Brenton case packer and palletizer

Company: ProMach

Equipment Snapshot: Brenton, a product brand of ProMach, has introduced the brand’s next generation intermediate case packer, the Brenton M2000. The M2000, which replaces the top selling Brenton Mach 2, maintains the mechanical precision of the Mach 2 while adding updates to the electrics and esthetics that reduce the case packer’s footprint by 25 percent, shortens installation time, and creates an easy to operate machine. Brenton designed the M2000 for higher uptime by making changeover more repeatable.

The M2000 is rated at between 12 and 30 wrap-around, regular slotted cases (RSC) or trays per minute. The stand-alone control enclosure for the Mach 2 has been abandoned in favor of locating several compact enclosures on the M2000, which contributes to a 25 percent reduction in footprint over the already compact Mach 2. Enclosures on the machine and distributed I/O greatly simplify wiring requirements, resulting in startup within days, not weeks, and overall simpler troubleshooting.

Changeover verification technology guides operators, even the inexperienced, through the changeover process quickly and accurately. If any setting is off for the specified recipe, the M2000 will not run. This feature reduces the likelihood of damage to the machine from an incorrect adjustment. For speedy issue resolution, various sections of the M2000 are assigned specific colored task lighting that illuminates a fault and pinpoints for personnel the area of the machine to examine. Bright white LED strip lighting throughout the M2000 provides well illuminated workspace for operations and maintenance personnel. Clear polycarbonate cladding along the length of the M2000 give personnel an unobstructed view of critical operations. New corporate colors enhance its appearance. Redesigned safety circuits ensure the utmost in worker safety and simplify wiring. RFID identification cards replace passwords for a high level of security.

A B&R computer interface features pull down menus, video, and document storage and display capabilities that make the M2000 easy to operate. The Allen-Bradley CompactLogix controller and K5700 servos will be familiar to most engineering and maintenance personnel. Custom control solutions are available.

Brenton, a product brand of ProMach, has introduced the new and innovative RPX Series of configurable robotic palletizing cells. The RPX Series gives small- to medium-sized food and manufacturing companies the opportunity to quickly, easily, and cost effectively advance from manual to automated palletizing of cases, trays, bags, pails, and other packaging. The RPX Series reduces the number of employees on the packaging line and lowers the risk of repetitive motion injuries within the plant.

There are four unique RPX Series cell configurations available: one line in/one line out; two lines in/two lines out; one line in/one line out with automated pallet handling; and two lines in/two lines out with automated pallet handling. These cells feature compact footprints, ranging from the smallest 11.5 x 17.5 feet up to the largest 15.5 x 22.5 feet. RPX Series palletizers are rated at up to 14 cases per minute.

RPX Series cells are delivered to the customer with two pack patterns already installed. New pack patterns are easily entered via touchscreen display, giving food companies and manufacturers the flexibility to easily and quickly adapt to new orders and customer requirements. RPX Series cells can be delivered in as little as 14 weeks, about half the time of custom systems, with end-of-arm tooling to meet the demands of today and the changing requirements of tomorrow.

Brenton engineers designed a quick connect modular platform to install cells in just hours. These modular cells are easily disassembled, moved, and reassembled as plant conditions change. The RPX series was also designed to ensure the safety of its operators, meeting Category 3 safety standards, as well as designed to sustain a long and productive life.

“Brenton recognized that many small- to medium-sized plants do not require custom solutions, but instead will benefit from affordable, configurable, and reliable modular systems that can be delivered quickly,” said Jason Enninga, vice president of sales, Brenton.