CFT Group has recently inaugurated a brand-new division called CFT Robotics, which specializes in automated solutions for primary and secondary packaging equipment, sorting and product treatment. CFT Robotics is actually working on some of CFT Group’s most advanced innovations, including a machine that has been unveiled in October 2019 during the Cibus Tec Tradeshow and that is going to reshape the industry of packaging: the ADV Combipack.

CFT Group’s Combipack

The ADV Combipack is a new modular machine that delivers an all-in-one secondary packaging solution, which offers multiple functions including carton erection, filling, closing and palletizing. The ADV Combipack is able to handle multiple packaging formats, including American boxes, display boxes, wraparounds, carton trays and combi cases.

In this case, flexibility means modularity: the machine’s frame, which can be made of coated or stainless steel, can be expanded lengthwise to incorporate different functions. Each modular body section is positioned between the two end modules: the number of sections is defined by the number of process steps required within the enclosed envelope of the machine.

From a control perspective, CFT Group provides its COMBI-AS solution, which includes a Rockwell® ControlLogix® programmable automation controller (PAC).

The ADV Combipack has been developed with an innovative carton transport unit. The oval track based on linear servomotor technology is the basic module, equipped with iTRAk® technology to manage the independent shuttles, called COMBI-MOVERS.

An ingenious vacuum system featuring a patented contactless technology to energize the vacuum pumps above the COMBI-MOVER is combined with a special polymer on the top surface of the shuttles. This makes sure that the cartons maintain their position to the millimetre throughout the complete packaging process, with 100{46ec2a3493715af7728c32a403f8e2e213c1486a2b6674762cf12f27ee9af20a} carton control!

The use of COMBI-MOVERS’ technology results in faster production changeovers, increased productivity, reduced complexity, easier operation and more profitable production runs.

The oval configuration allows to grant a more compact and shorter footprint, while precise and dynamic six axes robots manage the main functions:

• Carton picking from blank magazine
• Carton forming
• Filling in top loading or side loading configuration
• Closing

According to Gianluca Scaramuzza, Sales Director of CFT Robotics division, “the ADV Combipack machine offers outstanding flexibility and the ability to provide multiple packaging formats.  The machine modularity allows to adapt the solution pratically to every kind of customer’s needs, always offering a fast and reliable technology and a reduced footprint. Easy maintenance, low downtime periods and great efficiency are other three key features of this brand-new equipment by CFT Robotics“.

“We selected Rockwell Automation as a partner for their high service standards, their global reach and their impressive product portfolio.” he adds. “Our engineers were able to design a flexible and upgradable solution, starting from Rockwell’s design and programming efforts. We are very proud of the result, because this gives to our customers the chance to benefit from reduced energy consumption, easy maintenance and troubleshooting, reduced changeover times and very short installation and start up times”.

CFT Group TODAY

With over 900 employees, 15,000 references, 15 brands, 8 production plants, a capillary network of 10 branches, a presence in over 90 countries and a turnover of 249m in 2018, CFT Group is synonymous with quality, innovation and reliability all over the world.

The company, born from the Catelli family project with the production of machines specialized in tomato processing, now boasts over 70 years of experience focused on three specific macro-areas of activity: processing, packaging and sorting.

Decades of experience and the know-how of leading brands in their respective sectors allow CFT Group to offer a complete portfolio of solutions based on the most advanced technologies.