To achieve the best possible marriage between form and function, Herma, locally represented by Result Group, has adopted a new clean design for its latest range of labelling machines.
The new concept offers a whole series of benefits – from greater modular flexibility and ease of cleaning to enhanced sustainability.
At the same time, an online configurator together with digital order processing has accelerated secure ordering and reduced production lead times.
“Enhanced flexibility, easier cleaning, more robust, simpler maintenance and more sustainable – with its clean design concept, Herma is taking its proven modular principle to a whole new level,” said Erik Bachle, Herma’s labelling machines development chief.
“Herma is showcasing the first machine to appear in the new clean design, the wraparound labeller 152C, at the upcoming Fachpack exhibition in Nuremberg, and a succession of further machines is to be given the clean design treatment in due course.
“The digital order processing associated with this development substantially shortens throughput times, and gives rise to faster availability on the customer’s side.”
Clean design marks a significant departure from the machine concept that is now being phased out, both visually and from a functional perspective.
Thanks to the sealed drill holes, a minimum of gaps and slots, as well as cladding with rounded corners, the hygiene-driven design of the updated machines offers a high degree of protection against contamination, and facilitates cleaning and maintenance.
The machine frame uses members from large-scale production that are shortened to the required lengths, which conserve resources.
Machining is therefore minimised, which makes a telling contribution to sustainable manufacturing, and functional modules, such as the conveyor, labelling station and signal column, are attached exclusively to frame members.
Another consequence of the clean design principle for Herma machines is a uniform distance between the table frame and conveyor.
“For our customers, this further enhances and accelerates machine availability, because, thanks to their overarching compatibility, the functional modules are universal and can be pre-assembled from stock,” Bachle explained.
“When service requests arise, these modules can also be exchanged or retrofitted more quickly. The machines are therefore highly future-proof and sustainable.”
A further implication of the clean design concept in many instances is a lower centre of gravity. This change makes the Herma labelling machines even more stable and robust, making them ideal for the rigours of everyday operation.
In addition, the clean design machines can be picked up by lift trucks more easily and securely.
“For Herma, already an acknowledged pioneer of modular design in our industry, the development of a clean design principle represented a logical next step,” concluded Bachle.
“It expresses our undertaking to customers as regards dependability, performance and innovation through a clear design vocabulary and well-conceived construction.”
