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March 30, 2026
Sub-Sahara Mining & Industrial Journal
Industrial

Bradman Lake Group Unveils Breakthrough Packaging Technologies at Interpack 2026

Bradman Lake, a global leader in advanced packaging machinery and automation, is gearing up for a standout presence at Interpack 2026, the world’s premier processing and packaging exhibition. From 7 to 13 May 2026, visitors are invited to Hall 5, Stand C22 to experience a powerful lineup of smart, efficient and sustainability‑focused packaging solutions – from flow wrapping to fully automated cartoning and end‑of‑line case packing.

 

Global Launch: The New FTiFLEX Flow Wrapper

Taking centre stage at Interpack 2026 is the FT‑iFLEX Flow Wrapper, Bradman Lake’s newest innovation designed for today’s demanding manufacturing environments. Engineered for precision, agility and uptime, the FT‑iFLEX brings a new level of control and flexibility to flow wrapping.

 

It retains the advantages of our modular approach and features backward‑compatible modules, including a range of end‑seal units that can be adapted to run packaging materials required for specific application.

 

Powered by Rockwell Automation’s small‑frame iTRAK® intelligent track technology, the FT‑iFLEX positions the product at the infeed with zero-pressure and offers independent product movement, along with a variable‑pitch infeed that automatically adapts to product length without mechanical adjustments.

Due to removal of the pitch restriction found on conventional flow wrappers, the required pitch can be automatically matched to the material length enabling perfect transition between the infeed and the wrapping material, which ensures accurate product placement time after time.

 

The result:

  • Consistent, high‑quality seals and accurate product placement in the wrap
  • Superior registration accuracy
  • Immediate responsiveness to upstream fluctuations
  • Minimal changeover / parts
  • High‑mix production with minimal downtime
  • Low wear and low maintenance

Ideal for food, medical, pharmaceutical, and multipack operations, the FT‑iFLEX is designed to keep production lines running smarter and more efficiently than ever with push‑button automatic size change.

 

Its modular, open‑frame design ensures clear access beneath the product line, minimising product debris and supporting stringent hygiene requirements.

Key Machine Capabilities and Performance

  • Designed for high mix manufacturing environments.
  • Variable pitch technology enabling multiple SKUs while reducing the need for change parts.
  • Integrated feeder significantly reduces the machine footprint.
  • High integrity sealing, including enhanced modules for recyclable films.
  • Increased tolerance to product spacing, improving overall efficiency.
  • Seamless integration with automated production lines.

 

Benefits

  • Developed to run recyclable films, enabling the end user to deliver more sustainable packaging.
  • Shared power architecture between iTRAK® and ArmorKinetix drives improves overall energy efficiency.
  • Rapid, tool-less changeovers to maximise machine uptime.
  • Sealing module specifically engineered to handle sustainable packaging materials.
  • Rockwell’s integrated architecture simplifies fault finding and maintenance.
  • Optix platform provides both machine visualization and remote connectivity.

 

Innovations & Features

  • 5730 small frame iTRAK® intelligent track system for precise carrier motion control.
  • Compact, ergonomic footprint with safe and easy access guarding.
  • Unified control architecture across both feeder and wrapper.
  • Advanced features including automatic web tracking, reel to reel splicing, Soft Jaw protection, and no product/no bag functionality.
  • ArmorKinetix Distributed Servo Drives, combining motors and drives to reduce cabinet space.

 

HS Mini Tray Former Feeding the FTiFLEX

Enhancing the front end of the flow wrapping line is the HS Mini Tray Former, delivering high performance in an impressively compact footprint – perfect for manufacturers with tight floor layouts.

 

Despite of its small size, the HS Mini delivers big benefits, including:

 

  • Replaces need for plastic trays
  • Up to 60 trays per minute
  • Fast, repeatable changeovers
  • Allen‑Bradley controls
  • With modular tooling, it can handle a wide range of carton and tray formats

 

At Interpack, the HS Mini will be configured for lock‑erect trays to transport the product to the FT‑iFLEX for a seamless wrapping demonstration.

 

 

 

 

Intelligent Motion Loader linked with SL903 End Load Cartoner

Following wrapping, products transition effortlessly into the cartoning system via Bradman Lake’s advanced Intelligent Motion Loader (IML), powered by a medium size iTRAK®.

The IML:

  • Accepts randomly fed products
  • Automatically synchronises and collates them
  • Delivers precise, continuous loading into the cartoner’s infeed
  • Minimal or no change parts
  • Low wear and low maintenance

 

Featuring independently controlled movers, electromagnet‑driven motion and advanced tracking technology, the IML ensures smooth, accurate and reliable product handling – even at high speeds.

 

 

IndustryTrusted EndLoad Cartoning with the SL903

Completing the integrated demonstration line is the renowned SL903 fully automatic end‑load cartoner – a favourite among global food and consumer goods manufacturers.

 

Known for its durability and versatility, the SL903 handles a wide range of carton board materials, including lower‑grade and fully recyclable options, supporting today’s sustainability goals. Fast changeovers and easy machine access keep productivity high and operations simple for busy production teams.

 

All equipment is powered using Allen‑Bradley’s RSLogix 5000 software, ensuring seamless connection between all control components.

 

All core machines are integrated into the safety circuit.

 

Sustainability in Action

The HS Mini Tray Former, FT‑iFLEX Flow Wrapper and SL903 End Load Cartoner will be running sustainable recyclable packaging materials, underscoring Bradman Lake’s commitment to environmentally responsible solutions without compromising performance.

 

WR5 Robotic Wraparound Case Packer:

In addition to the flow wrapping and cartoning line, Bradman Lake will feature one of the many versions of the WR5 Robotic Wraparound Case Packer. The WR5 combines single (SRT), double (DRT) and triple (TRT) Race Track Systems for high‑speed robotic collation, all powered by Rockwell Automation control, with efficient wraparound case packing.

 

For maximum flexibility, the WR5 Robotic Wraparound Case Packer can handle several formats –

including single, double and triple‑facing packs. Quick size changeover is achieved with minimal change parts.

Immersive Technology Showcase

Attendees can explore a variety of video case studies and installation footage illustrating Bradman Lake Group’s solutions in real‑world environments – across flow wrapping, cartoning, sleeving, shrink wrapping, tray packing, case packing and palletising.

 

 

See It All at Interpack 2026

Interpack 2026 is the ideal opportunity to discover how Bradman Lake Group’s fully integrated packaging systems and automation drive productivity, adaptability and long‑term operational value.

 

Visit Hall 5, Stand C22 to see

  • The FT‑iFLEX Flow Wrapper
  • The compact HS Mini Tray Former
  • The IML Intelligent Motion Loader
  • The SL903 End‑Load Cartoner
  • The WR5 Robotic Wraparound Case Packer

 

Experience the next generation of intelligent packaging automation – live at Interpack 2026.

 

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