Paramount Packaging To Showcase Latest Generation Horizontal Flow-Wrappers
Paramount Packaging – exclusive distributor of Fuji Machinery Company’s horizontal and vertical form-fill-seal equipment in the UK and Ireland for the food, pharmaceutical and medical device markets – will be showing two variations of the latest low maintenance, easy to use and energy efficient Alpha VII horizontal flow-wrapping machine.
An advanced box motion model offering airtight sealing for high speed gas flushing or modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) applications and a back seal flow-wrapper with inverted film feed for handling irregular shaped, fragile or sticky products such as fish, sausages or IV bags will be on display. Focke end-of-line packaging solutions will also be highlighted on stand.
With advanced heat pipe end seal technology, faster temperature control and high pressure sealers, Fuji’s Alpha VII box motion horizontal flow-wrapper offers reduced energy usage and hermetic sealing making it ideal for high speed gas flushing or MAP applications where extended shelf life is a key requirement. Due to the additional dwell time, it can seal thicker wrapping materials so is better suited to handling taller and heavier products. The FW3710B model on display at PPMA is also capable of producing on trend ‘stand up’ block bottom gable top packs which are becoming increasingly popular for packaging of gourmet sandwiches, for example. Other units in the box motion series are FW-3400B, FW3410B, FW3700B and FW-3710BSB.
Ideal for the overwrapping of irregular shaped, fragile or sticky products such as fish, sausages or IV bags, Fuji’s Alpha VII back seal flow-wrapper features bottom film feeds for easy, positive transfer of product from the infeed conveyor to the film tube. This eliminates the need to use trays for loose products. Models in the back seal range are FW3400BSB, FW-3410BSB and FW-3710BSB.
Fuji’s box motion and back seal flow-wrappers are capable of operating at speeds up to 250ppm, with a cut off length of 430mm. Depending on the model, they can handle products measuring between 140mm and 200mm (width) and up to 100mm (height).
The Alpha VII series has been specially designed by Fuji to incorporate energy saving technology, further improve production efficiencies and reduce operating costs. A key feature is the Fuji Vision System (FVS) which is integrated in to the film drive roller housing and helps ensure product integrity by checking film tracking, image and joints, label application and print legibility, as well as barcode verification and optical character recognition (OCR).
The high strength welded integral frame offers reduced foot print whilst the height of the support feet have been increased to give greater stability and ground clearance for easy cleaning. Optional equipment such as film pre-creasing devices, labellers and hole cutters can be installed directly onto the wrapper. A non-contact fibre optic film run out switch makes threading film easier and also prevents marking. The customisable 12” colour touch screen and operator interface uses images, words and illustrations for simplicity and fast and accurate diagnostics. A front facing USB port facilitates machine back up and allows product data to be uploaded easily.
A direct drive servo motor on the in-feed conveyor has enhanced cycle stop accuracy, given greater control for low speed operation and improved energy efficiency. The side guides are mounted on hinges to improve access for cleaning and the centre seal deck plate is secured by powerful magnets allowing for tool-less removal. The transfer brush is now made from silicon to prevent contamination.
Paramount Packaging is also the agent for Focke & Co General Packaging – leading manufacturer of end-of-line packaging solutions. Technical representatives from Fuji and Focke & Co General Packaging will also be on Paramount Packaging’s stand at all times to discuss potential applications and projects.
Source: Paramount Packaging
