Hot-Fill Glass Jar inversion conveyor with missing cap reject
Multi-Conveyor recently built a system to replace a manual hot-fill-jar-inversion process while providing optimum cooling time after the capper for multiple products and jar sizes canning line at a renowned family-owned produce manufacturer in northern Wisconsin. Single-lane-filled glass jars exit an existing capper in an upright orientation, then side transfer at the Multi-Conveyor infeed conveyor. The product conveys to a non-powered jar inverter and travels approximately 30-seconds upside-down, prior to entering a second non-powered jar inverter. The jars then side transfer to an existing conveyor in an upright position. The conveyor length was critical for cooling of the up-to-200°F product, both before and after the 90° side-flexing curve, and prior to the final inversion. Jars then proceed to an existing labeler and staging system where the product is manually removed and ultimately case packed. This line produces jams, salsas, pie fillings, and other products. Multi-Conveyor added dual belt drive assemblies prior to the first inverter, ensuring accurate inversion of larger, heavier jars. A missing and cocked-cap reject prior to the first invert that included sensors, logic, and reject completed the system. Regarding increased production and ease of changeovers, the customer explained, “On average we can produce 20-40% more per day. The new equipment with additional line space also gives the flexibility to allow the filling line to continue running a bit longer than before. Last year we handled about 350 cases (4200 jars) per day and now are averaging about 500 cases (6000 jars)”.
Dorner appoints Lindsey Muchka as new Director of Marketing
Lindsey Muchka has been appointed the new Director of Marketing for Dorner. In her position with Dorner, Muchka will head up all of the company’s marketing and advertising efforts that support its conveyor platforms. Additionally, she will coordinate new product research and development functions for industrial and sanitary markets, plus lead Dorner’s public relations, Internet, and trade show activities. Prior to joining Dorner, Muchka worked for 11 years at Tailored Label Products, Inc., where her roles included a variety of sales and marketing positions, including most recently as director of marketing. She earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing and management from the University of Wisconsin, and a master’s degree in marketing from South University. “I feel very fortunate to join such a talented group of dedicated professionals here at Dorner,” Muchka said. “I look forward to working closely with our sales and distribution network to further promote the Dorner brand to our global audience.”
Siemens offers turnkey Logistic Solutions for material handling processes at MODEX 2022
Displays include hardware automation and software solutions specific to today’s material handling/intralogistics challenges Siemens will exhibit at MODEX 2022 in Atlanta at the Georgia World Congress Center from March 28-31, 2022. MODEX is the premier supply chain event, attracting industry professionals from across the globe. Highlights will include the new SIMATIC MICRO-DRIVE, designed for ultra-low-voltage applications, in a demonstration of an automated guided vehicle (AGV). Also featured will be the new SINAMICS G115D, a recently released distributed drive system, specifically designed for conveyor applications. Displays in the Siemens booth will include drives for motion control, material handling, and intralogistics applications that are controlled by SIMATIC PLCs with unified HMI panels and integrated safety, all programmed in the Siemens Totally Integrated Automation (TIA) Portal. Additional topics in the booth include Industrial Edge and cybersecurity. Another highlight will focus on a project Siemens recently completed for a customer in Kentucky. Siemens supplied a fully automated mega warehouse with 200,000 pallet positions as a turnkey project which distributes laundry and home care products to 60% of the U.S. market, with all logistics operations performed at this production site. The benefits Siemens offered, in addition to all mechanical deliveries, include a modular automation standard by SIMATIC, SINAMICS, SIMOTICS, and SIMOGEAR standard components and INTRALOG TIA software modules resulting in increased delivery reliability (on-time and defect-free.)
