Bradman Lake to showcase integrated packaging automation line at PACK EXPO International 2026
Bradman Lake will demonstrate a fully integrated packaging automation line at PACK EXPO International 2026, highlighting technologies designed to help manufacturers improve productivity, flexibility and operational efficiency. The company will exhibit at booth S-1742 during the event, scheduled for Oct. 18-21 in Chicago.
The showcase builds on the company's recent interpack 2026 launch and will feature the North American debut of the FT-iFLEX Flow Wrapper, along with intelligent loading, cartoning and bagging technologies aimed at supporting high-mix manufacturing environments.
FT-iFLEX flow wrapper debuts in North America
The FT-iFLEX Flow Wrapper will be displayed as part of a connected packaging line designed to maximize throughput while reducing downtime and maintenance requirements.
Built around Rockwell Automation's iTRAK intelligent track system, the machine uses zero-pressure product infeed, independent product movement and automatic variable pitch adjustment without mechanical changeovers. According to the company, the system synchronizes product spacing with film length in real time to improve product placement accuracy and seal quality.
Key features include:
- Precise product positioning and seal integrity
- Registration accuracy
- Rapid response to upstream product variation
- Reduced change parts
- Lower maintenance requirements
- Push-button size changeovers
- Open-frame hygienic design
The flow wrapper is designed for food, pharmaceutical, medical and multipack packaging applications.
Intelligent loading and cartoning integration
In the live demonstration line, products exiting the FT-iFLEX will transfer to Bradman Lake's Intelligent Motion Loader (IML), which is powered by a medium-frame iTRAK system.
The loader is designed to accept randomly spaced products, collate them and synchronize product flow before loading them into the company's SL903 End Load Cartoner.
Bradman Lake said the system's independently controlled movers and advanced tracking capabilities help maintain high-speed performance while reducing wear and minimizing the need for change parts.
The SL903 End Load Cartoner is designed to handle a variety of carton materials, including recyclable and lower-grade board, supporting both operational and sustainability objectives.
Top-load cartoning systems on display
The company will also feature its HS Carton Former and IL120 Carton Closer as part of a top-load cartoning solution.
The HS Carton Former and Tray Erector offers:
- Speeds up to 180 cartons or trays per minute
- Fast changeovers
- Modular support for multiple carton styles
At PACK EXPO International, the machine will be configured for three-flap carton lock erection.
The IL120 Carton Closer includes flexible rubber finger technology designed to handle overfilled cartons, along with tool-less size changeover and repeatable sealing performance.
Sustainability and operational efficiency focus
Sustainability will be a key theme across the exhibit. During live demonstrations, the FT-iFLEX and SL903 systems will run recyclable packaging materials to demonstrate compatibility with eco-friendly films and carton board.
PACK EXPO International attendees can see the equipment in operation and discuss packaging automation projects with Bradman Lake representatives at booth S-1742.