A to Z automation in the materials handling, packaging and process industries.

Food Review spoke to Rocky Stone about the company’s product and service offering as well as its excitement around the upcoming Propak Africa.

‘We commit ourselves to fulfilling clients’ requirements, from conceptual design to implementation, delivery and after sales service,’ Stone notes.

Progetto International’s (Progetto) aim is to provide the best solutions and equipment at a competitive price to clients. ‘We deliver this by maintaining a good balance between time, cost, scope and quality. We also align and network with highly professional suppliers to achieve a good level of planning, price negotiation and quality control.’

The team at Progetto specialises in managing processes from start to finish. The task includes handling basic concepts of automation requirements through research, development and assimilation of all factors involved leading up to construction and assembly of necessary components. ‘This often involves extensive technical drawing drafts and close consultation among team members. Every component in the assembled systems needs to function perfectly,’ Stone enthuses. ‘Progetto currently operates in the food and beverage, pharmaceutical, agricultural and packaging sectors. These remain the core focus area for the company.’

Initially established in 2002 in the Western Cape it has since expanded with service engineers and agent companies in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.

‘We’ve successfully supplied equipment and implemented projects throughout South Africa and proudly crossed borders into Namibia, Zambia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Tanzania. Progetto’s main specialties lie in full automation and control of packaging machinery; filling equipment; carton and tray packing and handling; labelling equipment; palletisers; leak testers, trimmers and conveyors ranging from light duty to pallet handling and auxiliary systems.

‘Industry trade shows like Propak Africa always provide an excellent platform to introduce our new developments. Exhibiting at the trade show is a great way to advertise and create brand awareness.’

Latest project:

Progetto’s filler-capper proves popular

The company’s latest development is an automated in-line filling and rotary capper system. The multi-head piston filler fills containers from 100ml up to a litre, then conveys containers to a rotary capper. Units can be used for a variety of screw cap sizes due to the design of the magnetic clutched heads to ensure a constant tightening torque. From there the filled containers can exit to a labeller or packing station.

New from Progetto

• Automated carton packer

Automated carton packer

Progetto has developed its own in-line automated carton packer system. At first glance, the design appears straight forward. On closer examination, you find numerous features that require highly specific and accurate positioning of shifters, moving arms and coordination of various parts. To add to the challenge, the line also needs to, when unattended, move containers and cartons into the packing zone, complete the tray packing application and then smoothly move packed and sealed cartons out of the system. Automated packers need a small footprint so the unit is positioned in-line and as close as possible to the moulding machine(s). Progetto’s system is a highly predictable operation capable of running 24/7 with minimal attendance and the need to be relatively easy to programme and control. It is available at a very cost competitive price.

• Carton / case closing and sealing

Hot melt adhesive case sealers are available for fixed or random sized cases. Most have easy adjustments for quick size changes. There are numerous options available, including in-feed and discharge conveyors. In many instances, case closers and sealers can be integrated into new or existing lines and used as part of a modular system.

Semi-automatic sealers deliver quick, efficient case packing and sealing. Units are available for fixed or random sized boxes. Machines can be custom fitted with a variety of options, including custom in-feed and discharge conveyors.

A case sealer is a packaging machine that applies hot melt adhesive to the bottom and/or the top of a corrugated case or box to securely seal contents within. Semi-automatic case sealers can handle uniform or random sizes, or hold boxes steady for filling or even fold major flaps as it seals.

Fully automatic case sealers fold all four top flaps of a box prior to applying hot melt adhesive to its top and/or bottom. These systems greatly reduce labour requirements. Boxes are sealed on demand and apart from initial set up don’t require operators to run. Random case sealers are designed for use in any packaging environment and they avoid ‘set up’ time as they self-adjust for each box as it is processed.

Cases have to withstand rough handling, harsh environmental conditions and potential tampering. Hot melt adhesive applied directly to case flaps creates a strong, rigid bond which helps ensure boxes remain intact and sturdy at all times. The packaging industry has proven tape sealing packages cannot offer the same advantages as sealing with hot melt adhesive. Hot melt systems provide cost savings, safety, tamper evidence, operation, structural integrity and ease of maintenance.

For more info contact the Progetto team at (021) 557 3399 or www.progetto.co.za