To keep up with ever-changing consumer demands for different package sizes and materials, manufacturers need flexible packaging equipment that has many configuration options for quick product changeovers. Known for its flexible, cost-effective and easy-to-install systems, Aagard has been an industry leader in cartoning, case-packing, and palletizing machinery for more than 15 years.
Aagard offers a wide range of packaging solutions, including the form-fill and -seal Maksimal Series. Flexible Pouching System (FPS) and a unique patented wraparound cartoner. This year, Aagard is introducing a new case packer to its popular Maksimal Series.
The Maksimal Top-Load Case Packer for Pouches can operate as a standalone machine or integrate with the Maksimal Series FPS for a complete packaging system. The Maksimal Top-Load Case Packer for Pouches can accommodate a wide range of pouch styles, materials and sizes, and operates at speeds of up to 200 pouches, or 25 cases, per minute.
"Our primary goal with the new Top-Load Case Packer for Pouches is to offer increased flexibility for system configuration," said Steve Mulder, president, Aagard. "Our customers can easily configure the machine to insert any number of pouches - in a variety of sizes - either horizontally or upright into each case."
Programmable Automation Controller Manages Functions
The new machine easily integrates into an existing manufacturing operation as a secondary packaging machine for pouches or bags that are presented either lying flat or standing upright. A loader orients and transfers each pouch into its case, and vertical flaps are tucked and sealed - using either glue or tape - while the case leaves the loading station.
Powered by Rockwell Automation, the machine's modular design provides flexibility for system configuration and enables users to easily make changes to match evolving production needs. Users' needs can be accommodated to include pouch-conditioning, inspection, weighing, metal detection or X-ray imaging operations before each pouch is placed into a case. In addition, the unique frame and compact control cabinet helps reduce overall machine length and minimize field wiring.
An Allen-Bradley ControlLogix programmable automation controller manages all machine functions - including motion - and integrates with an Allen-Bradley Kinetix 5500 servo drive for high-speed motion synchronization and precise management of motion axes. Having one controller that manages motion and machine control reduces the number of components and spare parts, and allows easier integration with other production systems. Operators can easily monitor the case-packing process using an Allen-Bradley PanelView. Plus human-machine interface (HMI) and Factory Talk Machine Edition Version 6.1. The easy-to-view screen provides a window into the machine, displaying a slew of data, including machine statuses and alarms.
"Collaborating with Rockwell Automation allows Aagard to quickly and efficiently meet customer needs because we can reuse programming code from standard, proven machine designs when developing new solutions," Mulder said. "The Maksimal Top-Load Case Packer for Pouches uses exclusively Rockwell Automation technology and components, which also streamlines the entire installation and startup process for customers."
