Benco Pack FFS Packline form fill seal machine

Benco Pack has updated its FFS Packline machine with an integrated sleeve applicator (ISA) capable of producing thermoformed containers from 250 to 500 gm.

The ISA ‘shrink-sleeves’ are tubular labels made of plastic material that, by a heat-shrinking process, adhere as a skin onto the walls of the cup, allowing for customised shapes and brighter graphics, compared to paper labels.

The applicator can reach speeds of 30,000 sleeves per hour due to several modifications, including a suction and air blowing system that can minimise defects and excessive vapour in the prefixing and shrink wrapping zone; a motor trolley with increased speed; a cam sleever that is no longer inserted into the collection box, to make cleaning easier; and a tab sensor reader that can reduce downtime, allowing for faster restarts.

The machine is available in standard, hygienic and ESL versions and uses a three-step packaging and filling process. Containers are thermoformed starting from a roll of multilayer barrier plastic film (PS/EVO/PE or similar), filled with product, closed by a thermo sealed peelable lid, labelled and then cut to the desired configuration.

The machine is pre-sterilised and maintained in sterile conditions by steam and hydrogen peroxide sprays. The packaging materials are sterilised and the process occurs inside a tunnel with an overpressure of sterile air.

The application is suitable for dairy products and hot-fill products such as isotonic drinks, juices, UHT dairy long life products, puddings and desserts. Benco Pack offers form fill seal systems for mini portions, single and thermoformed cups, in Hygienic, Ultra Clean and Aseptic versions.