PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2023 technology preview
Equipment slated to debut at the September 11–13 show includes inspection systems, case and tray loaders, optical sorters, and more. Visit packexpolasvegas.com to view the complete list of exhibitors.
Antares Vision Group, booth N-9729
Diamind is a series of interconnected software and hardware systems intended to provide food production environments with sophisticated inspection systems. When working together, the elements reportedly help in ensuring safety and quality of items.
The integrated system reportedly provides convenience through a single point of reference, simplifying project management and support services, and providing quality assurance from end to end. Elements of the system include inspection systems and machine, production management software, traceability software, regulatory compliance management solutions, supply chain management, and more.
Website: www.antaresvisiongroup.com
Fortress Technology, booth C-4303
The company plans to display a range of inspection solutions, suited for producers of bakery items, snacks, candy, and other food items. The booth, according to the manufacturer, will showcase a wide variety of contaminant inspection, space optimizing, waste-reducing, and weight verification machines, in one place, with a number of configurations.
Among the technologies on display will be the Raptor Checkweigher. Easily integrated with existing metal detection equipment, the Raptor Checkweigher reportedly delivers dynamic weight monitoring to meet legislative weight rules, with minimal customizations to existing product feed and packing lines.
Website: www.fortresstechnology.com
Fresh-Lock, booth C-3003
In addition to highlighting its recent recognition as a 2023 Flexible Packaging Association Award winner earning Gold in Sustainability, the company will be showcasing a number of new and updated offerings in its exhibit. The company’s closures include the 8000 Series lineup, designed to help producers achieve reduced waste while also minimally impacting production efficiencies.
The company also has updated its SR-T100 equipment, intended to make the application of closures more accessible. According to the company, the updates also help operators simplify maintenance and conserve energy. Additionally, the new Elevate Slider Platform is available for users seeking slider application with relatively low complexity and capital investment—running at up to 100 bpm, the compact unit mounts vertically to existing pouch lines.
Website: www.fresh-lock.com
JLS Automation, booth SL-6350
The flexible Hawk case and tray loader offers a compact design and robotic top-load capability for a range of food environments. The small footprint reportedly enables users to maximize floor space, and it is said to work well with standard case and tray loading jobs, and with flow-wrapped or bagged items, trays, bars, clamshells, and other formats.
Stainless steel construction and three levels of washdown protection are available. Also, according to the manufacturer, its toolless changeover allows recipe changes to occur in less than a minute for greater uptime and production. Cantilevered design reportedly allows for easy integration into current packaging lines with existing conveyance but is just as easily provided for new installations as well. Infeed variations can be tailored to product type.
Website: www.jlsautomation.com
Key Technology, booth C-4225
The Compass family of food optical sorters, powered by advanced inspection technology, now feature a new sort engine and ergonomic user interface. According to the company, the units (suited for sorting fruits, nuts, potato chips, and other food items) are among the easiest to use currently on the market, achieving consistently accurate foreign material (FM) and product defect removal and simplifying system operation, sanitation, and maintenance.
“Optical sorting technology has developed significantly over the last decade. Until now, more advanced sorting capabilities meant a system that was also more complex to operate and costly to maintain. Compass is the first sorter that breaks that paradigm—it offers consistently high sort accuracy, a compelling ROI, and significantly simpler and more intuitive operation than any other food sorting system,” says Jack Lee, Duravant group president of food sorting and handling solutions.
Website: www.key.net
Kuka Robotics, booth C-3236
The company will be showing its KMP 600-S diffDrive mobile platform automated guided vehicle (AGV) system. The system will work with two KR IONTEC robots in a cell developed by Mujin for efficiently palletizing and depalletizing consumer goods. To coordinate robot movement, the cell incorporates a Mujin controller and camera system.
The KUKA KMP 600-S diffDrive mobile platform is reportedly fast, with an operating speed of up to 2 meters per second, using laser scanners and 3D object detection to meet safety requirements. Payload capacity is up to 600 kg, and the vehicle reportedly requires no safety fencing to provide maximum freedom of movement for employees, while laser scanners mounted at the front and rear ensure safe operation at high speeds in all directions of travel when cycle times require it.
Rotzinger AG, booth SU-7113
Rotzinger Group will be launching its advanced robot with integrated buffer and its hygienic conveyor at the show. The new integrated solution, according to the company, combines flexibility, compactness, and ease of operation to boost uptime and reduce total cost of ownership. Suited for bakery and confectionery applications, the hygienic conveyor reportedly is optimized for dry cleaning, ensuring compliance with stringent food safety regulations in U.S. manufacturing.
"We are excited to have the opportunity to connect with our North American customers and prospects in the food sector for the first time since the opening of our US site last year," says Nicolas Garcia, vice president and general manager for North America. "Our robot with an integrated buffer and hygenic conveyor has been specifically designed to tackle the escalating concerns regarding labor shortages, space limitations and heightened sanitary requirements in food production. With intuitive controls and a streamlined design, these solutions enhance productivity and optimize operations."
Website: www.rotzingergroup.com
Sesotec, booth SL-5911
The company will be showcasing a range of product inspection technologies for food industry environments. The technology is intended to provide profitability, resource conservation, compliance, detection and separation of metals and other contaminants, and pinpointing of quality defects.
Offerings include the Raycon D+ HX x-ray inspection system. According to the manufacturer, the system offers high detection accuracy, significantly exceeding the requirements of food regulations. Also, the Raycon EX 1 X-ray inspection system reportedly offers maximum performance and ease of use at a moderate price.
Website: www.sesotec.com
Signode, booths C-4814/C-5017
The company is slated to highlight its automation solutions for a range of manufacturing and distribution applications. Offerings on display will include its Simplimatic robotics, palletizers, and conveyors; Little David case packing equipment, Lachenmeier stretch hooding equipment; and its service, tooling, and software integration capabilities.
“We want our customers to have the same confidence in our solutions as we do,” says Rick Hantke, director of marketing for automation and packaging technologies at Signode. “This is why we’ve expanded our industry-leading portfolio to include support services: to provide peace of mind for our customers throughout their packaging journey.”
Website: www.signode.com