Shaft Collars and Couplings for food processing and conveyors
A full line of shaft collars, rigid shaft couplings, and mounts that are corrosion-resistant for applications requiring frequent wash-down has been introduced by Stafford Manufacturing Corp. of Wilmington, Massachusetts. Stafford Stainless Steel and Food-Grade Plastic parts include USDA- and FDA-approved 303 or 316 stainless steel, Nylon, or Delrin® shaft collars, rigid couplings, and mounts with 18-8 or 316 SS fasteners. Featuring round, square, hex, keyed, and threaded bores, they are all corrosion-resistant and designed for use in food processing equipment and conveyor systems. Available with special bore and O.D. treatments, mounting holes, slots, and other custom modifications, Stafford Stainless Steel parts come in bore sizes from 1/4” to 10” I.D. and the Nylon and Delrin® collars and mounts come in 1” to 4” I.D. sizes. Standard aluminum and steel parts and custom parts made from high temp. alloys are also offered. Stafford Stainless Steel, Nylon, and Delrin® Shaft Collars, Couplings & Flange Mounts are priced according to material, size, and quantity.
Powered Roller Conveyors create flexible, streamlined transport systems
Robotunits has launched its Powered Roller Conveyor family of 24-V components designed to make it quick and easy for plant managers and control engineers to configure and build a complete transport system. Fast turnover and aggressive production demands in today’s industrial manufacturing and material handling operations prohibit time loss for system teardown and assembly whenever production needs change. Powered Roller Conveyors solve this problem because the individual components and production zones feature a modular design and ready-to-use controllers to allow maximum flexibility for present and future system needs. Providing precise and efficient transport of containers, totes, and boxes, the Powered Roller Conveyor product range consists of straight and curved powered roller sections, lift stations, 90-degree transfer units, and turntables. Highlights of the Powered Roller Conveyor family include: -Easy installation and integration into existing systems. -Separate controllers for each zone with customization options. -A pre-installed control unit and wiring inside each zone’s extrusion profile, enabling plug-and-play operation while creating a clean, modern aesthetic. -Built-in zero-pressure accumulation (ZPA) logic. -Simple modification and drop-in parts replacement. -Seamless integration with Robotunits’ Modular Automation System and easy connection with our Linear Motion System, material handling components, safety fencing, and machine frames. -An easy-to-use Lift Station to transport objects on two levels of a production area, featuring high-speed operation, multiple drive options, and motor positioning flexibility. To enhance operator safety, Powered Roller Conveyors feature our patented finger guard technology. Finger Guards are built into each Poly-V roller. This safety feature is unique to the industry because no other protective guards are necessary.
Dorner’s AquaPruf Ultimate Conveyor Platform earns 3-A Certification
Dorner’s AquaPruf Ultimate conveyor is now 3-A certified. Evaluating equipment for 3-A certification is performed by an objective, independent third-party verification inspection to ensure that the AquaPruf Ultimate conveyor has successfully met the requirements of the 3-A sanitary standard in the design and fabrication of equipment used in food processing. Helping to achieve 3-A certification were recent updates to the platform to incorporate the latest engineering designs to provide the highest level of sanitary standards, and the fastest cleaning times, for applications such as meat, poultry, fish, and ready-to-eat. Dorner’s AquaPruf Ultimate conveyor comes with several industry-leading sanitary features, including: All internal frame components, except belted product, are polished to 32 micro-inches (1 micro-inch equals one-millionth of an inch) All bearings are external to the conveyor and a minimum of 25 mm away from the food zone Drive sprocket design includes a quick cleaning system to ensure cleaning can be done below the sprocket surface Patent-pending idler tail cleaning system on the modular belt and positive drive belt models Belting and chain meet 3-A certification, as well as USDA and NSF requirements Sanitary threadless feet design for all support stands Radii on all internal components meet the 6 mm (0.25”) standard requirement AquaPruf Ultimate conveyors are available in straight modular flat belt, straight modular cleated belt, positive belt end drive, and LPZ belt models. Additional features and benefits of AquaPruf conveyors include: Optional frame cut-outs and belt lifters for continuous access inside the conveyor Solid UHMW wear strips can be removed quickly without tools for cleaning Tip-up tails for quick release of belt tension Continuous TIG-welded 304 stainless steel frame eliminates fasteners in food zone Patented sprocket alignment key Spiral cam belt tensioning with patent-pending threadless design. Performance specifications of Dorner’s AquaPruf Ultimate conveyor include: Widths between 152 mm to 1,524 mm (6 inches to 60 inches) Lengths between 914 mm to 25,375 mm (36 inches to 999 inches) Load capacity up to 98 kg per square meter (20 lbs. per square foot) Speeds up to 100 meters per minute (328 feet per minute)
Columbus McKinnon expands Conveying Solutions Platform with acquisition of Garvey Corporation
