Rose Forgrove Launched its Allen Bradley PLC Controlled Minerva Flowrapper at PMMI (Pack Expo) 2004
Rose Forgrove, who operate with Sandiacre Packaging Machinery out of purpose-built
facilities in Nottingham, UK and in Pennsylvania, USA, launched its
Allen-Bradley controlled Minerva PLC Flowpak™ flowrapper machine at the
PMMI (Pack Expo) show in Chicago, USA.
This Allen-Bradley controlled Minerva PLC Flowpak™ flowrapper is aimed at new applications in new markets. The PLC model retains the unrivalled build quality and robustness which is synonymous with the existing Minerva PC controlled version and all other Rose Forgrove machinery, but boasts Allen-Bradley’s state-of-the-art Kinetix 6000 multi-axis servo drive system and advanced graphic PanelView Plus HMI (Human/Machine Interface).
Two new operating features, which will be of interest to all sectors of the packaging industry, allow on-the-fly adjustment of bag length and instant and fully automatic jaw obstruction recovery. The latter permits safe recovery of a trapped product and subsequent resumption of the packaging operation with minimal loss of film and time.
Unique and innovative features of the Allen-Bradley Kinetix 6000 system, such as the SERCOS interface™ - a single, digital fibre optic link, and a single, simple power rail, simplify the Minerva’s electrical system. All of this cuts down on the overall complexity of the system, reduces overall maintenance costs and augments the machine’s existing reputation for performance and reliability.