The Module++ lines integrate the company’s modular machines, from processing through to case packaging. Each set is tailored to the individual manufacturer; and all machines are available as stand-alone modules that can be integrated with existing Bosch technology,
The Module++ lines will be displayed at the company’s booth at Pack Expo. There will be three sets which include individual modules for processing, gentle product handling, distribution and feeding. There will also be horizontal flow wrappers, vertical baggers, robotics, cartoners and case packers.
The technology is also suitable for manufacturers who want to take existing automation to the ‘next level,’ the company says.
Roller former
At Pack Expo, the company will debut a roller former module, designed to minimise trim when processing masses for cereal, candy, protein and fruit bars.
The roller former will allow manufacturers to make width adjustments without machine stops, maximising uptime and output. The company claims it is the only machine of its kind on the market able to do so.
On the same line, Bosch will exhibit a bar wrapping line which can handle challenging products, such as those that are sticky or fragile. Machines from the Pack Series of horizontal flow wrappers package the bars and a robot loads them into cartons.
Quick changeovers
A second line will display a vertical bagger featuring Bosch’s patented four-corner seal module. The vertical bagger is designed to produce a variety of different pack styles, including pillow, block bottom, four-corner seal, doy and doy zip, with reclosabilty and opening features at high speeds.
This will be completed by the CCM 3100 case packer for flexible case packing, which is designed for quick changeovers between stand-up and horizontal bag presentations.
A third line will package a medical test cartridge using a robot distribution system with an integrated vision system.
Making processing ‘seamless’
Bosch will present its ‘Seamless System’ for cracker packaging at Pack Expo, with the line designed for the gentle handling of delicate products at fast speeds.
The packaging line is used for ‘slugs’ of biscuits – where all biscuits are stacked on top of each other in the same direction. It has tandem slug portioning technology, meaning it can make both slug and half-slug pack sizes at the same speed. After portioning, the crackers can be sent to a flow wrapper which also handles both formats.
The line can handle 120 slugs or 250 half slugs per minute.
The system will include the Sigpack TTMC case packers, which is making its debut in North America.
The idea behind Bosch’s Seamless Systems is to make the operation of the entire line as easy as simple as using a single machine, the company says. This reduces the risk of operator error and decreasing downtime.
It is also designed with Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) in mind. This means the speed of all line components is balanced to prevent bottlenecks, minimise downtime, and optimize production flow.
Interactive platform
An interactive platform at Bosch’s booth will allow visitors to find out more about the handling and packaging of biscuits, an overview of different sealing technologies for horizontal flow wrappers, and an introduction to sachet and stick pack packaging capabilities.