Miracles in Milan

25 March 2009



The Italian packaging industry is set to congregate at the Ipack-Ima exhibition, held in Milan


The objective of Ipack-Ima is to bring together the suppliers and customers of the processing and packaging technology industries. It is a systems exhibition, showcasing integrated techniques for product handling, processing, packaging and point-of-sale. Held from 24–28 March at Fiera Milano, the objective of the show is to represent new market trends and to showcase the most dynamic sectors. The 2009 edition will particularly focus on cutting-edge materials for the ready-meals industry and environmentally-friendly solutions, especially bioplastics.

The most important issue being addressed at Ipack-Ima is sustainability. Food, pharmaceutical and consumer products manufacturers are experiencing an increase in energy prices and are simultaneously facing an increase in raw materials costs. There will be a specific exhibition area devoted to the theme of Sustainability and the Packaging Life Cycle, and this will also be a conference theme. Other major topics will be food safety and the prevention of food waste. Numerous exhibitors will focus on these topics and they will also constitute part of the conference programme.

Ipack-Ima 2009 will also be co-located with the Grafitalia and Converflex exhibitions for graphic arts and converting (see Converting Today, February 2009). These events will be held on the same dates and use the same entrance ticket.

Getting into the bag

Rovema will focus on its new VPL 260 bagging machine, designed for flat bag format sizes of 60×260mm and block- bottom bags up to 320mm. Due to the linear servo-drive technology, conventional oil-filled gears are no longer necessary. The system is claimed to realise sealing at up to 200 cycles per minute. Furthermore, sealing pressures of 8000N are achieved, making the system suitable for difficult films. It is said that downtime between format changes is minimal as this is undertaken without tools. The system is controlled by the Rovema P@ckControl operation, which will allegedly not accept false or irrelevant parameters.

Chronos Richardson will exhibit its OML 600GW system open-mouth bagging system, said to bag using a range of materials at rates up to 450 bags per hour. It is stated that its nett weigher version can operate at up to 900 bags per hour. The company will also focus on its E55 nett weigher, said to be capable of up to 2000 weighments per hour. Furthermore, Chronos Richardson will exhibit its RP 1200 robotic palletiser, incorporating gripper technology. This is designed to realise the optimal configuration of palletised layers when handling a diverse range of product packages, including bags, sacks, bundles, cartons, buckets and multi-packs.

At Ipack-Ima, PFM will unveil its ZC1 integrated multihead weigher and bagging machine for mid-speed duties, claimed to achieve outputs of 80 bags per minute when handling dry goods. It combines the established Zenith bagger and new C1 multihead weigher, mounted on the bagger itself with no requirement for a supporting gantry, thereby reducing floor space requirements.

PFM will also exhibit its Pearl flow-wrapper; a new SPS confectionery packaging line equipped with a two- axis robot built by Cama; and the new high-speed Comet bagging machine, fed by an integrated multihead weigher, claimed to achieve outputs up to 180 bags per minute.

Gas monitoring essential

Witt focuses on systems for gas monitoring and gas mixing. Its range of instruments and services meet many different requirements, ranging from analysis of a single package to gas mixing and the design and engineering of a complete gas management system. When undertaking MAP packaging, it is essential to control and detect leaks and the company has developed 14 Leakmaster non-destructive leak detection devices which indicate CO2 as a trace gas. The same operating principle is also used for the automatic in-line machines, which are fully integrated into the packaging line. The Leakmaster-MAP Max is claimed to perform up to 15 cycles per minute when undertaking analysis of individual packages and for complete cases.

PBI-Dansensor will focus on its CheckPoint II analyser for sample-testing as part of the MAP process. This is a portable device incorporating data-logging capabilities, the facility for PC connection and an optional bar-code scanner. It alerts the operator to any errors and is specifically designed for smaller-volume production facilities or other situations where a portable analyser is useful.

