What to see at PPMA.

At the Wembley Exhibition Centre in London the PPMA Show opens on November 14th for a three-day run and the organisers tell us there will be a full house. It is not possible to review all the exhibits but a selection of what will be on view follows.

Avery Berkel 

This company will be using its stand to display their range of fully automatic labelling and packaging systems.

The stand will be dominated by a fully working prepack production line comprising the Surewrap SW250 stretch-wrapper with automatic pack recognition and film change capabilities, linked to a new Instynct M30 metal detector which, in turn, feeds on to the Insygnia R200 weigh/price labeller.

Taking centre stage will be the Insygnia R200, a high speed weigh/price labeller, that integrates with wrapping and conveyor systems. It is now capable of operating at speeds up to 100 packs a minute. In addition, the Insygnia PWS 100 makes its debut. This unit is a hand-operated weigh/price labeller but it has full networking capabilities and integrates with factory computer systems.

Another addition to the company's range is the Instynct metal detector. This new range, being launched at Wembley, comprises three models, the M10, M20 and M30.

The latest stretchwrapper from Avery Berkel, which will be on display, will be their Surewarp SWS60 that switches automatically between two film widths for faster production.

Insyte outer case marking systems, designed for weighing wholesale and bulk tray products, will also feature, and the stand will be completed by Scale Plus Q4, their production line management system with a facility for sensory profile testing.

Ward Bekker Systems Ltd

This leading maker of multi-head weighing systems is launching the new Combiweigh multi-head unit at Wembley.

This new high speed machine is able to weigh a variety of different products and combinations at any one time. A choice of from 8 to 24 weighheads is available and the machine will run at speeds in excess of 150 weighments a minute. With a fiat screen console for product selection, set-up and diagnostics, this machine is simple to set-up and easy to operate. Up to 150 product options can be stored in the machine's memory and the system will automatically provide the optimum run setting for new products, a self-learning feature being introduced for the first time.

This machine also includes an automatic self-setting facility, enabling levels to be calculated automatically whilst product is loaded into the system. An outlet port provides accurate weigh data, meeting all current EEC legislation requirements.

This new Combiweigh unit includes multiple processors for maximum speed operation and its automatic top-up device enables the system to refeed each weighpan through high feed rate feeders to avoid product starvation.

Endoline Machinery Ltd

Endoline will be exhibiting their new Series 200 case erectors. These redesigned machines now incorporate many new features.

The main one is the triple vacuum or TV system of vacuum case erecting. This system is thought to be unique, in that the case is held on three sides, maintaining full control of each case whilst it is being erected. This has been designed into the machine to give it the advantage of being able to run poor quality printer slotter cases, therefore reducing the cost of packaging consumables and improving manufacturing output through lower board cost, less waste and improved efficiency.

The size range of this machine has been increased in all case dimensions, although it still the same footprint.

The company tell us they have be able to improve speed through the design to gain 2 to 3 extra cases a minute. Access has also been improved, with a hinged door into the sealing section; hopper loading has been improved by reducing the hopper loading height by some 400mm and the unit's message display unit now incorporates diagnostic information for operator assistance.

This machine also now conforms to the CE standard of machine guarding.

Sussex and Berkshire Machinery Plc

A compact tube-filling machine, offering outputs up to 70 a minute and tool-less size change in under 10 minutes, is being introduced at the PPMA show by Sussex and Berkshire.

Built in Germany by IWK, the TFS 15 is equipped to close aluminium tubes with a double or triple fold and seal plastics or laminated tubes with hot air. The filling range if infinitely adjustable from 2 up to 400ml, and tube orientation, prior to filling, is controlled via a photo-electric cell; even a bar-code can be read at the same time.

Further exhibits on the S and B stand will include an MAF Combimatic 700/3 wraparound case packer and tray loader, linked to an MAF SBF 4/54 stretchwrapper. This Combimatic unit is able to provide a variety of transit packs from a single machine, such as full wraparound cases, high sided trays with wraparound lids or wraparound trays for stretchwrapping.

