PMMI : US Packaging Machinery Growth Predicted

Arlington, VA -- The Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI) predicts a 3% growth in packaging machinery sales in the United States to an estimated $5.854 billion. PMMI's U.S. Purchasing Plans Study represents the collective voice of 446 decision makers responsible for 8,339 packaging lines in 1,123 plants throughout eight key segments of the U.S. market.

This will be the fifth consecutive year following the economic downturn experienced in 2001 in which domestic demand will increase.

Much of the continued strength can be attributed to sustained growth of the U.S. economy, strong cash positions held by corporations and improved rates of capacity utilization. Another significant factor for growth is the ongoing effort by manufacturing organizations to reduce costs and improve productivity by expanding packaging line automation and installing the latest in high technology equipment.

“Machinery purchasers recognize the inherent benefit of incorporating the latest packaging technology into their lines in order to strengthen their existing operations,” noted Charles D. Yuska, president, PMMI. “Whether the reason is reducing maintenance costs, increasing line speeds or raising productivity, packaging machinery end users are looking for innovation from PMMI member companies.”

Five of the eight market segments defined in the study are expected to increase expenditures for packaging machinery this year. The largest increase in spending is predicted to come from the personal care products segment (10-12%) followed by beverages (6-8%) and converters, printers and all other (6-8%). The other segments looking to increase spending are food (2-3%) and pharmaceutical/medical (1-3%). The study indicates that 62% of the respondents plan to either increase their spending or keep expenditures at their 2005 level.

Macroeconomic Assumptions

The assessment of prospects for the U.S. economy and capital spending in 2006 are based largely on analyses of several groups of economic data in combination with the current consensus of economic forecasts. To that end, the purchasing plans forecasts reflect the following macroeconomic assumptions:

-U.S. 2006 gross domestic product (GDP) real growth of +2.9 to +3.4 percent
-Capacity utilization by U.S. manufacturers to edge slightly higher in 2006 – As of February 2006, capacity utilization for non-durable manufacturing stood at 81.5%, including 84.1% for the food industry
-U.S. capital spending to grow this year – All indications point to a meaningful increase in aggregate capital spending for 2006.
-Interest rates to continue rising from current (February, March 2006) levels through the year, with the prime exceeding 8.2% and the 10-year Treasury 5.5%
-Consumer spending to taper off in the second half as the effects of higher interest rates, higher oil prices, negative savings and a weekend real estate market take their toll
-Corporate profits to continue higher, but at a slightly slower pace than in 2005
Key Market Drivers

The complete 2006 Purchasing Plans study is available for $1500 by contacting Paula Feldman, director of statistics, at 1-888-ASK-PMMI (275-7664). The study reports detailed findings for each of the eight segments and goes into depth on the market trends and factors affecting machinery purchasing.

Source: http://www.pmmi.org/

WBF European Conference 2006 - Call for Papers

WBF - the Forum for Automation and Manufacturing Professionals - a worldwide, non-commercial organization dedicated to the advancement of manufacturing processes, is now heading for its bi-annual European Conference to be held at the Mechelen Conference Centre near Brussels, Belgium, November 13-15. Abstracts and papers can now be submitted.

Originating in the SP88 realm, WBF has naturally evolved to become the main, dedicated supporter of ISA88, ISA95, and OMAC standards, broadening its scope to the entire production system control, from batch to continuous, discrete, and hybrid manufacturing processes, from production planning to equipment automation.

The conference committee welcomes abstracts that cover all aspects of business to manufacturing integration (ISA 95 standard) and batch control (ISA 88 standard). Submissions covering the Business To Manufacturing Markup Language (B2MML), the Batch Markup Language (BatchML), continuous and discrete manufacturing using ISA 88, and abstracts regarding leading-edge techniques and applications are of high relevance for the conference.

The conference will be supported by ISA (Instrumentation, Systems and Automation Society) and by MESA International (Manufacturing Enterprise Solutions Association)

Important dates:
- Submission of Abstract: June 30, 2006
- Notification of Abstract Acceptance: July 28, 2006
- Submission of full paper: September 15, 2006
- Acceptance of full paper: September 29, 2006
- Submission of final paper: October 13, 2006
- Conference: November 13-15, 2006

Abstract and Paper submission:
Please send your material to euroconf@wbf.org

You may also contact nick.taylor@emersonprocess.co.uk (European Conference Chair), jean.vieille@isa-france.org (European Conference Co-Chair) or charlotta.johnsson@control.lth.se (Director European Operations).

About WBF

WBF, established in 1994, is a not-for-profit Forum for Automation and Manufacturing Professionals, promoting the exchange of information on the management, operation and automation of manufacturing processes. Members include end-users, vendors, consultants and academicians. In addition to hosting an annual conference with formal presentation and technical papers, the WBF integrates a variety of management and technical disciplines needed to advance batch, continuous and discrete manufacturing knowledge and technology.

Web site: http://www.wbf.org/

New Flex-Lifter Carries 4,000 Pounds

DOWNERS GROVE, IL -- Flexible Steel Lacing Company (Flexco) has announced the introduction of Flex-Lifter(TM), a conveyor belt lifter with a 4,000 lb. (1,810kg) safe lift rating, the highest available for today's conveyors.