Columbus McKinnon Corporation, a designer, manufacturer, and marketer of intelligent motion solutions for material handling, just announced that the Company has completed its acquisition of Garvey Corporation (“Garvey”) to complement its April 2021 acquisition of Dorner Mfg. Corp (“Dorner”). Garvey is an accumulation systems solutions company providing unique, patented systems for the automation of production processes. Its highly patented accumulation modules are enhancements to continuous flow production lines which increase efficiency and productivity by balancing flow between machines; storing and reintroducing products into the production flow as needed. “The acquisition of Garvey is an excellent complement to the precision conveying solutions for which Dorner is well known,” said Terry Schadeberg, President, Dorner. “Garvey expands our conveying solutions platform with its differentiated accumulation technology expertise and provides a deeper market presence in the attractive and growing food & beverage and life sciences industries. The combination of Garvey and Dorner creates a highly scalable operation through the integration of the deep engineering expertise of both businesses and the modular design of each operation’s conveying and accumulation solutions.” “This is an ideal combination of our highly complementary technologies,” said Thomas Garvey, President, Garvey. “This enables Garvey to continue to advance its over 100-year-old leadership position of a premier producer of conveying, accumulating, and automation solutions that can help manufacturers across industries increase throughput by up to 30%. We are excited to become a part of the Columbus McKinnon team and look forward to a long and bright future together as we forge new paths for providing our customers the best solutions in factory automation.” Founded in 1926 in Hammonton, New Jersey, Garvey is recognized as a provider in the design and manufacture of low-impact, multi-functional, pressure-less loop accumulation systems, and conveyor systems. Highly regarded for its engineering expertise to design systems that can handle a large variety of products shapes and sizes, Garvey’s solutions convey, accumulate, orient, single file, combine, and lane products rapidly without back pressure or operator interference. It is a leader in bottling operations that range from small vaccine vials to wine bottles and more. Garvey offers a broad product offering across both modular standard and highly engineered accumulation solutions. Garvey has approximately 100 employees including a highly technical sales and engineering organization that has a proven track record of innovation within the accumulation market.
Regal Rexnord acquires Arrowhead Systems, expanding Conveyor offering into Sub-systems, Palletizing
Regal Rexnord, a global provider in the engineering and manufacturing of industrial powertrain solutions, power transmission components, electric motors and electronic controls, and specialty electrical components and systems, has announced that it has completed the strategic acquisition of Arrowhead Systems (“Arrowhead”), based in Oshkosh, Wis. Arrowhead is a global provider in providing industrial process automation solutions, including conveyors, palletizers, and depalletizers to the food and beverage, aluminum can, and consumer staples (household goods, hygiene products, among others) industries. Arrowhead’s broad and deep capabilities in palletizing and conveying include a full suite of aftermarket services and solutions, which have been augmented through robust digitization investments to support industrial internet of things (IIoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and predictive maintenance capabilities. Commenting on the transaction, Regal Rexnord CEO, Louis Pinkham, said, “Strategically, Arrowhead is everything Regal Rexnord looks for in an acquisition. It increases our exposure to attractive, high-growth end applications. In addition, its highly engineered products and solutions, including digital capabilities, are differentiated and highly valued by its customers. Arrowhead’s growth strategy is also consistent with our mindset of driving innovation with purpose — purposeful for our customers and for our planet — considering its offering directly supports rising consumer demand for more environmentally friendly packaging, particularly a migration away from single-use plastics to aluminum cans. “Regal Rexnord and Arrowhead have highly complementary offerings that are expected to deliver enormous value to our customers. We are particularly excited about the complementary nature of Arrowhead and our ModSort® modular transfer and diverter stations, which are fast becoming important ‘last-mile” components in e-commerce warehouse applications, but have much broader applicability in other end uses, including those where Arrowhead focuses,” added Pinkham. Regal Rexnord’s innovative ModSort modular transfer and diverter stations can be easily added into new or existing conveyor systems to provide high-precision, 360-degree steering functionality for very lightweight items, such as polybags. ModSort modules, along with Regal Rexnord’s offerings of conveyor belts, chains, guides, and components — now coupled with Arrowhead’s conveying and palletizing sub-systems and its design, fabrication, and assembly capabilities — position the company to offer more value-added solutions to its customers, and do so in a broader array of end applications.
