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Bosch Rexroth

Website: www.boschrexroth-us.com/BRC
Bosch Rexroth has introduced its new IndraDrive Productivity Agent.

The new product, a software addition to Rexroth’s IndraDrive intelligent drive platform, uses IndraDrive units as sensors monitoring the status of axis mechanics. The software analyzes information based on drive-integrated motion logic and translates it into actionable information.

According to the company, Productivity Agent is a tool designed to enhance the performance of a range of automation applications including food and packaging systems, machine tools, plastics, material handling and logistics systems, semiconductor and micro machining.

With the software, the company says machine operators are able to:

• Reduce or eliminate failures or shutdowns;

• Maintain equipment as mechanical conditions warrant, not by an arbitrary schedule;

• Save cost by eliminating unnecessary maintenance;

• Ensure that dynamics and precision of axes are maximized, reducing wear and cutting the cost of ownership;

• Improve quality, quantity and performance of end products; and

• Lower energy consumption by running equipment at optimum performance.

In addition, if the defined tolerance thresholds are exceeded, the software notifies the user of wear before problems occur or the machine fails. Users can set tolerance thresholds and sensitivity themselves based on the specific application and experience with the machine. Retrofitting also is possible as a software option.

Productivity Agent also incorporates an active vibration damping and counteracting function in addition to the diagnostics, allowing users to address other mechanical issues in a targeted manner and improve the machine’s overall performance, the company says.

“The IntraDrive Productivity Agent takes standard preventative maintenance and improves it significantly,” says Scott Hibbard, vice president of technology, Bosch Rexroth. “It turns our intelligent drive architecture into a productivity-enhancing watchdog that’s on the job 24/7/365.”

Cryopak

Contact: Bill Hingle, 732-346-9200 ext. 104, e-mail: whingle@tcpreliable.com
Cryopak has introduced its RePak 96, a full-size pallet shipper used to keep payload within a temperature range of about 35 degrees Fahrenheit to 46 degrees Fahrenheit for 96 hours.

The RePak 96 includes Cryopak refrigerant sleeves designed for easy pre-conditioning and assembly into the shipper.

In addition, the pallet shipper features two payload cavities, allowing for more flexibility for shipments of temperature-sensitive products, company officials say.

Each cavity gets a set of refrigerants to ensure that temperature ranges are not compromised during transit.

The unit is available in single use and re-usable versions.

“The RePak 96 was developed to offer our clients a flexible design that is easy for one person to put together in a very short period of time,” says Bill Hingle, marketing director, Cryopak.

Dorner Manufacturing Corp.

Website: www.dornerconveyors.com

Dorner Manufacturing Corp.’s AquaGard sanitary stainless steel conveyor platform now comes with a center drive motor option, which company officials say will provide food industry customers more choices to meet their specific application needs.

Designed for the AquaGard 7360 Series, the center drive belt conveyor offers a longer belt life — as much as five times longer — than end-drive models. Company officials say this is because the conveyor belt has more room to stretch with the additional belt take up available in the center drive unit. A maintenance-free, constant-stretch design also is available with this feature.

In addition, the center drive is designed to provide durability, resulting in less wear and tear for a longer belt life. Center drive conveyors also allow for longer length conveyors up to 83 feet, which the company says reduces the number of conveyors and drives required to move product long distances.

For applications requiring more in-depth cleaning, the 7360 Series center drive conveyor opens up on both tail ends for greater access, and also comes with either a pneumatic or spring-loaded take-up mechanism designed to quickly tighten and secure the belt. The three-roller design also facilitates belt removal and cleaning time by allowing for quick access to the center drive.

Center drive conveyors are ideal for applications requiring small product transfers or interfaces at each end of the conveyor. With the motor in the center of the conveyor, both ends are freed up to allow for maximum clearance around the conveyor and smoother transfers with small nose bars, company officials say.

