Ilapak upgrades flow-wrapper

Ilapak has completely redesigned its Astra inverted flow-wrapper to offer what is claimed to be a more efficient method of packaging irregularly shaped products.

The new Astra incorporates a range of electronic, efficiency enhancing features which, together with its automatic, self measuring facility, are aimed at making it ideal for products that are difficult to wrap using a conventional horizontal flow-wrapper.

Versatility is a key benefit of the new, upgraded Astra which is capable of wrapping a range of single and multiple products of all shapes and sizes. This can range from all types of fresh produce, bakery products and cheeses, to non-food products such as video cassettes, liquid soap and shampoo bottles.

Controlled by an industrial standard microprocessor and operated using an LCD display panel, the Astra has an electronic self-measuring facility to automatically adjust pack length according to the dimensions of each, individual product. Additional electronic features such as automated product size change are also included as standard.

The Astra's inverted design also aids efficient pack handling - the film is fed into the machine from below the level of the product flow, allowing loose items to be placed directly onto the film. In the case of food products, this design also helps to ensure hygiene standards.

An integrated indexing belt (previously an option) is now included as standard. This automatically positions products accurately on the film, which is said to make operation easier.

Pack quality has been another priority with the design. The Astra's box motion sealing head with pneumatic jaw closure is designed to optimise the sealing cycle to ensure consistently high quality seals.

Capable of speeds of up to 50 packs a minute, the system can produce pack sizes that are unlimited in length, up to 320mm in width and up to 230mm in height, using solid or micro-perforated polypropylene, PY, shrink films and certain grades of polythene.

The UK-based Ilapak Group​ is an international organisation which produces and supplies packaging machines and automatic feeding systems on a world-wide basis. The company's manufacturing operation consists of four independent units each with its own team of experts dedicated to a specific machine type.

For more information on the complete range of Ilapak equipment please contact the company​.