Signode to highlight Storefast Technology at MODEX 2022
The StorFast ASRS offers a fully customizable Logistics Solution to enhance throughput to meet customers’ demands and optimize operational resources Signode, a manufacturer of a broad range of end-of-line packaging equipment, tools, consumables as well as end-to-end automation and warehouse automation solutions, announced it will be showcasing its StorFast technology at MODEX. The event, which will take place in Atlanta at the Georgia World Congress Center, March 28-31, 2022, will also feature additional Signode solutions that support the warehousing, distribution, and logistics operations of its customers. Signode’s StorFast Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) is an innovative cart-based solution consisting of powered carts and lifts that automatically move pallets in and out of storage positions in the warehouse. The newly enhanced cart-based StorFast system operates at twice the speed with improved control for acceleration and deceleration of the robotic carts. In addition, StorFast components can now handle pallets weighing up to 4,400 pounds. Visitors will be able to see the technology in action at booth B2013. The StorFast ASRS delivers an intelligent logistics management solution integrating with order management, warehouse management, and order fulfillment systems. The system offers a fully customizable logistics solution to enhance throughput to meet customers’ demands and optimize operational resources and improve inventory management. “Signode’s StorFast ASRS delivers a fully integrated warehouse automation system solution to maximize operational savings for the supply chain,” said Byron J. Paul, Group President, Signode. “Our customers are increasingly looking to invest in smart automation solutions. Signode is responding, as our organization has for the past 100 years. We’re collaborating with our customers to help them achieve greater profitability by delivering new technologies and equipment that provide faster throughput, uptime, and operational efficiency.” In addition to the ASRS, the Signode automation product portfolio includes a full range of robot-based depalletizing, palletizing, and material handling solutions, all providing cost and performance advantages over other traditional warehouse systems.
Southworth customizes access to large workpieces and horizontal carousels
For assembly or maintenance of large, tall, and/or oddly shaped structures, or anything that requires workers to perform tasks while above floor level, Southworth offers custom-configured elevating worker platforms. Typically built on one or more scissor lift bases, these machines provide workers a safe, stable platform that can be positioned at heights of just a few inches to several feet for best access to the workpiece. They are also well suited for picking items from the multiple levels of a horizontal carousel. As workers need to access different levels on a workpiece or carousel, they can easily adjust the height of the platform via a simple pushbutton control. Platform decks can be configured to a size that allows a worker to move comfortably from one end of a workpiece to the other and carry all of the tools and equipment necessary to perform the required tasks. Platforms can also be built-in L- or U-shaped configurations to access multiple sides of a workpiece. Units can be stationary or traversing. Capacities up to 20,000 pounds are common with higher capacities available. Lifts can also be furnished with a wide range of other options including custom controls; soft start/stop; indexed lifting and lowering; slide-out sections that increase platform size when necessary; fold-down safety gates and handrails; custom deck treatments (non-skid, anti-static, etc.); electrical and air stations for power tools; and bellows skirting that keeps dust, debris, and moisture out of the lift mechanism.
Wynright announces the retirement of Gordon Hellberg
Daifuku Wynright announced that Gordon Hellberg, a 40-year industry veteran who worked for companies such as Rapistan, Ermanco, TGW, Schaefer, and finally Wynright will retire on December 31, 2021. Troy Carter, a veteran of the industry and longtime team member at Daifuku Wynright will assume control on January 1, 2022.