In addition, the AquaGard7630 center drive conveyor loads up to 500 pounds, has belt speeds up to 300 feet per minute and has belt widths between 4 inches to 52 inches in 2-inch increments, among other features.

Dorner Manufacturing

Contact: Dorner Manufacturing, P.O. Box 20, Hartland, WI 53029, 800-397-8664, FAX 262-367-3243, e-mail: info@dorner.com, website: www.dornerconveyors.com.

Dorner Manufacturing’s new 2300 and 5300 Series conveyors, part of the DustPruf family of conveyors, include SmartSlot technology designed into the frame, which provides the integration and add-on capabilities of a T-slot without the drawbacks of slots that collect contaminants or debris.

The conveyors in this series are essentially “dust proof,” the company says, due to a streamlined frame that virtually eliminates all catch points where particles or debris can collect. The DustPruf Series also contains an FDA-approved, low-friction coating on the bedplate that enables the motor to run 20 percent more efficiently and lower energy consumption. Both frames are made of recyclable aluminum.

Performance specifications of the DustPruf 2300 Series include: widths between 2 inches and 2 feet; lengths up to 24 feet; motor placement at the end or center of conveyor; same gear motors, mounts, drive packages and service parts as the 2200 Series; and five-day delivery from time of order.

Performance specifications of the DustPruf 5300 Series include: widths between 8 inches and 3 feet (in two-inch increments); lengths up to 83 feet; end, nosebar, curve and nosebar curve models; speeds up to 260 feet per minute; same gear motors and mounts as the 5200 QWIK conveyor; flexible guiding; and 10-day delivery from time of order.

EPS Corp.

Website: www.epsway.com

EPS Corp. has announced the addition of the Carbon Management Platform to its xChange Point real-time sustainability solution.

Offered in alliance with Climate Earth, which provides environmental accounting, a bundled subscription for web reporting, automated calculation and support, the platform delivers Scope 3 carbon assessment capability to the EPS energy and carbon management solution, providing a view of the total carbon footprint for mid-sized and larger manufacturing companies.

Climate Earth’s CEO Chris Erickson notes that for the first time, real-time energy management and full enterprise and supply chain carbon management exist in a single system.

“Through a web-based interface, both energy and carbon are managed systematically,” he says. “The system combines financial and environmental metrics enabling executives to set sound targets and manage the business more sustainably.” According to company officials, xChange already enables manufacturers to view and understand energy use and Carbon Disclosure Project-certified carbon emissions from fuel combustion and electricity (Scopes 1 and 2) in real time and creates solutions to reduce them. The Carbon Management Platform adds the ability to quantify and monitor Scope 3 carbon emissions from the “upstream” supply chain, including all emissions from raw materials through processing, and transportation to procurement.

In addition, the platform leverages company financial data to highlight potential energy and carbon reduction opportunities so that executives can prioritize their sustainability initiatives and regularly track the progress of these efforts.

“We believe this new offering represents the most comprehensive carbon footprint solution for the manufacturing sector, incorporating products that are already working today for multiple Fortune 1000 companies,” say Jay Zoellner, president and CEO, EPS Corp. “It is a powerful tool to help companies achieve their sustainability goals on a continual basis.”

Extrutech Plastics Inc.

Contact: 888-818-0118, e-mail: info@epiplastics.com
Website: www.epiplastics.com

Extrutech Plastics Inc. has developed a new suspended ceiling product that is Class A rated.

The system consists of a fiberglass grid support structure and the Extrutech P2400-24 inch wide plastic panel.

Using standard 24-inch wide panels, the ceiling system can be configured up to 12 feet long. The system is Class A-rated for fire and smoke, and the grid is seismic-approved by the International Code Conference (ICC).

The ceiling system offers a new construction/retrofit product that provides users the flexibility to construct ceilings faster, easier and safer, company officials say. The components are water- and corrosion-proof and will not rot, rust or flake.

Uses for the USDA- and Canadian-accepted system include cheese plants, other food processing plants, clean rooms, laboratories, restaurants, and other facilities where cleanliness is of high importance.

