IBIE is the punted as the largest, most comprehensive baking industry event in the western hemisphere, connecting 1,000 exhibiting companies with more than 23,000 baking professionals from around the world.
Sponsored by the American Bakers Association (ABA), the Baking Equipment Manufacturers and Allieds (BEMA), Retail Bakers of America (RBA), IBIE naturally covers the entire vertical supply chain of the grain-based food industry.
The trade show offers attendees the coalface opportunity to discover the latest technologies and experience hands-on demos while discussing personal requirements with product experts to make informed business decisions.
The 700,000 square foot event features a broader range of exhibitors than ever before.
For small to medium-sized bakers, Bosch Packaging Technology (booth 7415) will be introducing an entry-level Pack 102 horizontal flow wrapper that incorporates a Fanuc Scara robot.
According to the company, the robot runs without interruption and is able to carry out 50 picks per minute. Up to three robots can be included in the Pack 102 system.
“Visitors will experience a cost-effective solution. Even for an entry-level stage, robotics can be an option. We have a lot of experience in implementing robots into our proven flow wrappers,” said Kelly Meer, product manager, Bosch Packaging Technology.
The machine also stands out for its versatility and is able to wrap products of various sizes, such as cookies, crackers, croissants or other baked goods. It achieves an output of 150 packages per minute and features a corrosion-resistant, stainless-steel design for easy cleaning.
IBIE visitors will be able to watch a pick-and-place demo run using chocolate chip cookies.
Flexco (booth 7253) is inviting visitors to bring their biggest belt conveyor challenges for its experts will evaluate and offer solutions.
It will also be demonstrating the FGP Food Grade Precleaner – a conveyor belt cleaner that disassembles in a snap for regular cleaning, sanitation and rinsing – as well as its air-cooled Novitool Aero Splice Press, which it claims has revolutionized endless splicing in baking applications with 8-12-minute splice times.
At IBIE, Stäubli (booth 7623) will debut the HE version of its TX2 series for sensitive food applications that require fast kinematics that can withstand wash-down and temperature changes.
The TX2-60HE has a reach of 670mm to 920mm and, on the floor, will demonstrate its automated wash-down process after ultrasonic cutting, cake decorating and bread scoring.
Stäubli’s collaboration with the European Hygienic Engineering and Design Group (EHEDG) initially laid down hygiene requirements for closed systems, which inspired Stäubli to create the HE series.
No-germ production was the specification; therefore, the goal was to avoid the use of covers that create retention areas, which are more inclined to have germs. The HE (Humid Environment) series of robots have specially been modified to withstand moisture and spray.
The casing has been specially treated and parts subject to exceptional stress are made of stainless steel. The robots are fully encapsulated and designed to comply with IP67/65 protection standard.
Stäubli will also be highlighting its partnership with robotic solutions expert Grote at IBIE.
Grote Company (booth 2767) will showcase a running sandwich assembly line at IBIE, complete with Grote sandwich equipment and a Stäubli robot that automates bread feeding, deli meat slice and apply, and sandwich cutting.
Messer (booth 7508), a global specialist of industrial gases and technology, will be debuting at IBIE with solutions to achieve consistent results from mixing to final freezing – including a new cross-flow tunnel freezer.
The company recently completed the acquisition of several gas businesses in North and South America from Linde, launching a new name in the Americas market.
Messer Americas is now one of the largest industrial gas companies in the region, with over 70 production facilities in the US, Canada, Brazil, Colombia and Chile.
Matrix Packaging Machinery (booth 7267) will be demonstrating its Morpheus continuous-motion vertical form fill seal bagger, which fills up to 200 bags per minute.
The company is also the master distributor of Toyo Jidoki equipment and will be showcasing the Toyo Jidoki TT-8D-N pre-made pouch filler/sealer, which can seal up to 55 pouches per minute.
Both machines have numerous applications within the baking industry.
Food processing and packaging systems equipment manufacturer Heat and Control (booth 5043) will be promoting a variety of technologies, including Ishida’s Inspira Snack Bagmaker and Spray Dynamics Two-Stage Coasting System.
The company describes the bagmaker as fast, stable and precise – ideal for all types of laminated film – with an interface that automatically adjusts to up to 200 presets giving operators simple functionality for changeovers and general operation.
Spray Dynamics two-stage coating system provides uniform liquid and dry coating application to extruded, baked, frozen or fried products. The gentle folding action of the Soft Flight coating drum ensures that each piece is perfectly aligned, while metered application ensures even seasoning coverage.
Metal detectors and x-ray equipment will also be on display at Heat and Control’s booths.