Dorner’s Edge Roller Technology ERT®150 Conveyor ideal for small light load assembly automation
The next evolution in Dorner’s Edge Roller Technology conveyor platform, the ERT®150, is ideal for small and light-load assembly automation, as well as medical and medical-device assembly applications. It is the only pallet conveyor of its kind available with an ISO Standard Class 4 rating for cleanroom applications. Earning the ISO Standard 14644-1 Class 4 rating means Dorner’s ERT150 will conform and not contribute to the contamination of cleanrooms to those standards. As implied by its name, the ERT150 uses rollers to move pallet conveyors smoothly with no friction (a byproduct often seen in belt-driven platforms). The conveyor’s open design eliminates concerns of small parts or screws dropping into rollers and causing conveyor damage or jamming. The ERT150 is ideally suited to operate in cleanroom environments requiring a pallet handling conveyor capable of zoning for no or low-back pressure accumulation and automation assembly applications within industries including: Medical and medical devices Electronics Consumer goods The rollers are driven by a patent-pending, energy-efficient linear gearbox that gives customers added flexibility with motor positioning and zoning. This allows for zone and slip roller operation. Simply removing a lower gear creates independent zones. The non-contact zone control provides simplified traffic control that eliminates pallet stops and costly pneumatic valves. Conversely, slip rollers can be used for full-length runs with conventional pneumatic pallet stops. The rollers are easily accessible and can quickly be replaced without affecting the remaining portion of the conveyor. Technical specifications of the new ERT150 include: 24 mm (0.95 in.) diameter rollers on 32 mm (1.36 in.) centers 80 mm (3.15 in.) to 480 mm (18.9 in.) wide Standard pallet widths from 160 mm to 320 mm wide Lengths from 128 mm to 2,432 mm in 64 mm increments Conveyors longer than 1,216 mm contain two gearmotors Loads up to 35 pounds per pallet or tray Speeds up to 37 m/min (121 feet per minute) Driven rollers for indexing/zoning and transport applications Slip rollers for low back pressure accumulation Brushless DC gearmotor and controller Gearmotor can be located at multiple locations along the length on 128 mm increments Bi-directional and reverse movements Outer frame cover: flush design or flexible T-slot options available Clear anodized aluminum framing Electrically conductive polyamide rollers Automation modules Lift and transfer Lift and locate Lift and rotate Turn and transfer corner Pallet pusher
Cisco-Eagle has promoted Bryan Gauger to Vice President of Systems Integration
Cisco-Eagle has promoted Bryan Gauger to Vice President of Systems Integration according to Cisco-Eagle President Darein Gandall. Gauger brings decades of experience and a long list of accomplishments to the role. He started his material handling career as a CAD technician in 1996 and quickly rose to manage Cisco-Eagle’s CAD group. Gauger subsequently was promoted to work in various roles, including project management and application design positions. He became senior project manager before accepting the role of Director of Texas Systems Integration in 2018. In that position, Gauger was instrumental in the design and implementation of multiple large-scale material handling projects across the United States and in Texas. In his new role, Gauger will serve as part of Cisco-Eagle’s senior leadership team, where he will participate in strategic planning and other management decision-making. He will oversee the systems integration group, working with its teams on project design, integration, and implementation for a broad variety of material handling, conveyor, automation, and storage projects. Throughout his career, Gauger has worked Cisco-Eagle’s most significant customers and projects, designing and implementing automation concepts, sophisticated conveyor applications, advanced storage systems, and more. “Bryan is one of the best in the business,” said Gandall. “He has technical skills, experience, and knowledge, but what really sets him apart is his ideas. He’s got this way of seeing an operation and figuring out ways to improve it that is just flat out special.”
Conveyor and Sortation Architecture: Centralized vs Decentralized Systems
When thinking of a modern distribution center, most people will picture a conveyor and sortation system. And while they are truly fascinating on the surface, what lies underneath, controlling the whole operation is equally impressive. Today we’re talking to some members of MHI’s Conveyor & Sortation Systems industry group about what’s under the hood, so to speak. To listen to the podcast, click here.
