“The on-board magnetic shuttle technology has increased the versatility and market positioning of our packaging solutions. The ACOPOStrak system in combination with the automatic format changeover has allowed us to create the MTL to package multi-flavor products automatically and easily; furthermore, its footprint has been further reduced compared to more traditional options” begins Alessandro Rocca.

**Alessandro Rocca, Sales Group Director of the Cama group. (photo: Cama Group)**

What was the genesis of the MTL project?

“It all began with a customer’s request for mass production that included multiple flavours in the box.

Given the importance of this task, we chose to use the ACOPOStrak magnetic shuttle for its capacity to quickly transport products.

Thanks to this choice, we realized the MTL project by simplifying operations.

Even the simulation on the bench was precise right from the start, which allowed us to carry out the final installation without problems, respecting the times and requests of the customer.

Another advantage of the compact MTL, thanks to its excellent performance, is the automatic change over. We have been familiar with magnetic shuttle systems for a long time, we were among the first to use them, we know the advantages they can bring to a system, but we also know that these systems are not suitable for all applications”.

What are the most suitable packaging applications for magnetic shuttles?
“We usually design and install magnetic shuttle machines in the non-food industry, where packaging requires high flexibility and speed, versatile packaging management, and large quantities for mass consumption. Typical sectors include parapharmaceuticals, cosmetics, personal care, and home care. For these applications, we create machines that can package up to seven distinct flavours per package. Customers today expect more flexibility in the contents of packages than in the past, and this need is also increasing in food and pet food.“

The MTL monoblock for a distinctive requirement in production

“Our monoblocks are very versatile. Because of the fast speed with which the items are packaged and their flexibility, they can process massive infeeds while reacting to variability. For example, up to 60 boxes per minute can be packaged with an infeed of 2,000 pieces per minute, alternating between 1, 2, and 3 distinct flavours as needed. This is feasible because the MTL is modular, making it incredibly versatile and adaptive to the changing needs of today. Nowadays, Cama provides all of this, and magnetic shuttles are just one more function that may be used to satisfy production requirements.”

Stefano Marelli (R&D Engineer – AR Specialist Cama Group), explains some functions of the Monoblock MTL. (video: Cama Group)

The technical characteristics of the Cama MTL Monoblock with ACOPOStrak
The MTL monoblock stands out for its high productivity and flexibility. The main features of the Cama machine:

Shuttles (up to 2,000 ppm) over a maximum length of 14 m;
Product handling with ACOPOStrak B&R magnetic shuttles;
Flexible management of packages with multi-flavor variants;
Rapid automatic format change: document procedures, 3D animated instructions and verification of the work carried out;
Possibility of inserting flyers between products;
RFID tags on components for identification;
Augmented Reality: supports maintenance procedures, format change, services, manuals and spare parts (with specific QRCodes in the machine parts) in real time;
Simplified maintenance: cleaning, inspection, replacements, lubrication;
Automatic switching: servomotors, digital indicators, self-diagnostics, less human intervention, reduction of times and failures, RFID (radio frequency identification);
Cama service hotline for spare parts and maintenance.

The advantages of MTL monoblock for the food industry

“Frequent changes in product type, assortment and packaging are characteristics of the food industry. We developed a highly efficient system with automatic format changeover and other technical characteristics such as the utilization of servo motors and RFID technology for individual parts, resulting in faster machine setup times. We have also decreased the number of components on board, resulting in fewer modifications, less human errors, and more user-friendly devices. Customers have trouble to maintain overly complicated devices because their operating teams frequently change, and training is demanding”.

MTL Cama combines its simplicity and sustainability
During the Cama Openhouse, which will remain open until the end of July, the public of great occasions attended the presentation of the MTL monoblock. (photo: Cama Group)
“Simplifying our systems has been very useful,” explains Alessandro Rocca. “Anyone can use our monoblocks with our training, starting with programming in PackML, an easy-to-understand international language. We have reduced the operations to be performed and the ergonomics of the machines make them easier to use. In addition, our systems are energy-saving and sustainable, both in terms of layout and energy consumption. The machines are made with the right size and we do not use oversized motors if they are not necessary. Everything is custom designed according to the real needs of the electrical and pneumatic parts. Furthermore, the energy consumption of B&R magnetic carriages is lower than that of a conventional phase shifter, which on a monoblock of this type should power several motors with significantly higher consumption than integrated technology.”

MTL Cama Support: Technical and Post-Sales Assistance

The technological and production features of the MTL monoblock are accompanied by initial training and followed by after-sales assistance and support. “After taking charge of the work, the customer gave us complete freedom to develop the machine, only intervening during the FAT (Factory Acceptance Test). In this scenario, because they were developed for the American market, assistance will be provided locally by the American office. We call our assistance service for the monoblock “Academy”, we support it in the best possible way from classroom training at the customer’s premises, which is essential for the management of such important machines. Furthermore, clients have the option of selecting the maintenance program service, in which trained Cama employees visit clients in accordance with the agreements to do periodic machine inspections and fixes or, if required, to provide additional training”.

Could the magnetic shuttle technology be extended to other Cama machines?

**The on-board magnetic shuttle technology has increased the versatility and market positioning of our packaging solutions. (photo: Cama Group)**

“B&R magnetic shuttles are an additional standard. We know this technology, which has brought additional benefits to our customers as for the MTL. Since this technology has an economic impact on the machines that implement it, we do not intend to replace all traditional phasing with B&R systems, but we want to be free to choose from time to time depending on the application and the advantage we give to our customers. A machine like this is not always economically advantageous compared to traditional solutions, this depends on the applications. Of course, this technology allows us to solve many problems as in this case. A customer who wants to discuss with us the use of the most advanced technologies such as magnetic trolleys find us available to help him understand which technology could be the most suitable for his applications”.