Syntegon releases modular filling machine for meat and dairy manufacturers

04 Aug 2021 --- Syntegon Technology is unveiling an inline filling machine called LFS, whose modular design allows for individual configurations to meet specific requirements of meat and dairy manufacturers. 

The company is touting the machine’s versatility as a “next-generation” advancement on previous designs, which can be updated and improved without replacement. 

“The LFS provides future-proof flexibility: Customers can configure the system to fit their products and integrate it into existing production lines,” says Jonathan Viens, sales and marketing manager at Osgood Industries, a Syntegon subsidiary.

“While developing the LFS, we paid special attention to a modular concept, which enables our customers with peace of mind that their new filling and packaging solution can be counted on for decades to come,” adds Oguz Karcier, product manager at Syntegon.

Modular design for varying markets
The LFS’ modules include main machine functions such as cup supply, disinfection, filling, sealing, capping and cup discharge. Each module can be configured, added or retrofitted according to individual production needs for maximum flexibility. 

The modular concept of Syntegon’s new inline filling machine LFS allows individual configurations to meet the specific needs of dairy and food manufacturers.For example, the LFS can be equipped with up to three servo-driven pump systems, either a tank pump or a newly developed single pump system, to cover a variety of different product viscosities. The dosing station incorporates exchangeable nozzles as well as integrated cleaning in place (CIP) and sterilization in place for ultra-clean configurations. 

The LFS processes all common container formats with a diameter between 60 and 160 mL on up to eight lanes with a maximum output rate of up to 20,000 cups per hour. In sequential indexing configuration, alternating carrier plates allow for processing two different packaging formats one after another without format changes needed.

Flexibility and digital guidance 
Due to the open layout and maintenance-friendly design, operators can easily access the LFS machine parts and perform tool-less format changes safely and quickly, says the company. 

The integrated holographic machine interface (HMI) 4.0 multi-touch screen provides intuitive operator guidance with a clear and structured menu to assist efficient workflow and simplify troubleshooting. Further digital solutions can be added to enable quick product changes.

“Customers can use sustainable packaging material, add additional filling stations or exchange their existing lidding station. In a nutshell: whatever the customer opts for, we make sure their LFS linear filling machines will be ready for all future requirements,” says Viens.

Syntegon’s forward strides 
The release of the LFS machine comes amid a series of technological advancements and partnerships made by Syntegon. 

In February, Syntegon invested in Artificial Intelligence and robotics to enhance its packaging production line efficiencies. The company expanded its secondary packaging portfolio with the Sigpack TTMD, which combines core technologies of the TTM platform for top load cartoners with integrated Delta robot cells.

In the same month, the company also formed a partnership with Sappi to create paper-based packaging solutions for confectionery producers. 

The Sappi-Syntegon partnership seeks to answer consumer and legislative demand for recyclable packaging by offering reliable and renewable paper-based packaging solutions to predominantly large and medium-sized customers in the confectionery sector.

In March, the company began bundling solutions for small and micro-batch pharmaceutical applications with its Versynta FFP machine. The move followed a “noticeable shift” in the pharmaceutical industry – more high-priced biotech drugs for small patient populations require highly flexible filling solutions that achieve precise product yields at low output. 

Edited 

By Louis Gore-Langton