Luceo claims its ThermoSecure device can eliminate manual inspection operations and reduce product returns, especially in end-of-line automated packaging lines for meat and prepared meals. Sealing two sides of plastic food packaging is a delicate affair. The smallest particle of a food product present in the sealing zone can interfere with the seal, leading to contamination and leaks during its life on the shelves. The problem can result in spoilage of the product, or a decrease in its quality, leading to consumer dissatisfaction. Luceo claims that its ThermoSecure device can detect every foreign particle from 0.5 sq mm present in the sealing zone, while in-line. In addition to the detection of foreign particles, ThermoSecure can be used to identify empty tray-packs. The defective products are ejected according to whether they must be modified, reopened or put at waste. When attached to facing inspection modules, which check use-by date, film offset and sticker positioning, ThermoSecure can send the tray-pack coordinates to the encasing robot. The coordinates are then used by the robot to put the tray-packs into cases. "ThermoSecure inspects 100 per cent of the production, answering increasing production rates," the company claimed. "Moreover, ThermoSecure is the key module of the total automation of the packing ends of line." Luceo will be present ThermoSecur at IFFA in Franckfurt from the 5 to 10 May.
