1. Function:
- Forms plastic trays from rolls of film
- Applies vacuum to remove air and create an airtight seal
- Applies gas flush (often nitrogen) for modified atmosphere packaging
2. Key components:
- Forming station
- Sealing station
- Vacuum pump
- Gas flush system
- Control panel
3. Benefits:
- Extends shelf life
- Protects against oxidation and contamination
- Maintains product quality and appearance
- Allows for attractive, branded packaging
4. Applications:
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Other grated or shredded cheeses
- Snack foods
- Deli meats
- Fresh produce
5. Customization options:
- Various tray sizes and shapes
- Different film types
- Integrated coding/printing systems
- Metal detector integration
6. Industries using:
- Food manufacturers
- Cheese producers
- Specialty food processors
- Supermarkets
7. Production capacity:
Ranges from small tabletop units to high-speed inline systems
8. Materials used:
- Biaxially-oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film
- Polyethylene (PE) film
- Other heat-sealable plastics
9. Safety features:
- Emergency stop buttons
- Interlocked safety guards
- Automatic film splicing
10. Maintenance considerations:
Regular cleaning and inspection of sealing bars
Filter replacement for vacuum pumps
Routine lubrication of moving part