Label-Aire Inc. introduced the Sleever Series Model 8500 Labeling System. It is an easy-to-operate single-head shrink-sleeve labeling system that can handle most tamper-evident, overall-, middle- and full-body sleeve applications. The labeling system is designed for high- speed runs up to 400 products per minute, and can handle all industry standard sleeve materials and a wide range of container shapes and sizes. Other features include an HMI touchscreen, stainless steel construction, patented cutting assembly, transparent safety doors, stepper drive technology and a wide product capability. — Label-Aire Inc., 550 Burning Tree Road, Fullerton, Calif. 92833; 714/441-0700; label-aire.com.

 

Inkjet canvas

 

LexJet unveiled its Sunset Select Gloss Canvas SUV and Sunset Select Satin Canvas SUV. The products are compatible with solvent, low-solvent and UV-curable printers. The canvases are able to hold wide color gamut and high Dmax as well as fine detail. These products add to LexJet’s solvent and UV-curable fine art and photographic inkjet media. Both Sunset Select Gloss Canvas SUV and Sunset Select Satin Canvas SUV are available in 54 inch-by-75 foot and 60 inch-by-75 foot rolls, as well as a 30 inch-by-30 foot sample roll. — LexJet, 1680 Fruitville Road, Third Floor, Sarasota, Fla. 34236; 800/453-9538; lexjet.com.

 

Pallet gripper

 

Lantech introduced its new Pallet-Grip load locking system for its straddle stretch wrapping systems. The Pallet-Grip is a system that locks a load to a pallet with a cable of film rolled into the bottom wraps and placed below the deck of the pallet. The system places a rolled cable of film approximately 1.5 inches below the pallet deck. It is adaptable to a range of heights, from four to six inches high. The equipment should be used when double-stacking pallet loads, shipping products on GMA pallets, winged pallets, plastic pallets or skids, the company says. — Lantech, 11000 Bluegrass Pkwy., Louisville, Ky. 40299; 800/866-0322; lantech.com.

 

Shrinkwrapper

 

Polypack Inc. features print registration shrinkwrappers that can run both clear and printed film. It also has added integrated handles and nested bundling features. The handle is not visible until the consumer pushes through the perforation and pulls up on it. The nested bundle will not impact palletizing and space consumption on the shelves, the company says. Polypack also introduced ILB All-in-One machine, which is a robotic pick-and-place shrink bundler with a built-in case loader. — Polypack Inc., 3301 Gateway Centre Blvd., Pinellas Park, Fla. 33782; 727/578-5000; polypack.com.

 

Synthetic grease

 

Kluber Lubrication introduced Millplex FMG-2 US, a synthetic grease for lubricating machine rolling bearings in beverage, food and pharmaceutical manufacturing plants. The grease is composed of synthetic base oil and a calcium sulphonate complex thickener. It is designed specifically for applications where beverage, food and pharmaceutical products may come in contact with grease. It is available in a 400 gram cartridge, a 50 kg. keg and a 180 kg. drum. — Kluber Lubrication North America L.P., 32 Industrial Drive, Londonderry, N.H. 03053; 603/647-4104; kluber.com.

 

Filler valves

 

Krones Inc. offers a variety of filler valves for energy drinks, juice, carbonated soft drinks and still water. Krones’ VODM-PET energy and juice drink valve filler uses a magnetic flow meter valve featuring full-stream, non-contact filling at two speeds. The filler’s vario-clamp container neck handling system requires no changeovers. Krones’ VODM-PET volumetric filler and Krones’ VOG-PET are for still water applications. Krones’ VKPDL carbonated soft drink and still water filler valve is a single-chamber filling system using a combination of mechanical and electropneumatic controls. — Krones Inc., 9600 South 58th St., Franklin, Wis. 53132; 714/441-0700; kronesusa.com.

