Packaging improvements

Advances in packaging include more efficient machines that offer increased automation and work directly with an operator interface system, so operators can exert more control over the process and eliminate snags on the line.

“Improvements in gentle product handling and easier sanitation are important advances,” says Brian Barr, packaging systems sales manager, Heat and Control Inc, Lititz, Pa. “Ishida weighers use proprietary technology to maintain a steady flow of product, be it dry, sticky or frozen. In addition to the use of product-specific contact surfaces and special configurations of feeders and hoppers, this improves weighing efficiency, reduces product damage and cuts the cost of sanitation.”

Cutting costs is a rising demand in this difficult economy. Bakers are turning to packagers that work with more automation, thus freeing up workers for more important tasks elsewhere. Machines that perform with increased accuracy and reduce product damage are especially an asset when every dollar counts.

Packaging equipment also needs to be more flexible these days because of shrinking packaging sizes. This means equipment has to be ready to quickly changover to accommodate different sizes.

In addition, vision systems are playing a role in counting, grouping and loading product for packaging. Vision systems can detect and remove product with undesirable characteristics to ensure only quality products make it to the end consumer.

Many equipment manufacturers allow processors to test their products on packaging equipment at test centers to ensure the best equipment configuration is selected.