Ward Bekker Systems has recently supplied three of the latest Inno-Tech Revo ëS' continuous motion, form, fill, seal machines to a major UK potato packer.
The equipment is handling washed and unwashed potatoes up to 150mm long.
The machines are arranged to pack weights from 1kg up to 5kg at outputs up to 65 bags a minute. They incorporate sophisticated sealing technology for handling the latest packaging films now being used by the fresh produce sector.
In addition, the machines have been constructed so they can be retro fitted with the necessary components to allow block bottom and Stabilo bags to be produced, should the market demand this style of packaging.
Fitted to each machine is a Markem 3c thermoprinter that can be operated from the control screen of the Inno-Tech, therefore allowing rapid print changes to be made.
A label applicator is also fitted which is mounted on an adjustable frame, allowing labels to be placed at any point on the bag. By using a reciprocating linear jaw movement instead of the more common radial motion, the Revo ëS' reduces strain on the film and true block bottom bags can be produced. A further important feature is the ability of the machine to run in both continuous and intermittent mode, allowing the full range of bag styles to be made.
The jaw sealing system is mechanically operated, enabling extremely high pressures to be achieved. This results in exceptionally high seal integrity, which is of paramount importance for applications involving gas flushing or vacuumising.
Control of the machine is by an industrial pc with information being displayed on a colour touch screen running Windows based software. A 100-product code memory enables quick change over of product settings and a manual/pneumatic splicing unit allows a rapid film change to be made.
PA ANNOUNCEMENT
IRISH potato producer Country Crest has invested in one of Packaging Automation's best-selling machines. The Vision 182 is a compact in-line automatic machine, capable of up to 30 packs per minute.
The model installed at Country Crest is capable of modified atmosphere packing through vacuum gas flushing and has been fitted with an indexing filling conveyer plus tooling.
The system is being used to seal a film lid to polypropylene trays filled with potatoes of various kinds. “Baby potatoes are one of the favourites,” said Country Crest's managing director Michael Hoey.
Several other forms of product are also packed in this way. “They are all made ready for the microwave,” Hoey added.
Packaging Automation's managing director Carol Royle added: “We have said we want to develop our overseas sales and this latest order is in keeping with that ideal.”
GAIN CONTROL
Lincolnshire-based designer and manufacturer of VFFS machinery Gainsborough Industrial Controls will be showing its VFB8000 continuous motion VFFS machine for the first time at BP2003.
This latest addition to the established VFB servo-driven series of machinery utilises a control system based around a high speed industrial PC and the latest in maintenance free servo motion control for all machine movements. Mechanical components are minimised which reduces maintenance requirements also providing unrivalled levels of flexibility performance and an overall low cost of ownership.
GIC has established a strong position in the fresh produce industry, where reliability, performance and customer care is paramount. In the last three years approximately 50 lines have been installed into the industry sector, with many being repeat orders. Products packed range from 500g of carrots through to 5kg of main crop potatoes.
With continued and steady growth during the last three years and a full order book, GIC plans to further extend it's market share over the next few years by continuing to develop the machinery range and offering an after-sales package which is second to none.
DAUMAR DOES IT AGAIN
Pre Pack Systems has launched a new series of the Daumar PA-25 weighing machine. The original PA-25 was introduced more than 10 years ago and has become industry standard for citrus packing in the UK.
Barcelona-based manufacturer Daumar has produced more than 3,000 weighing machines since it produced the very first automatic, computerised citrus weighing machine 25 years ago.
The machines are now distributed in more than 25 countries.
Although renowned mainly for its work with citrus, the machinery is a multi-product solution and can weigh potatoes, sprouts, cauliflower and broccoli florets, peas in pod, carrots, most root vegetables, onions, nuts and garlic.
The PA-25 Evolution builds on the simplicity and reliability of its predecessor but with improved accuracy and ease of use. The addition of a 16th bucket allows better settling of product prior to the weighing process and increases the possible combination of choices for the microprocessor to achieve precise weight. The produce feed belt is self-regulating to ensure precise loading of each bucket ensuring fast, accurate production.
The “PA-25 Evolution” also has new colour LCD “touch screen” controls for machine operation, data input, facilitating access to production reports and stats.
The machine can store 99 user-configured programs to ensure fast changes between products. The LCD touch screen also provides access to the fault diagnostic screens.
The stainless steel structure ensures low maintenance and easy cleaning. In response to customer demand, the 16 buckets are fitted with a quick release mounting so they can be removed for cleaning without the use of tools in minutes. All the electronics are contained in a water resistant cabinet to allow washing down of the machine.
More than 45 weighing actions per minute can be achieved with very low percentage give-away, depending on the product and operating conditions. The PA-25 Evolution is available with a single or double product exit conveyors which allows two bagging machines to be fed from the weighing machine simultaneously. The PA-25 Evolution achieves one of the best output/minute per pound invested of any weighing machine in the sector.
VERTICAL FORM FILL AND SEAL MACHINE
The PPS1000 is a compact and economic vertical form fill and seal machine primarily used for packing fresh produce in packs of up to 1.5kg.
Ideal for baby potatoes, peas, onions and other produce, it is designed to work comfortably with most weighing machines. Supplied as standard with print registration unit, a direct thermal printing system can also be easily fitted.
For extra speed and versatility, the PA-25 Evolution weighing machine can be used to pack with two PPS1000 vertical form fill machines at the same time, reducing production “down time” for film changes.
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