Equipment

Ishida Europe is launching a machine aimed at food packagers which, it claims, is 25 per cent faster than any other tray sealer on the market.

The QX-1100 (pictured) can seal 200 trays/min and is intended to help companies to cut costs by boosting packaging rates.

Ishida said that, in order to create the QX-1100, it has re-engineered the way in which trays are top-sealed.
The unit, which Ishida is revealing to the packaging industry at Macropak in Holland, will be available across Europe from October.

Features including fast tooling changeover, gentle product handling and compact dimensions, which contribute to the machine’s high speed.

Faster cycle speeds are also achieved by an advanced servo control, an innovative gripper arm design and intelligent software. Low running costs are managed through efficient film usage, reduced air and gas consumption as well as lower energy consumption.

An Ishida spokesman commented that the unit has an average tool heat-up period of five minutes.

“Similarly, tool change-overs of around seven minutes – which are possible thanks to the weight-saving tool design and an advanced tool-handling routine that requires no lifting – are also the quickest in the industry,” he said.

The kit can also integrate check weighing and gas analysis functions and features a webcam and product recognition camera. Rejected packs are removed prior to sealing, saving on film and allowing trays to be reused.