The portable, versatile beltline maintenance tool is designed to safely lift fully loaded troughed or flat conveyor belts. The Flex-Lifter lifts troughed belts using adjustable wings, and flat return belts using a return lift bar included with each unit.

The Flex-Lifter is available in two models. The Medium Flex-Lifter is designed for belt widths from 36" to 60" (900mm to 1,500mm), while the Large Flex-Lifter is for belts from 48" to 72" (1,200mm to 1,800mm). Adjustable extension legs slide out to fit the conveyor structure. Lifts are made from underneath the belt without the need for potentially damaging clamps on the belt's edges or cover.

Both Flex-Lifter models are designed for safety and operating efficiency. When raised, they provide ample workspace for safe, easy changing of worn idler rollers, maintaining impact beds or establishing a splicing station for belt repairs. The Medium model achieves a vertical lift of 14" (350mm), while the Large model reaches 16" (400mm). They can be operated by a ratchet, drill motor or impact wrench, enabling workers to lift the belt while safely standing at its side.

Standing only 6-3/4" (169mm) high in the closed position, the compact units fit and extend easily in confined areas. Designed with a carrying handle, the durable units are also easy to transport and place in different locations along the conveyor belt line. The Medium Flex-Lifter weighs 60 lbs. (27kg), while the Large model weighs 74lbs. (33kg). All of the units are made of anodized aluminum for long-lasting durability. Stainless steel moveable pins provide corrosion resistance.

Introduction of the Flex-Lifter expands Flexco's line of portable belt maintenance tools for efficient, economical repairs and productive conveyor belt operation. The line also includes belt cutters, skivers and clamps.

For more information contact:
Flexco
2525 Wisconsin Ave.
Downers Grove, Illinois
Phone (630) 971-0150
Fax (630) 971-1180
Website: http://www.flexco.com/

Celebrate 'Freedom of the Press' and Enter to Win an iPod Nano

Jacksonville Beach, FL -- The famous "New Yorker" Magazine journalist A. J. Liebling once wrote, "Freedom of the press is guaranteed only to those who own one." But you don't have own a press today to exercise your power to inform, to persuade or influence your peers in the powder and bulk industries. You can publish free, right here on the Powder and Bulk Weblog, and every time you post an article between now and July 4th you'll be entered to win a free iPod Nano.

No Need to Start a Blog to Join this Information Revolution

Blogging is the fastest growing information medium the world has ever seen. It's easy to join in the fun and enjoy the rewards of becoming a blog author. There's no cost to become a contributor to this blog. You don't have to install software, or subscribe to a service, or post a new blog article very day. We provide a friendly environment where you can develop your blogging skills, at your own pace, with no cost and no long term commitment. And did we mention you could win a free iPod Nano, too?

The More you Contribute… the More Chances to Win an iPod Nano

Thanks to our fellow blogger, Joe Lewis, and Monitor Technologies, we're offering a chance to win a free iPod Nano for every article posted on this blog between now and July 4, 2006. Post more articles and receive more chances to win.

Start Blogging Now

It's easy to become a Power and Bulk blogger. Just send an email with your contact information to don@powderandbulk.com with the subject line: sign me up for the Powder Blog. We'll create an account for you and help you get started. And don't forget, every article you post between now and July 4th gives you another chance to win that iPod Nano.

For more information and contest rules visit, click here!

I

New Modular System for Bulk-Bag Filling Control and Metering is pleased to announce the introduction of its revolutionary Cone Table Elite (CTE) bulk bagging system.

Customer Support Tool Wins Award
Monitor Technologies was recognized for their excellence in interactive media production with a Bronze award.

MPE Announces Limestone Gran-U-Lizers Modular design for accurate cracking, grinding and crushing in limestone applications.

More headline news...

People post their requests for help and offer their suggestions to others in our open forum.

Mr. Osborne needs help with granulation of fertilizer:

I am trying to compact NPK fertilizer blends and my flake is to soft and blinds the roller mill. I am using about 30% urea along with map, k-mag, ammonium sulfate and a dry surfactant.

I am using a flake breaker prior to entering the roller mill and it works fine, but when the flake enters the two high roller mill, it blinds the cutting teeth and starts smearing.

I thought about cooling the flake or drying but would hope to resolve the problem without the additional cost. I am applying 8.5 ton of pressure per inch of roll width, which is close to my max. (to post reply, click here)

Any input would be appreciated,
Ron Osborne
Cell phone: 970-539-0798
Office: 970-587-5105
Fax: 970-587-5107
Email: frontierfertilizer@yahoo.com

Click here to share your expertise with others in our Help Forum.

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Computational Granular Dynamics :
Models and Algorithms
by Thorsten Pцschel & T. Schwager
Hardcover, 322 pages, 2005

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Handbook of Pneumatic
Conveying Engineering
by Mills, Jones & Agarwel
Hardcover, 1051 pages, 2004

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Handbook of Industrial Mixing : Science and Practice
by Edward L. Paul, et al
Hardcover,1440 pages, 2003

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Find more books for the materials handling professional online, visit our Reading Room.

Flooding Powders :
When Is Permeability Important?
by David Stuart Dick
Solids Handling Technologies, Inc.

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This week's homepage photo is of pneumatic conveying and storage system supplied by Premier Pneumatics. Their customers range from the powder industry to the plastics, chemical, minerals and food industries.

Photo courtesy of Shari Lake of Premier Pneumatics, Inc.

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