Q-Bic, the patented cube-forming packaging system from Smart Packaging Industries (SPI) and NNZ Inc., announced that its clamshell format was tested on an A&B (A&B Lakewood Packing Equipment) packing machine. There it was confirmed that the Q-Bic clamshell could be a viable option for use on A&B's equipment with modest mechanical adjustments.
During the test run, the Q-Bic clamshell, built from the same pyramid-tray architecture used in Q-Bic's cube packaging format, ran on A&B's fill/closing line under standard testing conditions. The trial aimed to evaluate compatibility, throughput, and handling characteristics of the Q-Bic clamshell when integrated into A&B's high-speed machinery.
© NNZ Inc.
"It was essential that we got this piece of the puzzle in place for Q-Bic to get the product commercialized" says Steve Greenfield, director of sales & marketing with NNZ Inc. "We wanted customers to know that if they choose to make the shift of moving to the Q-Bic product, that it will work on their existing machinery."
Q-Bic's packaging concept uses six pyramid-shaped trays to form a cube shaped package, with less than 10 percent air volume and dramatically improving pallet utilization and reducing transportation of "air." The design also ensures structural strength, consistent ventilation, and moisture evaporation during transport. Q-Bic frequently allows 1.4× to 2.5× more product per pallet compared to traditional packaging.
The product is being marketed in multiple materials—plastic, paper, pulp, or metal—and supports a variety of closure systems, including clamshells, lids, and top sealing.
A&B Packing Equipment (which acquired Lakewood Process Machinery's product lines in 2015) has a portfolio that includes weigh & fill systems, volumetric fillers, clamshell fillers, box fillers, labeling, conveyor systems, and more.
© NNZ Inc.
Results of the test include:
- The Q-Bic clamshell performed reliably across the fill and closure stages without catastrophic failures or damage under standard line speeds.
- Some adjustments in feed rail tolerances, guide rails, and closing station alignment were needed to optimize handling of the pyramid-edged geometry of the Q-Bic form.
- Throughput differed slightly from conventional clamshells during early runs, but stabilized once minor mechanical tweaks were made.
- The robust cube structure of the Q-Bic clamshell showed good resistance to stacking and handling stresses in the line.
Although the test was limited in scope, it confirmed that the Q-Bic clamshell is technically compatible with A&B's systems, provided modest modifications are applied.
The two companies plan to continue collaborative testing to refine process guidelines, feeding tolerances, and closure settings. Q-Bic is now positioned to enter pilot trials with packers already using A&B equipment.
NNZ will exhibit this week at the Global Produce & Floral Show in Anaheim, CA at booth #TA1 or with A&B Packing Equipment's booth, #4222.
For more information:
Steve Greenfield
NNZ Inc.
Tel: +1 (404) 307-7151
[email protected]
http://www.nnz.com/