Fenner™ Precision Polymers advances its growth strategy with the acquisition of Metal Conveyor Belt Manufacturer, Lumsden Corporation
Based in Lancaster, Pa. for more than 45 years, Lumsden Corporation will remain a part of the Central Pennsylvania business economy, while expanding the portfolio of belting and high-value component (metal) solutions for Fenner™ Precision Polymers Fenner™ Precision Polymers, a Michelin Group Company and world provider in reinforced polymer technology announce the acquisition of Lumsden Corporation, a manufacturer of industrial conveyor belting and wire cloth for the quarry and mining industry, as well as related solutions for a wide variety of applications including food processing, heat treating, mining, glass treating, printing, and canning. The deal strengthens the position of Fenner Precision Polymers as a leading supplier of highly specialized conveying products and introduces new opportunities like metal screening for infrastructure, mining, and road applications. “Strong potential growth, market share gains, and an opportunity to expand into new belting markets are all compelling reasons why Lumsden Corporation will play a critical role in our strategy,” said Jack Krecek, Divisional Managing Director, Fenner Precision Polymers. “Lumsden is not only a respected leader in the belting industry – and one that greatly adds to our product portfolio – it is also a longtime Lancaster institution, with a presence here of more than 45 years. Precision Polymers is looking forward to adding the Lumsden operations to our portfolio of businesses in Lancaster County and we warmly welcome all Lumsden employees to our family.” Lumsden Corporation has three major brand categories: Hoyt Wire Cloth, Wiremation Conveyor Belting, and Flexx Flow. Hoyt Wire Cloth is largely used in crushed stone, sand and gravel, concrete and asphalt, coal, and recycling applications. Wiremation is focused on food processing, heat treating, fiberglass, glass, and steel applications. Flexx Flow serves food processing markets identical to Wiremation. Under the acquisition, all product brands will be retained and rolled up under the Fenner Precision Polymers portfolio of belting and high-value component solutions. “Without question or reservation, this partnership is just the move we envisioned to take our business to the next level,” said Glenn Farrell, CEO, Lumsden Corporation. “We’ve considered offers prior to this in the past, but always in the back of our mind was the thought of how ideal it would be to partner with Fenner, where we share the same location, similar markets, and the simple fact that they are such a trusted industry leader.” The acquisition of Lumsden Belting aids Fenner Precision Polymers in advancing its growth strategy and business objectives, which supports Michelin’s growth objectives in markets “Beyond Tires.” It expands core product offerings in belting and high-value components, which increases penetration in food processing and expands reach into other applications such as crushed stone, sand, and gravel which will likely find significant growth based on the infrastructure investments planned in the U.S. over the next decade. It also creates a natural extension into the company’s R&D process with polymer development, providing opportunities to engineer next-generation materials.
Dorner’s redesigned AquaPruf Conveyor brings users the latest in food safety features
Dorner is never one to rest on its laurels, and that philosophy of constant improvement is shown in its newly redesigned AquaPruf Conveyor, the latest iteration of its popular selling AquaPruf sanitary conveyor platform. Dorner is an industry leader in the design, application, manufacturing, and integration of precision industrial and sanitary conveyor systems. Dorner listens to customers and responds to evolving market needs. The redesigned AquaPruf hygienically engineered stainless steel conveyor incorporates several upgraded design features to give users a platform that meets the latest sanitary standards and requirements of the food industry today. AquaPruf conveyors replace a conventional gearmotor with a new iDrive2 motorized roller option. The iDrive2 is a gearless, oil-free technology roller that provides a food-safe compact footprint for the conveyor. AquaPruf conveyors with conventional stainless steel gearmotors are located outside the food zone for added food safety. Knowing more applications today move food in and around existing equipment, AquaPruf curve conveyors provide a tight turning radius with improved chain strength allowing three curves to be powered by only one gearmotor. A new patent-pending spiral-cam threadless belt tensioning and tracking system enhances conveyor control and streamlines operation while minimizing downtime. Additionally, a new