Standard-Knapp highlights high-tech packaging technology #CBC2015

The EZ Picker, an economical new bottle-handling tool, is on display and available for purchase at the Standard-Knapp booth.

Standard-Knapp, a worldwide leader in the manufacture of innovative packaging machinery, has experts on hand at booth #1526 at the Craft Brewers Conference and BrewExpo America. The company is highlight its reliable and affordable case packing technology.

What’s on display, you ask? Well, Standard-Knapp’s 939EZ Versatron Case Packer, 939S Versatron Soft Catch Servo Case Packer, 939S Versatron Pic-N-Place case packing module and Retrofit Grid system and change parts. The experts at the booth are showcasing the capabilities of these machines with videos and literature, while the EZ Picker, an economical new bottle-handling tool, is on display and available for purchase at the booth.

For brewers searching for proven and reliable case packing technology in an affordable package, Standard Knapp offers the 939EZ Versatron Case Packer. Considered the “little brother” of Standard Knapp’s industry-standard Versatron case packer family, the 939EZ Versatron has the same quality, flexibility and adaptability for which all Versatron case packers are known. Equipped with an air-over-oil lift table that controls the descent of product into the case, the 939EZ features a simple indexing case feed that maintains design simplicity without sacrificing control and speed, and can operate at speeds of up to 30 cases per minute.

Brewers with even greater throughput than can be handled by the 939EZ will find a solution in Standard-Knapp’s 939S Versatron Soft Catch Servo Case Packer. This machine features a two-axis servo system that allows the packer to catch the product as it descends into the case. With its push-button height adjustment feature, the lift table moves the case to the up position and waits until the grid is full, after which riding strips shift to the side to initiate the bottle descent.

The lift table simultaneously moves the case downward on a velocity curve that ultimately achieves the same speed at the point of contact. A variety of options, including right-angle or counterflow casefeed, color touch screen, flask handling, and label protection strips, make the 939S Versatron Soft Catch Servo Case Packer a versatile and customizable choice. The 939S Versatron Soft Catch Servo Case Packer operates at speeds of up to 45 cases per minute.

For applications requiring extra gentle product placement, Standard-Knapp offers the 939S Versatron Pic-N-Place case packing module, which reduces breakage and protects labels, according to the company. The Pic-N-Place uses two servo controlled arms and a gripper head to pick the product up off the product infeed, move it over the lift table and lower it into the case. The pinpoint-accurate Pic-N-Place system is robust and designed for partitionless packing and handling of lightweight glass, aluminum and PET bottles.

Customers with any existing grid-based case packer desiring faster, easier changeover and increased line efficiency can look to Standard Knapp’s complete Retrofit Grid system, with a variety of rugged and durable case packer change parts. The Retrofit Grid system uses Standard-Knapp’s patented Snap-in Grid Technology to provide easy changeover and maintenance for a variety of product sizes.

Finally, craft brewing customers looking for assistance in low-throughput product packaging lines with the greatest possible economy can benefit from the EZ Picker, to be displayed and sold at the Standard-Knapp booth. The EZ Picker is engineered for quick and easy handling of 12-ounce glass bottles. This easy-to-operate device can accommodate both full and empty glass bottles, and is offered in a variety of sizes, from the standard 12-bottle carrier with notched centers for 6-pack loading. The EZ Picker weighs less than 4 pounds and features robust stainless steel construction and smooth gripping action for gentle product handling.