Endoline brings industry 4.0 compatible, fully random case sealer to Europe

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In response to manufacturer calls for flexible, future proof, end-of-line machinery, Endoline has re-engineered its 704 Fully Automatic Random Case Sealer, which will be showcased at the forthcoming Emballage Show (Stand 6 D 081).

With the integration of several design features, the Industry 4.0 compatible 704 can now manage an unprecedented range of case styles and sizes, meeting all current European health and safety regulations.

Since its creation in the early 90’s, the 704 Fully Automatic Random Case Sealer has become a flagship system amongst Endoline’s range of end-of-line machines. In situ within food factories globally for almost 30 years, the machine is testament to Endoline’s ability to build high quality, long lasting, systems.

However, following unprecedented demand for random case sealers to manage a greater variety of case materials and sizes, Endoline has re-engineered the 704 to meet exact specifications.

Through technical enhancements Endoline have expanded the case size range by almost 60% at its greatest increase, without compromising on speed.

In addition to a greater range of case sizes, manufacturers are now packing with a wider variety of case materials to suit retail specifications, from poorly scored, lightweight cases, to heavy, twin wall cases.

To meet this challenge, Endoline have integrated a dual action hook into the re-engineered 704 to provide greater control, ensuring that the inner flaps of the case are effectively pushed into place before sealing, which overcomes tearing or the risk of the case opening at a later stage. For lighter weight cases, which are susceptible to tearing or crushing when running through a system at speed, the 704 now features side bars and a fully driven infeed with blade stop. This is automatically activated after a case passes the barcode reader to police the throughput of cases, ensuring there is a suitable gap between each, and safeguarding the consistent flow of cases into the machine.

The new infeed control also allows for greater speed control of the 704, which can now typically seal up to 14 random sized cases per minute.

“Manufacturers are increasingly pushing to automate their end-of-line production facilities, and they are facing mounting pressure from retailers to pack products into different packaging formats, and styles, to keep up with specific customer demands.” Comments Andrew Yates, Sales Director at Endoline Machinery. “Consequently, we have witnessed greater demand for random, high speed, end-of-line systems which offer flexibility, as companies look to future proof their automation investment.

We are delighted to bring the 704 to Emballage, as it underlines our growing reputation within Europe for engineering high quality end of line machines, and our ability to create innovative systems to keep up with the demands placed on global manufacturers has been critical to our ongoing success.”

Integrated with Endoline’s new Industry 4.0 compatible, icon based, HMI interface, the 704 is built to a smaller footprint than previous models, maximising factory floor space.

Endoline raises the health & safety bar for end of line machinery

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Endoline Machinery has set the benchmark for health and safety within food manufacturing facilities across the UK with the launch of its latest system – the 704 Fully Automatic Random Case Sealer.

At the same time Endoline, who are UK leaders in the design and build of end-of-line machinery, are addressing the misconceptions food manufacturers, in particular SME’s, have around health and safety regulations and European CE Equipment Marking.

In 2016 The Food Standards Agency (FSA) began the roll out of a four year plan which will see a new, tougher regulatory model in place by 2020, which will include greater guidance on machine safety. Already, following the initial launch, food manufacturers, whose health and safety regulations do not comply, have been given stiffer sentences.

Consequently, getting health and safety right has never been more paramount, particularly as automation amongst food and drink manufacturers is still on an upward trajectory, with 73% engaged in automating their manufacturing processes at the end of last year.

With the increased governance around health and safety, safeguarding machinery in areas where manual operators also work, is a key concern amongst food manufacturers. “The over-riding objective when installing end of line systems is to increase productivity and output.” Andrew Yates, Sales Director of Endoline Machinery, explains. “As a result, many manufacturers will take a CE certified machine at face value. There are, however, a number of other factors which need to be considered, especially the risk assessment of the environment the machine will be installed within.”

While all of its machinery complies with CE regulations, Endoline stresses the importance of full transparency between customers and machinery manufacturers. “It isn’t just a case of conforming to regulations and getting the CE mark on a machine. Manufacturers need to understand the area the machine will be located in and assess the environment for any safety concerns such as access.” Andrew continues.

As testament to this, Endoline will unveil, on stand C52, its re-engineered 704 Fully Automatic Random Case Sealer – which not only meets all CE regulations, but now features an infeed Safety Light curtain as standard, and ergonomic design improvements for safer operator access.

While these additional components are not pre-requisites for CE certification, Endoline has taken them from its flagship 744 high speed, random case sealer – which is installed within blue chip food manufacturing sites across the globe.

End of line equipment can present significant hazards. Not only do they operate automatically and, in some cases, at very high speed, but the openings, to allow the cases to be transported through the system, are often large enough to be a potential for unauthorised access.

The introduction of the infeed Safety Light curtain on the 704, not only safeguards the machine, but eliminates the need for additional safety guarding so reducing the overall footprint of the machine even further.

As a market leading manufacturer, Endoline is offering its customers comprehensive guidance and support on all matters of Health and Safety requirements surrounding their machinery. As an active member of the Working Committee for Safety of Packaging Machines EN 415-7, Endoline also stresses that health and safety features can be retrofitted to machinery to ensure that a company’s investment is future proof.

“With so much uncertainty surrounding Brexit and stringent regulations it is important that our customers see us as an authority in health and safety machinery. We continuously review safety levels of all machines and offer our customers ongoing support to ensure they remain compliant.” Andrew concludes.