PACK EXPO 2026 in Philadelphia wasn’t about static displays — it was about live, integrated automation systems solving real production challenges. At Booth #1200, Dartronics and HSAUSA demonstrated feeding systems, vertical case transport, thermal transfer overprinting, barcode verification, vision inspection, and high-speed continuous inkjet coding — all running in real time.
Led by Service Engineer AJ Marchev, these demos gave manufacturers an inside look at how controlled product handling and precision printing work together to eliminate manual intervention, improve accuracy, and increase throughput across demanding production environments.
If you missed us at the show, here’s exactly what each demo delivered — and why it matters to your operation:
🎥 VFS-1000 Vertical Feeding System | Printing on Zippered Pouches
See the VFS-1000 Vertical Feeding System in action — printing on zippered pouches standing on edge without operator intervention at speeds up to 60 pouches per minute.
Zippered pouches were presented vertically and consistently spaced, allowing for accurate, repeatable printing while maintaining product stability. Integrated barcode scanning and vision inspection verified print integrity throughout the run.
This live demo featured a fully integrated system including:
- VFS-1000 Vertical Feeding System
- MiniTouch Premium Controller
- BSC-550 Barcode Scanner Controller
- KEYENCE Vision Camera
Why You Need This System
Flexible packaging is notoriously unstable. If pouches shift, tip, or misalign, your print accuracy suffers and operators get pulled into manual correction.
The VFS-1000 provides controlled feeding, precision presentation, and seamless integration with coding and inspection systems — eliminating manual handling and reducing operator involvement.
Industries served:
Food & Beverage, Nutraceuticals, Cannabis, Pet Products, Contract Packaging, Consumer Packaged Goods
🎥 VCT-3000 Case Transport System Live Demo | Integrated Coding & Labeling
This live demo highlighted how the VCT-3000 Vertical Case Transport System serves as the foundation of a fully integrated case marking and labeling solution — engineered for stability, controlled spacing, and seamless downstream integration.
The VCT-3000 is more than a conveyor — it’s a controlled case handling system built to support high-resolution coding, variable data printing, and high-speed label application with confidence.
This live demo featured a fully integrated system including:
Why You Need This System
Together, these technologies demonstrated how thoughtful transport design improves print consistency, label accuracy, and overall line performance.
If case coding and labeling are happening on unstable or poorly spaced conveyors, accuracy suffers.
The VCT-3000 delivers:
- Controlled case spacing
- Stable print zones
- Seamless integration with inkjet and labeling systems
- Improved line performance
Industries served:
Distribution & Fulfillment, Food & Beverage, Pharmaceutical, Industrial Packaging, Contract Manufacturing.
🎥 HFS-2000 Horizontal Feeding System + FlexPack PRO TTO | Live Demo
Watch the HFS-2000 Horizontal Feeding System in action at PACK EXPO, integrated with the FlexPack PRO TTO Series 420 for high-precision thermal transfer overprinting on flexible packaging.
The integrated system is designed for reliable product handling, accurate print placement, and seamless production line performance.
This live demo featured a fully integrated system including:
This demo showcased smooth horizontal product feeding combined with crisp, high-resolution variable data printing — ideal for:
- Lot codes
- Expiration dates
- Barcodes
- Traceability information
- Film, pouches, and flat packaging materials
Why You Need This System
When film or flat materials shift during feeding, TTO print placement becomes inconsistent.
The HFS-2000 paired with FlexPack PRO ensures synchronized feeding and precise thermal transfer printing.
Industries served:
Flexible Packaging, Snack & Frozen Foods, Pharmaceutical Sachets, Nutraceutical Packaging, Cannabis Packaging, Contract Packagers.
🎥 JET2 NEO Continuous Inkjet Printer (CIJ) at PACK EXPO
The JET2 NEO Continuous Inkjet Printer (CIJ) was demonstrated live at PACK EXPO as a high-performance industrial coding solution.
In this booth demo, AJ showcased the JET2 NEO from Leibinger — built for reliable, high-speed industrial coding and marking.
Designed for:
• Date & lot coding
• Batch marking
• High-speed production lines
• Demanding industrial environments
Unlike the integrated systems above, this is a standalone printer — but one that integrates seamlessly into full automation builds.
Why You Need This Printer
If you’re running high-speed production lines and need consistent variable data printing across cartons, film, plastic, glass, or metal, a modern CIJ system is critical.
The JET2 NEO delivers:
- Reliable startup and shutdown
- Minimal maintenance design
- Consistent high-speed printing
- Industrial durability
Industries served:
Beverage Bottling, Food Processing, Pharmaceutical, Industrial Manufacturing, Consumer Goods.
Integrated Automation That Drives Production
These PACK EXPO demos weren’t isolated machines — they were coordinated automation systems designed to:
• Reduce downtime
• Improve print and label accuracy
• Eliminate manual intervention
• Increase throughput
• Maintain consistent product presentation
From vertical pouch feeding to case transport, thermal transfer overprinting, barcode verification, vision inspection, and continuous inkjet coding — Dartronics and HSAUSA engineer production-ready automation solutions built around your operation.
If you missed us in Philadelphia, the systems are still here — and ready to be integrated into your line. Let’s discuss your application. 📞 732-324-0886
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