinks cans.
Hall 3 stand number 3320
MPMA
T: + 44 (0)1189 255520; www.mpma.org.uk
Complete range of Alacer skills on show for the first time
Packaging design specialist, contract packer, storage and transportation, and e-fulfilment provider Alacer will demonstrate its complete range of skills for the first time.
Alacer's extensive range of services includes bagging, sealing wrapping, labelling, coating and precision assembly and inspection work. Md Sean Skidmore says: “The Total exhibition will be a fantastic opportunity to reach a wider audience and promote Alacer's high standards of workmanship. A significant proportion of our work reaches the shelves of the major multiple retailers, including Boots, Sainsbury's and House of Fraser, and our experience and expertise make us ideal for projects where attention to detail, quality of goods and service are a priority.
Within its portfolio Alacer also offers design and procurement, as well as marketing support via a POS and print management service.
Hall 4 (BCMPA pavilion), Stand 4280F
Alacer
T: +44 (0)1623 635070; www.alacer.net
Linear labeller for self-adhesive labels
Among highlights on Marchesini Group's stand will be the Neri BL600 linear labeller - a high-speed machine for applying self-adhesive labels on ampoules, vials or other round containers. Able to process up to 600 items/min, it has a positive step conveyor system, a balcony structure with ergonomic layout, and separate working, mechanical and electrical zones. Its variable-step roller conveyor can handle a wide range of sizes.
Also displayed will be Vasquali's FTC12 electronic tablet and capsule counter, which incorporates a touchscreen interface that allows operators to change every machine parameter, and a self-learning system which “acquires” the correct specific values for each new product. The industrial PC memory allows entry of a “virtually infinite” number of recipes, retrievable by simply typing in the corresponding code. The FTC12 can count up to 300,000 tablets/hour.
With fast throughput still to the fore, the MB340 blister line can produce up to 300 blister tiles/minute. Although built in line with the Marchesini “blister tile production philosophy”, it uses new ideas that make it “sophisticated, highly flexible and extremely easy to control”. Each machine unit that is part of the MB430 robot thermoformer has its own servomotor; thus every function can be regulated separately.
Hall 5, Stand 5521
Marchesini Group
T: +39 (0)347 963 2938; www.marchesini.com
Dispensing in style
On show from Guala Dispensing will be a full range of dispensing systems, including a number of new developments that offer “a choice of solutions to suit a wide variety of trigger and dispensing requirements”.
Trigger displays shown on Guala's stand will include the “versatile: TS1, the TS2 with the ability to deliver contents when turned completely upside down or at any awkward angle, a new foaming option for the same trigger, and a child-resistant version of the TS3. Guala will also highlight its widely used dispenser for cosmetics and toiletries.
“We are very excited to return to Total, as the three years since the 2004 exhibition has seen excellent growth and satisfaction from our customers regarding our high levels of service and quality,” says sales manager Matthew Lucas.
Hall 3, Stand 3648
Guala Dispensing
T: +44 (0)1666 500427; www.gualadispensing.com
Hybrid palletiser launch
Total 2007 sees the launch of automated palletising and logistics systems specialist CSi's latest development, the Hybrid Palletiser, which “brings together the accuracy and reliability of a spherical robot with the high-speed capacity of a layer palletiser”. A small robot is positioned in front of the palletiser's layer forming table and used to quickly, accurately and carefully orientate cases prior to palletisation.
CSi says the system offers a significant advantage over conventional turning posts and conveyor turning solutions, as it eliminates the problems of varying case weights, shape and frictional properties of the product and guarantees layer formation accuracy. The Hybrid Palletiser also ensures cartons are not damaged as they are orientated at high speeds prior to palletising.
Hall 4, Stand 4460
CSi
T: +44 (0)1244 341298; www.csiuk.co.uk
The IRB340 FlexPicker - “the fastest in the world at 150 picks per minute” ABB32 Recently purchased by United Biscuits, this Endoline 734 will also feature at the show Endoline Markem's SmartDate thermal transfer coders incorporate features to remove the risk of invalid or incorrect date codes markem A re-designed series of Superformer stainless steel case erectors and bottom tapers will be launched by OK International OKsuperliner The best selling Rotoplat 506 pallet stretchwrapper Aetna The LaserSYSTEM coders can be used for static or dynamic coding on to a variety of substrates Allen ThePAGOsystem 270i, for in-line tube labeling that can handle up to a 100 tubes/min pago DS Smith Packaging will host a display of The Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising DSSmithcropped_tins Beck Packautomaten's latest shrink-wrapping machine, the Multiplex pico, will be demonstrated in full production Friedheimbeck The Vegatronic 4000 is vertical-form-fill and seal machine wraps products such as prepared salads, potatoes and individually quick frozen foods Ilapakvegatronic The Elastic Staple is a replacement for cable or twist ties, metal staples and even blister and clam packs Avery easiweigh The Metal Detector Checkweigher saves time and floor space easiweigh The Demo3D software uses “highly realistic true 3D graphics Autologic2 Breitner's IDL 2065 flowmeter filling machine breitner Meypack will be demonstrate its “further improved” FTS-B-HD 32 (fold-tape-seal) bag closer meypack The IQ3 checkweighing and metal detection system is said to be a true multi-frequency machine lomaIQ3 The latest developments in metal packaging will be shown on the MPMA's stand MPMA Alacer will show its comprehensive portfolio of services at Total Alacer07 The TS3 - one of numerous examples of Guala Dispensing's extensive range on display guala2007 CSi's new Hybrid Palletiser reportedly “eliminates the problems of varying case weights” CSIPic1
