Roberts PolyPro Introduces ICHA180 Can Handle Applicator

Sep 16, 2019

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Roberts PolyPro, a ProMach product brand, introduces the ICHA180 inline can handle applicator at Pack Expo Las Vegas booth #C-3414. Ideal for craft beer and distilled spirits, this compact system applies Robert PolyPro’s eye-catching HDPE #2 handles to four- and six-packs of beverages in 12 and 16 oz. aluminum cans. The ICHA180 is an economical, fully-automated solution handling speeds up to 180 cpm. Compared to manual and semi-automated application, it minimizes labor and achieves faster speeds.

“The growing craft beer and distilled spirits markets are competitive, and our attractive multi-pack handles help products stand out on crowded retail shelves. When choosing a way to apply them, small producers need a high quality system that fits their budget. The ICHA180 hits that sweet spot – it’s a fully-automated solution at a great price,” said Roy Tetreault, Vice President and General Manager at Roberts PolyPro. “Craft brewers and distillers are passionate entrepreneurs who want to make beer and spirits, not worry about machinery. The ICHA180’s plug-and-play design makes it a snap to install. It’s simple, easy to use and gets the job done.”

The ICHA180 is a space-efficient solution with a footprint that’s only 24 inches wide and 60 inches long (61cm wide and 152cm long). The applicator, installed inline after the can seamer, features a two-lane conveyor that transports cans side by side. As cans enter the ICHA180, a sensor detects the presence of 12 cans and an air-activated flow gate extends across the conveyor. With 12 cans in position, the system applies either two sets of six-pack handles per cycle or three sets of four-pack handles per cycle. Then, the flow gate releases the multi-packs, which are discharged to downstream case or tray packing.

To change between four- and six-packs, the ICHA180 requires only a simple adjustment to the handle magazine and swapping out the handles, which can be achieved in less than three minutes without tools or change parts. When changing between 12- and 16-oz cans, no system adjustments are needed since the applicator stroke automatically accommodates either size can. The ICHA180 runs for approximately five minutes at 180 cpm before the handle magazine needs to be refilled.

Roberts PolyPro’s injection-molded HDPE #2 handles have a striking appearance, superior holding capabilities and a practical tab design. They are available in 32 standard colors and with optional color matching in any PMS color. In addition to being 100 percent recyclable, the handles use up to 30 percent less plastic than competitive injection-molded handles. The open top eliminates moisture from accumulating between the can top and handle. The tab design allows fast and easy application, either manually or with a semi- or fully-automated applicator like the ICHA180 or the higher volume THA240.

About Roberts

Beverage, food, and consumer goods companies of all sizes choose Roberts PolyPro for plastic bottle, can, and box handles and application systems. Roberts PolyPro provides innovations that meet the challenges of today’s marketplace for multipacking and carrying. Roberts PolyPro is a product brand of ProMach, a global leader in packaging line solutions. As part of the ProMach Bottling & Capping business line, Roberts PolyPro helps our packaging customers protect their reputation and grow the trust of their consumers. ProMach is performance, and the proof is in every package. Learn more about Roberts PolyPro at www.RobertsPolyPro.com and more about ProMach at www.ProMachBuilt.com.

Media Contact

Barbara Soto | 1-704-995-1752

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