The word 'first' is threaded through Ishida’s history. In 1893, the company began manufacturing scale systems authorised under Japan's first weight and measurement licence system. In 1933, it invented Japan's first scale with a temperature-influence adjustment device. In 1969, it released the industry's first electronic pricing scale. In 1972, Ishida developed the world's first multihead weigher and in 1997, Japan's first load cell type retail scale. In 1993, it entered the packaging/cartoning industry and in 1998, it released Japan’s first electronic shelf label system.
The 'first' in Ishida’s new range, Ishida First, refers to the fact that it is an entry-level system although its benefits are firsts too. The weigher/bagmaker combination units offer an economical, medium speed solution for food manufacturers, with fast payback on a reduced investment cost while ensuring consistent weights, pack quality and seal integrity.
In the Ishida First range is a 10 or 14 head CCW-SE economy multihead weigher with an intermittent motion Astro-S-103 bagmaker, and a 14-head economy weigher with a rotary motion Atlas-113 packaging machine.
The Atlas is ideal for handling pillow bags at speeds of up to 90 bpm. The Astro will usually be specified for speeds up to 70 bpm, offering gusseted and block bottom bag formats as well as pillow bags, with minimum change parts and simple machine maintenance.
Both the Atlas and Astro bagmakers feature servo-motors and software controlled variable seal time, jaw temperature and pressure that allow the handling of many film types, including standard, metallised, recyclable and biodegradable. Stripping plates clear the seal area before sealing, which ensures good pack quality. Servo driven and vacuum assisted pull down belts enable accurate and consistent bag lengths to maximise film use and optimise pack presentation.
A user-friendly operator interface includes integrated self-diagnostics and a colour touch-screen. This provides easy and rapid transfers between bag types and film, and minimises downtime.
The Ishida First range is distributed in Australia by Heat and Control.