According to company representatives, the product is highly reflective and comes with a 10-year warranty.

Flexicon Corp.

Contact: Paula Jacobs, Rapp Advertising Inc., 30 Commerce Street, Springfield, NJ, 07081, 973-467-5570 ext. 13, e-mail: pjacobs@rappadv.com
Website: www.flexicon.com

Flexicon Corp. has released a new Open Chute Box Dumper, designed to discharge bulk solid materials from boxes, totes and other containers when dust containment is not a requirement.

The dumper accommodates Gaylords and other boxes from 36 inches to 48 inches on a side and 39 inches to 44 inches overall height.

The box-container lift assembly is tipped hydraulically until material discharges from the container onto a chute that allows unobstructed discharge of free-flowing materials as well as non-free flowing products containing large agglomerates into receiving vessels.

Twin hydraulic cylinders pivot the platform-chute assembly, with the container secured from sliding by transverse sidewall braces, to discharge angles of 45 or 60 degrees beyond horizontal, including a motion-dampening feature at the termination of container rotation.

The dumper is available with stainless steel material contact surfaces in carbon steel with durable industrial coatings or in all-stainless construction.

It also is available with optional receiving hoppers configured with the company’s mechanical or pneumatical conveyors to transport discharged material to any plant location.

Flexicon also has introduced its Bulk Conveyor with Tilt-Down Portable Base, which fits through tight places and provides easy access for removal of the flexible screw.

The unit features a reduced footprint that enables the caster-mounted frame to maneuver through narrow aisles and around corners. With the hopper, support boom and conveyor assembly tilted down, the unit fits through standard doorways and orients the conveyor tube horizontally, allowing the flexible screw to be removed for cleaning and inspection.

Each unit is custom configured according to the discharge height, tilt-down height, discharge overhang and overall size parameters of individual applications.

The hopper, which is equipped with a hinged lid, feeds a flexible screw conveyor that transports bulk ingredients ranging from sub-micron powders to large pellets. The enclosed conveyor tube prevents product and plant contamination while the rolling action of material being conveyed prevents the separation of blends.

A range of specialized screws is available to handle-free- and non-free-flowing-bulk materials including products that pack, cake, smear, seize, plug or fluidize.

The mobile conveyor frame is constructed of carbon steel with durable industrial coatings and in stainless steel finished to industrial or sanitary standards.

Fristam

Contact: 608-831-5001
Website: www.fristam.com/fkl

Fristam has introduced its FKL A positive displacement pump.

The new pump features a rounded exterior designed to help improve cleanability, split-style gearbox designed for easy access to bearings and shafts, labyrinth-style bearing isolators designed for maximum protection and customizable port-to-port dimensions for drop-in replacement of other positive displacement pumps.

According to company representatives, FKL A features clean in place (CIP) without performance loss. In addition, the pump allows CIP flow to reach all areas, including the seal.

FKL A is comprised of stainless steel and has shaft diameters 25 percent larger than other positive displacement pumps, according to Fristam officials. It also has balanced rotors to reduce rotor-to-housing contact concerns and is built with tight internal clearances designed for efficiency and gentle product handling with minimal shear.

An optional stainless steel gearbox is offered for difficult environments.

Global Cold Chain Alliance

Contact: Tori Miller, Global Cold Chain Alliance, 1500 King Street, Suite 201, Alexandria, VA, 22314, 703-373-4300, 703-373-4301 (fax), e-mail: email@gcca.org

Website: www.gcca.org

Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) has published its 2010 Global Cold Chain Directory. According to company officials, the publication is used by more than 3,000 cold chain professionals throughout the world including members of several international food industry associations and all members of the National Frozen and Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA).

The directory includes more than 500 pages of listings of cold chain providers from 67 countries around the world. These providers are members of the Core Partners of GCCA, which represent all major industries engaged in temperature-controlled logistics.

