Packaging Machinery - News, Technology and Reviews

United States has been in the forefront in the production of packaging machineries in the past and for the current year, it is believed that it would still maintain that lead over all the other companies in the global market.

This feat can be attributed to several factors including the weaker performance of the dollars in a number of countries. The lowered prices in the local currencies made the packaging machineries even more affordable to the foreign market. Its firm grasp as a competitive manufacturing source has been firmly established as seen in the increase in the export market. United States provided twenty percent of the packaging solutions which were made available worldwide.

This phenomenon can be traced to the proven track record of US-based packaging machinery manufacturers for their production and use of the latest technology in the creation of its packaging solution. It has also shown commendable performance in increasing productivity while keeping down the cost. These features, high productivity and cost efficiency, have made North American packaging machineries the choice of a big percentage of companies in need of their services.

This comprehensive report, 2008 Packaging Trends Report, will be presented in the upcoming Interpack this April in Dusseldorf, Germany. The report which is a result of a study conducted by PMMI will further establish the hold of US-based companies of the top post in the list of packaging machinery manufacturers. The data will further validate the record that US is still number one in terms of packaging machineries.

Water bottling companies have to work faster in order to keep up with the demands of the market. This would entail newer and faster machines. The quest for such type of machine has been addressed by Standard-Knapp, a leading manufacturer of packaging equipments and materials.

Standard-Knapp produced the Continuum system which enables bottling firms to bottle and packs their products. This packaging involves placing the produce in trays before it is finally bound or secured with shrink-wrap plastic.

The newly- introduced 296P Continuum was created primarily for water bottling companies. It is believed that this would mean a more efficient and speedier bottling and packaging process. This system can result to an even bigger number of trays packed with approximately seventy trays in a minute. This is even better compared with the previous model, the 296l Continuum. This model also works with multipacks which are not braced with any support even if it uses clear or printed films as commonly used in water bottles.

Though the 296P Continuum targets the packaging of water bottles it also is possible to use it with other materials like glass or metal. It can also be effective in the packaging of beverage containers such as polyethelane terephthalate or PET and even with HDPE, another type of polyethelane which has a higher density.

This new technology also incorporates a touch screen control as well as the Zero Gap to avert the jamming in the packaging lanes. This is made possible with the use of the “in-feed technology.”

Standard-Knapp has manufactured other packaging innovations which can be opted for to address the specific concerns of the manufacturing companies. The 296P Continuum is just the tip of the of these latest developed technology of the US based company.

The changes in the people’s lifestyle mean changes in the processing and packaging industry also. In the recent years, there was a marked drop in the sales of sweets and even chocolates which are believed to be unhealthy or might affect the health of the consumers. People have become very health conscious and this has caused the making of products which promote health or those which are health-related.

Manufacturers welcomed this burgeoning market for it opens new possibilities in the processing and packaging field. Innovations have been planned and designed and are now in existence. An example of this is the ServoGel depositing process which is utilized in the production of jellies and gums. It has been modified to make way for the incorporation of real fruit juice and with vitamin additives. This does not use sugar as commonly done in the past. Fruit has become a valuable commodity since it is considered as the main ingredient.

Newer technology has been created to further serve this niche market starting with the BFK 1000 Fondant Competence Model manufactured by Bosch, a German company, which is believed to be capable of producing confectionery out of fruit and vegetable extract.

The production of these vitamin-enriched goods entails a processing and packaging system which would be proven effective of storing it for a longer period of time. This would make for a longer shelf life. At the same time, manufacturers and producers would like to make it known that the goods that they are marketing good for the health as such the packaging has to show that it is “low fat” and the likes.

A healthier lifestyle does not only benefit the people who are practicing such but also the manufacturing industry particularly those involved in processing and packaging.

Another innovative product from GaleWrap has just been launched in the market. The product, 87” Standard Manual Yellow Jacket 110® Orbital Stretch Wrap Machine, will certainly benefit its users. It has features which make it easier to use.

The manufacturer, GaleWrap, is ITW Corporation division which is considered as a leading producer of a Oriented Films and Oriental Equipments. Such films and equipments make it convenient to wrap and secure packages which are of irregular shapes or those which are oversized. The wrapping process can even be made while the pallets are still on the forklift.

The newly introduced model has legs which can be manipulated and adjusted to stabilize the machines. It also has forklift pockets which makes it convenient to work on it while the packages are positioned in the forklifts. It is also cost efficient for it lessens waste caused by the film’s barber polling or its getting nicked. This can save the company or the user about ten to thirty percent of wastage.

The new model’s easy-to-operate feature makes it possible for even a trained non-technical personnel to handle the task of operating it. The training can be done in an hour or so. It is also easier on the personnel involved which make for lesser number of worker’s compensation claim due to injuries.

The 87” Standard Manual Yellow Jacket 110® Orbital Stretch Wrap Machine might incur capital outlay but the hidden costs like those for wastage, load failures and for personnel training plus compensations can be avoided. Productivity is enhances and it will prove to be more cost efficient in the end.

