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April 24, 2009


A ray of optimism
It seems it's not all doom and gloom out there in the manufacturing world. Firms making packaging machinery, for instance, were optimistic about their current and future orders as recently as PackExpo 2008, at which business was booming.

More recently, shows like Hannover Fair have shown that continued investment in automation is keeping the machine-building business going. One example is Parker Hannifin's ac drive for centralized automation systems.

Read on for some more examples of innovations in packaging automation as well as laser marking, injection-molded packaging, and packaging-machine design software. Don't forget to scroll down for some new products and news from Machine Design.

Please share your comments on any article on the Machine Design website, on our forums, or by email. And stop by to say hi at Machine Design's virtual booth at the Energy Efficiency Web Conference and Expo May 14. See below for more details.

Happy Packaging,
Jessica Shapiro


Articles

Bottle capper delivers smooth torque for better performance
Traditional headsets apply the torque that attaches bottlecaps in one mighty surge, often resultuing in overtightened caps that are hard to open. The torque surge is also hard on headsets and auxillary equipment.

Warner Electric used technology in its magnetic clutches and brakes to apply torque smoothly and consistently. This eliminates overtightening and reduces the variation in the amount of torque needed to unscrew a cap.
Read the full story.


Advertisement


Injection-molded packaging improved with bubbles
Veriplast Solutions' superlight injection-molding technology (Slim) combines MuCell molding with Veriplast’s downgauged in-mold label. MuCell is a microcellular-foam process that starts with a supercritical fluid (SCF) injected into the barrel of an injection-molding machine. SCF in the polymer melt cuts viscosity 10 to 30%, so molds fill completely with less pressure. The process permits thinner walls for a 10% lighter containter.
Read the full story.

Video: The basics of code and product marking
In this video from National Manufacturing Week 2008, Sprinter Marking’s John Bishop explains the fundamental options and what to look out for when it comes to marking products. Topics include how to handle different surfaces, inks, equipment options, and much more.
View the video (Running time ~7:30)
Visit Sprinter Marking

Software lets designers test drive machines
Digital prototypes help speed the design of custom packaging machinery at Pearson Packaging Systems, Spokane, Wash. Instead of creating 2D drawings of machines from customer specs, the company tried using Autodesk Inventor Professional from Autodesk Inc., San Rafael, Calif., to generate accurate 3D models that validate form, fit, and function before a machine is built.
Read the full story.

New Products

Packaging vials
The ClearView Vials Series are a practical, functional, and reusable alternative to glass vials. The low-density polyethylene caps have a thumbnail tab for quick and easy removal. The vials come in transparent polypropylene or clear styrene in translucent or opaque colors, and can be personalized.
Caplugs

Machine packages medical parts fast
The RapidPak RP-30 machine for medical packaging uses servomotors to eliminate the need for compressed air. The machine has a high cycle rate while providing precise motion. A servo-driven assist allows down-gauging film thickness. An Allen Bradley control makes for fast, easy maintenance. The machine is 25.25-ft long and 3.75-ft wide.
Alkar-RapidPak Inc.

Precision-machined bearings
Precision-machined bearings and assemblies are available in ¼ to 6-in. OD with a variety of materials, including carbon steel, stainless steel and engineered polymers. Applications include automotive and off-highway vehicles, machine tools, conveyors, material handling, packaging and food-processing machinery, printing, and textile.
Kilian Manufacturing

Mini air cylinder
New pneumatic linear actuators are suited for food-packaging machinery and other applications requiring long life and corrosion resistance. The 1.0-in. bore brass or stainless-steel cylinders have a clevis-style tail. Two composite bushings, one in the nose and the other in the tail assembly, support the piston rod. Separated bushings adequately handle most side loads or stress reversals and, thus, minimize premature failures. Dynamic lip seals have a U-shaped cross section. The rebuildable cylinders fit most standard mountings and do not require lubricated air. They function well in linkage applications and can essentially serve as an extendable link.
Beswick Engineering Co.