Sections include Warehouses — International Association of Refrigerated Warehouses, Transportation — International Refrigerated Transportation Association, Construction — International Association for Cold Storage Construction, Research and Education — World Food Logistics Organization, and Cold Chain Products and Services — International Association of Refrigerated Warehouses Associate Members.

The directory’s six color-coded sections provide food manufacturers, distributors and retailers with an international selection of cold storage warehouses, refrigerated transportation companies, cold storage design experts and companies charged with providing support services to the cold chain industry. It also includes an index to facilitate company or association searches.

This year’s directory also features an extended section on the newest GCCA core partner, the International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration.

The publication is available free of charge to food manufacturers, grocers, foodservice employees, trucking companies, libraries, associations, trade press and government bodies.

Graco Inc.

Website: www.graco.com/Internet/T_MainSite.nsf/Webpages/StartPage
roduced a new SaniForce line of sanitary transfer pumps, including drum and bin unloaders, which easily can move a broad range of food and beverage products, company officials say.

SaniForce piston pumps have pressure ratios up to 12:1 and are ideal for low- to medium-viscosity materials, says Carrie Cotch, advertising and communications, Graco Industrial Products Division.

Cotch says several of the SaniForce pumps were designed specifically for the dairy industry, noting that SaniForce 3A pumps typically pump materials such as milk, yogurt, sour cream, ice cream and light-viscosity cheeses.

Cotch notes the new air motors improve serviceablility, increase efficiency and have a lower cost of ownership.

In addition, the air valves have a three-way pilot valve for true non-sticking operation, are externally serviceable and have fewer moving parts, she says.

The quick knockdown lowers are made with 300 series stainless steel, designed for fast and easy cleaning, and are available in either double ball or priming piston designs, she adds.

All models are FDA-compliant and meet the CFR Title 21, says Cotch, noting Graco’s overmolded diaphragms virtually eliminate the risk of harboring bacteria, improve wear and are easy to clean.

Cotch also notes Graco’s SaniForce drum unloaders can evacuate medium- to high-viscosity products from their original 55-gallon containers without diluting the material. The inflatable ram plate seal minimizes leakage, allows for faster change-out of drums and delivers a 99 percent evacuation rate.

Additional features include a one size follower plate and seal to accommodate straight-sided and tapered drums, a liner guard to prevent bags from entering the pump and sanitary flange clamps for quick disassembly, she says.

Markem-Imaje

Contact: Markem-Imaje, 866-263-4644, website: www.markem-imaje.com.

Markem-Imaje, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the New York-based Dover Group, recently released a new 1,100-meter thermal transfer ribbon designed for compatibility with both the SmartDate3 and SmartDate5 Series thermal transfer overprinters.

The 3820 ribbon is 83 percent longer, and due to a more efficient manufacturing process, has a 10-percent smaller carbon footprint than its forerunner, the 3810. The 3820 also puts out 20 percent less waste by having less packaging and 50 percent fewer plastic cores. This longer ribbon offers 45 percent more uptime and lets users avoid frequent ribbon changes.

The 3820 ribbon is designed for plug-and-play installation, with no setting changes required for the new transfer ribbon. The ribbon is ROHS compliant.

Millerbernd Process Systems

Contact: Luann Raymond, 3Millerbernd Process Systems has announced the addition of Vigilistics Enterprise Manufacturing Intelligence (vEMI) software to its portfolio of applications for cheese and dairy plants.
“There has been more and more market demand for information technology that reduces milk loss and increases cheese yield — improving productivity and profitability,” says Brad Millerbernd, president, Millerbernd Process Systems. “So, to address the needs of our cheese and dairy customers, we have added vEMI as an integrated solution to our suite of performance-enhancing products and services.”

Vigilistics Inc. of Irvine, Calif., specializes in providing real-time business intelligence solutions to manufacturing plants. Its patented vEMI Application Suite combines analytics tools with graphical visuals, and a smart architecture that installs quickly and easily to any existing plant hardware and software, company officials say.

