Equipment Round-Up: Packaging

Robotic precision and speed

In addition to delivering high-speed packaging solutions with robotic precision, VersaPak Gantry Robots and VersaTrak Collation Conveyors provide a high level of flexibility for quick changeovers. Incorporating Allen-Bradley ControlLogix controllers and Ultra Series servo drives, the loader and conveyor make it possible for end users to change load parameters in minutes. The VersaPak Gantry Robot operates at 60 picks per minute and can accommodate products from 2 to 32 in. long and with payloads up to 100 lbs. The VersaTrak Collation Conveyor accompanies the VersaPak loader with dual servo high-speed indexing and adjustable flight spacing to consistently group packages.

AMF Automation Technologies; Richmond, Va.
804-342-9711; www.amfautomation.com

Side bagging system

The FAS SPrint SidePouch has been ergonomically designed with maximum productivity features for food packaging applications where daily washdowns are required. For hand load or fully automatic operations, it is capable of bagging up to 120 bags per minute. The loading speed is fully adjustable to optimize productivity for one or more operators, and a foot switch can also be used for single-cycle bag indexing. It includes a conveyor of pre-opened bags ready for immediate loading from a 60-in. wide load area. After bags are filled, the conveyor carries them through an automatic bag sealing operation and then dispenses them for outfeed conveyors or bulk packaging.

Automated Packaging Systems; Streetsboro, Ohio
330-342-2000; www.autobag.com

Entry-level packaging

The RA-200 Automatic Vacuum Packaging Machine is an 11.5-ft. machine suitable for entry level packaging applications. It has a much smaller footprint than standard rollstock machines but includes matched forming and sealing die tooling, one flying cross-cut knife system, a vacuum pump with quick disconnects, a built-in trim removal system and full PLC control. It is available in a variety of web widths, 285 mm to 459 mm.

Rollstock Inc.; Kansas City, Mo.
888-314-2152; www.rollstock.com

For difficult shapes

Versatron 939s APT case packer is specifically designed to handle "difficult shaped" containers. It has several features allowing it to pack reverse-tapered bottles, flasks, unstable bottles, personal-care containers, locking shapes, trigger bottles and other non-round products. This design incorporates advanced servo laning, a low-pressure infeed, smooth transfers and the “power grid" Active Product Transfer to consistently provide high efficiencies, gentle handling and extremely low maintenance operation.

Standard-Knapp; Portland, Conn.
860-342-1100; www.standard-knapp.com

Economical bagger

The Phaser XP vertical form/fill/seal machine is a low-cost, high-quality bagging solution that combines simple operation with high performance. It’s suited for short-run, medium-speed packaging operations, making it an economical way to expand packaging capacity. The machine features a redesigned film roll stand module for improved access during reel changes and splices, improved tension for reliable production of registered packages at speeds up to 60 packages per minute and upgraded pneumatics valves and solenoids with LED indicators and IP65 washdown component ratings.

Parsons-Eagle Packaging; DePere, Wis.
920-983-7100; www.parsons-eagle.com

Cleaner filling

New Extream Clean technology is being incorporated into the company’s Fill Pro filling systems to address the growing demand for extended product shelf life. Extream Clean incorporates numerous advances in sanitation and particulate control to create a significantly improved hygienic environment for cold-filled products. This sanitation level has been achieved with minimal impact on production efficiency or performance, and at a cost considerably lower than aseptic systems. The new systems integrate container sanitation and rinsing with high-speed rotary filling and capping in a Class 100 HEPA enclosure.

Fogg Co.; Holland, Mich.
616-786-3644; www.foggfiller.com

Controlling that line

Rexroth IndraMotion for Packaging, the new motion logic control system for food processing and packaging applications, offers real-time motion control combined with an IEC 61131-3-compliant PLC, plus application-specific technology functions and PLCopen motion function blocks, scaled across three hardware platforms to provide the right cost and performance for your application. The control package is available in three versions – Basic, Enhanced and Advanced – to meet different packaging

Bosch Rexroth; Buchanan, Mich.
616-697-5295; www.boschrexroth-us.com