Modular Infeeds, Advanced Control Network and Dual Product Flow Configurations Provide More Shrink Packaging Flexibility

Sealed Air Corporation Unveils Innovative Packaging Solutions at Pack Expo 2004

SADDLE BROOK, N.J. (Nov. 7, 2004) Sealed Air Corporation’s Shrink Packaging Division introduced state-of-the-art, shrink-wrapping equipment at Pack Expo International 2004 in Chicago from Nov. 7 through Nov. 11, 2004. The shrink-packaging systems, Shanklin® Omni G and Omni S, optimize flexibility and efficiency for companies that require versatility on their packaging lines.

Rather than having dedicated infeeds "hard-wired" to shrink-packaging machines, the revolutionary Omni systems easily and quickly marry with a variety of infeeds to serve the application demands of the product being packaged. The Omni systems are designed to accept modular, "plug-and-play" infeeds, including flighted, multi-belt and wide belt, which can be purchased separately and used on the same Omni system. These modular infeeds are money savers because infeeds represent only 20 percent to 30 percent of the cost of acquiring a completely new shrink-packaging system. The Shanklin® Omni systems enable companies to purchase multiple infeeds specific to their production and application requirements.

The Omni control network provides automatic system configuration for each modular infeed and other system components such as package sensors, solenoids and servo-drives. When an infeed is changed, the Omni DeviceNet™ connection reduces changeover time by identifying the type of infeed attached and configuring the system accordingly. The infeed changeover only takes two to three minutes.

The operator control station provides a user-friendly touch-screen to enable easier device recognition, diagnostics and maintenance. Customers can program up to 100 package recipes on the touch screen, enabling operators to quickly repeat package-size changeovers at the touch of a finger.

An additional benefit of the Shanklin® Omni systems is the "dual product-flow" configuration. Traditionally, most shrink-packaging systems are designed with one product-flow direction, but the Omni systems are available in right-to-left or left-to-right configurations. This feature enables companies to integrate the systems into existing production lines easily. It also makes it possible for one operator to control two machines, or more than one production line, simultaneously.

The Shanklin® Omni systems use metric fasteners and are designed for CE compliance to support global standards. The automatic, continuous motion, form-fill-seal wrappers can process larger packages because of the expanded seal capabilities. The Omni systems have a 23-inch wide standard end-seal jaw. The Omni G uses a mechanical end-seal that is 8-inches tall and the Omni S has a dual-axis, servo-driven end-seal that is 10-inches tall. The systems can process up to 120 feet of film per minute, resulting in packaging speeds of up to 80 packs per minute with the Omni G and 100 packs per minute with the Omni S.