Total control for disposables

The latest virtual and technological developments in packaging engineering for the disposables industry will be showcased by Optima Nonwovens at the 2013 Index show in Geneva this April.

Imminent defects can be detected in advance avoiding any unplanned shut-downs with the sensor-controlled Optima condition monitoring system (OMCs), while with TCAM (total care asset management), data is constantly evaluated and connected to Optima’s service network, enabling the virtual display of moving machine functions and interactive operating instructions. Working with the company’s virtual spare parts catalogue, this takes overall equipment effectiveness to an even higher level.

No less innovative is the Optima SRS transport system which links linear transport with the principle of magnetic levitation to provide a number of different benefits. Cartridges containing the lined up nonwoven products can be discharged from the previously closed system. This enables, for example, the distribution of the product stacks to different packaging machines, the interlinking of machines and also the discharge of suspect products to quality control. In addition to this new flexibility, the system enables increased performance, in particular for small package sizes, as well as more careful product handling. The transport system is placed in an Optima machine cladding with Red Dot accreditation. Major advantages here are the high level of sound-proofing, a design without edges and corners, and a clear view of the machine status.

Optima subsidiaries Amotek and Gevas will also be present at Index 2014. The Amotek IS202 that will be shown processes pre-packed flat or folded panty liners and sanitary towels. The products are counted, stacked in single or double rows and repacked ready for sale. The robust and flexible line needs almost no format parts and has an output of up to 90 packs/min.

The Gevas ECO Bundler GBW8 is an integral part of an extensive range of machines for the primary and secondary packaging of paper hygiene products in the lower and medium performance range.