Solutions in ActionAFA Nordale Inc.

PACK EXPO 2010Booth S-1236

AFA Systems Inc. is a leading provider of innovative, reliable automatedpackaging solutions to many well-known manufacturers of consumerproducts and pharmaceuticals worldwide. With more than 60 years ofexperience, the Brampton, Ontario-based company offers unique, customsolutions to fit a wide range of product-handling and packagingautomation needs.

AFA Systems delivers a complete line of packaging solutions, includinghorizontal and vertical cartoners, carton and case formers, top and endload case packers, carton, case, and tray erectors, tray feeders anddenestors, accumulators and palletizers, robotic systems, and machinerebuilding and retrofitting.

On display at this year’s PACK EXPO is the new DSSC Case Former, one ofAFA Systems’ end-of-line packaging solutions. This machine provides asimpler and more sustainable solution to replace traditional case erectorsthat use RSC corrugated boxes. For its new case former, AFA Systemsdeveloped a new type of flat blank corrugated box, the patent-pendingDSSC, as an alternative to the more traditional RSC. Using a DSSC canprovide up to 25 percent cost savings over using a RSC. The machineerects each box from a vertical orientation, which allows the machine tooccupy less floor space than case formers that erect each boxhorizontally. The smaller footprint makes AFA Systems’ new case packereasier and less expensive to transport. The DSSC Case Former alsosimplifies the case forming process while reducing materials used.

The DSSC Case Former relies on an Allen-Bradley CompactLogixprogrammable automation controller (PAC) to manage overall packagingfunctions. The multidisciplined controller combines discrete and motioncontrol into one platform, resulting in reduced maintenance and loweroperating costs.Allen-Bradley Kinetix® 300

Indexing Servo Drive

Allen-Bradley® CompactLogix™ ProgrammableAutomation Controller

DSSC Case Former from AFA Systems

The MK-BIB Bag in Box Cartoner from AFA Systems

The machine delivers motion precision and accuracy withan Allen-Bradley Kinetix 300 EtherNet/IP indexing servodrive from Rockwell Automation. Using a servo drive, themachine provides increased flexibility and fastchangeovers to accommodate different box sizes. AnAllen-Bradley PanelView™ Plus 700 touch-screen human-machine interface (HMI) allows operators to easily accessinformation about machine activity and productivity andquickly identify and troubleshoot problems.

“The Allen-Bradley Kinetix 300 indexing servo drive andPanelView™ Plus 700 operator interface allow the end userto initiate a changeover with the touch of a button,” saidDavid Langen, electrical engineer, AFA Systems.

Also on display in the booth is a MK-BIB Bag in BoxCartoner, which fully automates the process of fillingboxes with bags. The machine is used for applications witha bag in the carton such as breakfast cereals, rice, cakemix and confectionary products. The MK-SBA Bag in BoxCartoner relies on an Allen-Bradley® ControlLogix™programmable automation controller (PAC) to manageoverall packaging functions.

An Allen-Bradley Kinetix 2000 low power multi-axis servodrive and MP-Series Low Inertia servo motors provideprecise motion control. The simple modular design of theservo drive lowers wiring costs and helps achieve asmaller footprint. The servo-driven MK-BIB Bag in BoxCartoner provides the flexibility to accommodate manycustomer needs, such as adding a leaflet feeder.

“Our customers are very familiar with the RockwellAutomation control system, which helps simplifymaintenance and lower operating costs,” said Langen.“Plus, our partnership with Rockwell Automation helps uscontinue thinking outside of the box to deliver innovativepackaging solutions.”

Publication OEM-AP119A-EN-P– September 2010 Copyright © 2010 Rockwell Automation, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Printed in USA.

Allen-Bradley, ControlLogix, CompactLogix, Kinetix, and PanelView Plus are trademarks of Rockwell Automation, Inc.

DSSC and MK-SBA are trademarks of AFA Systems Inc.

Trademarks not belonging to Rockwell Automation are property of their respective companies.

For more information, contact:Eric LangenSales and Marketing RepresentativeAFA Systems Inc.Phone: (905) 456-8700 ext. 244E-mail: eric.langen@afasystemsinc.com

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