Bacon packing machine reduces energy use and packaging waste, claims Multivac

A new bacon packing machine can cut costs for manufacturers through reduced energy consumption and packaging waste, according to the supplier Multivac.

Guido Spix, chief technology office at Multivac Sepp Haggenmüller GmbH said the R 595 system was the most “reliable and efficient packaging machinery available, operating at the “highest possible” throughput.

Spix said the firm had developed the packaging equipment in close consultation with its customers, with the aim of solving the challenges faced when using older machinery.

Energy savings

In addition to speed, the firm claims its machine can also deliver cost savings to bacon processors.

Engineered with electric lifting systems instead of pneumatics for the sealing and cross-cutting functions, the R 595 uses less energy, according to Multivac.

A substantial reduction in packaging material waste is also achieved through an optimised layout of package formats, said the supplier.

Product branding and other required package messaging can be delivered using printed top and bottom films, enabling processors to enhance their “green” initiatives by eliminating L-boards and tux cartons, it added.

Two versions

There are two different versions of the machine. The first machine, with a footprint of approximately 16 feet (4.7 meters) will be equipped with a one-track tooling.

The second machine will be equipped with a two-track tooling and will have a footprint of approximately 23 feet (6.7 meters). This machine generates an output of 120 packs/minute.

“With the R 595, the forming station is placed within the machine, thereby offering ample loading area for manual loading despite the limited footprint of the machines,” said Multivac.

Other benefits

The R 595 is also equipped with vacuum loading stations to further define and reinforce the lower package cavities which significantly eases manual loading, said the firm.

Multivac also claims its sealing technology exerts more than four times the sealing force of its competitors’ systems.

In addition, processors can choose equip the machine with an unwinding station for jumbo rolls of film. This will reduce downtime for film changes to as little as once per shift, claims Multivac.