Measuring can seams

Wilkens-Anderson Co. offers its WACO Accuseam 2000 as part of its line of can quality control equipment, which is designed to improve speed and accuracy while eliminating human error and misinterpretation, the company says. Can seams can be accurately measured in less than three seconds with the Accuseam 2000 software and interface combined with the WACO VSM II Video Seam Monitor, it adds. The technology digitally scans, analyzes and measures the can seam and compares the results against user-defined specifications, and any out-of-spec readings are highlighted so that the operator can take corrective measures. Other features include the ability to save images of can seams and measurement data, a multi-level password protection, and a variety of hardware options and configurations, it adds.

Wilkens-Anderson Co., 4525 W. Division St., Chicago, Ill. 60651; 773/384-4433; wacolab.com.

Help from overhead conveyors

NORD Gear Corp. announced the release of its the SK9055 and SK9155 overhead conveyors, which have a low overall cost-of-ownership while providing a clean, efficient and reliable operation, the company says. Designed with a mounting flange and output shaft that easily drop into industry-standard footprints, the overhead conveyors incorporate a large output spread-bearing design with a dry-cavity design for additional protection against oil leaks, it adds.    

NORD Gear Corp. USA, 800 Nord Drive, Waunakee, Wis. 53587; 888/314-6673; nord.com.

Customizable carriers

Georgia-Pacific LLC, working in partnership with Hewlett-Packard, introduced a new digital pre-printed corrugated packaging capability that provides customers with increased customization and flexibility, the company says. The new technology will enable craft brewers with the ability to customize graphics on 6-, 12- and 24-pack carriers and attract consumers at point-of-sale with high-quality graphics. The packaging offers low minimum-order quantities, variable images and avoidance of costly printing plates, it adds. Orders can be placed on the company’s website, with orders expected to arrive between seven to 10 days after printing, according to the company.

Georgia-Pacific LLC, 133 Peachtree St., Atlanta, Ga. 30303; 404/652-4000; gp.com.

Brewing craftsmanship

At BrewExpo America, Combi Packaging Systems LLC unveiled its new packaging machine that will allow brewers to maintain their hand craftsmanship while reducing labor costs and increasing throughput. The multi-functioning machine erects four- and six-pack carriers. The regular slotted carton master case then packs the carriers, creating a bottle-ready case, the company says.

Combi Packaging Systems LLC, 5365 East Center Drive NE, Canton, Ohio 44721; 800/521-9072; combi.com

Growing flexo operations

Hammer Packaging Corp. announced the release of its Mark Andy Performance Series Flexo Press with a Rotoflex finishing system. The new 17-inch, 10-color P7 press includes a combination of hot-air drying and ultra-violet curing, a Mark Andy Quick Change Die Cut unit, web turnbar, cold foil, and lamination capabilities, the company says. Other features include lead-time efficiency with changeovers, fast press speed and high-quality work, it adds.

Hammer Packaging Corp., 200 Lucius Gordon Drive, Henrietta, N.Y. 14586; 585/424-3880; hammerpackaging.com.

Versatile ribbon blenders

Charles Ross & Sons Co. offers washdown duty ribbon blenders in many standard sizes that are equipped with all of the washdown components, including the motor, safety limit switch, variable-frequency drive, stuffing boxes and knife gate discharge valve, the company says. The dust-tight cover includes a charging port with safety grating, and the U-shaped trough is surrounded by a 100-pounds-per-square-inch ASME-stamped jacket for heating/cooling, it adds. Designed for mixing powders, grains, pellets and other dry blends, the versatile blending mechanism also can accommodate small amounts of liquid to ensure uniform distribution. Wet applications, such as pastes, slurries and suspensions, also can be prepared in Ross’ ribbon blenders, it says.

Charles Ross & Son Co., 710 Old Willets Path, Hauppauge, N.Y. 11788; 800/243-7677; mixers.com.

Cable connectivity

Lapp USA introduced its new Skintop Hygienic stainless steel cable gland, which is designed to withstand high-pressure and high-temperature wash-downs, the company says. With design features that prevent micro-organisms and bacteria from sticking to the surface, Skintop Hygienic can withstand temperature ranges from -20 to 100 degrees Celsius, it adds. Other features include a polyamide insert and elastomer-sealing element for food and beverage safety. 

Lapp USA, 29 Hanover Road, Florham Park, N.J. 07932; 800/774-3539; lappusa.com.