Lachenmeier, part of SIG and manufacturer of stretch hood equipment and film, introduces new ICPA Interface to meet increasing demand for easy to use HMIs – providing intelligent communication in packaging with a user-friendly design that virtually anyone can operate. The new panel allows operators to control, monitor, diagnose and manage wrap applications. Specially designed icons illustrate every step of the wrapping process and provide better information on the wrap cycle. No programming skills are required to operate the panel.
“We created our new ICPA Interface not only to meet demands for user-friendly operation but also to ensure greater security, maintenance and optimize use of our Lachenmeier stretch hood machines and film,” says Mr. Tonny Konstmann, R&D Development Department, Lachenmeier HQ, Denmark.
The ICPA Interface is now available and standard on all new Lachenmeier stretch hood models. Following simple instructions, key product data is incorporated to allow the system to seamlessly adjust to varying load sizes. A large number of programs can be stored from default and called up by a simple touch of a button. As new pallet sizes or changes in existing pallets are added, the machine will automatically align itself to the new settings. To ensure greater security and avoid improper machine use, the system allows for a multi-level access and can assign each user varying levels of access with unique password logins for each operator. In the event of fault or parts wearing, an alarm screen appears alerting to the specific issue for quick discovery and repair. The wide screen format and clean design help to further avoid errors or miscommunication with the operator and system.
“It really doesn’t get easier than this,” says Konstmann. “Our machines are very robust and our technology is complex; however, the ICPA Interface makes running the system a breeze. Virtually anyone can learn and use our interface—making employee training and transitions a seamless process.”
Beyond its intuitive design, the ICPA Interface further increases total cost of ownership. Excessive downtime associated with diagnosing a problem can cost manufacturers significantly. Because the system alerts users to any problems, issues are resolved quickly and efficiently. In fact, the system is proactive in that it will indicate when the machine approaches a specific maintenance date or wearing part has limited time before it needs to be replaced. These safeguards ensure a trouble-free operation and help manufacturers avoid unnecessary and costly stops in production. The inherent design of Lachenmeier stretch hood machines and film further ensure greater load security and decrease costs associated with pallets being damaged in transit- coupled together manufacturers can further reduce film usage 10-25%.
“At the end of the day, cost is still an important market driver,” says Konstmann. “Our machines and film ultimately help customers reduce costs associated with load containment by providing the greatest packaging optimization from application to destination.”
