Italian packaging firm, Cama, has restyled its machines by integrating the control cabinets with the electrical and pneumatic components into the machine pedestals angles. The redesign utilises the Festo valve terminal CPX/MPA with protection class IP65.reduces the machine’s footprint, minimises cabling and eases placement of the utility devices.

“For us, Festo’s valve terminal concept CPX/MPA is a great support for opening the way to a completely new machine generation,” explains Stefano Rini, head of research and development with Cama Group in Italy. “The positive effect of this is that the space requirements of the new Cama packaging machines have been reduced by approximately a third. This is one of the reasons why it is called Cama’s ‘Breakthrough Generation’.”

Conventional machines have large control cabinets outside the main structure of the machine, with controllers inside connected to the drives, sensors and valves by an array of cables and lengths of tubing several metres long. “Significantly fewer and shorter cables and tubes to be connected simplify and shorten installation. This is a further distinguishing feature of the new machines,” explains Rini as he describes the gain in efficiency. “CPX links the pneumatic and electrical control chains and connects these simply, quickly, flexibly and seamlessly to any automation concept and in accordance with any company-specific standards. What is more, the CPX offers diagnostic functions. This makes it easy for us to meet the demands of large branded-product manufacturers, for example for preventive maintenance.”

In terms of machine safety, the Festo soft-start and exhaust valve MS6-SV is used to exhaust the system. It provides protection against unexpected start-up and has an exhaust capacity 1.5 times its pressurisation capacity.

Among the new Breakthrough Machine Generation, Cama is now introducing the CL 175, a flexible side-loading cartoning machine. It has been redesigned, both in layout and functioning. This machine can load flow-wraps, pouches, bags, thermoformed trays, blisters and more into pre-glued cartons. In a first step they are picked from the storage station, opened and, by a rotary unit, placed into the moving conveyor pockets.

The side-loading unit loads the products into the cartons with an intermittent-continuous motion. This handling unit consists mainly of a Festo electric axis EGC for a precise approach to intermediate positions and a pneumatic mini slide DGSL. The use of both pneumatic and electrical drive technologies allows precision to be obtained together with a high load capacity. In a next step, the cartons move towards the final closure station. It can work in continuous or intermittent mode. Finally the cartons get onto the outfeed conveyor.