When it comes to labeling, precision is generally a key requirement, not only in accuracy of the label, but in the placement as well. In Europe particularly, it is common to ship and pack fruit in trays. As a result, Sinclair International, a producer of labels and labeling equipment, has launched a Compact Pattern Labeler designed to label fruit in a tray.
"Our new Compact Pattern Labeler (CPL) was launched at the Fruit Logistica trade show in February 2017, and we began accepting orders the following month," said Maria Montalvo of Sinclair International. "It is a common design for the European region as packers commonly pack fruit in trays. There is an advantage to this as all pieces of fruit are aligned and therefore the label will always be placed on the same area of fruit."
How the CPL functions
The Compact Pattern Labeler is a whole labeling system. It is controlled by a main controller which is in communication with the labeling applicators. These are mounted on an arm which moves about and adjusts position according to the tray pattern selected and applies the labels. Montalvo explained the system in more detail.
"The CPL is the next generation of our current CR4 Pattern labelers," she said. "The Sinclair CPL labels fruit in trays as they pass under the machine on a conveyor. The main controller communicates to the labeling applicators via serial messages sent over RS485. The controller stores pattern information for the fruit in the tray, which are programmed into it via a color 7” touch screen user interface. After the pattern is selected, the controller will then set up the machine by positioning the applicators on the arm according to the pattern selected. The main controller will then detect the start of a tray with a tray detect sensor and track the tray position through the machine using an encoder to monitor the conveyor travel. Once this is complete, it then commands the labeling applicators to label at the required positions in the tray."
Designed to be easy to use and versatile
One of the aims that Sinclair desired is to make the CPL simple to use as well as versatile. With the touch screen interface and programmable tray patterns, the company says it is user friendly. Additionally, the labeler can be used for any fruit that is packed in trays or punnets. Another feature is that the CPL can be controlled remotely or in a central location as desired.
"CPL is truly a state-of-the-art machine and was built for those customers looking for a technologically advanced solution that will save them time and improve efficiency," Montalvo shared. "It is designed to provide additional feature offerings to certain customers, including a touchpad user interface, remote access, higher performance features than current CR4 Pattern labeler models and vastly improved, robust hardware design. The CPL has the capability to integrate to a packhouse control system. From this central location, the required patterns can be selected, removing the need for the local operator to select the pattern. It's also very easily interchangeable with other commodities, as long as the correct label is being used when switching commodities."
Working closely with customers
When it came to developing the CPL, the company said it was vital to work alongside customers in order to see their exact working environments. In this way, all factors can be taken into account when the machine is designed for the customer. Fortunately for Sinclair, they have a large customer base as well as plenty of experienced staff on hand to help them in this.
"We have incredible project teams around the world with years of experience to help us work through any challenges that arise," Montalvo explained. "We are incredibly lucky to have such an array of talent to call on and also very fortunate to have an expansive customer base that allows us to gather market intelligence. Our customers are also happy to open their doors for testing and product trials to make sure we have the right solutions for the industry."
According to Montalvo, the CPL system has been well received so far. "Although it's still early, the response has been very positive," she said. "Customers like the technological advancements we have made and find the interface easy to understand as well as being a huge time saver. We also displayed the CPL at PMA last year and had a very positive response. We are now demonstrating to the North American market that packing fruit in trays is a fantastic alternative and there are certain advantages to it."
Attendance at CPMA
Sinclair International will be exhibiting at CPMA in Vancouver next week. On show will be demonstrations of their products as well as information on them. But Montalvo noted that the important aspect will be having the people present that will be able to answer any questions visitors might have.
"Sinclair is an incredibly successful company with global reach and considerable experience in labeling equipment," she noted. "We also have personnel that are willing to respond to opportunities, issues and challenges a company may be facing and using our leadership to help find a viable option for them."
"CPMA is a wonderful show and extremely well organized," she continued. "It gives us the opportunity to see new trends in a market that shows tremendous growth. It also gives us a chance to see the pride our customers have in their products and the role we play in supporting their success."
New product to be launched later this year
While not quite ready to be displayed at CPMA, the company is already working on their next offering. One of these projects is called the PL1, or Pattern Labeler 1. It's designed to work well with smaller growers and packhouses that don't require all the features the CPL has. Sinclair is expected to offer this product within 6 months.
"The Pattern Labeler 1 is a single arm, multi-pass labeler," Montalvo explained. "The machine is able to label multiple rows in a pattern with a low number of applicators by labeling the pattern in multiple passes. The fruit tray will run through the system and then reverse to allow additional rows to be labeled. It operates at a rate of 640 fpm and comes equipped with a 7” touch screen GUI which ensures that the operation of the machine is simple and intuitive. The PL1 will not be ready by the time CPMA takes place, but it’s a new product we will be launching in the coming months."
"Sinclair is dedicated to providing the fresh produce and labeling industry with the latest innovative technology," she concluded. "Regardless of a company's labeling process, Sinclair has a solution for it and can partner in building a roadmap for the future."
Visitors to CPMA can talk to the staff at Sinclair and see a demonstration of their products at booth number 1135.
For more information:
Maria Montalvo
Sinclair International
Tel: +1 (559) 233-4500