 

Lift trucks

 

Hyster Co. introduced the Fortis line of lift trucks, each offered with multiple powertrain configurations to meet specific application requirements and business objectives. The trucks also optimize productivity, dependability and cost of operations. The Fortis trucks cover a capacity range of 2,000 pounds to 15,500 pounds, and all of them offer both cushion and pneumatic tire classes, with multiple engine choices consisting of gas, LP and diesel. Customers have the choice of performance transmissions, hydraulic controls and cooling system options. All of the trucks include a Pacesetter VSM industrial onboard computer for adjustable performance to maximize uptime. — Hyster Co., P.O. Box 7006, Greenville, N.C. 27835; 800/497-8371; hysteramericas.com.

 

 

PDC International Corp. introduced the 90 Series Shrinksealer. This new in-line applicator combines speeds up to 500 containers per minute with zero shutdown performance. The system runs as slowly as 200 containers per minute to synchronize with slow-downs. The 90 Series Shrinksealer applies bands from 0.375 inches to 3 inches diameter and 0.625 inches to 8 inches high. A Reel Changeover feature is included, which allows a second reel of material to be loaded while operation progresses at normal speed. The equipment also has a stainless- steel frame and covers, NEMA 4 enclosures, Allen-Bradley PLC with touch-screen interface and a static eliminator. — PDC International Corp., 8 Sheehan Ave., South Norwalk, Conn. 06854; 203/853-1516; pdc-corp.com.

 

Free printer offer

 

Premier Merchandising introduced its new Free Printer offer for beverage wholesalers and distributors that are advertising in convenience and grocery stores. The offer includes the Canon iPF 8000s 44-inch wide format printer. The printer has a fast print speed in its class with an output of 60 3-foot by 2-foot posters per hour. For more information, go to freecanonprinter.com. — Premier Merchandising, 419 Century Plaza Drive, Suite 230, Houston, Texas 77073; 800/545-0392; premiermerchandising.com.

 

Signal converter

 

Krohne introduced its new IFC 100 Signal Converter, an ergonomic solution for the water, wastewater, food and beverage, and chemical industries. The IFC100 is suitable for use with Krohne’s Optiflux series of electromagnetic flowmeters. The machine offers diagnostics of product, application and instrumentation. It is available with the converter mounted directly on the flow tube as a compact meter in two versions. Each version features a metal enclosure, a large backlit display and a push-button soft-keypad for operation, start-up and configuration. The IFC 100 is Hart compatible and comes with multiple user languages. — Krohne Inc., 7 Dearborn Road, Peabody, Mass. 01960; 978/535-6060; krohne.com.

 

Bottles at high speeds

 

Sidel introduced Flexline, a bottling line dedicated to producing ultra-light water bottles at high speeds, at Interpack in April. Sidel also teamed up with Philips to develop new infrared lamps for blowmolding machine ovens for a 15 percent savings on electricity. Sidel also presented a range of solutions for aseptic packaging of sensitive products sold in plastic bottles at room temperature. — Sidel Inc., 5600 Sun Court, Norcross, Ga. 30092; 678/221-3000l; sidel.com.

 

Multi panels

 

Siemens Energy & Automation Inc. announced the new Simatic MP 377 Multi Panel. It offers 64,000 colors, and the MP 377 is available in 12-inch TFT-displays and 15- and 19-inch touchscreen models. It is suited for the Win AC MP 2007 operating platform and includes 2 MB of memory as well as 12 MB of memory for larger projects. It is easily configured with the WinCC flexible 2007 Standard with options such as SmartService, SmartAccess, OPC-Server and Audit. The MP 377 includes a non-volatile alarm buffer without battery, additional retentive memory for software PLC data and RS 485/RS 422-interfaces for process connection. — Siemens Energy & Automation, 3333 Old Milton Pkwy., Alpharetta, Ga. 30005; 800/964-4114; sea.seimens.com.

