Pack Expo '92 - Chicago's got the BIG show!

Pack Expo '92 will be staged by the Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute on November 812 at Chicago's McCormick Place. More than 1000 exhibitors will occupy 800,000+ square feet of floor space, and PMMI projects attendance at 60,000.

All attendees, of course, will receive a comprehensive

Portion blister pack f/f/s machine Liquid, viscous, or pasty products can be filled on this form/fill/seal blister pack system. Typical product applications include syrups, jams/jellies, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, and lemon juice. Dosing is flexible and can be customized to user requirements. Product changeover is easy to accomplish. The machine can accommodate a full range of film types and is engineered for gentle handling of both product and package. Typical output rates are 200 blisters/min.

Literature about the Siebler TM 2 blister pack f/f/s machine is available from Piepenbrock Enterprises Inc., 480 Route 9, Englishtown, NJ 07726.

Pump/stuffer for delicate products Peump/stuffer with patented design features twin pumping chambers and hydraulically driven, vertical pistons. Each piston can process more than 42 lb of product with each stroke. Product pressure and output rates can be adjusted to meet user needs. Uniquely shaped pistons ensure that even the most delicate products can flow gently without damage. Continuous vacuum assist reduces air pockets for dense products.

Rugged, stainless steel construction features free-access, sanitary design for easy clean-up and maintenance. Details about the pump/stuffer are available from PRC, 2582 S. Tejon St., Englewood, CO 80110. CIRCLE 314

Hot*melt case former with squaring device

This hot-melt case former features reciprocating sealing ram with case squaring device. Able to form square cases regardless of variations in case blanks. As the sealing ram enters the case, the squaring lugs straighten the case shape. When the sealing ram reaches the bottom of the case, it compresses the inner and outer flaps, assuring a secure seal.

Unit offers all the advantages of the tape-sealing model--including no-tools, 5-minute changeover. System can run case sizes from 7"L x 5"W x 3"H to 22 3/4"L x 16"W x 15 "H.

Details about the Pro Forma 130 HM may be obtained from A-B-C Packaging Machine Corp., 811 Live Oak St., Tarpon Springs, FL 34689. In all, A-B-C plans to demonstrate 9 machines at Pack Expo. CIRCLE 315

In-plant printer

A line of in-plant printing presses are designed to allow food companies to lower total packaging costs without sacrificing graphics quality. Deliver high-resolution printing of both graphics and bar codes at outputs to 7200 pieces/hr on corrugated cases, wraparounds, trays, and flat sheets. Ceramic rolls, improved inking system, improved doctor blade metering systems, and a precisely registered kickfeed system enhance print quality, accuracy, and speed.

More information about the XL series of in-plant printing presses may be obtained from Signet Marking Devices, 3 12 1 Red Hill Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92626. CIRCLE 316

250 cpm cartoner

A horizontal cartoner is engineered to package an unlimited variety of products in end-loading sleeve-style cartons at 250 cpm. Patented rotary feeder positively draws cartons from the magazine. Three continuously rotating feeder arms follow a precise path, controlled by an exclusive cam pattern to squarely position erected cartons into conveyor flights. System features low-wear, lightweight barrelcam product inserter made of ultra high molecular weight plastic (UHMWP). Pneumatically controlled cam provides gentle product insertion.

Programmable controlled cartoner is equipped with a boom-mounted color touch screen featuring alphanumeric and graphic display. Allows easy operator input and recall and includes various running and maintenance modes, detailed performance path reports, and trouble-shooting guides. Modular system is easily adapted to CIM environments and can be interfaced with other equipment-for example, statistical weighers, bagmakers, and bag indexing units. Turnkey bag-in-box machines are available through this single-source supplier.

Details about the Concorde horizontal cartoner may be obtained from Kliklok Corp., 5224 Snapfinger Woods Dr., Decatur, GA 30035. The company will share Pack Expo booth space with its sister company Woodman.

Bagmakers & net weighers

A line of bag form/fill/seal machines and computerized statistical net weighers can produce a variety of bag types at high speeds. Up to 100 different product programs can be stored and instantly recalled to determine speed, bag length, sealing temperatures, registration, code date position, and many other functions.

Also featured will be a patented caser system which is especially wellsuited for fragile bagged snack items. The caser utilizes gentle vacuum package transfer and packs the bags in stand-up case patterns.

Complete information about "Polaris" bagmakers, "Commander" net weighers, and Bishopbarn "Autocasers" is available from The Woodman Co., 5224 Snapfinger Woods Dr., Decatur, GA 30035.