The low cost Etipack Drin bench-top industrial thermal printer for bar-code labels will also make its first public appearance in the UK. For the smaller user or packing halls where a number of bar-code printers are needed, the Drin is available with a 50 or 100mm print width and is able to reproduce all the current bar-code symbologies.

Sparc Inspection Systems Ltd

A major product development from Sparc is their Duocheck Compact. This is a high accuracy, cost-effective combined metal detector and checkweigher that will be seen for the first time on their stand.

They tell us this high sensitivity metal detector is able to detect the finest particles of metal whilst the weigh-heads provide accurate weigh data. With its metal detector mounted on the weigh-platform, the resulting piece of equipment affords considerable space-saving over more conventional systems. This space-saving has been made by using a new mini length system, which results in fewer transfer points and the need for fewer drive motors, all of which results in smoother pack handling and a sizeable cost advantage.

Other products on the stand will be their high speed chain transport Trendsetter checkweigher that now incorporates a chain transport weigh conveyor designed to handle metal containers or unstable packs at high line speeds.

Their Take-A-Weigh Elite is a portion control and ingredient monitoring system intended for applications where ingredients are manually dispensed. Using reverse weighing techniques, together with an ergonomic display, the Elite reduces give-away and eliminates double handling.

Weston-White Packaging

This division of Howden Packaging Equipment Ltd will be launching the new upgraded bench bagging machine on their stand at the show.

Improvements include a new positive draw-off system to ensure bag length accuracy and a redesigned vertical sealing die to provide the highest standards of consistency in vertical seal integrity.

A third innovation to this new design machine, solid state digital read-out temperature controllers, improves temperature control at the sealing dies, with simpler temperature adjustment and a display to assist with resetting.

Also on show will be a 4-lane fully automatic sachet packing machine for liquids and ice pole-type packs. This is part of a range available in one to six lanes, offering infinitely variable speeds from zero to 90 cycles a minute, outputs up to 420 packs a minute and capacities from 0.5 to 90ml.

Marden Edwards & Co

This leading manufacturer of overwrapping machinery and product handling systems will be showing three different overwrappers.

The BX100FF is one of their most popular machines that incorporates features like ultra-fast size-change tooling, diagnostic panel and rapid-access guarding. Designed to wrap individual packs up to 100mm in height, it is front-fed and has a cycle speed of 50 a minute. Incorporating the same features, the TX40FF produces a pack with an overlap seal on its trailing edge, rather than underneath the pack. Capable of handling packs up to 40mm tall, it is front-fed and includes a tear-tape applicator for easier opening of the overwrap.

Also with a tear-tape applicator, their LX125SF is one of their heavier duty machines that is suitable for higher throughput applications, It too has a diagnostic panel, quick size-change facilities, cantilevered film spindle and is fully guarded. It is side-fed and includes the facility to collate individual packs into overwrapped multi-packs.

Safeline Ltd

This company will display an impressive line-up of conveyorised, gravity feed, throat, ferrous-in-foil and pipeline metal detection systems. Amongst these will be several UK launches.

Their new Ferrous-in-foil detectors employ Product Signalling Cancellation software, a new system to screen out signals from foil packaging materials without loss of sensitivity. This is achieved since they can be preprogrammed to recognise and ignore metal elements in packaging, rather than screen out its signals.

Also on display will be their new range of pipeline metal detectors, which incorporate a mini Zero Metal-free Zone detector head. This patented technology eliminates the need for a metal-free zone around the detector, allowing reduced insertion lengths, with shorter non metallic pipes, whilst maintaining high sensitivity in restricted space applications without costly plant overhaul.

