Emerson will exhibit its latest Floor to Cloud packaging solutions at PACK EXPO Chicago, Nov 3-6, 2024. Advancing the boundless future of automation, Emerson factory automation solutions and its Floor to Cloud approach empower smarter packaging lines and more efficient processes that make it possible for manufacturers to continuously improve plant productivity, sustainability and safety.…
Murrelektronik to showcase MVK Fusion CIP Safety, Vario-X IPC at PACK EXPO 2024
Murrelektronik will showcase two groundbreaking innovations—MVK Fusion CIP Safety and Vario-X IPC—at Booth N-6043 in the North Building, McCormick Place, Chicago, IL, USA during PACK EXPO 2024, from Nov 3-6. These solutions help optimize packaging and process machine installations. The robust MVK Fusion CIP Safety fieldbus module presents a new opportunity to standardize modular processes,…
New CPBD-A-C remote control module for conveyor smart motors
Applied Motion Products introduced the CPBD-A-C remote control module that connects to the back of the CSM34 Conveyor Smart Motor and can be mounted where conveyor operators can easily access it. With the remote-control module, users can configure their motion profile, monitor system status, and manually jog the conveyor system to the desired position without…
Smurfit Kappa and WestRock merge forming global sustainable packaging operation
The international merger of two packaging powerhouses — Dublin-based Smurfit Kappa and Atlanta-based WestRock — creates a global supplier of sustainable paper and packaging solutions, operating in 40 countries with over 500 packaging converting operations and 63 paper mills. An official announcement of the acquisition was made September 2023. The completed deal was sealed with…
Duravant expands processing equipment portfolio; launches aftermarket service network
Expanding its service offerings, Duravant, an Illinois-based OEM of packaging, food processing, and material handling equipment, recently announced the launch of Duravant Lifecycle Services. Designed to support its installed base of machines and integrated lines, Duravant Lifecycle Services is a global network of aftermarket organizations structured to enhance local delivery of all services, from purchase…
Emerson’s subscription-based automation reduces up-front cost and engineering complexity
Emerson has introduced the DeltaV Flex System, a subscription service that combines the DeltaV PK Flex Controller, term-based software licensing, and product support in a turnkey solution. The result, according to the company, is more flexibility for OEMs and process manufacturers that create small standalone systems, such as research and development labs, pilot programs, or…
Tech Toolbox: Machine design for food automation
Motion system designs run millions of automated food-manufacturing designs worldwide — including those in employed in grain milling, pasta making, and baking; fish and poultry processing; beer, wine, and spirit production; slaughtering and meatpacking; fruit, vegetable, and baby-food packaging, canning, jarring, and freezing; candy making; dairy and cheese making; and oils and fat extraction and…
Orion announces Kelly Watterworth as East Coast regional sales manager
Orion Packaging Systems has announced the promotion of Kelly Watterworth to East Coast Regional Sales Manager. Orion, part of the ProMach End of Line business, is a stretch wrapping and pallet unitizing machinery manufacturer of automatic and semi-automatic stretch wrapping equipment, including rotary turntables, rotary towers, and horizontal wrapping systems. In his new role, Watterworth will…
DevOps tools deliver source code quality control to industrial automation
Industrial engineers spend a lot of time writing code for programs that will run machines in the plant, on the packaging line, or in a warehouse. The problem is, however, there’s no standard best practices for version control or disaster recovery. Copia Automation, a four-year-old start-up, is changing that by applying IT-based DevOps to the…
Doosan Robotics unveils ‘PRIME-SERIES’ of collaborative robots at Automate 2024
Doosan Robotics Inc., has unveiled its newest and most powerful P-SERIES (PRIME-SERIES) at Automate 2024, bringing to the world of robotics the longest-reaching cobot to date. Today’s P-SERIES announcement by Doosan Robotics was marked by a show floor unveiling of the new P3020 – the world’s most powerful cobot for palletizing in existence. The P3020…
Finding the Right Formula for Flexible Food Packaging
To understand the future of flexible food packaging, you first must understand the history. No one knows that better than Tom Dunn, a 40-year veteran of the packaging industry who has developed flexible packaging products, processes, and platforms. Now, the managing director of Flexpacknology, he consults with manufacturers, material suppliers, and machine builders on how…
TurboChef adopts LeanDNA supply chain software to improve inventory management
Middleby Corporation is the parent company to several OEM divisions offering equipment for commercial foodservice and industrial food processing, including bakery and packaging applications. TurboChef, which manufactures ventless, rapid-cook ovens, is part of the Middleby business portfolio. To gain more control over inventory management and improve on-time delivery, TurboChef is now working with LeanDNA, a…
Caddi Drawer generates searchable 2D drawings, saving design time and procurement costs
