In a bid to redefine the landscape of food packaging automation, Syntegon, a leading processing and packing technology partner, has joined forces with Beckhoff UK, a prominent automation technology provider. The collaboration aims to introduce cutting-edge solutions tailored to the needs of mid-sized businesses, empowering them to achieve growth through streamlined and efficient production processes.

The centerpiece of this partnership is the development of the BEC endload cartoner, a modular packaging solution designed to seamlessly integrate into any production line. This innovative machine, equipped with Beckhoff's advanced AMP servo motors, represents a significant leap forward in terms of stability and flexibility in food manufacturing.

The BEC cartoner addresses the critical need for consistency in product quality while accommodating the ever-changing demands of the industry. Its servo technology enables precise synchronization of drive components, ensuring repeatable product placement and minimizing the risk of errors. This capability is crucial, particularly during the packaging stage, where tight tolerances for variation must be maintained to meet stringent quality standards.

A key distinguishing feature of the BEC cartoner is its panelless design, which simplifies wiring and reduces the machine's footprint, offering unparalleled flexibility within factory settings. This design innovation aligns with Beckhoff's Automation Without Cabinets concept, eliminating the need for bulky control cabinets and optimizing space utilization.

The collaboration between Syntegon and Beckhoff is not new; it is built on a long-standing partnership characterized by mutual innovation and shared goals. Previous collaborations, such as the development of the Kliklok ACE Topload Carton Former, have laid the groundwork for the success of the BEC project.

Despite encountering initial obstacles during the testing phase, both teams persevered, leveraging their expertise to overcome challenges and refine the machine's design. The result is a cartoner that exceeds industry standards in terms of performance, reliability, and ease of integration.

The BEC cartoner leverages Beckhoff's state-of-the-art technologies, including the AMP8000 servo drive system and EtherCAT industrial Ethernet technology. These innovations enable real-time communication, precise control, and seamless integration with other components of the production line, laying the foundation for Industry 4.0 concepts and IIoT connectivity.

Moreover, the incorporation of Beckhoff's TwinCAT 3 automation software further enhances the BEC cartoner's capabilities, offering a powerful real-time controller and facilitating data management and analysis for predictive maintenance.

Looking ahead, Syntegon and Beckhoff are poised to expand the BEC cartoner into a comprehensive range, catering to diverse needs within the food manufacturing industry. From basic end models to high-end variants, the BEC series promises unparalleled modularity and adaptability, enabling manufacturers to scale production seamlessly and meet evolving market demands.