Electricity and Control July 2025

Control systems + automation

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PC-based control opens possibilities in pod packaging machines For TME, a machine builder specialising in the packaging of powdered foods, Beckho was the obvious choice of system supplier: Beckho PC-based control technology o ers multiple opportunities with regard to the performance and innovative capacity – in terms of flexibility, scalability, and openness – of its packaging machines. In this report, Stefan Ziegler of Beckho Automation notes that this is particularly evident in the latest Cialdy Evo machine series.

F ounded in Fidenza, Italy, in 1982, TME Packaging Solutions is known around the world for its packaging solutions, especially for powdered foods such as co›ee in capsules and pods. Alice Magnani, Head of HR and Marketing, and member of the founding family’s second generation, says, “TME was one of the first companies to produce packaging lines for single-dose products. It is currently focusing on technologies for sustainable packaging.” TME’s export share of over 80% reflects the company’s standing on an international scale, and its reliability and ability to innovate, which is necessary in the face of tough international competition. With the Cialdy Evo, TME has developed a compact packaging machine for co›ee, barley, tea, and herbal teas in sealed paper filter pods in single-portion bags. The machine precisely dispenses and fills up to 200 pods per minute and the pods are then sealed with the integrated sealing unit. Andrea Zuccheri, who is responsible for soŽware engineering

and automation at TME, highlights: “The special thing about this packaging machine is that the packaging process takes place around the pod that has just been formed.” In addition to higher productivity, the integration of the packaging and sealing process o›ers further advantages such as a smaller footprint of just 10 m°. The compact automation components from Beckho› also play a part. All disciplines combined in one system “We’re thrilled about PC-based control as an automation solution, which is why we have fully automated our machines with Beckho› technology,” says Zuccheri. TME has implemented the entire range of Beckho› components, from CX series Embedded PCs and CP-Link 4 remote control panels to numerous EtherCAT Terminals, AX5000 servo drives, and AM8000 servomotors with One Cable Technology (OCT). He adds: “PC-based control ensures a clear control architecture, saves space in the machine, and reduces installation, wiring, and maintenance work.” What’s more, EtherCAT ensures fast

© TME PC-based control enabled TME to increase the output of the Cialdy EVO packaging machine to 200 individual pods per minute.

4 Electricity + Control JULY 2025