KHS unveils flexible labeler with reduced operating costs

07 Jul 2020 --- KHS Group has added the modular Innoket Neo Flex labeling machine to its tried-and-tested Innoket Neo series. The flexible labeler masters all standard labeling techniques with quick-change modules while the low maintenance requirements and long service life reduce operating costs. The Innoket Neo Flex supersedes the previous Innoket SE generation of machines and represents the filling and packaging systems provider’s latest efforts to systematically restructure its engineering portfolio.

The individual modules on the highly customizable Innoket Neo Flex can be freely combined due to the labeler’s flexible design. “In the past, there was a separate machine for each different labeling technique. This was optimized for its specific area of application but reached its limits when customers wanted to expand their portfolio, for example, by adding self-adhesive labeling in combination with the classic cold glue method,” explains Henrik Kahrmann, Product Support at KHS.

With the Innoket Neo KHS has developed a machine that can be configured at will thanks to its modular design. The new Innoket Neo Flex goes “several steps further” when it comes to standardization and meets all customer demands in a single series – regardless of whether with permanently installed stations or as a modular machine. Depending on the machine size and respective requirements the Flex series can be equipped with 2-4 modules. These are exchanged with just a few manual adjustments performed without tools.The Innoket Neo Flex manages all conventional gluing techniques thanks to its modular design.

Labeler for a wide range of applications
The Innoket Neo Flex also demonstrates great flexibility in the choice and size of container. The machine labels both plastic and glass containers and cans in all of the standard sizes. The output totals up to 74,000 containers per hour. Depending on requirements all further standard capacity ranges can also be catered for.

The flexible Innoket Neo Flex can be used as either a single machine or as part of a production line. “Our labelers have been designed so that they can be easily integrated into any existing or planned line,” says Kahrmann.

Low maintenance and ease of operation
Another advantage of the new modular machine is its “extreme ease of operation.” With its patented folding door technology, the machine carousel and individual stations are readily accessible at all times. Moreover, no additional cladding is required for the area beneath the machine table. Also, operators profit from bearings lubricated for life that make the labeler “extremely low” maintenance and reduce the amount of lubricant needed. The new, ergonomic HMI provides great ease of operation. This can be moved by the operator to the required position very simply.

With its patented folding door technology, the machine carousel and individual stations are readily accessible at all times.The Innoket Neo Flex is equipped with future-proof TIA1 technology from Siemens. “The combination of TIA Portal and SIMATIC S7-1500 controller results in significant performance benefits in the control unit’s reaction time,” Kahrmann explains. The labeling machine also has a simplified electronics concept, in which most of the components are installed in the control cabinet – “the perfect combination” of central and decentralized control calls for much less cabling.

Spare parts at the ready
Parallel to the standardization of its machine series, KHS has also significantly sped up the supply of spare parts to its customers. At the same time, the supply for all existing machines continues to be ensured without limitation. For optimum operational behavior and low wear, KHS provides all of the necessary consumables such as glue and advises its customers on materials that are difficult to process at its label laboratory, which is specially set up for this purpose.

In other KHS news, the solutions provider unveiled a tray packer technology that enables cans of food and beverages to be wrapped in paper. The tried-and-tested Innopack Kisters tray packer provides an alternative to hard-to-recycle shrink film or wrap-around cartons and cuts costs by lowering materials and energy consumption.

KHS also invested €20 million in modernizing its headquarters in Dortmund, Germany. In a bundle of measures underway since 2015, the global provider of filling and packaging systems for the beverage industry has built a huge, approximately 4,300 m2 production shop and fully renovated another. KHS identified the headquarter modernization as a means to further automate and digitize its production processes and remain competitive in the long-term.

Edited by Joshua Poole