Automating Success
A Workshop Review

Automation4Packaging is a forum initiated by Print-Packaging.com (P) Ltd. to provide a platform for interaction among packaging users, machine manufacturers, converters and automation solution providers. The forum in partnership with Automation Industry Association (AIA), organized a workshop on 'Automation Technologies That Improve Packing Efficiency, Flexibility and Reliability' on 8 July 2009 at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.

The focus of the workshop was on how automated machinery can enable every initiative in packaging from sustainability to recession-fighting cost reduction initiatives giving the attendees an insight into how to leverage new technologies in Automation and meet global trends of Efficiency and Reliability. The Workshop was attended by 54 delegates of the industry making the debuting forum a huge success.

Session I

The Session 1 of the forum commenced with a Key Note Address by P.L. Kaul of Mariental India (P) Ltd on ‘Automating the Form, Fill, Measure, Weigh and Seal Operations’.

The first presentation on ‘Line integration, cycle time and Change Over Reduction’ was made by Ravi Agarwal followed by a presentation on ‘Smart Drives and Controls’ by Nilesh Chipde of B&R Industrial Automation (P) Ltd where he discussed various filling systems in detail in relation to market needs and type of packaging.

The post tea session began with a presentation by Hari Prasand of Endress + Hauser (India) Pvt. Ltd. on ‘Flow Meter Based Filling Technology’. “While understanding this subject there are 4 main points we must accommodate,” said Prasand. “Keep in mind operation requirements, technology challenges, principles and suggested solutions,” he added when beginning his presentation.

The session ended with the presentation on ‘Sensing Solutions for Form, Filling and Sealing Machines’ by Ignatius Selveraj of Pepperl + Fuchs (India) Pvt. Ltd.

Session II

The post lunch session began with a Key Note Address on ‘Automated Robotics Pick and Place Inspection, Track and Trace Systems’ by Khetan Shah of Integrated Drive Systems.

The first presentation of the session was by Ashwin Vanikar of Festo Controls (P) Ltd on ‘Appropriate Pick and Place Using Pneumatics as Automation’. Followed by ‘Robot Based Picking, Packaging and Palletizing by Anil Chaudhary of ABB ltd. Giving exhaustive examples for applications Chaudhary said “The robotics versus manual labour and special machine debate is easy to figure out. The production excellence, reliability and uptime, flexibility and quality and hygiene possible with robotics are unmatched.”

The tea break was followed by a presentation by Sagar Thakare of IFM Electronic India on ‘Contour Sensing, Colour Sensing and Packing Count’ followed by ‘Advanced Image Processing and RFID’ by Dr Zubin Varghese of Siemens Ltd.

“The presentations were very interactive and informative,” said P.K. Tripathi of Godfrey Philips India. “AIA and Print- Packaging.Com have put together the best speakers on the subject. It is quite commendable,” added Kavita M Survana of Themis Medicare also a delegate at the workshop.