Bag-in-box filler for low-acid aseptic This fully automatic, strip-fed bag-inbox filler has been FDA-accepted for specific low-acid aseptic product applications. System utilizes vaporphase hydrogen peroxide sterilization which can offer some advantages over a mist, spray, or bath of hydrogen peroxide. The vapor ensures quick, complete coverage of packaging surfaces and crevices with minimum use of the sterilant and no chemical residuals. Filler can handle bag sizes from one- to 6-gal at rates up to 12 bpm.

Details about the Modular One 2000 CIT-A bag-in-box aseptic filler may be obtained from Liqui-Box Corp., 6950 Worthington-Galena Rd., P.O. Box 494, Worthington, OH 43085-0494. Enhanced barrier, no-shrink CPET A monolayer CPET with improved barrier and economics is produced with a unique CPET resin formulation and the "Melt-to-Mold" process. A patent on the new CPET has been applied for. Stock containers made from this CPET currently are available in 7-, 9-, and 10.5-oz sizes.

Reportedly, these containers exhibit 3-10 times better oxygen barrier than more conventional CPETs and do not undergo shrinkage as a result of retort operations. Shrinkage can cause critical seal defects. According to the manufacturer, this new generation of CPET containers is capable of withstanding retorting at higher temperatures-allowing shorter retort time. The containers also are wellsuited for aseptic and hot-fill applications and are said to exhibit excellent organoleptic properties.

Details about "Therma-Tuff E.B." CPET containers may be obtained from Therma-Plate Corp., 126 Corporate Blvd., South Plainfield, NJ 07080.

...is engineered to accommodate a wide range of food packages--ice cream, yogurt, pizzas, trayed dinners, baked goods, snack items, confectionery products, etc. Intermittentmotion wrap-around caser can run a range of carton sizes at speeds up to 35 cpm. Blanks are pulled down from the magazine and formed, then packed with product, closed, and discharged for palletizing. No product/no carton and no carton/no load detection is standard. Other features include adjustable magazine, user-friendly PLC control, compact design, and stainless steel, easy-washdown construction.

More information about the Hoypack WA3 5 wrap-around case packer is available from O.G. Hoyer Inc., 201 Broad St., Lake Geneva, WI 53147.

250 cpm labeler

An automatic labeling system applies labels to a variety of container shapes at rates up to 250/min with +/-1/32" accuracy. Stepper-driven labeling heads provide high speed, accuracy, and reliability without costly clutch/brake maintenance. Stainless steel conveyor, sealed ball bearings, and dual support drive shafts meet demanding production requirements in harsh environments. Labeler also features quick product/label changeover without tool adjustments and modular design for maximum flexibility.

Details about Versaline(R) labelers are available from Quadrel Labeling Systems, Inc., 33900 Curtis Blvd., Eastlake, OH 44095.

This high-speed shrinkbander applies heat-shrinkable tamper-evident bands to food and dairy tubs at rates up to 400 cpm. Stainless steel, washdown machine is fully mechanical and efficiently seals containers with no-sag, no-slip bands. Operates without suction cups, vacuum belts, pneumatic components, or microprocessors. Tubs are held in place by a fixture which serves as a base for the band. The band then is pre-shrunk in its final position on the container. Will not shift position enroute to the shrink tunnel.

Details about the FC-400 Shrinkbander may be obtained from PDC International Corp., 8 Sheehan Ave., South Norwalk, CT 06854.

Vf/f/s bagger

A vertical form/fill/seal bag machine produces from 60 to 160 bags/min. Bag widths may range from 3.1 "-7.9", Lengths may range from 3"-15.7". Size changeover requires no followup adjustments. Only the size part unit and the packaging material reel require manual change.

The continuous-motion machine incorporates a unique combination of continuous vacu-belt film transport and vertically moving cross jaws. Stress load on the bag cross seam is minimal, since the filling process is executed as the bag is moving continuously downward. The machine produces regular pillow bags as well as gusseted bags, and can accommodate off-centered backseams and hole punches.

Details about the SVK 2000 vertical f/f/s bagger are available from Robert Bosch Corp., Packaging Machinery Div., 121 Corporate Blvd., South Plainfield, NJ 07080.

Polyester coextruded films

...are specially constructed for enhanced flavor- and fteshness-protecting qualifies. Supplier can provide roll sizes up to 3 500-lb. Films with recycle content will be featured. Also on display will be plastic pallets and end plates designed for multiple reuse and returnable rack systems.

