GEA has launched its new SmartPacker TwinTube vertical packaging machine onto the UK market. The entire machine has been redesigned as a future-proof modular system with increased functional efficiency promoting higher operational uptime and ease of use.
The updated version reduces operational costs and energy use thanks to sealing technology advances. Plastic as well as functional paper can be used for bag production.
The TwinTube is a continuous motion vertical machine, suitable for packaging small-sized food products such as confectionery, dried fruits and nuts, and other on-the-go products in pillow bags of different sizes.
The machine is part of a complete packaging process with upstream and downstream equipment operating in a dry manufacturing facility. It operates with two parallel forming tubes, achieving combined speeds of up to 500 bags per minute (weighing 10 to 18 g each).
It is also possible to run a different film reel for each tube, meaning calorie packs of different widths or designs can be simultaneously filled. A new feature to the machine is the Jumbo Roll, which allows film reels of up to 100 kg to be used for long production runs, which boosts operational efficiency.
The new TwinTube has a modular construction which allows customers to easily add new options and upgrade their machine, thus prolonging the life span of the system.
In addition, the new model boasts increased operator friendliness by introducing toolless adjustment features which helps achieve shorter change-over times and proven error free setup of the machine.
“This includes printers, labellers and the vertical sealing unit,” explained Martijn van de Mortel, Product Manager, Vertical Packaging at GEA. “With these new updates, GEA can meet customer demands in terms of automated process control, less operator dependence, more uptime and operational efficiency.”
