For more than 35 years, CDA has established itself as a key player in the design of packaging solutions. Behind every filler, counter, capper, labeller and monobloc machine developed by CDA stands our Research and Development team. Their mission? To design reliable equipment and transform production challenges into practical innovations.
Businesses are increasingly seeking equipment that is more accurate, versatile, user-friendly and capable of adapting quickly to new products and packaging formats. This is precisely where CDA’s R&D team comes into play. As the company’s technological driving force, it imagines, develops, tests, improves and optimises the machines that support thousands of customers every day across the food and beverage, cosmetics, wine, chemical, pharmaceutical and e-liquid industries.
An R&D Team at the Heart of Industrial Innovation
At CDA, innovation goes far beyond simply adding new features to a machine. It is based on a comprehensive approach of continuous improvement aimed at optimising every stage of the packaging process: filling, capping, sealing, labelling and line automation.
The Research and Development department works closely on a daily basis with production teams, technicians, the design office, automation engineers and sales teams to understand the practical challenges encountered in the field. This close collaboration enables CDA to develop solutions that genuinely meet the needs of businesses.
Our R&D team focuses in particular on:
- Improving filling accuracy;
- Optimising capping systems;
- Enhancing the flexibility of multi-format labellers;
- Increasing the compactness of monobloc machines;
- Improving machine ergonomics and user interfaces;
- Reducing format changeover times;
- Integrating new automation technologies.
This approach allows CDA to offer reliable, scalable machines capable of meeting a wide range of operational requirements.
Designing Filling Machines for Every Product Type
Filling is the first stage of the packaging process. An inaccurate fill can result in raw material losses, compliance issues and reduced productivity.
To address these challenges, CDA’s R&D team develops automatic and semi-automatic filling machines capable of packaging liquid, viscous, pasty and foaming products with exceptional accuracy. To achieve this, we work with several dosing technologies:
- Peristaltic pumps;
- Flow meters;
- Piston pumps.
CDA’s Research & Development team also places particular emphasis on machine cleanability and hygiene. Our fillers are designed to simplify maintenance operations and minimise production downtime.
Among CDA’s flagship solutions, the K-Line S perfectly illustrates this commitment to continuous innovation.
Innovation in Capping Technology
Capping represents the second stage of the packaging process. CDA’s Research and Development team continuously works to improve automatic capping and closure systems.
CDA capping machines are capable of handling a wide variety of closures. Our engineers optimise torque control systems and feeding mechanisms to ensure precise and consistent capping performance.
One of the key technical challenges is maintaining high production speeds while ensuring perfect consistency across different container formats. Through its R&D efforts, CDA has developed machines such as the VS 2000, which allows for rapid format changeovers without compromising performance.
Intelligent and Versatile Labelling Machines
Labelling plays a crucial role in enhancing a product’s presentation and market appeal. CDA’s R&D teams therefore develop labelling machines capable of meeting demanding requirements in terms of accuracy, speed and versatility.
CDA machines can perform various types of labelling, including:
- Front and back label application;
- Wrap-around labelling;
- Top labelling;
- Bottom labelling;
- Labelling of products in all shapes and sizes (cylindrical, tapered and more);
- Tamper-evident label application.
Our engineers focus particularly on versatility and application accuracy to ensure flawless results, even at high production speeds. Among CDA’s flagship machines, models such as the Ninon Mix perfectly demonstrate our ability to combine performance, precision and flexibility.
Monobloc Machines: CDA’s Expertise
Monobloc machines are compact systems that combine the three primary packaging functions into a single unit: filling, capping and labelling. The objective is to provide a complete packaging line within a reduced footprint while maintaining a high level of performance.
Monobloc machines can be customised according to each customer’s specific requirements, including product feeding systems (sorting systems, bowl feeders), dosing technology, capping solutions, inspection systems and more.
The E-Fill SW monobloc perfectly embodies this philosophy of innovation. This machine combines filling, cap distribution, capping and labelling within a single compact line, offering flexible operating modes suited to both small and large production runs.
Innovation Designed for Every Industry
One of the key strengths of CDA’s R&D department lies in its ability to develop solutions tailored to businesses operating in a wide variety of sectors.
Each industry has its own specific constraints, and CDA works closely with market trends and industry developments to provide solutions that genuinely meet customer needs.
CDA machines are used across numerous sectors, and this cross-industry expertise continuously fuels innovation within the R&D team. Technologies initially developed for one sector can often be adapted and optimised for applications in others.
Complete Manufacturing Control: A Strategic Advantage
Unlike many manufacturers, CDA maintains extensive in-house control over its production through its assembly and adjustment workshops, its machining and sheet metal subsidiary CDU, and its dedicated after-sales service company CDS.
This enables the Research and Development team to rapidly test new solutions, manufacture prototypes and refine designs based on customer feedback. The close integration between design and manufacturing significantly accelerates innovation cycles and allows CDA to remain competitive in a demanding international market.
A Sustainable Vision for Industrial Packaging
At CDA, innovation is not solely focused on performance. The company also incorporates a strong commitment to equipment sustainability.
CDA advocates a design philosophy free from planned obsolescence, producing machines with excellent repairability that can support manufacturers for many years.
The R&D department also works on improving the energy efficiency of equipment, including electricity consumption, compressed air usage and noise reduction. This responsible approach responds to growing industry demand for equipment that is not only high-performing but also durable, environmentally conscious and energy-efficient.
Do You Have a Packaging Project? Contact CDA’s experts today and discover the innovative packaging solution your production line needs.
FAQ: CDA’s R&D Team and Innovation
How does CDA develop its innovations?
CDA relies on its Research & Development team, design office, in-house manufacturing facilities and close collaboration between engineers, automation specialists, technicians, sales teams and customers. This organisation enables rapid testing of new technologies and allows machines to be adapted to real-world operational constraints.
Why is innovation essential at CDA?
The packaging industry is constantly evolving, with new formats, regulations, productivity requirements and product diversification. Innovation enables CDA to offer equipment that is more efficient, accurate, flexible and easy to use.
How does the R&D team improve CDA filling machines?
CDA engineers continuously work on dosing accuracy, the versatility of filling systems, ease of cleaning and automation of machine settings. The goal is to ensure reliable, fast and adaptable filling solutions for all product types.
How does CDA adapt its machines to customers’ specific requirements?
Each project is analysed in collaboration with the customer, the design office and the sales team to understand production constraints, output requirements, containers and products. Thanks to this tailored approach, CDA can customise its fillers, cappers, labellers and monobloc machines to meet the needs of every business.
Does CDA manufacture its machines in France?
Yes. CDA designs and manufactures its packaging machinery in the South of France. The company also produces the majority of the spare parts used in its packaging machines in-house.