Packing and weighing

Ishida will concentrate on its tray-packing line, combining the RS-216 multihead weigher with the QX-1100 tray sealer. The RS-216 delivers products on a tray-tracking and -filling system, depositing the portions in the trays. The filled trays pass through the QX-1100 tray sealer, which comprises a double-track configuration and uses servo-motors. Sealing can be undertaken with an inside-cut profile to enhance pack presentation. The system incorporates the data capture system, which can link up to 100 DACS checkweighers. This results in an extensive range of reporting options, enabling production managers to employ monitoring for legislative compliance whilst minimising product giveaway. Data can be analysed by batch, shift, operator, product or machine, resulting in customised reports. It can be accessed either on-site or remotely, using secure Ethernet connections.

The IX-GA X-ray system is claimed to detect a range of foreign bodies, including aluminium, tin, glass, stones, hard rubber, plastic, bones and shells, in a variety of packed and unpacked fresh food products.

The Ishida self-learning Genetic Algorithm (GA) technology automatically establishes product-specific perimeters. The machine is said to detect impurities down to 0.3mm in size and spot missing items or damaged products.

Multivac will launch its new T 700 traysealer, featuring modular construction. This incorporates an in-line sealing process, which takes place in line with the infeed and removal process. The company is also introducing what is claimed to be the first vacuum chamber conveyor belt machine in the world with a tiltable lid. Known as the B 310, the chamber lid can be tilted in one step, facilitating adjustment of the sealing bar height and easier cleaning of the lid interior. With an output of more than three cycles per minute, the B 310 is one of the quickest machines in its class.

The company is also launching the R 175 CD thermoforming machine, designed to use the special films made by Cryovac for the production of Darfresh packages. These display products in an especially vivid manner and are said to enhance shelf-life.

Meanwhile, Schubert will present a TLM thermoforming, filling and closing machine incorporating ultrasonic technology. Ultrasound enables packages to be sealed using a system that facilitates easy opening, due to the accurate realisation of punching contours. The nature of the technique results in negligible wear to the sealing and punching tools. Furthermore, ultrasound seals through soiled sealing edges and is claimed to achieve verifiable sealing quality.

Conveying through the line

The Wire Belt Company will exhibit its Flat-Flex style belting, which is particularly used for shrink-wrapping and product-handling applications. It is said that the belt can negotiate transfer shafts down to 12mm. By positioning the drive so that the loaded section of the belt is pulled, it is possible to ensure tracking of the belt under a range of load and speed conditions. Flat-Flex belting comprises woven wire belting that is driven by sprockets within the wire mesh. It is available in over 60 different pitch and wire combinations. The company will also display a diverse range of conveyors, fitted with Flat-Flex, being designed to change product direction spacing or gapping between processes.

This range includes the Flex-Turn unit, which enables products to be turned using angles ranging from 45° to 180° for tight space situations. The Spreader/Converger can separate or converge individual products in lanes or evenly spread or converge smaller products where lanes are not required.


The Italian packaging industry will congregate at Fiera Milano The latest technologies will be on display All sectors will be represented The Rovema VPL 260 bagging machine is claimed to realise sealing at up to 200 cycles per minute PFM will unveil its ZC1 integrated multihead weigher and bagging machine for mid-speed duties PBI-Dansensor will focus on its CheckPoint II analyser for MAP sample-testing

The Rovema VPL 260 bagging machine is claimed to realise sealing at up to 200 cycles per minute The Rovema VPL 260 bagging machine is claimed to realise sealing at up to 200 cycles per minute
PBI-Dansensor will focus on its CheckPoint II analyser for MAP sample-testing PBI-Dansensor will focus on its CheckPoint II analyser for MAP sample-testing
PFM will unveil its ZC1 integrated multihead weigher and bagging machine for mid-speed duties PFM will unveil its ZC1 integrated multihead weigher and bagging machine for mid-speed duties
All sectors will be represented All sectors will be represented
The Italian packaging industry will congregate at Fiera Milano The Italian packaging industry will congregate at Fiera Milano
The latest technologies will be on display The latest technologies will be on display


Privacy Policy
We have updated our privacy policy. In the latest update it explains what cookies are and how we use them on our site. To learn more about cookies and their benefits, please view our privacy policy. Please be aware that parts of this site will not function correctly if you disable cookies. By continuing to use this site, you consent to our use of cookies in accordance with our privacy policy unless you have disabled them.