More than 30 major fluid-power companies will be exhibiting at the 13th annual Pack Expo, showcasing components, solutions, and full-scale hydraulic and pneumatic systems used in vertical packaging and processing markets. Representatives will be available to brainstorm and build business relationships aimed toward optimizing factory operations in food and beverage, electronics, cosmetics, textiles, and other consumer-goods industries. With more than 2400 exhibitors overall in addition to 50,000 attendees, Pack Expo represents the largest international processing and packaging tradeshow in 2016. It will convene at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois from November 6-9.
Fluid-power systems play an integral role in sensitive processing and packaging operations due to their robustness to heavy-shock loading, high power density, and ability to transfer power through low-friction hoses to remote operations. Pneumatic systems are useful for creating tight seals in packaging applications, and controlling several systems via manifolds from a single reservoir.
Companies on the show floor will be available to address solutions such as housing equipment to protect against high-acid wash-down environments, bio-degradable and non-toxic lubricants and fluids, and venting systems to prevent contamination of goods. In addition to maintenance, repair, and operation (MRO) replacement parts, the Pack Expo will also serve as a center for the latest available electronics and controls aimed at new and existing fluid-power systems.
The Pack Expo separates into four pavilions: Containers and Materials, Confectionary, Processing, and Reusable Packaging. A mobile planner is available on the Pack Expo website so that visitors can manage their schedule and visit booths of interest at all four pavilions. Complimentary shuttle buses will run between McCormick Place and designated hotels during certain time windows every 15 to 20 minutes.
Each day of the show, visitors can attend educational sessions at the aptly named Innovation Stage. Sessions will consist of 30-minute seminars presented by suppliers that introduce their latest technologies, systems, and strategies for the processing and packaging industries. Main themes of the sessions include “smart” packaging through cloud-based and Internet of Things systems, troubleshooting techniques, sustainability, safety, and other trends to streamline operations.
Fluid-power actuation is abundant in many vertical markets throughout the processing and packaging industry. Attendees can learn how fluid-power systems are able to optimize the holding power of robotic arms or create air-tight seals.
Additional educational opportunities offered at Pack Expo include certified-trainer workshops for service technicians, service and training managers, maintenance technicians, internal trainers, and line supervisors. A risk-assessment workshop will also be on the premises, in addition to a NextGen Networking Fair at the Education & Workforce Pavilion on Nov. 6.
Furthermore, Pack Expo reaches out to women in packaging and processing industries by hosting an Industry Networking Breakfast for Women. This will take place at Meeting Room E-450 in the Upper Lakeside Center from 7:00 am – 9:00 am.
To register for Pack Expo, go to the website and click “Register Now” under the Attend tab. Registration before October 14 is $30, and $100 after that. Spouses of attendees can attend for free.
