IMA TMC strengthens position as turnkey partner for palletizing and end-of-line solutions

IMA TMC – Tissue Machinery Company, part of the IMA Group, is strengthening its position as a single point of contact for complete packaging lines, ranging from primary packaging to palletizing. Based in Bologna, in the heart of Italy’s Packaging Valley, the company is internationally recognized for its expertise in packaging solutions for Tissue and Nonwoven products.

INVESTMENTS IN TECHNOLOGY AND GLOBAL PRESENCE

In recent years, IMA TMC has invested heavily in resources and technological projects, leading to the development of advanced end-of-line solutions. These range from stand-alone palletizing islands to fully automated plants integrating pallet handling, wrapping, labeling, and logistics systems such as rail-guided or LGV vehicles.

The company has already installed more than 70 palletizing lines worldwide, in markets including Argentina, Austria, the United Kingdom, Portugal, Bulgaria, the United States, Italy, Ireland, France, Chile, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia.

CUSTOMIZED END-OF-LINE SOLUTIONS

Recognizing that each plant has unique characteristics, IMA TMC emphasizes customization in its palletizing and end-of-line solutions. Projects are adapted to product types, environmental conditions, and available space, while maintaining reliability, safety, and reduced maintenance costs.

For Tissue and Personal Care products, where product integrity is critical, the company has focused on solutions that avoid the limitations of traditional compression or suction systems.

 

NEST GRIPPER: A PATENTED SOLUTION

To address these challenges, IMA TMC developed the NEST gripper head, a patented bottom-up layer gripper featuring unidirectional chains. The design minimizes stress on delicate packaging, particularly relevant as demand grows for sustainable paper-based materials.

Compared to traditional bottom-up grippers, NEST reduces space requirements by up to 50% and maintains consistent dimensions during both picking and depositing. The patented chains are self-lubricating, durable for over one million cycles, and can withstand loads up to 50 kN per chain.

Constructed from aluminum and carbon, NEST combines reduced weight with strength. All movements are servo-driven, enabling precision even in harsh conditions such as dusty or humid environments.

FLEXIBILITY AND INTEGRATION

The NEST system is compatible with any industrial robot or hardware platform and can be integrated into both new and existing robotic plants. Its product release mechanism, aided by minimal chain thickness, ensures precise stacking up to three meters in height. An intuitive HMI interface supports line management and operator efficiency.

In addition to NEST, IMA TMC continues to offer traditional solutions such as single-robot islands and the “rake gripper,” as well as new designs compatible with cobots for diaper and toilet paper handling.

A TURNKEY APPROACH

A defining strength of IMA TMC is its turnkey capability: delivering complete lines from primary packaging to end-of-line. This integrated approach provides customers with the advantage of relying on a single partner, reducing technical complexity and streamlining support across the entire plant.