Details about Melinex(R) polyester coextruded films and plastic products for distribution/warehousing applications may be obtained from ICI Films, Rt. 202 & Murphy Rd. Wilmington, DE 19897. CIRCLE 325

Pouch f/f/s with duplex option

Two horizontal form/fill/seal machines of the same model will be demonstrated-one running stand-up pouches for liquid products and one operating in a duplex mode (two pouches per rotary turret). In a single-pouch mode, the machine can produce pouch sizes from 2" square up to 7 I/4"x 10" at speeds up to 100/min. The system can accommodate a range of heat-sealable, laminated pouch materials and can produce 3- or 4-side sealed fin pouches, selfstanding pouches, gusseted pouches, and resealable zipper pouches. Also on display will be both continuousand intermittent-motion cartoners.

Literature about the RPM 100 pouch form/fill/seal machine and about a range of cartoning systems-- including the new Formula LMC system for odd-size, hard-to-handle products--is available from Klockner-Bartelt, Inc., 5501 N. Washington Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34243-2283.

Shrink label applicators

Two machines will be demonstrating application of heat shrinkable labels to various container types. One machine is capable of making automatic size changes in less than one minute at the push of a button. No change parts required. Another unit offers outstanding flexibility in terms of the container shapes it can accommodate. This model also features quick changeover, as well as minimal floorspace requirements and tight left-toright print registration control.

Details about Models LSA 2400 and LSA 2601 labelers are available from American Fuji Seal, Inc., 17 Stewart Place, Fairfiled, NJ 07004.

Bar code verifier

A portable UPC bar code verifier is designed to serve as a quality control tool for food processors and packagers. Like other verifiers, it will detect defective bar codes, but goes a step further. The unit indicates specifically what is wrong with the bar code and how to correct the problem. Details about the BCS 5000 portable verifier are available from BCS Bar Code Systems, Inc., 7000 Central Parkway, Suite 1210, Atlanta, GA 30328. CIRCLE 328

Versatile traypacker

...automatically collates products, loads them onto tray blanks, folds and glues trays, and shrink wraps the pack with LDPE. Will handle a variety of container sizes and shapes--including cans, bottles, and metal, plastic, and glass containers at rates up to 80 packs/min. Manufacturer recommends as an ideal machine for shortrun applications with frequent product size changeovers.

Details about the Traypacker 140 are available from Klockner Kisters, Inc., 1405 Jamike Dr., Suite 8, Erlanger, KY 41018.

Compact bottle unscrambler/feeder

...combines container hopper, elevator, and orienting bowl into a single high-speed, compact unit. System is engineered for quick, "minimum tool" changeover and adjusts for a wide range of container sizes, shapes, and material structures. Also features built-in ionized air bottle cleaner.

Details about the "Mini-III" unscrambler/feeder may be obtained from New England Machinery, Inc., 6204 - 29th St. East, Bradenton, FL 34203. CIRCLE339

840 bpm bagmaker

This bag machine is engineered to help minimize costs and increase productivity in the conversion of highand low-density, printed or unprinted PE films into loose or blocked bags. Delivers output rates up to 140 cycles/min and web speeds up to 246 feet/min. Can produce up to 6 bags/cycle, or 840 bags/min. Bags may be flat or gusseted and sizes may range from 6" x 8" to 43" x 64".

Easy-to-operate machine is equipped with driven carrier roll unwind; variable speed gear drives with servo control for convenient, pushbutton selection of cut-off length; and a flying knife for exact cut-off.

More information about the Garant Plastimat(R) Starseal bag machine is available from Windmoeller & Hoelscher Corp., 2 3 New England Way, Lincoln, RI 02885.

Fiber, plastic & paperboard packaging

A wide range of container types-- from 6-oz composite containers for frozen orange juice concentrate to 275-ga1 blowmolded HDPE bottles in steel mesh cages will be displayed by a single company. Various divisions specialize in such products as bag-in-box packaging (2-gal to 300gal), customized fiber partitions for product protection during shipping/ handling, and fiber and plastic drums.

Details about these products may be obtained from Sonoco Products Co., North Second St., Hartsville, SC 29550.

CUSTOM laser coding

High-speed laser coding systems and customized laser solutions will be showcased. A coder will be demonstrated incorporating a pulsed laser which can etch customized codes onto product or package surfaces. Produces clear, permanent, perfectly positioned marks on cardboard, glass, plastic, coated metal, or ceramic surfaces. Multiple moving products can be coded at high speeds using a single laser system.