Interpack 2008 in Dusseldorf, Germany will showcase the latest in the packaging solutions technology. This will be a gathering of the top companies in the packaging and processing industry and will serve as a venue for the launching of the latest innovations to answer the needs of manufacturers for packaging materials and solutions.

The categories include machineries and processes used in the packaging of a variety of products such as food and beverages, consumer and industrial goods, cosmetic items, and even medicine. One of the fields which will be highlighted would be the packaging solutions for perishable drinks. This has been a result in the change in lifestyle of people in the way of shifting to a much healthier way of living. This has brought about an increased demand for health-related products such as teas, juices extracted from real fruits and vegetables, flavored waters, energy drinks and the likes.

Sidel, a leading packaging company whose bottling lines are to be commended will present its cutting edge packaging solutions which highlights the importance of safety in the processing as well as the packaging of the health and well being products. The company has also taken into consideration the environmental impact of the packaging solutions that they have created.

Flex Technology is just one of the packaging solutions that they have come up with and which produces No Bottle, a PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) bottle. This is in answer to the their call for the lessened use of raw materials as well as water and chemicals in their manufacturing process.

The packaging industry has become a highly competitive field with innovative designs launched to address the different concerns of the manufacturing industry. Bosch Packaging Industry, a German technology group has set the trend and has remained in the forefront by launching new designs which will make the packaging process more time and cost efficient.

The new machines and equipments have been created to handle the wide variety of products which needs to be packed for longer shelf life especially the food products. Since there has been a shift in the food production market and the new consumer products which are being manufactured, this needs have to be taken into consideration.

Thus, Bosch has prepared for this by introducing several packaging system to suit the particular needs of the manufacturers. Some of their existing system has been modified and updated to keep up with the technological advances. Such systems include the LDM Monopacker which involves the use of a tray de-nester which can accommodate trays of varying sizes and shapes. It also has the tray vision control. These are all part of the delta robotics packaging system.

A feeding wheel was also designed to handle fragile products such as those in the chocolate industry. This is included in the expansion of the Bar Line. In the meantime, Bosch’s SVE range proves its efficacy with the sealing machines and bag form fill. This range of equipment system includes the SVE 1800 MR and SVE 2510 QR which makes it possible to wrap a maximum of 120 bags in a minute for every tube. Another equipment produced by Bosch is the PME4261 BN which is used to pack produce such as coffee (ground and Whole beans) weighing up to one kilogram.

The AV Sealer Packaging Machine has been a very useful equipment and had helped in the efficient packaging of products which are freshly-cut . This very-to-operate machine was redesigned by its manufacturer, Key Technology to meet the needs of producers with small to medium scale quantity of products.

AV sealer uses heat to seal bags of different dimensions. It is also able to vacuum seal if preferred. It has features which make it possible to have many functions such as the controls on the temperature of the heat used in sealing as well as the amount of vacuum pressure. It can also lower the amount of time spent of the packaging process with the capacity to seal an average of 4-5 bags in just one minute. The machine’s usage can be shifted to another function in a matter of seconds and it is not complicated at all.

The machine operator’s training can be done in minimal time because of its easy control. All that he has to do is program it and at the push of the button, the package is sealed. The AV Sealer Packaging Machine considered the location as well the position of the operator hence the ergonomic design.

It is also lightweight at just 33 kilograms. It can be relocated easily and its new design makes it easier to clean also. More safety features have been added and the choice of materials from which it is made of ensures its sanitation.

Products which can be packed using the AV Sealer Packaging Machine include vegetables like lettuce and herbs as well as herbs. A one year warranty is included in the package.

A US based company which distributes the Bergami packaging machinery has introduced the ASV Series Automatic Vertical Cartoners. ESS Technologies, Inc. has made available to the market the packaging solution that will address the concerns of those manufacturers who would like to complete their packaging lines. These technologies are particularly aimed towards the medical, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.

ASV Series Automatic Vertical Cartoners has features that make it possible to have speed options. It can pack a wide variety of products such as those which will be placed in vials, ampoules and syringes. The ASV model can produce at least ninety cartons in one minute if it uses the continuous motions while a lesser number of cartons can be produced if it uses the intermittent motion. The other models also have its own particular speed.

The different models also possess digital indicators allow the settings to be done in a faster and easier manner sans the tools unlike in other machines. There are even choices in the way the packages are to be closed. It can be done with the use of the tuck and fold method or a hot-melt glue can also be employed. This is best used with the Automatic Package Wrappers as well as the C97 Case Packer which were also produced by Bergami.

The quality of the end product is assured as evidenced by the absence of scratches and other damages on the packages. This is further attested by the certification from cGMP that it has passed the stringent requirements.

