CONTINUED
INNOVATION
These companies are providing some of the highlights when it comes to filling and closing in 2023.
By Bobby Douglas
As technologies have continued to improve in the packaging industry, filling and closing has seen a subsequent leap, with innovative solutions coming from several companies.
As an example, Dispense Works recently released the RF Series robot, which allows software to be preprogrammed for filling and capping functions, which leads to quicker changeover times for a variety of jobs.
TNA Solutions recently partnered with Mister Bee Potato Chips to completely revamp its manufacturing site in Parkersburg, West Virginia, featuring the robag® 3ci vertical form-fill-seal packaging system.
SIG was able to gain 3-A certification for its entire line of SureFill 40 bag-in-box fillers, meaning that the line was deemed sanitary for food and beverage handling.
And finally, WeighPack Systems continued to innovate by releasing a new version of its VF-1200 continuous motion vertical bagger.
From these developments, it is clear that automation, efficiency, and hygiene seem to be the primary qualities filling and closing suppliers are looking to deliver to their customers.
Read more about all of these solutions below.
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Dispense Works Introduces RF Series Benchtop Filling & Capping System
The Dispense Works RF Series Robotic system will streamline manual filling, tipping, and capping operation with one precise and affordable benchtop package.
The RF Series robot — manufactured in the U.S. — requires no PC for operation, and provides all preprogrammed software functions for filling, capping, assembly, positioning, etc., as well as custom operations in a truly compact benchtop package.
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The new machine streamlines filling, tipping, and capping.
Courtesy of Dispense Works
Hundreds of files may be stored on the memory card for quick changeover. Users can change the fill volumes or positions by just loading a new file. A bar code scanner input will allow the selection of jobs from a work order or label.
The RF Dispensing System features big performance and is available in several configurations to best suit unique requirements. The machine shown features a peristaltic pump and 3-piece assembly tooling for bottles, tips & caps.
For more information, visit dispenseworks.com.
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TNA Solutions Helps Mister Bee Potato Chips Optimize Production
TNA Solutions, a global supplier of integrated food processing and packaging solutions, has partnered with Mister Bee Potato Chips, an iconic American brand founded in 1951, to revolutionize its snack production and enable it to realize its ambitious goals going forward. TNA completely redesigned and optimized the company’s manufacturing site in Parkersburg, West Virginia, achieving a remarkable 400% capacity increase.
As the new owners of Mister Bee, the West Virginia Potato Chip Company recognized the need for a comprehensive upgrade to the existing frying and packaging machines, which were outdated and not suitable for meeting growing market demands. The vision was clear: to create a manufacturing environment that could accommodate expansion while delivering exceptional product quality.
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TNA helped Mister Bee achieve a 400% capacity increase at its packaging site in West Virginia.
Courtesy of TNA Solutions
Working closely with Mister Bee's operations manager, TNA’s expert engineers identified critical process improvements and proposed a tailored solution. The collaboration began with the meticulous redesign of the manufacturing space, leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as Microsoft’s Hololens. This step ensured that the revamped facility was optimized for efficiency and productivity ahead of integration by TNA.
Once the space was mapped out, the installation of the TNA robag® 3ci, a state-of-the-art vertical form, fill and seal (VFFS) packaging system, followed. Equipped with the rotary double jaw and patented stripper tube closer, the robag® 3ci is capable of ultra-high speeds up to 150 bags per minute (bpm). The inclusion of TNA's patented auto connect and unload assist technology streamlined operations. It facilitated seamless changeovers with minimal manpower, further improving overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
The results of the collaboration were outstanding. Mister Bee's chip capacity output skyrocketed, allowing it to meet increasing demand without compromising on product quality.
To learn more about TNA Solutions, please visit tnasolutions.com.
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SIG Receives 3-A Certification for Bag-in-Box Fillers
SIG, a global leader in packaging systems and solutions, has again received approval to display 3-A certification for its entire line of SIG SureFill 40 bag-in-box fillers.
3-A certification is a voluntary certification conferred by 3-A Sanitary Standards, Inc., a non-profit organization in the United States that evaluates products and ensures that they meet standards for the hygienic design of equipment used in the dairy industry.
Pete Raftis, Equipment Manager Americas at SIG, notes that “3-A certification is an indication that a piece of equipment has been third-party verified to meet 3-A standards by a certified conformance evaluator (CCE). Any equipment used in food, beverage, and pharmaceutical manufacturing operations can be 3-A certified.”
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3-A certification is a voluntary certification conferred by 3-A Sanitary Standards, Inc.
Courtesy of SIG
W3-A standards were created by regulatory sanitarians, equipment fabricators, and processors to promote safety by establishing uniform guidelines to evaluate food production equipment. Items that receive 3-A certification can be properly sanitized, avoiding bacterial growth and cross-contamination. The requirements that must be fulfilled for a 3-A certification are comparable with standards that have been defined at the European level by the EHEDG (European Hygienic Engineering Design Group).
“In 2018, we were the first equipment manufacturer that qualified for 3-A authorization on bag-in-box fillers, and we're proud to receive that honor again on our line of SIG SureFill 40 fillers,” Raftis said. “They are compatible for the filling of aseptic, chilled, ESL, and ambient products which do not need additional sterilization.”
Raftis added: “Food processing equipment is routinely evaluated by the USDA, FDA, and local regulatory agencies, and the 3-A certification communicates that equipment complies with sanitary and fabrication standards. 3-A certification assures our customers that our filling technology gives them the safest and most hygienic means to package their products into SIG packaging.”
All equipment that goes through 3-A authorization must be verified by an independent Third Party Verification (TPV) inspection. Inspection consists of an on-site evaluation of finished equipment and other product attributes to affirm the equipment conforms to provisions of the applicable 3-A Sanitary Standard.
More about 3-A can be found at 3-a.org.
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WeighPack Releases High Pressure Washdown Vertical Bagging Machine
WeighPack Systems, a leading manufacturer of packaging machines and a Paxiom brand, has announced the release of a new version its VF-1200 continuous motion vertical bagger. The updated version is more sanitary, allowing for high pressure washdown needs to be met.
Engineered for wet, cold and harsh environments where traditional vertical form, fill & seal machines may fail, the VF-1200 offers its customers a packaging machine that they can be certain has been sanitized to the highest standards, as it is constructed in stainless steel with the highest IP standards for motors, heating elements, thermocouples, electronics, touch screens and cabinets.
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The new VF-1200 is more sanitary and allows for high pressure washdown needs to be met.
Courtesy of WeighPack
“We feel strongly that our industry requires more solutions for high sanitary washdown to help mitigate any risks of cross contamination or bacterial growth as a result of poor cleaning to ensure that the consumer remains safe,” said Paxiom vice president Nicholas Taraborelli.
Applicable for products like snack foods, confectionery, frozen foods, cheese, seafood, meat, and poultry, the VF 1200 can handle multiple package formats and produces a wide range of package sizes, providing flexibility for both retail and club size packaging.
The machine also features vertical sealing bars that are continuously in motion, so the film does not need to stop to receive its vertical seal. This provides an advantage over vertical, form, fill and seal machines with intermittent motion seal bars which only open and close in full sequence, resulting in lower production rates.
To learn more about WeighPack, please visit weighpack.com.