Eight co-located events boost the drawing power of Anaheim this January.
Eight may prove to be a great number for trade show organizer Canon Communications. Co-located events scheduled for Jan. 29-31 at California’s Anaheim Convention Center include:
1. WestPack-Exhibitors here will offer solutions to ensure your success in packaging development, design, production, supply chain and more. (A preview of some products to be exhibited follows.)
2. Green Manufacturing Expo-This new event was created to help attendees capitalize on the financial, social and environmental benefits of using new, clean technologies and products. In some cases, results have been dramatic in measurable energy savings, reduced carbon emissions and cost-efficient recycling programs. Among the products featured will be recyclable and reusable packages, biodegradable/compostable packaging materials and energy-saving conveyors, motors and drives.
3. MD&M West -For more than 30 years, MD&M has provided an array of resources for the design and manufacture of current and next-generation medical devices. This year promises to deliver more of the same.
4. ATX West -Visitors will see the latest advances in automation technology, including control software and hardware, motion control, robotics, sensors and more.
5. PLASTEC West-Plastic manufacturers will find an array of processing and production machinery, computer-aided design solutions, resins, molds and more.
6. Pacific Design & Manufacturing-Exhibitors at this event will showcase the latest in computer-aided design and manufacturing, rapid prototyping, production and automation machinery, lasers, electronics, production networking, enterprise information technology (IT) and a range of contract services.
7. PTX West -Another new event for 2008, PTX West promises to present the most comprehensive industrial processing and bulk solids handling solutions.
8. Electronics West -Attendees can expect to find innovative products and technologies to help maximize the manufacturing process for electronics.
All for one
One badge gives you access to all these events. And, if you pre-register by Dec. 21, you’ll get your badge in the mail before the show so you can bypass the registration lines on site. You can still pre-register after the deadline, but you’ll have to print your badge at the “pre-registered” desk when you get to the show (which is still quicker than signing up once you get there).Here’s another incentive for registering in advance: You can attend all these events for free. (Or, if you bring a direct-mail brochure about the show with you to California, they’ll waive the on-site registration fee of $55.)
The focused five
Within the aisles of WestPack, solution providers will be grouped together (to save you walking time) in these five “hot topic” pavilions:• Green Packaging-Explore sustainable packaging options, including bio-degradable/compostable packaging, recyclable packaging, reusable packaging, recycled materials, non-toxic glues, natural inks, environmentally friendly coatings and more.
• Cosmetic & Personal Care Packaging-Exhibitors here will offer creative packaging solutions specific to the cosmetic, fragrance and personal care markets. Products on display will include stylized bottles and tubes; specialty labels; colorants and finishes; closures; and accessories such as ties and ribbons.
• Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Packaging-Suppliers will present a variety of packaging products and services, including medical grade materials and supplies; disposables packaging; trays and kits; blister packs; tamper-resistant/evident containers; labeling systems; bar coding equipment; and testing, inspection and sterilization services.
• Contract Packaging and Outsourcing Services-Find a partner here to handle your design, manufacturing, packaging and distribution needs so you can increase your speed-to-market and overall efficiency.
• Material Handling & Logistics-Rachet up your supply chain efficiencies. Peruse solutions from these pavilion vendors, such as palletizers, racking systems and warehouse/inventory management systems.
A learning experience
The MD&M show offers a full conference program, including one all-day session on Medical Device Packaging. Scheduled for Mon., Jan. 28, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., this session will cover a market overview and current regulations, as well as showing examples of new and innovative medical device packaging.Conference fees range from $595 to $1,295 depending on how many days you attend and when you sign up. Canon does offer a group discount and has provisions for canceling or transferring a slot to a colleague if plans change. In addition, conference registration entitles attendees to lunch on the registered day(s), proceedings for the registered day(s), a canvas tote bag, refreshments during session breaks and access to all the shows.
All-in-all, there’s plenty to do and see.
Sold on the idea of attending? For details about travel, including free hotel shuttle service, visitwww.westpackshow.comorwww.canontradeshows.com.
For more information
Canon Communications310-445-4200;
www.canontradeshows.com
PRODUCT PREVIEW
Here are some of the products that will be shown at WestPack (in booth number order):Extended-content pouch displays lots of info
Booth #2043 -Designed to address the need for a larger print area for regulatory copy on over-the-counter drug packaging, the Extend-A-Print pouch triples the amount of printing space from two panels to six. Two additional panels, which are permanently sealed to the bottom of the pouch, can be peeled down to reveal additional copy and graphics. The pouch can be run on most existing form-fill-seal equipment using child-resistant or non-child-resistant materials. Other uses include on-pack coupons, multi-language instructions or branding.Oracle Packaging / Tolas Healthcare Packaging
336-777-5961;
www.oraclepackaging.com
Versatile pre-made pouch filler handles multiple styles
Booth #2252-The redesigned PouchPack automatic handling system opens, fills and seals various pack styles, including lay-flat or stand-up zippered pouches. Filling can be done by person, robot or scale. Pouch sealing options include air evacuation and gas flush. Made of stainless steel, the compact system handles up to four pouches at a time.OK International Group
877-OKI-CORP;
www.okcorp.com
Compact, easy-to-use robots run at high speeds
Booth #4421-A range of robots operates at high speeds to accommodate the throughput needs of today’s packaging lines. The four-, five- and six-axis robots have reaches from 350 to 1,300 millimeters and can handle weights up to 20 kilograms. Repeatability is held to within +/-0.015mm. Standard, dust- and mist-proof (IP65) and cleanroom (Class 10 and Class 100) models are available. ANSI and CE compliance allows global deployment, while UL-listed models are available for both the U.S. and Canada. Easy-to-use programming software, controllers and teaching pendants are also offered, including 3-D simulation software that allows offline programming and remote monitoring of robot operations.Denso Robotics
888-4-ROBOTX (888-476-2689);
www.densororobotics.com
Servo volumetric cup filler stores recipes
Booth #4921-Servo driven, the model VC-SV Series volumetric cup filler operates automatically at speeds up to 100 containers per minute. With an Allen-Bradley PLC control, the system is able to store recipes of multiple products for fast and easy set-up. Made of stainless steel, the VC-SV handles dry free-flowing products, such as rice, beans, popcorn and more.All-Fill Inc.
