Faster Packing For Unconventional Jars

Versatility, high throughput and the ability to work reliably with non-standard jars were among the key requirements for a new packaging line needed by one of Germany’s largest producers of freeze-dried coffee. And the company found that Linkx Systems, the leading UK-based developer and manufacturer of packaging machinery, was the supplier best able to meet these needs.

The packaging line supplied by Linkx Systems, which delivers shelf-ready product, comprises a single-lane tray erector, a two-lane tray loader and a two-lane shrink wrapper. It can handle a tray sizes from 150 mm x 220 mm to 350 mm x 530 mm, with depths from 25 mm to 60 mm. Changeovers between tray sizes are fast and highly automated, and are controlled from a touch-screen operator terminal that also provides a detailed display of machine operating parameters and status.

A continuous throughput capacity of 40 trays per minute is offered – almost double that of more conventional machines. Another key innovation is the novel tabletop sweep system used by the tray loaders, which enables them to handle oval and other non-standard jars without the risk of jamming that is a common problem with standard designs that rely on guides.

Developed from the outset to offer convenient, dependable and repeatable operation, the packaging line features an open design throughout, allowing easy access for cleaning and maintenance.

60% faster carton collation!

Do you need to collate cartons quicker? A throughput of 300 cartons per minute – up to 60% more than conventional machines – makes the new Matrix side-feed collating and shrink-wrapping machines from Linkx Systems the perfect choice for use in today’s food packaging applications where efficiency and productivity are key issues.

And high throughput is by no means all that the innovative Matrix machines have to offer. Equally suitable for use with frozen, chilled or ambient-temperature products, they provide multi-size collation capabilities with fast repeatable one-touch size change, and low-stress carton handling that eliminates the risk of product damage. In addition, packs from Matrix machines are more robust than those produced by conventional machines, allowing improved pallet utilization.

With 300 carton-per-minute throughput, there are many applications where a single Matrix machine can handle the work that would require two machines of more conventional design. This opens the way for big savings in cost and in valuable factory floor space.

The key to the exceptional performance of the Matrix machines is a novel control system that incorporates a powerful programmable controller, a precision servo system and variable speed drives. Read the full press release here

See for yourself!

Total Processing & Packaging Exhibition

Why not come and see for yourself just what our machines can do? At this year’s Exhibition, which runs from 25th to 27th May at the National Exhibition Centre, we’re focusing on shelf-ready packaging. We’re on Stand 5560, and we’ll be showing a wide range of innovative equipment. In addition to our own products, we’ll have machines from Pactur and Siat, as well as a pick-and-place robot from Rockwell

And that’s not all! Our packaging specialist will be on hand throughout the show to discuss your specific packaging requirements, and to provide expert on how these requirements can be satisfied efficiently and cost effectively, either with standard machines or with customised solutions developed and supplied by us.

Visitors to the Linkx Systems stand at Total Processing & Packaging will have the opportunity to see:

• Linkx tray maker, which takes pre-cut board blanks, glues them and accurately forms them at rates of up to 40 per minute. It’s equally suitable for use with corrugated or carton board and shallow or deep draw trays.
• Rockwell pick-and-place robot, which provides a versatile, efficient and cost-effective method of collating cartons of all shapes and sizes.

Every shrink wrapper you’ll ever need!

If you have a requirement for high-performance shrink wrappers that combine value for money with ease of use and reliability, Linkx Systems has just the machine you need, whatever the application. The company is now supplying and supporting one of Europe’s largest and most respected ranges of shrink-wrap machines – the renowned LadyPack range manufactured in Italy by Pactur.

LadyPack products range from simple low-cost chamber machines with a choice of heat sources, through manual and semiautomatic machines, to fully automatic high-throughput machines like the Auto 60/L, which is capable of packing both long and short products at high speeds and which, like all automatic machines in the LadyPack range, features touch-screen set up and rapid size changeover.

One of the most popular of the LadyPack machines available from Linkx Systems is the Unica 40L automatic L-sealer, a compact and competitively priced machine capable of storing size parameters for up to 20 products so that they can be recalled instantly, simply by pressing a button. The LadyPack 40L can be used with either PE or PO films without the need to change the sealer, and seals consistently in the centre of the gap between products, thereby virtually eliminating the risk of defective seals.

Other LadyPack automatic machines available from Linkx Systems include L-sealers with separate tunnels and rotary side sealers for applications that demand the highest levels of throughput. All of the automatic machines can be customised to suit individual customer requirements by, for example, adding special in-feed and product handling systems.

Linkx Systems also offers the LadyPack semi-automatic and manual ranges of shrink wrap machines, which between them include no fewer than 20 different models. Also available are Klok 550 chamber machines, which use special armoured heaters to ensure reliable operation in even the most demanding applications, and Infrared 550 chamber machines, which use infrared lamps as a heat source and are an economical choice for standard applications.