Bosch set to release its MEC Kliklok cartoner at Pack Expo
The Bosch Packaging Technology group has confirmed a launch for its Kliklok midrange endload cartoner (MEC) at Pack Expo International 2018 in Chicago, America.
As the company explained the new system, which can be broadly applied across the confectionery, bakery, and snacks markets, features a design focused on high levels of hygiene, tool-less changeover and easy operator access. It is reportedly capable of handling up to 170 cartons per minute and is designed for the highest food safety standards and for maximum production levels.
According to the German-headquartered business, the MEC, which will be showcased at Pack Expo next month, has been developed to handle a wide range of carton sizes, for products as small as ¾ inch thick single-serve pizza to a 4-inch-tall cake. The system was created to erect, load and close standard sleeve cartons, open-end five-crease sleeves, octagonal gusseted and open-corner cartons, gable-top and flip-top cartons, and other special shapes.
“The Kliklok MEC was designed to meet our customers’ needs for future-proof sanitary construction and ease of use and maintenance, with fast, tool-less changeovers and remarkable access,” said Janet Darnley, product manager at Bosch Packaging Technology in Decatur, U.S. “We surveyed our customers on what they wanted and we delivered. One additional feature we added as standard is open flap detection to avoid opened or partially opened cartons exiting the machine – a quality requirement in our customers’ minds.”
The system has been devised to meet stringent sanitary standards with its open-channel stainless steel frame and angled surfaces, which provide no place for product or debris to accumulate. Moreover, the machine is IP65 washdown rated, which is easier to clean. The electrical cabinets are mounted overhead for safety and assist unobstructed operator access.
Its design features full-length doors to allow walk-in access for maintenance and changeovers. Changeovers on the Kliklok MEC are tool-less, easily repeatable, and are said to be completed by operators in ten to twelve minutes. The process is aided by its new HMI 4.0 touchscreen guides operators through the process step-by-step.
The system also features the patented rotary carton feeder, which erects cartons in the direction of product flow with a 30% greater carton-open time. This allows the use of carton board with a higher recycling content, delivering end-users tangible savings in material costs. The straight-pick motion reduces wear on suction cups and short, rigid bars minimise deflection. The MEC can package a wide variety of foods at speeds up to 170 cartons per minute (9” Pitch).
In addition, the company has created a new online information platform, www.bosch-cartoning-casepacking.com. Its latest website offers a showcase for its cartoning and case packaging solutions. This has been developed with a user-friendly design and for easy navigation, in order to get a quick portfolio overview.
Animated packaging on the home page illustrates the broad range of secondary pack styles handled by the Doboy, Kliklok, Sigpack, and Elematic cartoning and case packing equipment. Customers can learn about the company’s topload carton formers and closers, integrated topload cartoners, horizontal endload cartoners, wraparound cartoners (sleevers), product handling machines, and sideload, topload, and wraparound case packers. By clicking on the animations, visitors are guided to the right machine via a carton size range and speed comparison.