 

Reusable PLC code

 

Bosch Rexroth expanded its line of IndraLogic PLCs and PACs with the new IndraControl L10 PLC. It features sealable hardware, pre-developed machine functions, reusable code and unified programming software. The IndraContol L10 PLC works for general automation, printing, converting, packaging, machine tool and other industries. It also features a full megabyte of program storage space along with an Ethernet port for remote access or SCADA functionality. — Bosch Rexroth Corp., 5150 Prairie Stone Pkwy., Hoffman Estates, Ill. 60192; 847/645-3600; bosch-rexroth.com.

 

Speedy case packer

 

A-B-C Packaging Machine Corp. created a new case packer that uses servo operation for speeds up to 30 cases per minute. The machine uses servo motors to control the main case drive, infeed, down stacker and load pusher. The packer can run a variety of cartons and semi rigid containers. The machine occupies 15.4 linear feet on the production line and is built with heavy tubular steel, continuous weld and box-style construction. Polycarbonate hinged guarding surrounds it and the guards are electrically interlocked to stop machine operation when opened. — A-B-C Packaging Machine Corp., 811 Live Oak St., Tarpon Springs, Fla. 34689; 800/237-5975; abcpackaging.com.

 

Handheld computer

 

LXE Inc. introduced the MX7CS handheld data collection computer for cold storage environments down to 30 degrees C. This product completes the line, which includes the MX5X ultra-rugged handheld and VX6 and VX7 vehicle-mounted computers. The MX7CS has built-in heaters, which eliminate both fogging and frosting. It also has a specialized battery promoting free-flowing power and includes a conformal coating technique that limits condensation. It is complete with LXE’s ToughTalk voice-recognition technology. — LXE Inc., 125 Technology Pkwy., Norcross, Ga. 30092; 770/447-4224; lxe.com.

 

Shrink labels

 

Seal-It, a division of Printpack Print Shrink Labels, printed two shrink labels for the launch of First Juice organic fruit and vegetable juice beverage for toddlers. First Juice is sold in 8-ounce recyclable, sippy-top containers. It has an all-in-one combination shrink label and tamper-evident band around the entire bottle. The line includes a 32-ounce size as well. The shrink labels conform to the shape of the container and are flexo printed in eight colors on heat shrink PET-G. — Seal-It Inc.,70 Schmitt Blvd., Farmingdale, N.Y. 11735; 800/782-7325; sealitinc.com.

 

Vending security system

 

Abloy Security Inc. introduced the Abloy Maximum Security Locking Solutions as well as the Shut-Out Series of vending security products. The hardened, free spinning protection plate prevents drill bits from penetrating the lock. The locks are key retaining, which prevents leaving the site before re-locking, and also are re-keyable in the event of key loss or theft. The Shut-Out line includes hasps, puck locks, the Shut-Out shield and safeguard. Shut-Out is designed to provide maximum security products for a complete vending security solution. — Abloy Security Inc., 6005 Commerce Drive, Suite 330, Irving, Texas 75063; 800/367-4598; abloyusa.com.

 

 

Anton Paar introduced the PBA-S Packaged Beverage Analyzer. It measures the BRIX and CO2 content of non-alcohol beverages directly out of the bottle or can. The analyzer is a combination of the DMA 4100, 4500 or DMA 5000 density meters, the CarboQC carbonation meter and semiautomatic PFD filling device for bottles and cans. After two or three minutes, results can be read on the display, printed or transferred via LIMS. — Anton Paar USA, 10215 Timber Ridge Drive, Ashland, Va. 23005, 800/722-7556; anton-paar.com.

 

On/off highway truck

 

Navistar International Corp. introduced International PayStar 5900i Set-Back Axle, a Class 8 vocational on/off-highway vehicle that features a new axle configuration. The truck is powered by Caterpillar or Cummins diesel engines up to 15 liters and 625 horsepower. It has a standard 12.25-inch frame rail PayStar chassis as well as Whisper Cab sound insulation. The front tow pin is capable of pulling up to 150,000 pounds. The truck includes an E-coat/clear coat paint process for corrosion resistance and fade-proof finish. — Navistar International Corp., 4201 Winfield Road, Warrenville, Ill. 60555; 630/753-5000; navistar.com.

