Flexible packaging and modular automation
COMBI: Cosmopack’s modular platform for secondary packaging
A single architecture designed to handle different materials, products and formats, integrate new functionalities over time, and make packaging lines more flexible, compact and efficient.
In industrial packaging, the variety of products and formats continues to grow. At the same time, the available space within production lines is becoming more limited, while the need for faster format changeovers, simplified maintenance and the integration of new functions without completely redesigning the machine continues to increase.
To meet these requirements, Cosmopack developed COMBI: a universal, modular platform for secondary packaging, designed to go beyond the traditional approach based on machines dedicated to a single function.
COMBI is not simply a new packaging machine. It is an engineering platform that allows the machine to be configured according to the production line, the product and the packaging material, with the possibility of adding new modules and functions at a later stage.
The principle behind COMBI
Instead of designing a machine for a single format, create an architecture capable of adapting to the evolution of the production line.
From dedicated machines to a universal platform
Traditionally, different types of secondary packaging require dedicated machines: one solution for cardboard, another for shrink film, another for flat or die-cut blanks, as well as other configurations designed for specific products.
This approach can be effective when production remains unchanged over time, but it becomes more complex when the same line must handle different package types, formats and packaging materials.
COMBI was developed to bring all these requirements together in a single platform, configurable to deliver cardboard wrap-around, shrink film or combined packaging solutions, according to the specific requirements of each project.
Why the COMBI platform was developed
The platform was designed to address the real challenges encountered in modern industrial packaging lines.
Handle multiple formats
Adapt the machine to bottles, jars, trays, special containers and different packaging configurations.
Reduce machine footprint
Integrate numerous axes and functions into compact lines while minimizing electrical cabinet dimensions and overall space requirements.
Simplify wiring
Make the machine more organized, accessible and easier to install, maintain and integrate into the production line.
Add new functions
Enable future integration of optional modules without requiring major redesign work.
Simplify cleaning
Ensure a clean machine design and easy access to all machine areas, particularly important in the food industry.
Reduce commissioning time
Use a repeatable architecture that can be quickly configured across different machine versions.
Mechanical and electronic modularity
A platform designed to evolve
COMBI’s modularity goes beyond its mechanical structure. The platform is based on a distributed automation architecture that brings control closer to the motors while centralizing the power supply.
This makes it possible to manage a large number of axes, reduce the number of components inside the electrical cabinet and keep machine wiring simpler and more organized.
What modularity means
- Product-specific configurable modules
- Optional functions that can be added later
- Reusable architecture across multiple machine versions
- Number of axes tailored to the required configuration
- Simplified integration with existing production lines
- Greater long-term investment protection
Benefits for the production line
The platform’s technological innovation delivers tangible benefits during machine design, installation and operation.
More compact electrical cabinet
Reducing the number of components inside the electrical cabinet helps minimize the machine’s overall footprint.
Cleaner wiring
Shorter cable runs improve accessibility and simplify installation.
Faster commissioning
The modular configuration reduces the time required for machine commissioning.
Simplified maintenance
A clean, accessible design makes inspection, cleaning and maintenance operations easier.
Future expandability
The machine can be upgraded with new modules without replacing the entire platform.
Predictable integration
The standardized architecture simplifies integration with upstream and downstream automation systems.
Field-proven performance
The first implementation of the COMBI platform demonstrated tangible benefits in terms of speed, production continuity and reliability.
coordinated axes
cycles per minute per line
packages processed without unplanned downtime
Actual performance may vary depending on product format, product characteristics, machine configuration and production line specifications.
Flexibility for different products and packaging formats
COMBI’s greatest advantage is its ability to maintain consistent performance even when products, formats or secondary packaging materials change.
This flexibility allows the platform to be used on production lines dedicated to different applications, reducing dependence on fully dedicated machines.
Examples of compatible products
- Bottles and flacons
- Jars and cylindrical containers
- Food trays
- Boxed products
- Shaped containers
- Special or complex formats
Industrial applications
The COMBI platform can be configured for a wide range of industrial sectors, according to the specific requirements of each production line.
A machine designed for today’s and tomorrow’s production needs
A packaging line is an investment expected to remain in operation for many years. During that time, products, materials, packaging formats and production objectives may all change.
For this reason, flexibility should not be viewed solely as the ability to perform quick format changeovers. It should also include the machine’s capability to accommodate new functions and adapt to the evolution of the production facility.
With COMBI, Cosmopack offers an approach based on modularity, scalability and long-term investment protection.
Learn more
Related Technical Guides
Industrial Automation in Packaging Lines
How to design more efficient, reliable and easily integrated packaging lines.
Flexible Packaging Systems
Technologies that enable rapid adaptation to new products, formats and market demands.
Lights-Out Manufacturing
Advanced automation for higher productivity, production continuity and reduced manual intervention.
Product Handling in Automatic Packaging Lines
Feeding, conveying and synchronization systems for high-performance packaging lines.
How to Design a Modular Packaging Line
The principles of modular design for scalable, flexible and future-ready packaging lines.
OEE in Packaging Lines
How availability, performance and quality determine the overall efficiency of a packaging line and help identify production losses.
COMBI: A New Approach to Secondary Packaging
The COMBI platform builds on Cosmopack’s expertise in designing labeling, product handling and packaging systems, transforming it into a universal, modular and easily integrable solution.
The result is a machine capable of meeting today’s production requirements while evolving together with the production line.
Would you like to evaluate a COMBI configuration for your production line?
Contact Cosmopack to analyze your products, packaging formats, required production speeds and integration opportunities with your existing production systems.
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