News

Wednesday 20 August 2008

MECA tray sealing machines from Linco Food Systems

The MECA range of MAP capable tray sealing top lidding machines has been expanded to cater for all production needs – from semi-automatic, low capacity machines, through to high speed fully automatic, with integrated automatic infeed systems – with the addition of the new S3000DP and S5000 machines.

The S300DP machine from MECA.

The S3000DP machine from MECA is a newly developed version of the highly successful S3000 mid-capacity tray sealing MAP lidding machine, which has been specifically developed for in line production processes, especially those with multiple tray sizes or sealing processes requirements.

The S3000DP has two individual tooling sets mounted on the machine allowing the machine to run a single tray format in double advance mode for higher speeds.

Alternatively two different tray formats may be mounted on the machine to allow for immediate and multiple product changeovers during production.

According to the company, this high speed and versatile tray sealing machine is also designed to ensure the reduction of film consumption using a simple design (Mecaplastic Patent) to reduce the film waste between the two sealing heads and features a fully integrated infeed system.

The all new S5000 is a fully automatic high speed inline tray sealing and MAP lidding machine from MECA which allows for a perfect integration into high speed production lines.

Depending upon the application and the material used, its speed can reach up to 14 cycles per minute.

Its wide sealing area combined with high speed operation allows the sealing or lidding of up to 140 trays per minute.

Thanks to the simple and fast tooling change, the tray format change time is minimized to less than 10 minutes.

In addition the clean and simple design of the S5000 tray sealing machine allows for easy and complete cleaning.

All MECA Tray sealing and Top Lidding systems are MAP (Modified Atmosphere Packaging) capable and can operate with a wide variety of tray and film types.

Infeed systems can be used to fully automate production lines and outfeed systems can be added for use with downstream equipment such as Espera weigh price labelers and ELS label applicators.

The MECA range of tray sealers are characterised by the following features and advantages

Fast tray size tooling changeovers taking less than 10 minutes for complete machine size change.

Features include:

Easy access from the top of the sealing area;
Simple and efficient operation with minimal moving components;
User friendly with easy to use operator interfaces;
Easy to program, clean, and maintain;
Proven reliable performance with high pack aesthetics and no poor film edges around the trays.

There are many possible sealing processes that may be used on the MECA range of Tray Sealing Top Lidding machines, several of which are new developments.

The sealing processes and packaging types available for use on the MECA machines are:

MECASKIN T

A new process which is also known as skin packaging or vacuum skin packaging.
The tray is packed under vacuum and the film is sealed all around the product onto the tray.
The product is held by the clear film and can be touched by the consumer without damage.
MECASKIN T is used for longer shelf life than standard MAP and has advantages for products that suit vertical shelf presentation.
In addition no gas is required and the presentation is far superior to thermoformed packs. Excellent for microwaveable ready to serve meals

DOUBLE DECK

A process that involves sealing of a second film layer, usually a laminate film, onto a MECASKIN T package which is typically a printed film for better labelling and advertising of the product

SLICE PACK

A very low profile pack suitable for sliced smallgoods and processed meats, cheeses and other thin products.
The product is packed using MAP on thin boards or very shallow trays and may be vertically presented

MIRABELLA

A new development similar to LID shrink but film can touch product without discoloration when MAP packing. Results in lower profile and fuller looking packs

LID SHRINK

Shrink films for tight drum effect and MAP and non-MAP packaging typical found in supermarkets for red meat, poultry, seafood products amongst others

All MECA machines and the various sealing processes may be used for either Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) or non-MAP packaging with breathable films.

All machines can also be setup to use printed films if required.

Tray types that can be used include: