Packaging Martini
Packaging Martini Perfects the Packaging of Pasta with new Control Technology New solution improves speed, accuracy and sealing quality Based in Italy, Martini srl produces high-precision weighing and packaging machines for the food sector. Its new MCRS-VD packaging system enables the packaging of up to 180 packs of pasta per minute. At the heart of the solution is an OMRON NX701 1600 machine controller. This manages the movements of the MCRS-VD. OMRON’s NX-TC Perfect Sealing technology enables the end user to improve the stability of the thermoregulation involved and reduces the costs associated with the use of packaging films. A fast and flexible system The MCRS-VD automates all the stages of packaging - including folding, sealing and labelling. The system was created by Martini to meet the growing need for greater speed, efficiency and flexibility from pasta producers all over the world. A key aspect of the structure of the new machine is two continuous, vertical box-motion packaging machines. These are mounted on a segmented belt with intermittent feed and are fed by a double weighing system that uses Infinity - a digital, multi-head model. Precision, speed and accuracy Martini’s Infinity weighing system enables users to dose the pasta quickly and very precisely, with the doses conveyed to the two packaging machines. A digital filter, equipped with the control electronics of The new MCRS-VD packaging system enables the packaging of up to 180 packs of pasta per minute. each head of the weigher, ensures the accuracy of each dosage. The creation of the new system was largely supported by OMRON’s automation technology and technical advice. The final performance of the packaging system is managed by the OMRON NX701 1600 machine controller. This coordinates and synchronises the operation of the weighing system with the packaging system. The machine controller was chosen mainly because of its speed capabilities. Thanks to its CPU and available memory, the NX701 1600 can manage up to 128 axes in real time. It supports all of the main industrial communication standards, including EtherCAT (to the field), EtherNet / IP and OPC-UA. The OMRON controller manages 34 OMRON 1S servos and six 3G3MX2 inverters. Part of the drives are responsible for sealing the package based on OMRON’s NX-TC Perfect Sealing thermoregulation system. This technology stabilises the temperature by filtering all disturbances related to thermoregulation so that end users can vary the thickness of the packages. In particular, the possibility of operating in very low temperature ranges (about two degrees) allows pasta manufacturers to use thinner or eco-friendly films (down to a minimum of 7μm). This reduces both waste and material costs. The Martini MCRS-VD can pack up to 180 packs of pasta per minute per pillow and 160 double-square packs. Associated The OMRON NX701 controller manages 34 OMRON 1S servos and six 3G3MX2 inverters. Martini's Infinity weighing system enables users to dose the pasta quickly and very precisely. 48 food Marketing & Technology • October 2021
Packaging with the packaging system, there is also a double volumetric weighing system, or a mixed dosage version consisting of a multi-head weigher and a volumetric doser for packaging various types of products (including cereals, rice and legumes). The new system has been designed to deliver maximum reliability with minimum waste. fmt SÜDPACK Revolutionizes Package Printing with SPQ and Wins German Packaging Award 2021 Reduced ink and solvent consumption, less production waste and a lower expenditure of energy: SÜDPACK’s innovative SPQ technology (Sustainable Print Quality) significantly improves the carbon footprint of package printing – and also impressed the specialist jury of the renowned German Packaging Award in 2021. This makes the holistic solution provider in the field of high-performance films and package printing one of the four winners in the economic efficiency category. SÜDPACK sets standards in the market not only with its high-performance and sustainable film solutions, but also in package printing. Its innovative SPQ technology provides considerable advantages in terms of sustainability, efficiency and quality. “The fast pace of the food industry in particular results in an increased demand for smaller batch sizes and requires increased flexibility while retaining the same high quality. As a market and technology leader with extensive expertise in the field of package printing, we consider it our responsibility to continuously improve the carbon footprint of both our products and processes – which allows us to make a contribution to achieving the sustainability objectives of the packaging industry,” explained Carolin Grimbacher, Managing Partner of SÜDPACK. SPQ – a milestone in flexo printing Within the scope of a joint project with GOLDSTEIG Käsereien Bayerwald GmbH, SÜDPACK successfully reduced ink and solvent waste by more than 60 percent in the implementation of several printed images by applying SPQ technology. It was also possible to further optimize the print quality. “This is an important step towards a much more sustainable future,” remarked Josef Wagner, Senior Manager of Sales and Marketing for the cheese specialist located in Cham in eastern Bavaria. SÜDPACK’s SPQ technology uses a set color palette. In the pre-press stage – much like with offset or digital printing – all designs are automatically and reliably set up using a standardized color palette. “The implementation of consistent process stability is the indispensable basis for optimizing efficiency, sustainability and quality. It was also the greatest challenge posed by this development project,” summarized Carolin Grimbacher. The set color palette also reduces set-up time – an aspect that has a particularly positive effect when dealing with frequently changing batches. At the same time, fewer color changeovers lead to a reduction in ink consumption and waste. And last but not least, standardized color management leads to a substantial increase in the level of quality. The printing adjustments and on-site print approval that had once been necessary become obsolete and the amount of material needed for proofs is minimized. Additional effects of the innovative solution The reduced consumption of ink, solvents and energy as well as less film waste have a direct impact on the carbon footprint of the printed packaging films. The optimized printing quality also clearly differentiates products at the POS. Thanks to smart SPQ technology, the previous conflict between efficiency and quality in the field of flexo printing has now been solved. “What this requires, however, is complete standardization of machine and process parameters as well as consistent color management along the entire process chain,” said Carolin Grimbacher. As for the additional effort and higher costs involved in the implementation of SPQ, they can be compensated for with the savings that are generated. SÜDPACK’s declared objective is to position this sustainable and highquality printing process in the market at no additional cost. Just launched and already award winning In late July, a jury of 24 experts from the fields of business, research and education honored the revolutionary solution with the German Packaging Award in the economic efficiency category. “We are delighted to have received this special award,” shared Carolin Grimbacher. fmt food Marketing & Technology • October 2021 49