patent-pending tail-height adjustment mechanism provides easy access to modify operation and aid in product transfers. Redesigned AquaPruf conveyors improve upon the already fast cleaning times of the AquaPruf platform with the new quick-removal side mount gearmotor package, which allows the side-mounted gearmotor to be removed in less than a minute for cleaning inside the conveyor. All AquaPruf conveyors feature tool-less disassembly, with complete disassembly in less than three minutes for cleaning. Features and benefits of the newly redesigned AquaPruf conveyor include: Optional frame cut-outs and belt lifters for continuous access inside the conveyor Solid UHMW wear strips can be removed quickly without tools for cleaning Tip-up tails for quick release of belt tension Continuous TIG-welded 304 stainless steel frame eliminates fasteners in the food zone Patented sprocket alignment key Performance specifications include: Widths between 152 mm to 1,524 mm (6 inches to 60 inches) Lengths between 914 mm to 25,375 mm (36 inches to 999 inches) Load capacity up to 98 kg per square meter (20 lbs. per square inch) Speeds up to 100 meters per minute (328 feet per minute) Modular belt options: Flat modular belt Friction top Cleated Curve V-guided and positive drive belt options: Flat belt Cleated Sidewall Cleated Straights, curves, LPZ (Z-frame), nose-over, and horizontal to inclines Two different series comprise the AquaPruf sanitary platform: AquaPruf and AquaPruf Ultimate, which later provides the highest level of sanitation. AquaPruf Ultimate is pending 3A certified conveyors and is engineered for USDA red meat, poultry, and dairy applications.
Wexxar Bel unveils new Flex E Pack Integration at PACK EXPO 2021
Wexxar Bel integrates its Flex E Pack system with Shuttleworth’s product delivery technology to create a fully functional packing cell in booth C-3031 Wexxar Bel, a ProMach brand, is pairing its Flex E Pack solution with a product delivery system from Shuttleworth to demonstrate a fully functional packing cell in booth C-3031 at PACK EXPO 2021, Sept. 27-29, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada. The Flex E Pack is a modular engineering solution that provides end-users with the flexibility to integrate the right case former, product delivery conveyor, work cell, and sealer that best meets their applications. The reason why the Flex E Pack system works so well is that it’s adaptable to meet changing packaging applications, all while reducing labor costs. “Flex E Pack is a concept that involves forming, packing, and sealing in a modular construct,” said Sander Smith, Product Manager, Wexxar Bel. “One size never fits all, which is why you can assemble a system that’s right-sized for your application. Flex E Pack, along with a product delivery system from Shuttleworth, enable you to do that quite effectively.” This integration with Shuttleworth gives PACK EXPO attendees a glimpse of the possibilities of incorporating different types of product delivery systems into a Flex E Pack solution and the benefits that it offers to operators. Shuttleworth, also a ProMach brand is a manufacturer of custom handling solutions with low back pressure and roller surface technologies to transport products along a production line. “One of the exciting things about the partnership with Shuttleworth is that we’re integrating some new methods of product delivery, as well as a variation of the pack stations that allow operators to be in close proximity, not just to the cases, but to the right product delivery for ease of operation,” Smith said. The Flex E Pack system will be in a two-person pack station configuration using a Wexxar Bel WF20 Fully Automatic Case Former that can form up to 20 cases per minute, along with a BEL 250 Fully Automatic Case Taper. This fully functional integrated packaging line is a great example of ProMach bringing its product brands closer together to better meet the needs of its customers. Projects like this allow customers to have one central point of contact, and that contact really serves as a one-stop, full-service provider by connecting all the ProMach brands together. This level of project management greatly streamlines the planning process, installation, and start-up curve for packaging lines. Forty-two packaging and automation-focused companies comprise the ProMach family of product brands in categories including Systems & Integration, Filling, Bottling & Capping, Decorative Labeling, Flexibles & Trays, Handling & Sterilization, Labeling & Coding, Robotics & End of Line, and Pharma. Plan to visit Wexxar Bel in booth No. C-3031 at PACK EXPO 2021 to see the Flex E Pack and Shuttleworth fully functional integrated packaging line, and learn what the power of the ProMach family of brands can do for your next packaging project.
