The increasing emphasis on reducing food contamination is one of the key drivers in the demand for modular packaging units, according to analyst Frost & Sullivan. Modular units have parts thatcan be easily accessed for washing down or can be added to for .
The Omni machine, manufactured by Sealed Air, introduces new features like modular plug and play, advanced control and dual product flowconfigurations, according to Sealed Air. The machine's sealing area has a cover swing opening. The electric motor area is built to be accessed through a swing out open box.
The company said it is releasing the machine for sale in the European market his summer. Sealed Air, a US company, said the company wants to develop the company's Shanklin brand across Europe. Itwill use the Omni to demonstrate that Sealed Air is building the equipment within Europe and that customers will have direct access to its specialists.
Omni's plug-and-play in-feed modules can be changed over in as little as three minutes, allowing for manufactures of multiple food products to quickly make the switch. The machines servomotion-control technology instantly recognises a new in-feed product, the company stated.
The machine has a capacity to seal large package sizes. A new control network provides automatic system configuration and diagnostics. Food processors can switch the production flow configurationdepending on their plant setup.
Infeeds conveyers and others accessories are available for purchase separately and used on the same Omni wrapper. For example Shanklin offers single belt infeed, flighted infeed and dual infeedconveyer machines as addons to the Omni.
The Omni control network provides automatic system configuration for each modular infeed and other system components such as package sensors, solenoids and servo drives.
When an infeed is changed, the company's DeviceNet connection reduces changeover time by identifying the type of infeed attached to the main machine. The software then configuring the systemaccording to the attachments.
The operator control station consists of a touch-screen for device recognition, diagnostics and maintenance. The software allows users to program up to 100 package types or recipes on the touch screen. Thus operators can re-program package package-size changeover settings at the touch of a finger, Sealed Air stated in an announcment.
The European launch will be made at this year's Processing & Packaging Machinery Association exhibition on 27-29 September in Birmingham, UK.
Sealed Air will also be using the show to introduce the company's new Pfankuch 450 sealing machine into the UK flexible packing sector. It comes complete with a permanently heated sealing jaw and aspecial tunnel that equalises air from the top and bottom.
Sealed Air will also demonstrate its 'easy open' bags, which have a built-in recloseable feature using pressure sensitive tape. The seal provides product containment and protection, and is easier to use than zips, Sealed Air claims.
Sealed Air is targeting the product at the bakery, fresh produce and pharmaceutical sectors.