News from MD


Energy Efficiency Web Conference & Expo –
May 14

Do you know you can get in-depth education on energy-efficiency and all the benefits of an in-person trade show without ever leaving your desk or spending a dime?
The intelligent use of energy is making headlines. Product designers and manufacturers are striving to deliver products that consume less power, extend battery life, generate less heat, or work from alternative energy sources. Our Energy Efficiency Web Conference and Expo will educate design engineers, product developers, and managers on how to make the best use of energy-efficient product innovations and devices, and on how to arrange them in systems to lower power consumption and stay "green." This special one-day event will include sessions on such areas as:
  • Power-efficient drive techniques for lighting
  • ROI for high-efficiency capital equipment
  • Energy monitoring and energy standards
  • Designing for SEMI S23 and the Energy Act of 2007
  • Working with alternative power and battery technology
Make plans now to attend the Energy Efficiency Web Conference and Expo. The event offers a full day of live webinars and interactive booths, along with a Resource Center where visitors can download or link to additional materials.

Register Now!

Machine Design Video Spotlight

Membrane Switches for Harsh Environments
Joseph Schwartz from The Bergquist Co. shows Lee Teschler of Machine Design magazine the advantages of heat-sealed membrane switches over pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) membrane switches in harsh environments.

Ask the Expert

Do you have a question about CAD software? John Buchowski, a 13 year veteran at PTC and Director in the MCAD product management group, answers your questions on machindesign.com. Visit the web site now and ask John a question.

Ask Now



Check Out the New Machinedesign.com

Our newly redesigned web site still features the best content and information for engineers provided by engineers but with these new great features.

Multiple Path Navigation
Find content your way. Improved site navigation creates multiple ways to find the content you are looking for.

Supercharged Search
The search function has been highly improved and tested to provide the most effective results for engineers.

Highlighted Resources
Looking for CAD drawings? Find them in our CAD Library. Download whitepapers in the Whitepaper Library. Valuable educational content is featured in the eBook section. Check out the latest in editorial and sponsored video in the Video section.

UPCOMING WEBCASTS

Understanding Key Power Transmission Technologies:
Comparing Belt, Chain & Gear Drives for OEM Projects
Sponsored by Rexnord
DATE: May 28th, 2009
TIME: 2:00pm ET/11am PT

OEM design teams are under pressure to juggle technologies with specifications with the outcome always being a great new or improved product. Many of these projects have Power Transmission components at their core and the wrong technology can really hurt the end product.
Dennis Missun and Nick Derus from Rexnord have gathered information about the critical issues that need to be considered when deciding between belt, chain and gear drive technologies for applications requiring 5 lbs – 100 lbs of force.

The course will cover

  • Torque Density: comparing key rating systems AGMA & ISO
  • Application considerations: impact of thermals, friction and vibration
  • Basics of sizing & selection: information to right-size components
  • Other Project/End Customer Considerations
  • Live question/answer session with presenters
Click here learn more and to register!

ARCHIVED WEBCASTS AVAILABLE FOR FREE VIEWING

Click Here for a list of archived Machine Design webcasts.

Featured Links


QWIK Conveyor from Dorner Manufacturing:
The QWIK Conveyor 5200 Series from Dorner Manufacturing offers fast and easy reconfiguration to meet changing line requirements. For additional details on the unique benefits of this modular plastic belt conveyor, please visit www.dorner.com/5200

Shock Proof Reciprocating Motion In High Speed Servo Powered Partition Inserters
CD® Couplings From Zero-Max Provide Wayne Automation With The Solution. Wayne inserters maintain repeatable accuracy 24/7 at high speeds. Using servomotors connected to backlash-free Zero-Max CD couplings, the couplings damp out shock and vibration from the inserter's vertical reciprocating and intermittent motion. Insertion accuracy is maintained cycle after cycle.
www.zero-max.com

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Contact Information
Editorial questions:   Jessica Shapiro 216-931-9850
Advertising/sponsorship opportunities:   Virginia Goulding 216-931-9893

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