Wexxar Bel brings efficiency and operational upgrades to the new WF30 Gen2 Fully Automatic Case Former
Wexxar Bel, a ProMach brand, is never one to rest on its laurels, and that philosophy of constant improvement is shown in its new WF30 Gen2, the next iteration of its popular selling WF30 Fully Automatic Case Former. Wexxar Bel is a provider in the case and tray forming and sealing solutions, excelling in both standard and customized solutions to maximize throughput in a variety of packing applications. Updates to the WF30 Gen2 include a larger, 10” Allen Bradley HMI that’s now a standard feature. The HMI is now paired with an Allen Bradley PLC, standardizing the overall control components of the machine. Minimal training will be required as Allen Bradley is often a North American plant standard, making it an easy transition for service and maintenance staff. This creates a system that improves upon the overall functionality of the machine, while also providing a platform that’s simple to maintain and easy to operate. The WF30 Gen2 comes with a redesigned magazine that’s optimized for operator use. The magazine materials have been upgraded to aluminum and stainless steel for corrosion resistance. A newly upgraded guide system enables the magazine to be smoother and faster to adjust, further expediting the changeover process. Updated extrusions with larger, more rigid bifold doors and stronger hinges further improve product robustness and safety to the WF30 Gen2. Additionally, the servo and ball screws on the WF30 Gen2 have been optimized to increase operating speed, power, efficiency, and reliability. This optimization allows the machine to run at a higher speed, handle heavier corrugates, and be more accurate – all while using less energy. “Our goal is to always make machines stronger, faster, and easier to operate, and with those pillars in mind, we seized on an opportunity to make the WF30 Gen2 a better machine,” said Sander Smith, Product Manager of Wexxar Bel. “Anytime we can make our customers’ lives easier, we’re going to do that because we’re aware of what’s going on in the marketplace. We’re delivering solutions we know they want because we hear what they’re saying.” The WF30 Gen2 will be on display in booth C-3031 at PACK EXPO 2021, Sept. 27-29, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada.
BEUMER Group expands in the USA
With the BEUMER Group’s new location in Denver / Colorado, the system provider can better serve customers in the Airport and Mining business areas. In addition to the existing office in Somerset, New York, the BEUMER Group has now opened a new office in Denver, Colorado. This merged the offices in Kansas City and Dallas. The new location in Denver is strategically located that all customers can be easily reached. Here, projects in the business areas of mining and airport will be mainly managed. The new location offers space for around 35 workplaces. With this location, the BEUMER Group plans to expand further. “From strategically located Denver now we are very happy to offering our airport customers our baggage handling systems. With our comprehensive range of services, we are always there for our customers“, says David Delaney, Vice President and General Manager Airports Division North America at BEUMER. Furthermore, US customers from the mining business area will also benefit from the new company office. “Out of the new office now, we can look after our customers in the various industries even better”, said Daniel Uttelbach, Managing Director and Vice President Conveying & Loading Systems.
Huron Technology Corporation announces the Ergo Conveyor
Huron Technology Corp. has just introduced the Ergo Conveyor, also known as the People Mover Conveyor, which is an ergonomic solution for high volume and large product manufacturing and assembly lines. While commonly found in the automotive industry, the Ergo Conveyor is a versatile conveyor that also assists in the manufacturing and assembly of many products like carts, lawnmowers, appliances, furnaces, ATVs, and more. The Ergo Conveyor features a platform that moves at the same speed as the product being assembled and reduces worker fatigue and movement from walking alongside the assembly area. It has two drives, one to move the belt and one to maintain tension, which allows the Ergo Conveyor to provide a stable, non-surging motion as workers step on and off the nonslip surface modular plastic belt. The conveyor is available in widths from 30 to 120 inches, lengths from 20 to 210 feet, and heights as low as 14 inches. Want to know more about the Ergo Conveyor? Click here to discover this exciting new product. Don’t let worker fatigue impact efficiency and product quality, consider an ergonomic solution like the Ergo Conveyor that provides a comfortable working height and pace for assembly line workers. Learn how you can provide a more ergonomic line for your operators by emailing info@hurontechnology.com.