Somic Expands Portfolio into Entry-Level Segment
With the new Somic 202, Somic is expanding its portfolio to include an entry-level machine designed for standardized packaging tasks. Furthermore, at Interpack, the company will present additional cartoning solutions as well as new automation technology.
Until now, Somic has primarily been represented in the market by cartoning machines in the mid-range and high-performance segments—and with great success: within just ten years, the Amerang-based company grew from around 200 to approximately 500 employees. However, a suitable offering in the entry-level segment had previously been missing. This gap is now set to be filled by the new Somic 202, which will be unveiled at Interpack.
One of the key drivers behind this development is a stronger strategic focus on international growth markets, such as Asia and Africa. In these regions, there is a demand for compact and cost-effective solutions that simultaneously meet Somic’s high quality standards. According to the company, three factors are particularly decisive in this context: the number of required carton formats, the desired output rate, and the user's long-term packaging strategy.
The Somic 202 is designed as a robust and compact entry-level machine for standardized packaging tasks. It achieves an output of up to 20 single-piece packages per minute and processes both RSC cartons and flat tray or wraparound blanks. Technically, the machine relies on a chain-based carton feeding system combined with state-of-the-art control technology. The target audience consists of companies looking to automate clearly defined processes, or those working with a limited number of formats and moderate output requirements. The primary focus is on ease of operation, mechanical reliability, and a minimal footprint.
Flexible and High-Performance
The second-generation Somic 323 machine offers even greater flexibility. It is aimed at users dealing with a wider variety of formats and varying retail requirements. The machine processes up to ten different formats and enables flexible product grouping as well as single- or multi-row packaging concepts. "The Somic 323 stands equally for performance and flexibility," explains Josef Bliemel, Director of Systems Engineering at Somic. Flat blanks are fed via vacuum. For tray applications, the machine achieves an output of up to 20 cartons per minute across a wide range of formats. A one-piece frame, compact design, and defined manual changeover positions are designed to offer economic advantages—particularly in scenarios involving infrequent format changes. This concept is complemented by an intuitively operable and flexibly positionable HMI, as well as an LED operational status indicator.
Cobot Solution for Carton Loading
Somic positions the Somic 434 as the flagship of its product portfolio. In its double-cycle configuration, the machine achieves up to 60 cycles per minute; a triple-cycle configuration is also available. It is designed for high flexibility and is capable of processing more than 30 different formats. Vacuum carton feeding and the fully automated control of all changeover parameters enable frequent format changes without any loss of productivity. According to Bliemel, the aim is to meet customer demands for high performance, ease of operation, and rapid changeover processes.
The Coboload cobot is also making its debut at Interpack. Following an eight-month testing phase at a customer site, Somic is now bringing this solution to market. A key feature of the system is that—according to the company—the standard safety fencing can be dispensed with, as all necessary certifications have been obtained. Based on a Yaskawa robot, Coboload loads carton magazines directly from a pallet—ensuring correct orientation—and integrates seamlessly with the packaging machine. This solution is designed to address the growing automation requirements of many users and can be deployed with both new cartoners and existing machinery.
