Form Fill Seal

Multiple Servo Drive Machine
A new vertical form-fill-seal machine can be equipped with multiple servo drives to control product metering and web indexing. The PV 250 features a ControlLogix operating system and is designed to produce a four-sided seal pouch in single or multiples up to 12 across the 25-in. die face. Production speeds are from 50 to 500 pouches per minute. Pouch sizes can range from 1 to 25 in. in width and 2 to 16 in. in length. A wide variety of thermoplastic, laminate, and co-extruded films are compatible with the resistance heat sealing technology. Registered printing on a single side or the front and back panel is available. With a Panel View 1000 color touch screen, the operator has a complete menu of machine settings, production statistics, maintenance information, and troubleshooting assistance. Prodo-Pak, Garfield, NJ; 973/772-4500; www.prodo-pak.com.

Vertical and Horizontal FFS Machinery
A company will present its line of vertical and horizontal form-fill-seal machinery at Pack Expo Las Vegas. The Ultimax CM and IM feature high-pressure washdown capabilities, while the Novus 250/350/380 high-speed continuous motion VFFS system works at high production speeds of 220-plus ppm. The Ultima ST/SV offers more dwell time. Available in single or dual lane, the RT2000/5000 is designed for modified packaging requirements with long dwell for sealing and speed up to 250 ppm. The Athena utilizes servo technology and its modular, open design allows for thorough sanitation and quick no-tool changeovers. The Integra reduces setup time with quick changeover and features long dwell crimpers for seals at high speeds of up to 150 ppm. The company also has experience in integrating several vertical and horizontal feed systems, including scales, augers, volumetrics, and pumps for a wide variety of applications. HayssenSandiacre, Duncan, SC; 864/486-4000; www.hayssensandiacre.com.

Validatable Machine
An automatic inline bag making and sealing system recently became validatable. The Magnum-MD automatically forms and seals Tyvek, polyester, polyethylene, metallized, and other barrier films including HDPE, LDPE, LLDPE, polypropylene, and nylon with a chevron seal. The system uses roll stock and creates the bag perforation and chevron seal inline that locks out particles in the form-fill-seal process. The Magnum-MD is equipped with a 1-µm filter to protect bag interiors and content from airborne particulate. By using tube stock, material costs are reduced, according to the manufacturer. According to the company, the system is cleanroom applicable because of stainless-steel construction, noncorrosive components, and oil-free operation. After initially being released in 2006 without the ability to validate seals, the Magnum-MD is now validatable. Clamco Corp., Cleveland, OH; 216/267-1911;
www.clamcocorp.com.

All-Electric Horizontal FFS
A series of horizontal form-fill-seal machines is all electric with minimal compressed-air usage. The TF 250, TF 450, and TF 675 each feature a toggle system that balances the weight of the upper and lower tooling, allowing increased cycle rates. Both upper and lower tooling retract, which prevents overheating of the web during a cycle pause. An off-the-shelf gripper chain is continuously supported, providing reliable control of the bottom web through the entire machine. The machines are 21 CFR Part 11 compliant and available with automatic splicing, tracking of top and bottom web, RFID tooling verification, and validation packages. Fargo Automation, Fargo, ND; 888/616-0188; www.fargoautomation.com.