Other items on the stand will include their expanded high sensitivity Series 35 end-of-line digital detector range. Developed as a space-saving solution, because the overall system length can be as little as 500mm, Series 35 now have a wider range of apertures and conveyor belt widths for an increased variety of final packaged product applications.

GBE Lerner-Burgess

A new electronically controlled end-fold overwrapper is being introduced at the show by GBE Lerner-Burgess. This unit is said to provide faster set-up and improved reliability, compared with more traditional machines using cam-driven timing tools.

Their EW series of overwrappers operate at speeds up to 40 packs a minute, producing a tight wrap of heat sealable film or paper with envelope end-folds around cartons. Various sizes are available to suit different products.

In place of the traditional layshaft operating a bank of cam-driven switches to control machine motions, the GBE Lerner-Burgess machine uses a solid state timer and rotary encoder to provide keypad set-up, accurate to within 0.5 [degrees] of arc. As well as electronic controls, this machine also features pneumatic operation of the film guillotine and gripper system within the wrapping station, further reducing complexity and machine cost compared with cam-driven systems.

A second new machine to be introduced is their SLCP1 automatic side-load case packer. Designed for continuous operation, this machine features a large capacity, low level vertical case magazine to extend the interval between reloading, which can be carried out whilst the machine is running.

This unit's magazine is designed to allow a large number of blanks to be loaded at one time, without risk of poor feeding as a result of excessive pressure. Alternatively, an automatic feed table for several pallet loads of blanks is available; this will inch each pile forward into the magazine for continuous working.

Permex Ltd

The company's stand at this year's show will emphasize the recent developments in technology which have added emptying and washing systems to their Permex range. Greater versatility is available with the launch of the company's new washing programme, offered as an option with the heavyweight Jumbo filling system, which can be supplied to both fill and empty large units.

Built around a powerful PC, the Permex MicroBatch Plus features a range of easily set-up programmes including an option for multi-channel operation, which means it can operate with up to nine different channel inputs, ie, nine different flowmeters, batching each system with independent set-up and calibration factors, change-over relay for fast or slow flow, different set-points, etc. This range of options leaves room for the washing programme, permitting a separate washing stream to be controlled by the MicroBatch Plus as well as the normal filling process. This new washing system comprises a 360 [degrees] arc of spray mounted on the end of a small bore lance.

Masterfil Ltd

At the show the company will have on display a range of highly flexible semi and fully automatic volumetric liquid filling machines and Mastercap, their fully automatic capping system. They will also be demonstrating their ability to produce tailor-made equipment.

All Masterfil machines offer trouble-free filling over a wide range of applications, including those involving high temperatures or where the liquid being filled is prone to clogging. Their range of automatic in-line equipment is designed to grow with production requirements by enabling extra heads to be added to match increased output.

The Mastercap capping system is a single head capping solution that has been designed to handle a wide variety of cap styles and sizes, including screw, press-on and pilferproof caps and aerosol overcaps.

Markem Systems Ltd

Markem will use the show to launch their new Label Supplies Group, which has been established to provide a complete support service.

Label Supplies' main areas of operation are the provision of bar-code label systems, including the latest Xi range of high speed printers and the supply of thermal transfer print ribbons and pre-cut, preprinted label stock designed for compatibility with all printers and applicators. To meet the requirements of the industry, Markem have developed a range of competitively priced label products with a choice of specialized adhesives, each designed for trouble-free running in high speed, high volume applications. New additions to the range include paper labels giving top quality thermal performance, in spite of their significant recycled content. Their thermal transfer print ribbon, or foil, is available in a wide array of differing grades, for optimum performance on any label material; there are eleven standard widths.

Markem will also have on display a number of their second generation Touch-Dry systems, including their 962 Ink-Jet non contact coder and their 9800 Coder range.

Loma Systems

Loma will be exhibiting a range of in-line quality inspection machines, including the LomaView, their new management information system, a variety of metal detection systems, the A 6000 checkweigher and a 7000 Combo integrated metal detection and checkweighing system.

