The SmartGate product concentrator allows speeds between 100 to 120 units per minute for form-fill-seal bagging operations running at 60 narrow bags, 3.5 inches or less.
SmartGate can reduce the time it takes for a total charge of food to be packed in a narrow bag by close to 70%, said Matrix.
The device can be removed from Matrix machines when wider bags are run on the packaging line.
“When filling very small bags that do not contain a lot of product, it’s difficult for a contract packager or brand owner to make much money per bag,” said SmartGate co-developer Michael Krummey, who holds roles at Matrix in controls engineering and research and development.
“[SmartGate] concentrates the food and delivers a shaped charge faster than ever before.”