In general rotary labeling machines on the market today use two kinds
of technology for rotating the container during the labeling process.
The first, more traditional, technology is mechanical: a cam controls
the movements orienting and positioning the container in the various
stages of labeling. The second, more recent, technology is electronic:
the movement of the container is guided by stepper motors. Both of these
solutions have a number of limits in their application. The mechanical
technology is by definition fixed and, therefore, not flexible. In fact,
when designed for cylindrical containers, it is unable to work with
molded containers, and vice-versa. Moreover, in time, due to wear, the
mechanisms may even become less precise.
Electronic technology, on the other hand, is much more flexible but
also has a number of limits due to the kind of movement called “stepping”.
The stepper motors rotate by clicks at a fixed speed and are not dependent
on the rotation speed of the main machine. This feature entails a number
of drawbacks: for example, the machine can’t work with specially molded
containers or with wrap-around labels.
Now SIG Alfa has launched a new labeling machine sweeping aside the
limits imposed by these two technologies. In collaboration with the
company Elau, it has applied PacDrive automation software for controlling
brushless servo motors to labeling. When the brushless motors are mounted
directly on the container platform, very precise control of rotation
is obtained. All the container formats are memorized in the system and
therefore can easily be retrieved automatically by the panel operator.
New formats can also be added, and the existing data modified quickly
and simply, even with the machine in operation.
The first labeler made with this new technology, applying self-adhesive
labels on plastic vials, was installed in the Chicago facility of the
American company Alberto Culver,
which has already had other SIG Alfa machines operating for some time.
The Mantua-based company has high hopes in this breakthrough, destined
to become the standard for all machines, and is firmly committed to
pursuing all possible future developments.
About SIG Alfa:
SIG Alfa is the leading
Italian player in the sector and number two worldwide in terms of sales
volume and employees. Its product range covers all the labelling technology
and possible types of applications. To keep pace with the prospects
of further development, SIG Alfa has recently invested resources in
constructing an extension to its Mantua facility to house offices and
manufacturing activities.
About ELAU:
ELAU’s new integral servo motor/drive, the PacDrive™
SCL-055, has received significant attention among respected liquid
packaging machinery builders. Already, KRONES, SIG Alfa, SACMI Labelling,
SIG Simonazzi, IMA, Ronchi Mario and Alcoa are applying the purpose-built
SCL servo technology. Discussions with many other European and North
American machine builders are also underway.
There are compelling reasons for using the PacDrive SCL in all liquid
packaging applications, from beverages to pharmaceuticals to liquid
foods.
ELAU INC, 4201 West Wrightwood Avenue,
Chicago, Illinois 60639 - USA,
Tel.: (+1) 773 342 8400 Fax.: (+1) 773 342 8404 sales@elau.com