Of particular interest will be LomaView, their latest PC-based management information system, which with a complete Line Status Monitor and report facility, provides managers with a simple method of collecting data from all production line equipment. Displayed in graphic form, the information is automatically archived, providing an easy reference of production data and removing the need for time-consuming paperwork.

A twinhead metal detector will also be seen on their stand. This unit has been designed to provide complete protection in applications where a variety of products are run on one line. It consists of two metal detectors on one conveyor - a Superscan Micro and a Superscan F-Micro ferrous-in-foil detector, so the latter can be used to check for metal contaminants in products contained in aluminium trays and the former used to check products packaged in other materials.

Prestek Ltd

In line with their policy of continual product development and enhancement, Prestek will be exhibiting no fewer than four new products at Wembley. The company will unveil additional models to compliment their existing SmartDate thermal transfer printer, plus a new range of high specification print and apply labelling modules for their Cimjet 2000 and Cimjet 300 Series, and a new multi-axis Cimpak pallet labelling system. In addition, they will be demonstrating a new generation of Windows label design and machine networking supervisory software.

The new SmartDate Models offer a number of additional or enhanced features including printing of a larger pack area and improved print resolution.

In their print-and-apply labeller ranges, Prestek will also be unveiling an upgraded high performance range of new models for adjacent side, front of pack and side of pack application for their ultra compact Cimjet 300 and Cimjet 2000 print-and-apply labellers. The new multi-axis Cimpak pallet labeller enables. a pallet to be labelled on two adjacent sides or its front and back faces.

Gramac Mechanical Handling Systems Ltd

At the Show Gramac will be unveiling their Argonaut palletising robot. Resulting from a marketing and distribution agreement between Gramac and Bankside Industrial Engineering Ltd, Gramac will market, within their Systems Division, the Argonaut palletising robot. This robot will be demonstrated as part of an operational system on the stand.

The Argonaut AR4 Palletising Robot is manufactured to the highest standards and can be supplied with an appropriate gripper to suit the application, be it a mechanical, vacuum or magnetic type.

The unique flexibility and power of the AR4 is provided by the control system and the heart of this is an IBM-compatible PC, based on the 8048DX processor. Normal operations are carried out using push-buttons on the cabinet's front panel, whilst a full keyboard and touch-screen provide extended facilities for programming and cofiguration, and the servo system is based on well-established DC servo technology.

The AR4 Robot is capable of palletising 250kg a minute of product. cycle rates can be up to 12 cycles a minute, the maximum stack height is nominally 1800mm and the payload is normally 60kg, with a maximum of 100kg.

Engelmann and Buckham

Machinery Ltd A complete range of vertical and horizontal form fill and seal machines is about to be launched in the UK by this company and full details will be announced at the exhibition. The Hampshire-based company has been appointed as the UK agent for the Spanish manufacturer Multipack SA and there will be two of their latest models on display.

E and B will also feature four of their other overseas principals at the show. From PE SrL there will be a machine from their wet glue, hot melt and pressure-sensitive labellers. Suitable for containers in glass, PET, PVC, PE, metal and cardboard from 100 to 3000ml in size, these machines have output speeds from 1000 to 50,000 bottles an hour.

Also represented on the stand will be Egli of Switzerland, who manufacture individual buttermaking equipment, such as churns, silos, pumps and homogenizers, and complete lines.

Another principal is Actini and their latest electric and steam/water-based tubular heat exchangers are being promoted. These systems provide for heat recovery, cooling or reheating of all liquids and the pasteurisation and thermal treatment of products.

Schafer and Flottmann offer tray packers and other end-of-line equipment. This company's new generation SFS 350 carton assembler provides significant cost-savings, high speed production and rapid change-over, we are told.

Pago Ltd

The 1995 Wembley PPMA exhibition sees the UK launch of a completely new family of self-adhesive labelling machines.

