The machine has been developed as an addition to the Pack Series of horizontal flow wrappers, which range from entry-level models to fully automated technologies and is designed for gentle product handling and fast and simple changeovers.
Flexibility & smaller packaging styles
Leon Arkesteijn, product manager, Bosch Packaging Technology, told FoodProductionDaily, the trade fair for bakery, confectionery and snacks is the ideal place to launch the machine as there is a growth in demand in the biscuit industry.
According to MarketLine, the global biscuits market is forecast to accelerate, with an anticipated CAGR of 3.5% for the five-year period 2011 - 2016, which is expected to drive the market to a value of $53,454.8 million by the end of 2016.
“We are seeing an increase in demand for more automation. With this machine we are trying to build a modular platform to help customers who still have manual loading and want more automation,” he said.
“We are getting a lot of feedback for more flexibility and smaller packaging styles that’s why we tried to build this into our new development.
“The modular design means customers can add parts on to it later on, expand their production capacity or increase the level of automation from entry level, hand fed machines to fully automated ones.”
The mid-range automation is comprised of a Smart Measuring Loader, a Smart Slug Feeder and a Pack 301 LS horizontal flow wrapper.
It is capable of packaging rectangular, square and round products, as well as sandwich biscuits, depending on the manufacturer’s requirements. The machine can be equipped with up to 10 vibratory channels.
Arkesteijn said Bosch has already received an order to install the machine but he could not reveal details of that at present.
Under development for two years
He said it is ideal for both small local and big international suppliers, and it will continue to launch new machines for the snacks industry next year.
The machine was under development for two years and can be delivered in short lead times, around two months, depending on the application.
“The Pack 301 LS system including the Smart Measuring Loader for slug portioning has been designed for handling delicate and brittle biscuit-type products at higher speeds,” added Arkesteijn.
“Transfer points from the loader to the cross chain, from the cross chain to the infeed chain and into the film tube pose the greatest risk for product damage and breakage.
“The Smart Measuring Loader allows for smooth placement of the portioned biscuits into the cross chain. The Smart Transfer Unit features pre-acceleration for optimal synchronization with the infeed chain.”
To keep the biscuits in an upright position while being transported into the film tube the biscuit portion is supported by a counter holding pin.
This can be modified by the operator via an adjusting knob. Between the folding box and the cross-sealing station the slug is guided by side belts or chains towards the cross-sealing station.
Depending on the product characteristics, operators can exchange side belts with side chains and vice versa for enhanced flexibility.
Bosch will also be exhibiting its WRF 600 Flex roller former for the production of bars, its Two-in-One biscuit packaging system and CFC 2012 cartoning machine at IBA 2015 in Munich, Germany, from September 12-17 September.