Theegarten-Pactec has further developed its FPC5 modular packaging machine for packaging chocolate products: it can now process paper-based tubular bags using a heat-sealing process in the high-performance range.
The FPC5 packaging machine for bar and tablet products in tubular bags can process paper-based packaging materials using both the standard cold-sealing process and the heat-sealing process. With the Heat sealing of paper-based packaging It operates in the high-performance range: where otherwise speeds of 80 to 120 m/min are possible for conventional films in this range, the company says that the paper-based packaging material can be produced at a speed of 80 to 120 m/min. Output of 90 m/min is achieved. According to Theegarten-Pactec, this corresponds to 600 larger 40g chocolate bars per minute.
With the new solution, the machine can now be used to produce flow-wrap packaging from Barrier paper with integrated heat sealability and a pure Paper content of at least 95 per cent can be produced. Due to the low proportion of sealing material and barrier layer against grease, moisture or other environmental influences, the packaging produced can be disposed of in the paper waste stream. Fully recycle and recycled for new applications.
Heat sealing of paper-based tubular bags
The processing of the paper-based packaging on the FPC5 is achieved by precisely preheating the longitudinal sealing area and the cross-sealing area of the paper. Preheated during the unrolling process. Thanks to a technically sophisticated pre-drawing section, the paper is not deformed during this work step. This means that the paper reaches a higher initial temperature at certain points before the chocolate bars are packaged and heat-sealed. During the actual sealing process, heat must therefore be applied to the paper via the sealing tools for a much shorter time in order to achieve the optimum sealing temperature. Thanks to this shortened sealing time the high speed of 90 m/min can be achieved.
In order to protect the sensitive packaging material, the sealing profile and sealing jaws are matched to the paper material. Adjustable heating temperatures allow the process to be adapted to both the requirements of the packaging material and the Load capacity of the product to be packaged adapt. This prevents damage to the packaging material and product and both are processed particularly gently by the machine.
In addition, the forming shoulder was modified for the production of paper-based tubular bags on the FPC5. Due to the material used and the geometry adapted to the packaging material, there is no risk of the paper creasing or even tearing when the tubular bag is formed. The machine is also equipped in such a way that the so-called „Gusseting“, The paper packaging allows the packaging material to be pressed in at the transverse fin without any problems and the paper does not tear at this point either. This means that paper can be turned into a Straight packaging closure be moulded. This avoids a wide cross fin, which would make further packaging of the chocolate bars in secondary packaging more difficult and take up unnecessary space.
With the BLM cartoner the medium-sized company based in Dresden the right machine for a Secondary packaging in cartons. The cartoner is designed for optimum adaptation to a primary packaging machine in the high-performance range. The combination of flow-wrapping machine and cartoner therefore enables efficient primary and secondary packaging using paper-based packaging materials.
SourceTheegarten-Pactec
