Company: Bosch Packaging Technology

Website: www.boschpackaging.com

Equipment Snapshot: At the International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE) and PACK EXPO International 2016, Bosch Packaging Technology will debut its biscuit on edge packaging system, now available in the U.S., for the efficient and flexible packaging of biscuits and crackers in slug packs. The modular system consists of a loader, a transfer unit, a feeder and the Pack 301 LS (Length Slug) horizontal flow wrapper. The Pack 301 LS has been developed as an addition to the Pack Series of horizontal flow wrappers, which range from entry level, hand-fed machines to fully automated solutions. It is designed to help manufacturers meet the increasing market demand for biscuit wrapping with premium product quality.

At PACK EXPO, the biscuit system will be exhibited along with vibratory channels, the new Paloma D3 robotic feedplacer and the Enterprise endload cartoner, supplied by Kliklok-Woodman, acquired by Bosch Packaging Technology.

The system, including a Smart Measuring Loader for slug portioning, has been designed specifically to ensure gentle product handling for delicate and brittle biscuit-type products at higher speeds. Transfer points from the loader to the cross chain, from the cross chain to the infeed chain and further into the film tube generally pose the greatest risk for product damage and breakage. Due to the full-servo execution, the Smart Measuring Loader allows for smooth placement of the portioned biscuits into the cross chain. The Smart Transfer Unit features pre-acceleration for optimal synchronization with the infeed chain, eliminating impact on the product when bringing it from the cross chain into the machine infeed. To keep the biscuits in an upright position while being transported into the film tube, the biscuit portion is supported by a counter holding pin. The position where the counter holding pin comes up can be easily modified. Between the folding box and the cross-sealing station, the slug is guided by side belts towards the cross-sealing station. Depending on the product characteristics, operators can easily exchange side belts with side chains for enhanced flexibility and support.

Designed with Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) in mind, the system is designed to be accessed from all sides for smooth operation, fast and easy cleaning, and low maintenance effort. The cross chain features a spring loaded chain tensioner with visual feedback, allowing the operator to easily check whether there is chain tension or need for adjustment. Machine parts in contact with the product are made of stainless steel, meeting today’s hygienic standards.

To increase effectiveness, the complete biscuit feeding and packaging solution is operated by a single Human Machine Interface (HMI), enabling operators to monitor all process functions precisely. It also allows quick format changes, enhancing production flexibility. The solution can also be equipped with up to ten vibratory channels. The modular design allows for scalable solutions and layout flexibility, enabling manufacturers to easily expand their production capacity.