Cristian Sala, Sales Executive Manager, and Paola Fraschini, Marketing Manager, outline how Cama plans to strengthen its engagement with the North American market through a combination of modern technology and inclusive strategic assistance.
Research and Development of the MTL monoblock machine
Cristian Sala began by outlining how “Cama invested years of research and development to build the MTL, a monoblock machine distinguished by the use of independent magnetic shuttles, a technology that allows for the disruption of standard linear design in manufacturing. The MTL was designed to answer the increased demand for flexibility, not only by increasing production capacity but also by making each part of the process autonomous and simple. In reality, this machine integrates multiple tasks into one optimised flow, making it excellent for firms of various sizes who require high productivity while remaining flexible, both in the food and non-food sectors”.
The MTL presented at Pack Expo is one of the most sophisticated monoblock machines. “It demonstrates Cama’s commitment to developing solutions that not only boost performance but are also easy to implement into complex production systems. One of the important features of this machine,” Sala explained, “is its capacity to quickly adapt to changes in format and different customer needs. This means that, while keeping the concept of standardisation, the MTL provides for a high degree of customisation, allowing producers to respond immediately to new market demands.”
Alessandro Rocca (Cama Sales Group Director) presents the MTL Full Robotic Monoblock (video: Cama)
The MTL design also boosts the production line’s freedom, minimising the need for manual intervention by the operator. “This is a trait that is particularly valued in North America, where specialised expertise might be difficult to find. Our goal has always been to develop solutions that can make packaging lines as self-sufficient as possible,” Sala stated, “and with the MTL, we have managed to produce a machine that not only satisfies, but rather goes over, this requirement.“
Sala noted the digital twin, an advanced digital simulation that allows customers to see process progress in real time and optimise operations even before the machine started operation, as one of the technologies that distinguish MTL. The digital twin enables the client to simulate the operations of the line, verify the functioning of each component, and intervene as needed to make changes and optimisations. “This technology,” he said, “represents a fundamental competitive advantage, especially for customers who operate on a large scale and must guarantee highly efficient production.”
Process automation and flexibility are strong
Cama implemented additional features within the MTL, allowing the machine to better manage format change over and reduce the risk of errors. This method improves the general reliability of the system and simplifies the operator’s life, allowing him to act only when absolutely essential. “Nowadays,” observes Sala, “the main challenge is to automate each phase of the process to respond to an ever-increasing demand for flexibility.”
Adoption of these technologies simplifies less complex and more autonomous system maintenance. “In fact, because of augmented reality technology, operators may use a tablet to monitor the status of the equipment, identify any need for intervention, and purchase spare parts quickly, reducing maintenance times. Sala added that many clients appreciate the ability to update current devices with these technological developments. “We offer an upgrade service,” Sala told me, “to bring existing lines into line with the latest technologies, without having to replace the entire machine.”
When comparing the American and European markets, Sala emphasised that one of the primary distinctions is the size and operational requirements. “While European customers frequently participate in the design phase, wanting to customise every aspect, Americans prefer fully customised and ready-to-use technical solutions, looking for a technological partner that can give a “turnkey” package. In this way,” replied Sala, “we can quickly adapt our solutions to the specificities of each market, and ensure that our customers always get the greatest value benefit of their investment.“
The value of direct presence in the North American Market
“The direct presence of the company in the United States is a strategic component of the Cama Group,” said Paola Fraschini, Cama’s marketing manager. Today, Cama’s activities in North America have their focal point at the American headquarters, which enables us to offer direct customer service and maintain constant and prompt communication with local staff members. Fraschini said, “We are delighted to give customers a service that extends beyond straightforward sales and follows the client through the plant’s whole life cycle”.
“The Cama USA headquarters, strategically located to serve a wide territory that goes from the United States to Canada and Mexico, is equipped with a spare parts warehouse and an after-sales service team ready to intervene quickly for any need“. Fraschini also mentioned that “the American team works closely with the Italian headquarters, creating a synergy that allows us to transfer cutting-edge skills and technologies directly to the customers’ production sites. Our team works closely with customers to develop customised solutions,” she added, “and because of our local presence, we can respond quickly to their needs.”
Augmented Machine Assistance. The set can be integrated onto machines that have already been installed
Another point of significant interest to American customers is the possibility of adopting augmented reality packages, such as the Augmented Machine Assistance Package, and other industry 4.0 technologies that Cama provides on new machines. This package, which includes capabilities such as automatic format change identification and predictive maintenance management, is quickly becoming the market standard. “Our commitment,” says Fraschini, “is to make it as easy as possible for our customers to integrate these innovations, even on machines already installed in their plants.”
Pack Expo: a complete line in operation
Cama is exhibiting a complete line in action at the Pack Expo in Chicago, including the machine of the year, the monoblock MTL with magnetic shuttles, as well as the forming machine. This demo scheme provides a detailed experience of Cama solutions’ flexibility and efficiency, as well as a one-of-a-kind opportunity for customers to directly explore the potential of the most recent developments. The Cama USA staff is available to demonstrate the line’s capabilities and plan visits to American customers’ facilities, providing an in-depth overview of how Cama technology may enhance the performance and competitiveness of packaging companies.
The technical features of the Cama Monoblock MTL
The MTL monobloc is simple and sustainable, and anyone with Cama training can utilise it. The number of actions required has been reduced, and the ergonomics machines make them easier to use. Furthermore, the systems are cost-effective and environmentally friendly, both in terms of design and energy use. Machines are built to the appropriate size, and bigger motors are not utilized unless absolutely essential. Everything is specially developed to meet the actual needs of the electrical and pneumatic parts. Furthermore, the MTL’s magnetic shuttles consume less energy than comparable traditional systems.
The advantageous characteristics of MTL monoblocks for industry are clear with frequent product, assortment, and package variations. The extremely efficient system with automatic change over, as well as other technical features such as servo motors and RFID technology for specific parts, contributed to into shorter machine setup times. The amount of components on board has also been reduced, resulting in less adjustments to make, fewer human errors, and more user-friendly equipment. Customers have difficulties to maintain excessively complicated devices because their operating teams frequently change and training is tough.
The MTL monoblock from Cama is renowned for its great flexibility and productivity. The machine’s main features are:
- Shuttle up to 2,000 ppm across a 14-meter length;
- Use ACOPOStrak B&R magnetic shuttle for product handling.
- Flexible handling of packages with multiple flavour variants.
- Automatic format changes for document procedures, 3D animated instructions, and work verification.
- Flyers can be placed between products.
- RFID tags can be used for component identification.
- Augmented Reality: simplifies maintenance procedures, format changes, services, manuals, and spare parts (with appropriate QR Codes in the machine parts) in real time.
- Simplified maintenance procedures, including cleaning, inspection, replacement, and lubrication.
- Automatic switching: servomotors, digital indicators, self-diagnostics, less human intervention, decreased time and failures, RFID (radio frequency identification).
- Cama provides a service helpline for spare parts and maintenance.
In addition to Pack Expo, Cama will be at ALL4PACK and Gulfood Manufacturing:
- Pack Expo (3-6 November 2024, Chicago, USA), North Building – N 5152
- Gulfood Manufacturing (5-7 November, Dubai), Hall Shk Seed Hall 2, Stand S2 B3
- ALL4PACK (4-7 November, Paris, France), Hall 5, Stand F041
