END OF YEAR REVIEW A modular concept
Gainsborough Engineering’s range of Vertical Form Fill & Seal machines for 2011 are based on a modular concept in which the frame size is determined by the bag size. The optional components are then selected by the user enabling him to, Gainsborough says, achieve maximum flexibility in his choice of machine requirements to match his specific needs. Further flexibility within the range enables the user to specify the type of drive, pneumatics, plc and electronics through to the type of feed interface i.e. auger feed, multi head weigher, in- line vibratory tray feeds, robotics etc. As well as ‘Four Corner Seal’ bag format, the company also offer block bottom attachments, valve applicators, gas flushing, carry handles, tear strips and a choice of printers. Reportedly, changeover times for the machines have been dramatically reduced by incorporating easy wash down features, tool free parts and settings that are easily accessed via the touch screen control panel. For more information call 01427 617677 or email
sales@gains-eng.co.uk.
Increasing efficiency
After a trial in February of last year, OCME Srl have further developed their high-speed robotic automation systems and palletising systems for integrated logistics. The trial, carried out for a major Spanish brewer, used a selection of the brewer’s products in loose multipacks, which included glass bottles and cans at speeds of 180-200 packs/min. The trial took place to look at modern OCME robotic palletising technology and ways that the robot island could be electronically coupled to the rest of the filling line. During the trial, four anthropomorphic robots were used – two for pack manipulation and layer forming, one for layer placement and one for
Hair, meet wardrobe
Toni&Guy has long been renowned as a pioneer and innovator within the hair industry, working backstage at London Fashion Week for 15 seasons. Following the
picking empty pallets and inter-layer sheets. For more information call 01635 298171 or visit
www.ocme.com.
acquisition of the trademark for consumer products by Unilever in 2010, M&H Plastics and Unilever developed, during 2011, a stunning, fashion inspired collection of haircare and styling products. The new packaging features a high-build varnish printed onto the text to give a high gloss premium embossed effect which contrasts with the co-ex matt finish of the HDPE bottles. All caps are colour coordinated and the caps on the 250ml Tubular bottles are tampo printed with a crest on the top giving an extra touch of luxury. Bridget O'Lone of Unilever said: “The new collection is unique with end-look, fashion inspired collections.” For more information call 01502 715518, email
marketing@mhplastics.com or visit
www.mhplastics.com.
Helping out Birds Eye
Birds Eye decided to install a second machine from Linkx last year, as according to the custom packaging machinery specialists, the FMCG giant was very satisfied with the performance, reliability and ease of use of its first Matrix collator/shrink wrapper. This time, however, there was a minor complication – instead of the cartons entering the machine at high level, which means that their progress into the machine is assisted by gravity, they would enter at low level. With a little inspiration and a small software modification, however, Linkx came up with a solution that they say involved no extra cost. The performance of the Matrix machines, which, Linkx claims, are capable
THREE-PORT DISPENSING SYSTEM
At the interpack show last year, the Colder Products Company unveiled the new DrumQuik®
3-port
Universal Dispensing Adapter (UDA), which reportedly enables a pump to be connected to virtually any container. Suitable for use in both low- flow dosing and high-flow pump applications, the DrumQuik 3-port UDA facilitates the connection and disconnection of multiple chemical lines in a process while, according to the manufacturer, minimising
chemical exposure and maintaining workplace safety. The three-port UDA features a ¾-inch NPT male thread that will mate with common drum plugs of bottle caps with a female ¾-inch thread. The adaptor’s three ports enable liquid removal, venting or blanket gas and recirculation if needed. A convenient locking nut is also available for bulkhead mounting applications. For more information visit
www.colder.com.
of handling up to 300 cartons per minute – as much as 50 per cent more than typical machines with similar functionality – was an ideal match for this demanding application. For more information call 01502 713 777, email
sales@linkx.xo.uk or visit
www.linkx.co.uk.
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PackagingGazette.co.uk
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