“Vigilistics prides itself on providing a configurable application that installs in a fraction of the time and cost required by any other solution,” says Rajeev Varshneya, Vigilistics president and CEO. “Our vEMI solution is 100-percent compatible to most existing plant automation, enterprise resource planning (ERP) and other information technology systems, and our milk-loss and cheese-yield models are designed specifically for the dairy industry, making it an ideal, value-added solution for Millerbernd’s customers.”

vEMI software helps to improve the bottom line for dairy and cheese plants by reducing product loss and material costs. It also plays a role in helping customers to achieve their sustainability initiatives, reduce waste water discharge and green house gas emissions, decrease dependence on water and chemicals, achieve paperless compliance and reduce product recall risk, company officials say.

The vEMI software can be installed as a comprehensive solution or as one or more of the following separate modules: milk-loss reduction, clean-in-place (CIP) resource management with paperless compliance reporting, variable cost management for non-CIP resources, equipment efficiency with down-time management and traceability.

“With the combination of an expanding global cheese market, increased pressure on productivity and more and more government regulation, we strongly believe that intelligent, actionable information is absolutely critical to dairy and cheese plants,” Millerbernd says. “Quality manufacturing information leads to an intelligent management process. vEMI will give our customers that required edge.”

Millerbernd will be demonstrating the vEMI 2.0 software in booth 1347 at the International Dairy Show Sept. 13-15 in Dallas.

Nelson-Jameson Inc.

Contact: Dakonya Freis, 800-826-8302
SNelson-Jameson has announced the round, heavy-duty containers from Carlisle Sanitary Maintenance Products now are available in orange and 10-, 20- and 32-gallon sizes.

All colors are NSF Standard 2 for food contact and cleanability including white, red, yellow, blue, green, grey and orange. Matching, reinforced, stackable lids also are offered in the new sizes and color.

The 55-gallon container is available in white, red, yellow, blue, green and grey. The 44-gallon container is available in all colors including orange.

Nelson-Jameson Inc.

Contact: Carol Blakey, Nelson-Jamson Inc., 2400 East 5th Street, Marshfield, WI, 54449, 800-826-8302 ext. 1045, e-mail: c.blakey@nelsonjameson.com, Automatic Shoe Cover Dispenser, DetectaMet, H30 earplugs and H50 ear clips, VR Aprons, Impertech Suits from Helly Hansen, Tingley Safety Flex Suits

Contact: Mae Johnson, Nelson-Jamson Inc., 2400 East 5th Street, Marshfield, WI, 54449, 715-387-1151 ext. 365, 715-387-8746 (fax), e-mail: m.johnson@nelsonjameson.com, Buyers Guide for the Food Industry

Contact: Diane Sutton, Nelson-Jameson Inc., 2400 East 5th Street, Marshfield, WI, 54449, 800-826-8302 ext. 1012, e-mail: d.sutton@nelsonjameson.com, Edge-20 Electric Knife Sharpener, V-Edge Dump Buggy

Website: www.nelsonjameson.com

Nelson-Jameson Inc. has introduced several new products including its new Automatic Shoe Cover Dispenser. The dispensers provide plant visitors and sales representatives with a pair of shoe covers. Visitors step in, and a clean, fresh polyethylene shoe cover automatically snaps over footwear. This design comes with 100 covers and is simple to load as necessary, according to company representatives.

Nelson-Jameson also has introduced new products through its DetectaMet brand. The brand features metal detectable, X-ray visible and anti-microbial products. The metal detectable calculator is pocket-sized and has an easy-to-read 12-button display. Company officials note large buttons are easy to use, even while gloved. A 30-inch beaded metal chain attaches the calculator to a clipboard or piece of equipment. In addition, the metal detectable stopwatch can be used for all testing procedures. It is bright blue, designed for ease of use and has a large display window, complete with 30-inch beaded chain. The brand’s metal detectable pencils are mechanical with a blue and silver metal case. The metal pocket clip also can be used to attach a beaded safety chain with a split ring if needed.

