Neckbanders add tamper safety to drinks at high speed

In a bid to boost productivity and reduce costs, food and beverage packagers are constantly searching for ways to increase speeds on the line, while reducing changeover times. France-based Protection Decoration Conditionnement (PDC) claims its R-series uses a non-pausing, continuous web flow to apply neckbanding to up to 1,000 containers per minute. An optional "splice-on-the-fly" accumulator unwind stand allows the film to be cut without stopping, which eliminates the downtime traditionally required for roll changes, the company claims. The R-series are compatible with petroleum-based and sustainable materials, including polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polylactide (PLA) films and others. A band diameter range from 25 to 76 mm (1 to 3 inches) with film heights up to 60 mm (2.375 inches) can be handled. The system can also apply neckbands as thin 1.5-2.0mm with precision and repeatability, the company claims. This range, PDC claims, makes the R-series suitable for packagers of a variety of containers including those that package smoothies, dairy drinks, energy drinks, teas, juices, water, Acai, coffees, functional drinks and "hot fill" beverages. The touch screen can be used to control motorised height adjustments, while changeovers can be completed without tools, the company claims. Downstream photo eye, splice detection and bar code verification, and other specialty sensors can be added as optional. The optional stainless steel full enclosure and NEMA-4X electrical enclosures also allows systems to withstand harsh washdowns increasingly required in plants. PDC International Corporation is a global manufacturer of packaging systems.