A solution, developed by Packline to make life easier for users of Kisters high speed shrinkwappers has been tried and tested at processing plants throughout the U/Kf , where the unit is helping to make reel changes both faster and easier.
Designed for use with Packline's Compac Mk4 reel lift unit, a special attachment has been produced to simplify the placing and removal of the reels of film used on the Kisters machines. Kisters shrinkwrappers are widely used in the beverage and other FMCG industries, where they are renowned for their high operating speed and pack integrity. However, the design of the wrappers means that the reels of film used to produce the packs are mounted low down and set deeply into the machine. This makes manoeuvring the heavy reels into position on the mandrel during a reel change rather awkward. It can also present a problem if there is a need to remove a part used reel, as the operator has to reach right behind the reel to grip it in order to slide it from the mandrel.
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Packline's specially designed attachment for the Compac Mk3 features extra long twin spindles that support the reel and enable it to be inserted deep into the machine and straight onto the film mandrel. The attachment also enables a part used reel to be removed by simply taking the weight off the mandrel and withdrawing it from the machine.
Picking up the reels from a pallet is also a simple matter as the distance between the spindles has been set to enable them to slide under a standard 500mm wide reel of film when it is lying horizontally.
For users who have reels stacked vertically on a pallet a second option has been developed in the form of an extra long version of Packline's vertical spindle. |
 | This unit can be inserted vertically into the core of the reel then expanded to grip the core. Once it is secure, the reel can be swung round to the horizontal position and moved forward to load the reel on the mandrel.
A spokesman for one of our customer says, "We now have two of the Packline units and they are making life much easier for the operators who look after our Kisters machines. The time taken to change a reel has been reduced considerably and removing a part used reel now presents no problem at all". | 