New releases also include hearing protectors from Kimberly Clark. The H30 Multiple-Use ComfortFlex Earplugs are designed to fit the natural curves and shape of the ear canal. The soft outer foam is designed to provide all-day comfort and has an ergonomic handle to reduce contamination. The H50 Multiple-Use Ear Clips feature an ear clip chassis and removable foam ear pad that blocks unwanted noise without entering the ear canal. It is lightweight and stays secure without pressure inside or out.

Additional new releases include VR Aprons. The vinyl replacement aprons are durable and cost-effective. With their extended wear-life, they can last four to six times longer than heavier vinyl or coated aprons, according to company representatives. The aprons are easy to clean and reusable, featuring cold-temperature and puncture resistance. The aprons also have resistance to fats, oils and a range of chemicals, and are approved for direct food contact. They are available in tie, die cut and die cut grommet styles. Elasticized sleeves also are available.

Nelson-Jameson also has introduced the Impertech Suits from Helly Hansen. The line of functional and comfortable sanitation suits is made from a 100-percent waterproof, stretchable fabric. The suit features polyester knit backing and elastic polyurethane coating with a stretch factor of 200 percent and resistance to most chemicals, acids and oils. The includes a jacket, reversible overalls and bib pant overalls.

In addition, the company released its Tingley Safety Flex Suits. The flame resistant suits are made to resist industrial acids, chemicals and caustics. Protective features include a heavy exterior coating, high jacket collar with Velcro throat closure, Thermo-O-Rad sealed seams, tapered sleeves and safety green color. The suits are available in hooded jackets and bib overalls.
Nelson-Jameson also has released the 2010-2011 edition of its Buyers Guide for the Food Industry.

The new edition includes more than 40 additional pages of new products for the food and dairy industries.

Company officials note the “How to Order” boxes, terminology and other guides have been expanded to help provide customers with a one-stop source to find the right product for their applications. The newly-designed color-coded insert also includes four additional pages of products to expand the company’s color-coded offering.

New releases also include Nelson-Jameson’s Edge-20 Electric Knife Sharpener, which is designed for semi-commercial use. The sharpener also performs well for commercial applications where intermittent sharpening is necessary. It utilizes a cushion contact system, producing a sharp and polished edge finish.

The company also has introduced its V-Edge Dump Buggy. The stainless steel unit is designed for heavy duty use in the food industry. It is constructed with a 14-gauge, 304 stainless steel body and has a reinforced bottom plate for added strength. The buggy’s electropolished finish enhances corrosion resistance and improves ease of cleaning, company officials say. In addition, standard lift fitting can be used with most loaders and dumpsters. The unit includes a push handle, drip guard and poly wheels.

Phoenix

Contact: Graham Nicholson, 514-956-1525, e-mail: gnicholson@phoenixwrappers.com
Website: www.phoenixwrappers.com
Phoenix, a manufacturer of automatic and semi-automatic pallet stretch wrappers, will introduce its rotary ring stretch wrapping technology at the upcoming Pack Expo 2010, Oct. 31- Nov. 3 in Chicago.

“Long thought of as an expensive technology only available to large end users, we have introduced an affordable line of automatic rotary ring stretch wrappers that will cover 97 percent of all applications,” says Graham Nicholson, president, sales and marketing, Phoenix.

The Phoenix Rotary Ring Automatic (PRRA) stretch wrappers feature technology designed to offer speed, film savings and flexibility.

In addition, the new line uses a wrapping ring concept that eliminates the need for extra film passes up the load to secure top wraps and then back down to the clamp for final tail treatment. According to the company, this process produces a savings of 30 feet or more of stretch film while still applying the same required load retention wraps. The line also has the ability to start and stop the cycle anywhere on the load.

