Archive for February, 2009

Fillers : flexibility is a matter of “wash-up” too

Manufacturing fillers dedicated to the chemical/cosmetic market means, first of all, understanding the requirements of the end-users. Nowadays Customers require flexible machines: this requirement is felt by both the big and the small users, generated by the universal reduction of the lots and by the simultaneous product differentiation.

In a previous post  we already argued about the production of mixed cases.

Another aspect, responding to the demand of flexibility, refers to the quicker and more efficacious wash-up process, achieved thanks to an extreme simplification of the relevant parts of the project.

Today it is possible to fill, through the same machine, shampoos with different fragrances, hair conditioners, hair-comb creams, without any risk of contamination by product residuals.

As a matter of fact, in the Fillers produced by Ronchi the wash-up of the parts in direct contact with the product is achieved by a simple flow of the washing solution, that can be recycled by means of the customized CIP system. After the wash-up operation, the parts in contact with the product can be sterilized with disinfectant solution or with steam up to 130°C. (S.I.P.).

Moreover, the lack of a reservoir dramatically reduces the quantity of detergent (max 15 liters for the filler), thus allowing a remarkable saving if we consider the high costs bound to the disposal of washing solutions.

Read the label carefully and I will tell you who you are

Whom of us, when shopping into a supermarket, does not stop carefully observing the labels on foodstuffs reporting nutritional facts ? This is a widespread practice, consequence of the growing attention paid to a healthy nourishing.

Today, a new project financed by EU – FLABEL , Food labelling to advance better education for life  – may tell us something more: which effect the labels have on the consumers, with the attempt of better understanding how it affects our choice in the purchase.

FLABEL project will be developed through three years, between  2008 and 2011, involving academic institutions, small and average enterprises, retailers and no-profit organizations.

For major info: www.flabel.org

Quick release, the quick format change-over set of parts patented by Ronchi for Fillers and Cappers

A machine is requested to perform with the greatest efficiency and to ensure the highest yield  and reliability.

Talking about automatic machines destined to the packaging industry, rapidity in performing  format change-over operations becomes a principle of choice of paramount importance; rapidity that Ronchi has patented for their Filling and Capping systems.

Its name is ‘Quick release’ and permits to carry out format change-over operations in very reduced times.

Filling recipes are recalled directly from the operator’s panel and managed by a PLC. The mechanical adjustments of the various machine parts are done by the machine operator with no tool.

For major info: www.ronchi.it

The new frontiers of the flexible packaging: when Quality is visible

 

Flexible packaging represents a reality under a strong growth. Just think about the United States, whereas this is second in the hit list of the most utilized packaging means, according to a recent survey disclosed by the Flexible Packaging Association. 

The reasons of this success are to be searched in the peculiarity of this kind of packaging: its   ease adaptation to a wide variety of filling processes, its low weight, convenient price and eye-catching printability.

Technological innovation involving the flexible packaging widens the possibilities and permits to create intelligent packages reacting to outside stimulations; so, for instance, we can find polypropylene and polyethylene films changing colours when deformed or suffering for sudden temperature variations, so ensuring the integrity of the products reaching the consumers. This technique consists in incorporating fluorescent molecules in the film that, in case of deformation or excessive heating, break out thus producing the easily recognizable colour variation.

Trigger pump: the new trend for household detergents

Home sweet home. Sure, but it must be kept clean! So, why not making this task easier? The new trend in terms of household detergents is dictated by foams sprayed out through trigger pumps. Foams ensure the utmost efficacy in those points where dust is difficult. Trigger pumps are easy-to-use and spray the product out even if the bottle is in unusual position, thus helping to reach the most hidden and difficult corners.

To respond to this growing demand from the market, Ronchi has realized  capping/inserting machines specifically purposed to handle trigger pumps, allowing to screw-on the ring-nut through the capper itself. Trigger pumps cappers/inserters realized by Ronchi can reach a production speed of 350 pieces per minute.