610-524-7350;
www.all-fill.com
Print engine changes resolutions
Booth #4942 -The new S84 series print engine for print-and-apply labeling applications offers three print resolutions (203, 305 and 609 dots per inch) in an interchangeable printhead design. The system includes 16 megabytes of onboard RAM for high-speed data processing, even for variable data. Capable of speeds up to 16 inches per second, the S84 offers an optional ribbon saver feature to cut costs by minimizing ribbon use. Other options include a ribbon cassette for quick ribbon loading and a multi-port communication interface that allows any of the S84 printers to be configured with up to two communication ports, including IEEE1284 parallel, RS232C serial, Ethernet LAN, Wireless LAN 802.11g, RS422/485 or USB.Sato America Inc.
704-644-1650;
www.satoamerica.com
Checkweigher handles a variety of soft packs
Booth #4953 -The Alpha PW-12 checkweigher accurately weighs pouches, bags and soft-sided containers up to 8 pounds and 14 inches in length x 8 inches in width. It operates at speeds of up to 225 packages per minute, with an accuracy of +/-200 milligrams. The Cerebus IV controller provides a simplified menu and selection structure for all weight set-up, control, calibration and testing functions.Alpha Checkweighers
610-524-7350;
www.alphacheckweighers.com.
Water-activated tape helps packagers secure cases
Booth # 4970 -The BetterSeal Secure Tape line of water-activated tapes (WAT) can help packagers improve package security and contribute to their sustainable initiatives. BetterSeal Secure non-reinforced WAT is made from natural, plant-based, biodegradable materials (fiberglass reinforcements are easily removed during repulping). BetterSeal Secure Tape absorbs securely onto the shortened fibers of recycled corrugated cases, and only one strip is needed to seal a case, saving on material. A variety of tapes are available, including BP E-Z Pull Tab Tape, which incorporates a tear strip for easy opening (without cutters), yet still protects contents by indicating any tampering.Better Packages
800 237-9151;
www.BetterPackages.com
Shrink labeler runs neckbands and sleeve labels
Booth #5007-The R-200 Evolution Series shrink labeling system applies either a tamper-evident neckband or a full-body shrink sleeve label to filled or empty containers in virtually any shape and size. The continuous-motion system operates at speeds between 50 and 200 containers per minute, with precise graphic orientation. The R-200 accommodates sleeve diameters from 38 to 175 millimeters and heights from 67 to 250mm, as well as a variety of materials-including PVC, PETG, and OPS labels-in gauges as thin as 40 micron. Operators can perform a tool-less changeover in less than 20 minutes. Footprint measures just 40x40 inches.PDC Corp.
203-853-1516;
www.pdc-corp.com
Electronic tablet counter doubles filling speed
Booth #5211-The SwiftPharm electronic tablet counter operates twice as fast as current models of its size because of advances in vibratory linear feeding and pre-count gating. Rotary pre-count gates are driven by stepper motors to deliver quieter operation and eliminate pneumatics. The Swiftpharm model attains speeds up to 100 bottles per minute on a 100-count size. The Swiftpharm Twin model reaches speeds up to 200 bottles per minute.IMA Nova
978-537-8534;
www.imanova.com
Low-volume, low-cost label printer offers high quality
Booth #5247 -The low-priced, low-volume Zeo! ink jet label printer allows small- and medium-sized companies to print custom and personalized labels in-house, in quantities between one and 1,000 labels a day. Larger businesses could also use the Zeo! to instantly print labels for prototype or test-market packages. The Zeo! uses thermal ink jet technology, developed by Hewlett-Packard, to produce high-quality color labels. Suitable for small producers of gourmet foods such as baked goods, coffees, teas and wine.QuickLabel Systems
877-757-7978;
www.quicklabel.com
IP65-rated thermal transfer printer expands capabilities
Booth #5301-The EasyPrint X in-line thermal transfer printer, IP65-rated for use in harsh environments, offer two new features: (1) it is able to print on intermittent-motion webs and (2) it has a 5-inch printhead for maximum print coverage. These features are in addition to a 2-inch printhead and capability to print on continuous-motion webs. Suitable for meat, poultry, dairy and prepared foods operations, the EasyPrint X prints variable data directly onto substrates such as poly, film, foil and Tyvek. Although the EasyPrint X has been developed in cooperation with Sealed Air/Cryovac, it can be mounted on any packaging machine, including Cryovac, Multivac, RapidPak, Tiromat, Dixie and Mahaffy & Harder.Bell-Mark
973-882-0202 x5;
www.bellmark.com.
At-A-Glance
What: WestPackWhen: Jan. 29-31, 2008
Where:Hall A, Anaheim Convention Center, Calif.
Hours: Tues. and Wed., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thurs., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