The company also notes that unlike a more traditional turntable or rotary arm machine that must support and rotate thousands of pounds of mass to apply the stretch film, PRRA rotates only on the carriage itself. The result is a faster “low mass rotation system” that, due to the limited stress on the working component, is better suited for 24hours/seven days a week applications.

The new line will be available in two models: the PRRA-4000, which offers 40 revolutions per minute (rpm) and 100 or more loads per hour; and the PRRA-2100, which offers 21 rpm and 70 or more loads per hour. Both have an 80-inch height capacity.

Sealed Air’s Cryovac

Contact: 1-800-845-3456
Website: www.cryovacequipment.com
Sealed Air’s Cryovac has released its new BLX-F2 taped bag loader designed for automatic bag loading.

The system, intended for Cheddar and Italian cheeses, offers processors configurable options using roll or boxed taped bags for an expanded variety of product sizes, shapes and weights.

Company officials note that for the first time, the system allows processors to program their in-feed for both in-line and perpendicular product separation and staging, depending on the application.

The new loader also handles a wider range of product weights, from 8 ounces to 12 pounds, and requires minimal time for change-overs.

“In today’s marketplace, processors need to be even more adaptable and offer a wider variety of products and sizes to their customers,” says Bill Bartell, North American equipment marketing director for Sealed Air’s Cryovac brand. “The Cryovac BLX-F2 autoloader was designed with specific market needs of processors in mind, while also focusing on the increased performance and labor efficiency they require in today’s business climate.”

The system operates at speeds of up to 45 cycles per minute depending on product length, while ensuring gentle loading to help maintain product integrity. The touch-screen operator interface can be programmed to save up to 99 different product settings, and is equipped with sensors and controls to ensure the product is correctly staged for accurate loading.

In addition, the loader handles bag widths of 4 inches to 14 inches and bag lengths up to 30 inches. The system is built to 3-A dairy standards.

Sensor Products Inc.

Contact: 973-884-1755, e-mail: info@sensorprod.com
Website: sensorprod.com/thermex
Sensor Products Inc. has released its Thermex temperature distribution film.

Thermex is an economical thin sensor material that can be used in heat sealing and ultrasonic welding of packaging to quickly diagnose the temperature at the interface of heated contacting platens or rollers.

Temperatures ranging from 200 degrees to 300 degrees Fahrenheit fall within Thermex’s range. Traditional methods of thermal management do not necessarily reveal that uniform temperature distribution at the interface of the heat seal has been achieved, company officials say.

Upon exposure to heat, Thermex changes color instantaneously and permanently to reveal temperature distribution between any two contacting services. The intensity of the color change directly relates to the temperature it was exposed to, enabling Thermex to reveal spot high or low temperature zones and minute surface variations.

According to company officials, these fluctuations cause improper sealing and need to be corrected to ensure quality control.

Sensor Products’ website, www.sensorprod.com/thermex includes the minimum heat sealing temperature of several materials used in packaging that fall within the specified temperatures of Thermex testing.

Many plastics used in packaging fall within Thermex’s temperature range. Vertical form and fill machines as well as vacuum and flat web machines may be candidates for this product.

In addition, Thermex may be used alone or in conjunction with Fuji Prescale pressure-indicating film from Sensor Products.

Post-processing analysis of Thermex is available for temperature fluctuations that need to be analyzed with great precision, company representatives note.

Westfalia Technologies Inc.

Contact: 800-673-2522
Website: www.WestfaliaUSA.com
Westfalia Technologies Inc. has introduced its most current innovation in dairy case palletizing.

The new palletizing system completes the product line of dairy case handling equipment Westfalia offers under its Deam Systems division.

Capable of handling both plastic and wood pallets, the system palletizes two full pallets per minute. Each pallet holds nine stacks of dairy cases, stacked six high, for a total of 54 cases on each pallet.

Constructed of all stainless steel materials, company officials say it is ideally suited for the wash-down environments found in the dairy and beverage industries.