Vertical packaging solution for confectionery

10 August 2020

GEA has launched the SmartPacker TwinTube vertical packaging machine onto the UK market. The machine has been redesigned as a future-proofed modular system with increased functional efficiency promoting higher operational uptime and ease of use.

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The updated version is said to incorporate sealing technology advances which help reduce operational costs and energy use thanks to sealing technology advances.

The TwinTube is a continuous motion vertical machine, suitable for packaging small-sized food products such as confectionery, dried fruits and nuts, and other on-the-go products in pillow bags of different sizes. The machine is part of a complete packaging process with upstream and downstream equipment operating in a dry manufacturing facility. It operates with two parallel forming tubes, achieving combined speeds of up to 500 bags per minute (weighing between 10 and 18g each). It is also possible to run a different film reel for each tube, meaning calorie packs of different widths or designs can be simultaneously filled. A new feature to the machine is the Jumbo Roll, which allows film reels of up to 100kg to be used for long production runs, which boosts operational efficiency.

The modular construction of the unit allows customers to add new options and upgrade the machine, helping prolong its lifespan.

The new SmartPacker TwinTube is also equipped with automated web tracking. If the film deviates from its path due to, for example, variances in the film roll, the feature will correct the direction of the film automatically, without the need for manual adjustment.

A jaw closing mechanism, optimised heating unit and a vertical rotational seal unit, ensure packing performance and tightness of the pack seals. The jaw closing mechanism offers over three times the sealing force of the previous model and can apply 6000N. This gives the opportunity to use thicker films, or films with more diverse characteristics in terms of sealing requirements.

Due to the more stable suspension of the longitudinal seam unit and the reproducible and precise positioning by spindle and ruler, shorter changeover times are possible when switching formats or foils.