 

Ingredient flowability

 

Zumbro River Brand (ZRB) offers agglomeration services that can transform ingredient or dry mix products by improving their flowability and dispersing lump-free solutions. By agglomerating several ingredient components, the solution produces a homogenous blend that will not segregate on handling or packaging. ZRB recently worked with Liquid Health Labs Inc., Deerfield, N.H., to granulate nutrients, vitamins and flavors. Powder blends are able to flow freely with use of ZRB and PowerCap, the company says. — Zumbro River Brand Inc., 138 West Front St., Owatonna, Minn. 55060; 507/446-9097; zumbroriverbrand.com.

 

Single-ply impact door

 

Aleco offers the versatile Optima ImpacDor, a single-ply PVC impact door featuring top-mounted gravity hinges for full 180-degree swing capability. The door does not have bottom hinges. The Optima is ideal for pallet jack, pushcart, pedestrian and light to medium forklift use. It features single-ply, wear-resistant PVC panels in two thicknesses, and its corrosion-resistant steel hinge and mounting arm make it durable. It comes in a variety of colors and its one-piece construction allows it to be modified in the field. — Aleco Esrobbins, 2720 East Avalon Ave., Muscle Shoals, Ala. 35661; 256/248-2402; aleco.com.

Aseptic Solutions, Corona, Calif., packages and manufacturers beverages, but don’t call it a co-packer. With the beverage industry growing at a rapid rate, co-packing facilities are being used to ensure quality manufacturing of products. Beverage packing plants have unique capabilities and produce a variety of shapes and bottle sizes, and Aseptic Solutions says it fills a specific need.

 

“We do everything that most co-packers do,” says Scott Murrin, vice president of quality and research and development. Aseptic Solutions is a bottling operation producing both high-acid and low acid beverages. The plant processes primarily nutritional supplements and high-end juice-based beverages.

 

The plant can receive raw materials and offload them into 22,000 gallon silos that are outside of the facility. There also is a 3,000-square-foot on-site refrigeration facility. Murrin says the company has high sheer, medium sheer and low sheer blending units as well as eight 8,000-gallon tanks.

 

“I’ve also got a 1,000 gallon [tank] … what we refer to as a T-Tank,” Murrin says. “We can take raw herbs, peppermint, sorrel buds, those types of things, and actually heat them as you would a tea blend, extract the herbs, and that liquid that’s left over becomes now a beverage base.”

 

Three thermal processing systems operate in the plant, including a plate-in-frame system, a tube-in-tube system and a steam-injection system. The plate-in-frame system is used for clear beverages such as pomegranate juice, the tube-in-tube system works for drinks with pulp, and the steam-injection system works best on products that contain fat or protein.

 

Murrin says the plant also has in-line homogenizers, which help the products gain better consistency. The plant also is able to perform post-dosing, a process that takes a flavor, such as vanilla, and sterile-doses it back into the batch after thermal processing, so the flavor is not lost, he says.

 

Aseptic Solutions uses three filling systems. One line is capable of producing 450 bottles per minute in sizes from 10.5–ounce bottles to 1-liter bottles. Another produces 285 bottles per minute in 8-ounce to 1-liter sizes. And the third filling system, which is currently being installed, can fill bottles as small as 2 ounces and as large as 1 liter.

 

Once the bottles are filled, the products are either full-body of half-body shrink-wrapped and sent to the boxing and loading areas. “All of our equipment is high end,” Murrin says.

 

The facility operates six days a week, 24 hours a day.

 

“We all consider ourselves owners,” he says. “And we consider our customers as partners. So our job is to make sure that our partners are kept happy. Because when they’re happy, we’re happy. When their products are good and their clients are happy, then ultimately it affects us positively.” — Aseptic Solutions, 484 Alcoa Circle, Corona, Calif. 92880; 951/736-9230; asepticusa.com.