New packaging solutions and technologies

MAKING A MARK

Designed for durability, safety, low maintenance and ease-of-use, the new Model 4050 label printer-applicator from Weber Marking Systems of Canada boasts a flexible modular design that can be adapted for any specific application. Compatible for use with print engines from all the major manufacturers, Model 4050 is available for right- or left-hand applications, it can be outfitted with a wide variety of label sizes, and it uses a modulate vacuum system to reduce air consumption by up to 80 per cent compared to competing systems, according to Weber. The system’s integrated sensors constantly measure the labeling pressure required, adjusting as needed during operation, while the system’s powered unwinders and rewinders help minimize wear on the printing modules, while ensuring precise printing. The 13.75-inch unwind matches the label length and ribbon length for one-to-one media consumption—reducing downtime and eliminating partial changeovers. The Model 4050 was designed without maintenance parts, which means components are replaced when needed, with only the print engine requiring maintenance as per the manufacturer’s requirements. Additionally, the system features a seven-inch LCD color touchscreen that puts all the operational, diagnostic and production details at the customer’s fingertips—providing display in light or dark modes.

Weber Marking Systems of Canada

SENSORY PERCEPTION

The new Memosens 2.0 liquid analysis sensors from Endress+Hauser are the second generation of the revolutionary Memosens liquid analysis technology that converts measured values into digital signals and sends them inductively to the transmitter—providing safe data transfer for increased availability of the measuring points and trouble-free processes. With the introduction of Memosens 2.0 sensors for pH/ORP, conductivity and dissolved oxygen, those liquid analysis measuring points are now future-proof and IIoT-ready ready, offering a range of potential additional benefits like a data foundation for predictive maintenance. Being backwards-compatible and easily integrated into existing systems, the Memosens 2.0 sensors store numerous relevant data—such as operating hours, minimum and maximum temperatures— and measured values, calibration histories and load matrices. This data can then be used and processed for comprehensive analysis and more precise process management. Equipped with highly integrated electronics, the new sensors also provide a perfect basis for predictive maintenance strategies with Endress+Hauser’s Heartbeat Technology, and enhanced IIoT services via the Netilion Cloud ecosystem.

Endress+Hauser Canada

THE DRY RUN

Designed for label-free and high-resolution coding, branding and text generation on secondary packaging, including corrugated, the new 5940 G Touch Dry high-resolution inkjet coder from Markem-Imaje prints GS1-128 compliant codes on corrugated cases and trays of fresh produce, beverages, meats, confectioneries and many other foods, as well as providing precision printing on polystyrene for frozen foods and shrinkwrap for pallet shipments. Using the company’s proprietary odorless and VOC-free Touch Dry inks that instantly dry on contact, the new coder can also prints clean, crisp information and codes on various porous surfaces, including fabrics and non-wovens for medical personal protective equipment (PPE) masks, gowns and diapers. The new 5940 G features patent-pending Intelli’Flow printhead technology that avoids nozzle blockages due to ink backsplash and dust build-up, along with a special a filtering process that degasses the ink during printing to keeps the jetting mechanism clean and clear—resulting in a higher print quality, greater throughput, reduced maintenance, and less downtime.

Markem-Imaje

SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL

The new LR-X Series from Keyence is a remarkably small laser sensor capable of detecting positioning without being affected by color, surface finish or shape—providing impressive durability with its food-grade stainless-steel housing and guarded cable. Capable of detecting position changes as small as 0.5-mm and featuring automatic and real-time intensity adjustment to ensure stable detection., the miniature sensor to be used in a wide variety of applications, including those with small positional changes. Said to be the world’s first green laser CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) sensor, the LR-X Series features an intuitive OLED display to spell out readings with perfect clarity, as well as an innovative gyro monitor that immediately alerts users if the sensor is knocked out of alignment.

Keyence Canada Inc.

VERTICAL PRECISION

IWK Packaging Systems, Inc. ha introduced a new pair of versatile vertical cartoners—one intermittent and one continuous—to provide premium cartoning capabilities with high levels of positioning precision, fast changeovers, and modular extendability to suit many packaging applications for pharmaceutical and personal-care products packaged in a wide range of container sizes and dimensions. The new VI 5 vertical cartoner is an intermittent-motion machine with an open, accessible work area and a modularly extendable length that optimizes floorspace. Suitable for a wide array of containers including bottles, tubes, blister packs, jars, pouches and bags, the touchscreen-operated VI 5 can process up to 75 cartons per minute, with a format range of 25- to 100-mm-long, 20- to 90-mm-wide and 50- to 23-mm in height. Comprising 22 carton carriers in basic configuration, the machine facilitates exceptionally fast changeover with a centralized transport height adjustment system and easily exchangeable buckets. For its part, the VC 5 vertical cartoner is a continuous-motion module that can process up to 120 cartons per minute. Easy to clean and touchscreen-operated, the unit pensures highly reliable semi-automatic packaging of a broad range of containers with exemplary positioning precision, achieved with its servo-driven, cam-guided transport system.

IWK Packaging Systems, Inc.

KEEEPING IT CLEAN

Formulated for superior sanitary cleaning of food and beverage processing plants, the new ProClean FOAM SAFE solution from Madison Chemical Co. is a chlorinated, alkaline foaming cleaner that works well in all types of water. When used with a foam generator as a one-package cleaner, it produces a thick, stable foam that adheres to hard-to-clean surfaces like vertical and overhead machinery surfaces. Said to be ideal for use as a general cleaner (A1) on all surfaces in and around food and beverage processing areas, or for use with steam or mechanical cleaning devices in all other departments, ProClean FOAM SAFE easily rinses off with potable water without streaking.

Madison Chemical Co.