Packaging machines are becoming faster as food processors speed up their processing lines to gain efficiencies in a low margin market. Companies are also looking for machines that can be changed over to different foods quickly to meet market demand for new products.
Packaging Automation said its new Fastfill100 can achieve a maximum throughput of up to 100 pots per minute filled and sealed depending on the nature and viscosity of the product.
Changeover times are reduced by 30 per cent to 40 per cent compared to previous volumetric machines, the company claimed in a press release. Changeover times are boosted by using lighter and simpler parts for the machine.
The machine has a table manufactured in quadrants that is also designed to make product and pot changeovers are easier and quicker.
A touch screen stores up to 50 programs for different recipes that can be recalled for product changes. The display incorporates on-screen real time adjustment of all operating parameters, including fill weights, seal time, film feed and gas flush options.
The machine has a fill accuracy of plus to minus 0.1 per cent for smooth products and of one per cent with particulates. The FastFill100 also has a self-diagnostics program for error reporting as a means of reducing any downtime.
The packaging machine can handle drinks, yoghurts, cream, sauces, dips, dressings, liquid desserts, soup, delicatessen and salad products. It can also handle dry products, such as cereals, nuts and confectionery, as well as liquids and semi-viscous products with particulates.
A combination of layered dry and liquid, or liquid and particulate product, an also be handled with no loss in performance, the company claimed. A diverse range of packaging can be accommodated by the machine up to a maximum diameter of 130mm and depth of 140mm.
The machine seals pre-cut lids, as well as film from roll stock material and a date coder can be used for each type.
The Fastfill100 is the company's third machine in the range and follows the earlier launches of the Fastfill40 and Fastfill60 machines.
The company said the new machine addresses the failings of the current range of machinery available in the market.
"Following extensive market research, the business identified shortcomings in the existing supplier base with reference to machinery function and service levels," the company stated.
The Fastfill100, like all others in the range, is manufactured in stainless steel. It has a removable filler system, lid applier, heat sealer, overcapper and outfeed conveyor for access to all areas for cleaning.
"That is further eased by its open layout, whilst the team has designed out typical bug traps found in traditional designs," the company stated.