Bosch Packaging Technology, a leading supplier of processing and packaging solutions, will feature several technologies from its secondary packaging portfolio At PACK EXPO International 2014 in Chicago from November 2 - 5, 2014. The show will mark the North American debut of the Sigpack TTMC case packer, designed for maximum versatility, and the Elematic 3001, a highly flexible and ergonomic wrap-around case packer. Bosch will also present its adaptable CCM case packer for vertical and horizontal bag presentation.

“Our secondary packaging equipment is built for ease-of-use and reduced total cost of ownership (TCO), and can be run 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” said Paul Garms, marketing manager, Bosch Packaging Technology Inc., New Richmond. “Combined with our primary packaging technologies, this portfolio of technologies addresses manufacturers’ need for a single-source solutions provider.”

Presented to North American manufacturers for the first time, the Sigpack TTMC case packer is designed to handle a variety of pre-packed food, non-food and pharmaceutical applications, including those in flow-packs, trays, cartons, pouches and bags. The machine can be adjusted quickly, easily and without tools to the required format and product configuration with vertical start-up. Able to run at a high feeding rate, products can be supplied flat or on edge, as well as packaged into Regular Slotted Container (RSC), Half Slotted Container (HSC), with retail-ready functionality. Multiple case closing options are available, ranging from a tape or hot melt solution to the release of unsealed cases for third-party closure.

The case erecting, robotic loading, and optional case closing units are all integrated in the case packer, resulting in a highly compact machine. Additionally, the speed of all components is balanced to eliminate bottlenecks, optimise production flow, and maximise overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). The system’s fully flexible feeding wheel can accommodate various factory layouts by positioning the case packer inline, at a 90-degree angle, or other angles.

Another benefit of the Sigpack TTMC is its ergonomic design, which includes lightweight format parts and easily accessible doors, which are interlocked to prevent operators from accidentally opening them for increased workplace safety. The Sigpack TTMC is an extension of the Sigpack TTM platform for secondary and end-of line packaging which comprises various integrated or stand-alone toploading solutions for cartoning and case packing. The case packer will be on display as part of the Seamless Systems cracker packaging line, which has been designed for high productivity and optimum OEE.

For the first time in North America, Bosch will showcase its highly flexible Elematic 3001 wrap-around case packer. Developed to enhance workplace safety and ease of use, the machine’s new ergonomic design offers several enhancements that help manufacturers meet increasingly stringent safety regulations around the globe. The Elematic 3001 features a low blank magazine height, making operation easier and minimising the risk of injury. In addition, the hot melt system has been optimised with an external granulate container, which helps protect operators when refilling glue.

Thanks to its Elematic click system, the Elematic 3001 features quick and easy format changeovers without using tools. When parts lock into place, operators are notified with a click sound and aligned colour-coded components, letting them hear and see that the format changeover is complete. This makes changeovers clear and reproducible, and helps eliminate time-consuming corrections. This is only one example where the incorporation of the Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) concept helps to maximise uptime. The case packer runs multiple pack styles including tray, classic full wrap-around, ledge tray as well as two-part shelf-ready packaging.

To meet the need for flexible case packaging, Bosch will present its CCM 3100 case packer for vertical and horizontal bag presentation. Designed to meet manufacturers’ demands for shorter production runs and more frequent changes in product packaging styles, this case packer features a wide format range in both bag and case sizes and styles, including the RSC, HSC and other shelf-ready packaging styles. As a result, the CCM 3100 offers the flexibility manufacturers need to meet changing retailer demands.

The CCM 3100 is designed for easy integration with vertical form, fill and seal (VFFS), as well as horizontal form, fill and seal (HFFS) machines. Capable of picking and placing up to 180 products per minute, the machine’s single frame is attached to an infeed system that accepts products from VFFS and HFFS primary packaging machines. Depending on the product characteristics, products can be handled individually or in groups, and are picked and placed by a two-axis robot with vacuum or gripper end-effectors.

Additionally, the case packer setup can be quickly changed to accommodate vertical (stand up) or horizontal (lay flat) bag orientation and its open frame enables easy access for quick changeovers. The CCM 3100 will be displayed as part of a Module+ line, which links the company’s proven standard modules for customised processing and packaging solutions.