Flexible FFS for case-ready meat

On the Multivac stand at Tokyo Pack, the focus was on a fully integrated auto handling and thermoforming, filling and sealing line for case-ready meat.

In recent years, according to Multivac Australia systems and project manager Jason Gledhill, Multivac as a group has channelled much of its R&D spend on developing loading/handling systems that can be fully integrated with its FFS lines and, notably, the robotics are developed in-house to provide customers with a fully integrated turnkey solution, rather than adapting pick-and-place systems from robotic suppliers and re-engineering them to fit the rest of the module.

The integrated modules on show included the H240 handling portal, which Gledhill says is top-of -the-range in terms of robotic flexibility. A key selling point is the speed coupled to the volume capability of the handling unit, as multiple robotic heads are an option. Apart from high throughput and precision, and the flexibility of an interchangeable gripper system, also key is the hygienic design of the system which allows for complete wash down.

On the stand, the thermoforming unit integrated with the handling system was the Multivac R245, with a capacity of 120 trays per minute. This too offers the industry-leading hygienic design with CIP and is suitable for modular expansion and integration into automated packaging lines. The open IPC 05 control system enables the integration of handling modules, quality inspection and labelling systems, slicers, multihead weighers and other equipment.

MAP packing, zipper sealing and a range of cutting systems for flexibility in pack design were further options promoted with this system.

It has a high level of flexibility in terms of the use of materials, which in the Australian and New Zealand market is proving beneficial following the recent uptake by some manufacturers and retailers of Plantic Eco Plastic high barrier sustainable packaging film which has been successfully implemented on Multivac machines in both markets.