The new technology on show has been designed to allow end-users to choose a combination of differing label heads and control systems to achieve optimum and cost-effective efficiency. With easy settings for operators, the state of the electronic control of stepper motors, Pago is now offering full on-line diagnostic and control information through a CTC display system.

Their new Pagosystem 100A single head labeller with a Pagomat 6A applicator offers placement accuracies better than [+ or -]0.5mm at conveyor speeds up to 35m a minute. The popular Pagosystem 100 duplex model, with its wide product handling specification, will be demonstrated with two other new technology label heads. A Pagomat 6HS will show how, by automatic and constant referencing label dispensing speed to match the exact rate of pack movement, they can achieve wrinkle-free labelling to a higher standard than is usual. The second head promotes a new concept - it is a Pagomat 10/125E printer applicator.

Also on display will be the biggest family member, the Pagosystem 120, which on this occasion will be shown as a duplex labeller. Also for the first time the company will display their Linestick leaflet application concept.

Linx Printing Technologies Plc

At the PPMA show Linx will be demonstrating their new LiteMarque laser printer, as well as showing their extensive range of ink-jet printers and inks.

LiteMarque is the newest addition to their range. It is an economic laser option for printing clean, high quality codes and logos. Particularly easy to operate, this unit is capable of producing up to 4 lines of print, in character sizes that range from 1.5 to 9mm high and at speeds to 2400 characters a second.

As with all Linx printers, the laser software and interface is a standard design developed to offer maximum ease of use and flexibility. This unit is available with a multi-lingual keyboard.

Also on show will be their 4200 and 6000 Series continuous ink-jet printers and inks, including the MEK-free Linx Marque 3103 ink and a selection of coloured MEK inks for clear coding on different coloured surfaces.

Packaging Automation Ltd

PA are exhibiting the latest Mark II version of their Vision 2000 automatic in-line heat sealing system, which was launched at last year's show.

Since then Vision has sold well and new enhancements have been added to this range of machines. These include a new lubrication system, new film registration facilities and revised motor positioning to provide improved protection amongst moisture ingress, and they will be seen on a Model 20-80, which offers outputs up to 80 packs a minute.

PA will also be featuring an expanding range of Vision 2000 options on their stand. Tooling for foil crimping, an ear-tray orientation device and a variety of guarding systems have all been introduced to provide the greatest flexibility and versatility.

Alongside the 20-80 model will be a Vision 20-16 CAP machine with auto-indexing facilities.

Cermex UK Ltd

This British company, celebrating its tenth year in business, will be showing two items from its wide range of 'end of line' packaging machinery at Wembley.

One of these items will be their F.37 case erector. This machine is capable of speeds up to 40 cases a minute and running efficiency levels are normally well above 90%. Because of the accuracy of its printer slotter, more expensive die-cut cases are not normally required.

Cermex will also be showing their ER.30 Robot handling two types of bottle. One will be a 'trigger pack' and at the same time, using the same tooling the more standard 'refill bottles' will also be packed into cases. They will be showing on video the many other tasks that the Robot packer can handle, ranging right through from various difficult types of bottle, flowraps at high speed, tubes of product and blister packs, to name a few.

Cermex will be demonstrating 'user friendly' controls, as well as the easy/quick size change systems that enable operators to carry out size changes without the use of tools.

Howden Packaging Equipment

Three Howden Packaging Equipment companies will be exhibiting their ability to engineer complete turnkey liquid packaging systems on the stand. Equipment on display will include Pastupack carton form fill seal equipment from Howden Packaging Equipment (Scotland), semi and fully automatic volumetric filling machines from Karmelle and Kanepack case handling equipment.

The portfolio of these three companies gives total coverage from unscramblers through to palletisers, marketed as individual units or as systems backed by the resources of the Howden group.

