Thermoforming machine manufacturer Brown Machine LLC has worked with packaging automation company DJS Systems Inc. (Homer, MI; www.djssystems.com) to provide an unidentified but “leading lid processor” what is claimed to be the first successful triple row trim integration of its type for thermoforming, coupling a servo-actuated trim press with a 3-tier lid automation and packaging system.

Brown supplied the trim press, and DJS supplied the automation system. Brown’s trim press is based on a linear moving platen system, with a servodrive giving it the ability to slow down for a controlled long ejection into an automation system, speed up to make up the loop, and then maintain cycle time with the thermoformer. The DJS automation system utilizes a servo-pusher system to contain the stacked lids through the transfer process. A two-axis robot arm independently grasps each tier of lids and positions these into an indexing conveyor. The lids are then transferred to bagging and boxing stations. The firms say forming speed is not slowed by the automation. Brown Machine LLC, Beaverton, MI, USA; +1-989-435-7741; www.brown-machine.com