Arcil launches two form fill seal units for the dairy sector

Higher performance and low maintenance are among the benefits claimed for two new compact form fill seal units from French machinery manufacturer Arcil.

The new models, the IziA4 and the EasyPlus, include modifications to previous form fill seal (FFS) units suggested by customers.

Designed for use with yoghurt, pudding, baby-food and whipped cream cups, the IziA4, produces 14,400 cups/hour in the 63x63 mm format or standard 125g labeled cups.

The EasyPlus operates at speeds of 23,000 cups/hour for 125g cups with a standard label. The model accepts all cup and cut-out formats.

Mould labeling

Although this models performance is posted at 30-32 seals per minute (spm), it could reach 34spm including 125g fruit yogurt filling and in mould labeling, an Arcil spokesman said.

Both models have no mechanics below the plastic web, digital pulling by means of a feed pin chain and a toothed wheel for the plastic sheet; plastic heating by contact; integrated labeling with the firm’s helicopter system and independent presses.

Also featured is stepping adjustment of the lidding film by stretching with a heating skid before heat sealing; cutting out by shearing of cups in single units or packs of 1x2, 2x2, 2x3 and the capacity to restart without loss with PS or PLA based plastics.

In addition to performance and maintenance, the models incorporate integrated automation, including: SimotionD automation from Siemens and Kinetix from Allen-Bradley, improved reliability, vertical ramp-up and shorter time to market.

Delivery times are five months for the IziA4 and six months for EasyPlus (A6.R2 model) compared with up to 10 months for rival models, said the spokesman.

Both lines have low factory footprints with the EasyPlus measuring 8.50m in length and the IziA4 5.80m.

Capital expenditure

Improved finance plans, focusing on capital expenditure (CAPEX) and total Cost of Ownership) is said to significantly reduce purchase costs.

The new models are modifications of the older versions A4, A6, and A8 which were developed and launched in the 1990s.

Three EasyPlus machines have been sold for use in several Russian factories with the first start-up scheduled to take place in St Petersburg in September 2011.

Both models will be displayed at the InterPack trade event which takes place between May 12th to 18th in Dusseldorf, Germany.

Source: Arcil