Exhibitors are showcasing and demonstrating their equipment solutions to pet food and treat processors during Pack Expo Connects, from Nov. 9-13.
Handtmann will demonstrate its continuous automated sausage production with plant-based protein featuring Inotec VarioMix, an independent spiral design that maintains quality while shortening batch times. The demonstration then features the Handtmann ConPro system that co-extrudes the mix with a sodium alginate casing and forms it into sausages for automated collating and tray placement by the Handtmann GS 300, where it is then conveyed for tray sealing by a Multivac TX720 Tray Sealer — an integrated solution for continuous production.
Not only foreign material is a cause for customer complaints or expensive product recalls in dry pet food. Cross contamination occurs even more frequently and can, in specific cases, have a life-threatening impact on a pet’s health. Using its advanced sorting technologies, TOMRA systems are able to detect and remove all kinds of foreign materials such as plastics (hard and soft), rubber, metal, wood, stones and even glass. These systems can significantly reduce cross contamination, even if the cross contaminant has a similar shape, size or color as the good kibble. The company’s NIMBUS BSI+ in-line sorter can handle high capacity, requires little maintenance and can deal with dusty environments. Developed in-house, the unique BSI+ technology works by detecting the biometric characteristics of objects it scans and compares them to features in its stored database, to determine whether they should be accepted or rejected.
Built for harsh environments, the C35 delivers precise weighing results on a stable weighing platform resistant to high-pressure washdown and most caustic detergents. The system frame is designed according to hygienic principles, with easy access for cleaning and sloped surfaces to discourage liquid collection. The system supports speeds of up to 250 packs per minute and a weighing range from 25 g to 7 kg.
Simple and easy to operate, with features and configurations for a broad range of applications, the C35 provides positive ROI through increased efficiency, lower production costs, and reliable service. It enables companies to Inspect 100 per cent of their product, segregate non-conforming packages and collect production data using one of two optional Weight Data Interfaces.
METTLER TOLEDO’s GC Series conveyorized metal detector systems are much more than modified transport conveyors. The combination of the metal detector, conveyor reject device and failsafe monitoring components offer a significant impact on the effectiveness of a production line.
The GC Series is available with a range of options. Solutions range from simple “stop-on-detection” systems to fully automated detect-and-reject systems, including pushers and air-blast devices. Three levels of due diligence packages, with a suite of failsafe monitoring options, are available to meet specific compliance requirements. The modular design leads to a reduction in spare parts inventory required for manufacturers with systems installed on multiple lines because common parts can be used across multiple systems. Fewer wear parts also contribute to a lower total cost of ownership.
Fortress Technology’s inaugural Raptor checkweighing series is designed for new-generation manufacturers embracing the digital revolution. The series includes an intelligent conveyor removal system and intuitive digital process monitoring technology to advance inspection efficiency, target operational inefficiencies and slash product giveaway.
The Raptor launch range comprises three systems — a single frame standalone checkweigher, a compact 1.7-meter combination metal detector and checkweigher — virtually half the length of a comparable combination system, and XL case weighing system for bigger applications. Innovative common features across the range include no-tool maintenance, leading digital software processing and a totally unique conveyor motor release.
Guaranteeing absolute traceability, the Raptor introduces high-end weight control technology. Capturing sample readings of individual packs by the millisecond, the Raptor uses the most advanced ARM processors. Its accuracy of data capture and analytics is another Fortress breakthrough for food factories concerned about product waste and giveaway.
HRS will be highlighting its range of AS Series heat exchangers at PACK EXPO Connects this November. Annular space heat exchangers, such as the HRS AS Series, pass the product through the gap between the inner and outer tubes, making them suitable for highly viscous products like meat slurries for pet food, while ensuring even heat transfer.
HRS corrugated tube technology increases heat transfer and energy efficiency, as well as reducing product fouling on the tube surfaces. HRS produces both a three- and four-tube version of the AS Series (the AS 3 and AS 4) to facilitate different arrangements and couplings of service fluid. The thicker wall on the AS 4 series means that up to 25 bar pressure can be achieved as standard on the product side.
Massman will demonstrate its case packing, pouch packaging, liquid filling and bundling systems at Pack Expo Connects. Massman's virtual exhibit site includes information about the various machines and systems, as well as the times of scheduled live demonstrations of many of the systems being exhibited in the virtual exhibit. The site also includes opportunities to chat live with various members of the Massman Automation sales team about the capabilities of the various systems on exhibit, or to discuss the attendee’s specific packaging needs.
Pictured above is Massman’s HFS-IMI-1100, an inline fill and seal machine for pre-made pouches, designed for the filling of a wide variety of dry products, from trail mixes and pet treats to plant foods and cheese.
Space-saving, retail ready case packaging systems like the SOMIC 424 are manufactured for high performance, flexibility and reliability. The versatility of this series allows for countless configurations and unique formats to be designed to meet your demands. Most 424 systems run stand-up pouches, flow packs or other types of flexible materials. The machine being showcased will be installed at a major pet products company in December. With blow-molded bottles, this user-friendly machine is configured to run a variety of secondary packaging products, from standard wraparound cases to two-piece display trays with covers.
Learn more at www.somic.us. or call (847) 915-9872.