Thermoforming is one of the oldest and most common methods of processing plastic materials. Thermoformed products are all around us and play a major part in our daily lives.Generally, the manufacturing process for thermoplastic sheet or film is actually Thermoforming. The reasonable alternative, where in uses of dies becomes cumbersome, inadequate, costly and time consuming. Thermoforming is a process that uses energy as a thermal source for permanently deforming an object without any hard tooling.

Materials Used in Thermoforming

The raw materials used in thermoforming are PVC rigid and flexible, polyester laminates, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyethylene, polycarbonate, and polyester compounds. Thermoformed products have better mechanical properties, chemical resistance, impact strength, gas and water barrier properties give higher shelf life.

Kinds of Thermoforming

There are various categories of thermoforming, including vacuum forming, pressure forming, twin-sheet forming, and thin and thick gauge thermoforming.

Vacuum Thermoforming:
Vacuum processing uses extruded plastic sheets and sophisticated machines are in use for continuous automated production of high volume items like yoghurt pots, disposable cups, and sandwich packs.

Vacuum thermoforming technology includes clamping, heating, pre-stretching, vacuum, plug- assisting, cooling, releasing, and finishing.

The vacuum thermoforming process utilizes sophisticated pneumatic, hydraulic and heat controls enabling higher production speeds and more vacuum formed applications.

Laser Thermoforming:

In general, laser thermal forming technique can also be applicable to treat or form a variety of materials, including metals, silicon, and ceramics.

The primary method and technology involved in heating sheet is the infrared radiation in laser thermoforming.

PP Thermoforming:

PP Thermoforming is a popular processing method that is internationally accepted for disposable and packaging materials.

The PP Thermoforming process includes extrusion and forming process that needs highly sophisticated machinery.

The process of making PP Thermoforming sheet works at a temperature of approximately 150 degree to 165 degrees, depending upon the type and grade of the material.

The Thermoforming machine should have precise and accurate heat control, suitably designed heat tunnel, two station gradual heating, pressure forming with plug & vacuum assist.

A rare combination of innovation and technology in latest trend setting is the automating thermoforming machines.

The other machineries and equipments include in thermoforming are pet blow machine, Extrusion machine, and Injection blow molding machine to mention a few. 

Applications of Thermoforming
Applications of thermoforming techniques involve several sectors like dairy containers, drinking cups, plates, and trays. Many new areas are taking a bigger share of Thermoforming along with tea and coffee cups. Thermoformed flowerpots, microwave wares, and trays are few more innovative applications.

Retail packaging is a challenging reflection of quality. Possibilities in retail packaging are endless. Consumers have indefinite choices. Retail items need packing and packaging in innovative way to attract the end users. This sector displays continuous change and upgrade in technology applications.

Retail Packaging Materials
The list of retail packaging materials is limited to anyone’s imagination. Customer oriented packaging is the key factor here. There are various categories of materials under use these days.

Paper is one of the most important materials in retail packaging. Different varieties of paper include white paper, brown paper, acrylic paper, craft paper, natural strip paper, and wrapping paper are prevalent in the retail markets.

Some varieties of cards and gift certificates are also prevalent in gift packaging. Envelopes are one of the most common packaging materials.

Bags are of numerous designs and sizes. For every purpose there is a bag. It may be a Coffee bag, carry bag, plastic bag, bakery bag, bridal bag, SOS gift bags, garment bag, Zip lock bag, etc.

There are some general material including colored gloss finished, colored matte finish, laminated Euro totes, matte tint Euro totes, wine bottles, gift wraps, cotton ribbons, snowflakes, tissues, fixtures, and sheets.

Boxes are of different shapes and sizes. Some popular kind of boxes are Gift boxes, Bakery boxes, Gable boxes, Giftware boxes, Wine bottle boxes, Gold and silver gift boxes, View top boxes, Jewelry gift boxes, and Velvet boxes.

Materials for retail packaging also include various other names like gift wraps, hangers and dividers, labels, pouches, paper cutters, ribbons, dispensers, rayon, seals, tags and tagging accessories, mailers, packing tapes, cello tapes, etc and these materials have an endless list.

Retail Packaging Machineries and equipments

Various kinds of technologies and machineries are in use for retail packaging sector. Selection of right technology and the machine depends upon the nature of packing required, type of product, handling requirements, shelf life period of the product and transportation convenience.

There are several stages involved in the packaging process for different materials. Labels and envelopes require paper cutting machines and sizing equipments before printing.

The kind of printing required may include colored printing of varied designs. Printing press and impressions making machines are also useful at this stage.

For image placement purposes equipments like cameras, scanners, computers, other processors, and software are of immense use.

For products various kinds of vacuum packaging machines, presses, cutting machines, slicer, tube fillers, heaters, wrapping machines, rotators, sealing machines find application.

For making bags, specialized bagging machines employed along with box making machines and equipments. Similarly small cartons making machines are useful for this specific purpose.

Wrapping machines include vertical wrapping machines, horizontal wrapping machines and automatic wrapping machines.

Sealing machines for different items may vary from base sealing to front sealing machines.