Show Coverage
Pack Expo Las Vegas 2005
Packaging and processing show Pack Expo Las Vegas will take place this year on September 26–28 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Sponsored by the Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI) association, the trade show will focus on the latest advancements in packaging technology and will display exhibitors’ latest developments in packaging machinery, materials, services, and packaging containers and components.
Visitors won’t want to miss the show’s Containers & Materials Pavilion, where the latest in paperboard, glass, metal, plastic, flexible packaging, and package-producing equipment will be displayed.
Other pavilions include the Contract Packaging Pavilion, featuring a host of contract packaging suppliers; the Packaging Security Pavilion, which focuses on packaging initiatives and technologies to protect against bioterrorism, package tampering, counterfeiting, and product adulteration; and the RFID Pavilion, which will highlight the newest RFID solutions.
Packaging professionals will also want to take note of the show’s Showcase of Packaging Innovations. The showcase will exhibit packages that were winners of the packaging awards of seven packaging organizations, including the Institute of Packaging Professionals, the Paperboard Packaging Council, and the Glass Packaging Institute.
Finally, Pack Expo Las Vegas will offer numerous conferences. Topics to be included are Gaining ROI: How RFID Can Enable a “Track and Trace” Solution within the Supply Chain, presented by Markem Corp.; Aroma-Enhanced Packaging, by ScentSational Technologies; Coding Technology Advances Keep Pace with Packaging Trends, by Videojet Technologies Inc.; and Capitalizing on the “Nature-Based” Packaging Trend, presented by NatureWorks LLC.
EXHIBITOR PRODUCTS
Tube-Filling Machine
A tube filler is designed for filling up to 5100 tubes per hour. With an upgrade, the RT85 tube filler can fill up to 6600 tubes per hour. The servo-driven filler offers positive-displacement metering for accurate and consistent filling. Other features include an integrated control system with an interface for operators. An optional EZ Loader accommodates additional tube storage and loading. Prosys, Webb City, MO.
Shrink Sleeves
A wide variety of clear, printed, and colored PVC/PETG/OPS heat-shrinkable films and labels are available in hundreds of different sizes, and many are kept in stock. They can be provided in rolls for automatic or high-speed machinery, or they can be converted at the supplier’s facility into cut bands for manual application. As an added service, the firm’s contract sleeving division can shrink sleeves directly onto a marketer’s packages. Ameri-Seal Inc., Chatsworth, CA.
RFID Label Applicator
An RFID smart-label encoder/ applicator is designed to help cosmetic and personal care product marketers meet the RFID supply-chain requirements of major retailers and government agencies. The AlphaRFID system encodes, verifies, and applies pressure-sensitive RFID labels to cases on the production or packaging line. If an RFID tag embedded in a smart label cannot be verified by the system, the smart label is rejected and retained by the machine before it can be applied to packaging. The machine can apply labels up to 4.72 in. wide and 6 in. long. Weber Marking Systems, Arlington Heights, IL.
Thermoformed Designs
Thermoformed blisters for cosmetic packaging can be produced in almost any size, style, or shape. The blisters reduce the potential for tampering or pilfering. Easy-open features can be added. The supplier manufactures thermoform-fill-seal rollstock packaging solutions, chamber vacuum pouch sealers, tray sealers, cross-web and in-line labelers, and more. Multivac Inc., Kansas City, MO.
Handheld User Interface
A supplier has introduced a handheld graphical user interface for its SmartLase 100i series of laser coders. Unlike most floor-mounted and tabletop PC-based controllers, the handheld system is small-sized, offering the flexibility of a PC without requiring extra floor space. SmartLase laser coders are ideal for use on packaging components such as cartons, labels, and glass and PET bottles. Markem Corp., Keene, NH.
Palletizing System
An adjustable vacuum palletizing (AVP) system features a unique modular design that is easily expandable to accommodate dissimilarities in product size. The AVP system is designed to be simple to configure to minimize setup time. PIAB USA, Hingham, MA.
Label Printer-Applicator
A label printer-applicator has a modular design for the seamless combination of the base system, a print engine, and one of eight standard application modules. The P3400 system has a standard 14-in. unwind reel (and an option for a 16-in. reel) that results in fewer label changes and increased uptime. Also standard is an optical low-label sensor. Videojet Technologies Inc., Wood Dale, IL.
Label Applicator
A firm can provide Label-Aire’s 3125 automatic label applicator as part of its offering of semi and fully automatic labeling systems. The company also specializes in producing custom-printed pressure-sensitive labels and tags, including those with a no-label look. The labels are printed on a ten-color flexographic press. Taylor-Made Labels, Lake Oswego, OR.