Feature

Adjusted quickly – precisely mounted

In the packaging industry, machine builders are increasingly turning to clean and hygienic solutions, particularly when in direct contact with food. Here, special requirements must be met, such as food hygiene or FDA and/or EU compliance. Robert Dumayne, drytech director at igus, surveys recent packaging machine developments.

04/11/2019 09:43:27

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The output of a typical beverage filling and packing plant is 60,000 bottles per hour or 1,000 bottles per minute and just under 17 every second. These plants can operate 24/7 and uptime is therefore a precious commodity. Labelling technology
has innovated just as much as the packaging or bottling machines. From the point of view of the drinks manufacturer, the label – just like the bottle design – is becoming more important because the competition in the beverage market is fierce
as consumers decide within a few seconds for one or another product.

Bottle labelling machines typically use four different label sticking technologies – hot glue, cold glue, rolled or self-adhesive. One of the latest developments in KHS GmbH’s modular labelling machines,
Innoket Neo, is the roll-fed station. This is where the wrap-around labels are unwound from a roll, cut to the correct length in the cutting unit and glued by a roller. Then they are applied to the bottle. The bottle rotates during
delivery of the label, which is directly brushed down. A typical feature of this technology is the auto splicer, which glues the two label rolls seamlessly and thus ensures uninterrupted operation of the machine.

Read the full article in the November issue of DPA

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.