When it comes to designing parts, it’s best not to reinvent the wheel. Imagine, as an engineer, spending hours, days, or even months designing a part, only to find out later that it already exists. Unfortunately, it’s all too common, especially in machine building and manufacturing facilities that have been operating for decades. The problem…
Tech Toolbox: Machine design for packaging
Packaging machinery uses cutting-edge automation, and it’s no wonder. Facilities that parcel products need to deliver high throughput, but modern consumers demand smart packaging in the form of no-fuss containers that protect everything from M&Ms to patio furniture. What’s more, there’s a continuous drive to customize packages and let consumer-facing companies wrap products for bulk…
Packaging machines that are safe by design
By Stephanie Neil When designing packaging machinery for adaptability, it’s important to understand how the controls and components impact the way the machine moves, and even more critical to ensure those movements — and the machine itself — are safe. The obvious safety mechanisms include adding emergency stop (e-stop) buttons that will shut down equipment…
Where machine design intersects with FSMA rules
Remember that while U.S. food-regulatory agencies don’t directly regulate food equipment, they regulate its use to require cleanliness. As part of FSMA, the Preventive Controls for Human Foods Rule demands that all plants registered with the FDA prepare and implement written food-safety plans — or FSPs for short. These FSPs must identify and outline solutions…
Integrated Foil Sealer option expands AutoSorter 1200 functionality
Addressing multiple challenges for clinical laboratory environments, the extremely flexible AutoSorter 1200 with integrated foil sealer option is ideal for labs needing to automate their sorting and sealing processes at a high rate with minimal footprint. The standard for robust, accurate specimen sorting in high-throughput commercial or reference laboratories, the AutoSorter 1200 is Yaskawa’s high-speed…
Automating labeling, scanning, and PET bottle-making functions
One of the most common forms of labeling in the packaging industry involves affixing self-adhesive branding and designation stickers to discrete end units off a spool off said stickers. Though the applications for food and beverage products are most visible, this type of labeling is used in the pharmaceutical, petrochemical, electronics, and home goods industries…
Pick-and-place functions in packaging operations
Pick and place in the context of machines for packing typically involves the handling of discrete products (from the size of a cookie to the size of a sports-drink skid) by fixed cartesian arrangements, delta robots, or SCARA robotic arms. In fact, pick-and-place operations are excellent candidates for automation, as the work (if done manually)…
Simplifying complex packaging processes with modular automation platforms
By Arne Valentin, Technology Manager – Machine Automation, SEW-EURODRIVE Exploring the ways automation platforms — available with modular, preselected sets — promote throughput and efficiency in the packaging industry. Packaging operations are anything but simple. Every day, millions of food items, commodities, and other products must be packaged, sealed, transported, unloaded, mixed, stored,…
Emerson’s Floor to Cloud packaging solutions at PACK EXPO 2023
Emerson will exhibit its Floor to Cloud packaging solutions at PACK EXPO Las Vegas, September 11-13, 2023. As the future of automation, Floor to Cloud solutions empower smarter packaging lines and more efficient processes that make it possible for manufacturers to continuously improve plant productivity, sustainability, and safety. Visitors to South Lower Hall, Booth 6107,…
Discover NORD’s innovative and reliable packaging solutions at PACK EXPO 2023
PACK EXPO is one of the most extensive packaging and processing shows in North America with over 44,000 attendees and 2,200 exhibitors. NORD DRIVESYSTEMS, a worldwide solution provider, is one of the exhibitors at this year’s convention taking place in Las Vegas, Nevada September 11-13, 2023. NORD’s drive solutions focus on reliability, flexibility, and high…
Simplifying complex packaging processes with modular automation platforms
By Arne Valentin, Technology Manager – Machine Automation, SEW-EURODRIVE Exploring the ways automation platforms — available with modular, preselected sets — promote throughput and efficiency in the packaging industry. Packaging operations are anything but simple. Every day, millions of food items, commodities, and other products must be packaged, sealed, transported, unloaded, mixed, stored, recycled, and…
Keeping pace with growing industry, Pack Expo ’23 show will be most comprehensive
In keeping with industry growth, Pack Expo Las Vegas 2023 (Sept. 11-13; Las Vegas Convention Center) is on pace to be the largest, most comprehensive edition of this trade show since its inception. As the premier destination to explore cutting-edge packaging and processing solutions, Pack Expo Las Vegas will include more than 2,000 suppliers, as…
Right sized packaging to boost sustainability
E-commerce has recently experienced an enormous rise in acceptance and success. At the same time, consumers increasingly value sustainability and avoiding the use of unnecessary packaging material. To address these trends Quadient, in Drachten, the Netherlands, developed a new packaging machine for the flexible, sustainable, and cost-effective production of customized corrugated cardboard packaging. This system…