Details about Blazer 6000TM laser coders plus "Dynascan" and "Autocode'' companion systems may be obtained from Lasertechnics, 5500 Wilshire Ave. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113. CIRCLE 333

Product-protecting desiccant packets

Continuous strips of desiccant packets along with automated systems for delivery into packages will be demonstrated. Delivery system features an electric eye sensor which senses the packet seal and ensures more consistent strip cutting. The moisturefighting desiccants will be shown in clay, silica gel, and activated carbon versions.

More information about desiccants for moisture protection of packaged foods may be obtained from United Desiccants, P.O. Box 32370, Louisville, KY 40232.

Auger fillers

Automatic and semi-automatic auger fillers for powdered, granulated, paste, and liquid products will be running demonstrations. Low-cost, fully automatic machines deliver accurate fills of a variety of products to a wide range of containers. Feature fast setup and changeover.

Semi-automatic machines on portable mountings easily adjust to existing packaging and conveyor lines. A semi-automatic, digitally controlled net weigher also will be demonstrated.

These fill systems can handle fill volumes from a few milligrams up to several pounds.

Details about auger fillers are contained in literature from AMS Filling Systems, 53 Great Valley Parkway, Malvern, PA 19355.

Custom pack lines

Custom-design services for packaging lines can offer unique solutions to unique packaging problems. Supplier can design, build, install, start-up, and provide regular maintenance for your packaging lines.

Details about customized packaging lines are available from Design Technology Corp., 5 Suburban Park Dr., Billerica, MA 01821.

Resins & films

Ionomer resins, barrier resins, coextrudable adhesive resins, and co-polymers will be featured, along with shrink films, nylon films, polyester films, and polyolefin films. A minipouch system and flexographic photo polymer printing plate systems also will be on display.

Details about these products may be obtained from Du Pont Co., External Affairs Dept., Wilmington, DE 19898. CIRCLE 337

F/F/5 machines

A resealable zipper packaging system includes a horizontal form/fill/seal machine which attaches a zipper coil to the polyethylene packaging material during the bag-forming process. A vertical form/fill/seal machine with hot-bar sealing is engineered to operate at rates up to 120 bags/min. The vf/f/s features vacuum drive for minimum film slippage and excellent bag length control. Another vf/f/s machine is equipped with a volumetric feeder for filling free-flowing products such as rice and beans. Also on display will be weight selection systems, carton formers, and case packers.

More information about this line of equipment is available from Eagle Packaging, Div. of Package Machinery Co., 2107 Livingston St., Oakland, CA 94606.

Wrappers, palletizers

...in a several models will be demonstrated. These stretch wrappers and automatic palletizing systems are engineered for simple operation and minimal maintenance. Company also manufactures conveyors to meet a variety of food production/packaging needs.

More information may be obtained from FMC Corp., Packaging & Material Handling Div., 103 E. Maple St., Hoopeston, IL 60942.

800/mill wrapper

A horizontal wrapping machine is rated at 800+ packages/min. Wellsuited for packaging candies or bitesize snack items. The computer-controlled servo-wrapper wraps individual items in tamper-evident, pillow-pack, fin-seal packages. Machine features self-centering dual film spindles, power film feed rollers, and easy access to fin seal adjustment to ensure proper film tension control.

Details about the FW-3400-HS high-speed wrapper are available from Formost Packaging Machines, Inc., 192 1 l---144th Ave. NE, Woodinville, WA 98072. CIRCLE 340 Rugged, 24-hr stretch wrappers ...will be demonstrated. These semiautomatic stretch wrappers incorporate non-skid, 5000-lb-capacity turntables. Rugged construction allows round-the-clock operation with virtually no maintenance. Using 20"70"-wide film rolls up to 16" in diameter, these systems can handle a full range of functions-including spiral, cross-spiral, banding, and full-web.

More information about "Sidewinder" stretch wrappers is available from The New Infra PaL, Inc., 3236 Garden Brook Dr., Farmers Branch, TX 75234. CIRCLE 341

Contact ink marking

Patented-motion automatic ink marking machine features quick-change ink reservoir and snap-on marking heads. Four standard models all operate on 20 PSI compressed air. Can mark a range of porous or nonporous, flat or curved surfaces--including metal, glass, plastic, paperboard, paper, and films. Manufacturer also can serve as a single-source supplier for a full line of optional marking equipment and accessories.