ULMA introduces automatic vacuum-wrapping machine for meat and cheese

08 Jun 2021 --- Packaging specialist ULMA has unveiled a new system designed for vacuum wrapping meat and cheese products, the FV 55 SD wrapping machine.

The system meets US Department of Agriculture (USDA) hygiene standards and is the latest development within ULMA Packaging’s Flow-Vac wrapping machine catalog. It improves this machine portfolio against the benchmarks of convenience, cleanliness and accessibility.

“The Flow-Vac system automatically places the products to be packaged in the bag created by the packaging machine, and transfers them to a vacuum system in sync with the production line,” details the supplier.

Adaptable system saves more material
The system adapts the length of the bag to the length of the product, which optimizes the use of packaging material and allows a quick, easy changeover between formats. This ultimately helps save material during wrapping while optimizing stock levels.

FV 55 SD adapts the length of the bag to the length of the product, which optimizes the use of packaging material. (Credit: ULMA)Their design ensures convenient cleaning and sanitizing, with easy-release conveyor belts for more efficient maintenance and cleaning of the cross sealing jaws.

The feeding conveyor, which conventionally requires the highest cleaning and sanitation processes, has an IP66 protection rating. It can be dismantled without the use of any tools and allows moving to a cleaning area.

The packaging machine is designed with IP65 rating to work in high humidity conditions and withstand aggressive working environments. It has an electrical cabinet with double protection to ensure the electrical components are protected from water ingress, and the knives are easy to change without any tools.

Better hygiene and higher productivity
The new FV 55 SD model features a hygienic design. The wrapping system is built to avoid any build-up of water, dust or dirt, thus preventing the growth of bacteria and microorganisms.

The system can be operated by a single operator, which minimizes labor and increases productivity.

This also helps users avoid the direct handling of food during packaging, thus lessening the risk of contamination and reducing vacuum losses from packaging.

FV 55 SD is equipped with state-of-the-art Human-Machine Interface (HMI) systems. (Credit: ULMA)Intuitive usage for convenience
FV 55 SD is equipped with state-of-the-art Human-Machine Interface (HMI) systems, such as ULMA’s in-house industrial PC, known as UPC, or Rockwell Automation's Allen-Bradley PLC.

These systems ensure the wrapping machine has a wide range of connectivity options and is straightforward and intuitive to use. They include machine and production settings adjustment wizards, data and production parameter control and customizable instructions in step-by-step, PDF and video formats.

ULMA developments
Last month, Ulma Packaging UK presented solutions for minimizing waste and material use in cereal packs by removing excess air. The move comes as leading cereal brand Kellogg’s announces plans to cut 700 tons of carbon from its operations annually.

Also in May, Ulma Packaging released the LeafMap pack for sliced products that reduces plastic use by up to 80 percent. The solution replaces conventional packaging’s structural plastic with a paper fiber structure and is based on fully recyclable flat cardboard trays.

Edited by Benjamin Ferrer