Their Pastupack machines produce gable-top cartons and, as an example, the Pastupack 50 fills cartons in sizes from a quarter to one litre in size at rates up to 50 a minute. Their Karmelle fully automatic in-line piston fillers cover capacities from 25ml upwards, in frame sizes from two heads to duplex systems of up to 28 heads and any one of four metering pumps. Kanepack provides both vertical and horizontal case erecting technology. All their machines can handle a range of case sizes with easy change-over and full calibration, and a wide choice of case packers and sealers is also available.

F P Packaging Machinery Ltd

For the first time in the UK, FP Packaging will be exhibiting the Verpac high speed collating and wraparound display box machine, which is available in two formats: one with a single magazine for a precut scored blank with an integral lid, which is formed into a U-shape, loaded with a precollation of products and wrapped around into a lidded box sealed with hot melt; the second incorporates two magazines, one for carton or tray forming and a second for a separate lid, which provides advantages in board utilisation and improved point of sale display.

In addition, a Senzani vertical cartoner will be exhibited with perimeter hot melt sealing to provide siftproof and puffproof carton closure without the use of a liner, which prevents leakage during handling and display and avoids infestation.

Their other exhibits will include tray denesting and pick-and-place machines built at the company's Guildford factory.

PALS Precision Applicators Ltd

Now in the their 30th year of design and manufacture of labelling systems, PALS remains committed to the supply of robust and cost-effective machines, in contrast to the elaborate and expensive items produced by others.

At the stand, visitors will be able to see the ELDH label dispenser that will automatically die-cut labels up to 150mm wide and an on-board label detector. With the removal of the label from the reel, this prompts an automatic feed to the next, giving the operator unrestricted access.

Their Front of Pack unit allows packers to maintain high throughput rates since product does not have to be turned or even removed form the line for labelling. Available with or without a conveyor, this unit works at up to 40 packs a minute and accepts a wide range of overprint units.

At this stand visitors will be able to see their PA10e labelling system, the TBL labelling range, CAL cross-axis labelling system and the SWL labelling machine.

The new TBL range gives the choice of top labelling, base labelling or top and base labelling simultaneously, the CAL applicator can label with the line of the product flow and across it, and the SWL unit provides either full or partial wrap-around labelling for cylindrical containers.

Harland Machine Systems

Harland are to launch a one pint version of their Neptune pressure-sensitive labelling systems range at the show. Visitors to their stand will also be able to see the upgraded application indicator feature introduced on their Sirius STD labelling system.

The new Neptune one pint polybottle labelling applicator is the latest version to be introduced to the range and will give high application speeds. Its stainless steel construction meets IP65 standards and it is robust and corrosion-resistant enough to withstand regular hosing-down.

The Sirius STD is an extremely flexible PS labelling applicator for high speed lines running varied product shapes and sizes. It now has a new digital indicator for greater accuracy in label application position-reading. This latest enhancement brings it into line with the rest of Sirius family and it is easy to operate.

Their Proteus split belt system for top and base labelling of product in one pass will also be on display as will their Pictor print-and-apply system.

Cueprint Ltd

The latest Cueprint success story, the Apollo bar-coder and outer case printer, will take centre stage at the show, alongside the company's other ink-jet printer ranges.

Officially launched earlier this year, the Apollo has already picked up orders worth more than [pounds]200,000.

This low cost high quality printer offers the same concept as their successful Elite small character ink-jet printer with print-head circuitry and a control panel all contained in one module. This makes the printer truly portable and capable of being easily moved to different production lines as required. In addition, a second head can be accommodated on the system to allow simultaneous printing on two different areas of a pack, including both sides. Three sizes of print-head are available 1/2, 1 and 2in., giving a choice of print character sizes from 3 to 35mm and the angles of the print-head can be adjusted to maximize character size.

This unit's control panel features a WYSIWYG display and has a memory capable of storing up to 100 different bar-codes.

As well as operating as a stand-alone unit, the printer can also be incorporated into a system controlled from a remote host PC.