Handtmann introduces vacuum filling machine to advance food processing

Handtmann has expanded its portfolio with the VF 850 S vacuum filling machine for the processing and portioning of viscous food products. The solution is developed for delicate products at high throughput rates. 

The machine features a flow-optimized, product-friendly conveying system, technical precision, and a robust machine design. Handtmann says the innovation ensures consistently high product quality while delivering filling and portioning performance. 

Michael Fürgut, head of Product Management at Handtmann, tells Packaging Insights: “Handtmann solutions cover the entire process chain, from product preparation with Handtmann Inotec technology and flexible processing solutions to product handling and direct placement into a wide range of packaging formats, including trays, cans, cups, thermoform packs, and flow packs.”

Preserving product quality

Fürgut shares that the vacuum filling and portioning process is a critical step in determining final product quality. The solution enables the gentle, precise processing of portion-controlled products, including ham and cooked sausage, along with products containing large particles or chunks, at high production volumes.

“Before a product reaches its packaging, its structure, appearance, and freshness must already be preserved. Any damage to the product structure during filling and portioning can become visible in the final package, affecting slice appearance, texture, and overall product quality,” he explains.

Michael Fürgut, head of Product Management at Handtmann.“By minimizing product stress and preserving the original structure, the VF 850 S helps manufacturers achieve an attractive product presentation and consistently high quality in the finished package. The same principle applies to many other food products, including soups filled into casings, ready meals portioned into trays, delicatessen salads, pet food products, and numerous further applications.”

“In all these cases, preserving product structure, appearance, and freshness during the filling and portioning process is essential, as product quality at this stage directly influences the quality perceived by consumers in the final package.”

Handtmann highlights that the solution maintains a homogeneous product appearance and clean-cut surfaces.

“Ergonomically optimized operation is supported by the height-adjustable machine design for different operator heights, a display angled toward the user, low operating forces, and user-friendly components. This reduces operator strain and facilitates operation, changeovers, and cleaning procedures,” says the company.

Reducing operating costs

According to Handtmann, VF 850 S is engineered as an intelligent module for different production scenarios and complex line concepts. Additional functions can be activated flexibly via Handtmann Function Module enablement.

“Digital connectivity via Handtmann Digital Solutions enables seamless integration into existing production environments through cloud connectivity, production planning and control systems, as well as Wi-Fi and Ethernet interfaces. This improves production transparency, supports data-driven process optimization, and increases overall equipment effectiveness,” says Fürgut.

“The Handtmann Monitoring Function continuously monitors quality-relevant parameters such as pressure, temperature, vacuum, and drive load. By detecting deviations during production and alerting operators immediately, the system helps prevent costly rejects before they reach downstream processing and packaging stages. This reduces waste, improves quality consistency, and contributes significantly to lower production costs.”

The machine features a vane cell feed system, ensuring weight accuracy for soft and delicate products, along with reduced giveaway for portioned goods. The vane cell feed system maintains high product quality across various applications through flow-optimized product paths that prevent backflow, provide large cross-sectional areas, minimize friction, and keep the product path short.

“The solution’s scalable machine platform allows capacity to be upgraded from up to 6,000 kg/h to 12,000 kg/h as production requirements grow, protecting investments and avoiding premature machine replacement,” Fürgut says further.

Handtmann says the machine’s consistent hygienic design in accordance with DIN EN 1672-2:2005 [European hygiene requirements for machinery] offers “the highest hygiene standards” and “the fastest wet-cleaning procedures.” The machine features smooth, curved surfaces, rounded transitions, and the operator interface integrated into the machine front, preventing dirt accumulation and simplifying cleaning.

Last year, BASF launched Ultramid H33 L, a thermoplastic polyamide (nylon) for artificial casing in which sausages can be smoked and then dried. The material offers a combination of strength and high water permeability.