Automation of packaging systems and lines at Interpack with ULMA
At the largest packaging exhibition worldwide, ULMA exhibited its latest comprehensive, integrated solutions from the primary to the secondary packaging and automated palletizing.
More than a dozen installations with several common denominators were on display in a stand measuring almost 700 m2: flexible, easy to operate, reliable and automated packaging processes.
The visitors were not disappointed and this was verified by both the quality and the amount of people who came to inquire about the most recent solutions presented by ULMA Packaging.
| Automation
The ULMA stand displayed several automated lines integrating packaging machines with automatic feeding systems and end of lines, including inspection and case packers, of both plastic and cardboard boxes. One of the highlights was seeing the two ULMA manufactured twin cell robots loading products into a flow pack wrapper, and working in common work areas, and then observe a third robot, U10, automatically feeding the Rama automatic cartoning machine. Following the concept of a fully automated packaging lines, another set of integrated solutions were showed in collaboration with other companies:
• TFS 500 thermoformer with a sanitizable design and an Elcat autoloader for sliced products. A thermoformer with side extraction of the moulds which allows the format changes to convert into a quick and easy operation.
• VTI 540 vertical wrapper with Marel's IQF multiweigher for chicken parts, making a reclosable package with zipper.
| High speed flow pack
A high speed flow pack line based on a FR 500 model was shown for the chocolate and confectionery sector. It consisted of: a row distribution system, aligning module, multibelt and the wrapping machine with speeds up to 700 ppm.
| Reclosable quadpack for biscuits
Another innovation was the quadpack flow wrapper with four additional longitudinal seals, to imitate the appearance of a packet of biscuits, but with a flexible and easily adjustable reclosable system for different formats and cutting profiles.
| Automated packaging line with automatic heat sealed tray packer
Once the trays are sealed, a control of metals and the seal is carried out, to finish in an automated robot case-packing cell, packing the cardboard boxes.
| High efficiency TSA 680 tray sealer
This tray sealing model combines some interesting features which converts it into an innovative tray sealing solution:
• High sanitisation level.
• Productivity: up to 20 cycles/min (80 ppm with 1523 trays) in cut / seal.
• 84% reduction in the cost per hour, compared to equivalent pneumatic models.
• Ease of operation and format change.
| Skin packs with sanitizable thermoforming packaging
Within the wide range of sanitizable TFS thermoformers, two different performance level models were displayed: the TFS 500 and the TFS 407.
This latter model, especially adapted for skin packaging, is part of a family of thermoforming machines designed for packaging meat, dairy, fish, seafood and other food products on a rigid base, covered in film that protects the product, and fits like a second skin, enhancing its appearance.
| Reclosable packs
Three different types of reclosable packs using different systems were shown: adhesive label, zipped and disposable adhesive strip.
Visitors showed great interest in the latter pack which incorporated packs in an Artic flow pack wrapper for sliced products.
