Bosch Packaging Technology has developed a new version of its fully automated horizontal flow wrapper Pack 403, which is specifically designed for harsh environment use. The machine will be presented at this year’s Pack Expo 2019 in Las Vegas, along with a Paloma pick-and-place robot, which is also designed for harsh environment use. The Pack 403HE comes with all the proven features of the Pack 403 and is suited for medium to high-speed wrapping. The machine is able to wrap a wide variety of products ranging from biscuits, chocolate, cookies and crackers to frozen foods or meats.
“We have designed the new Pack 403HE to meet the growing need of customers with strict hygienic requirements. To avoid contamination with allergens, germs or unwanted ingredients, food manufacturers need machines that are easy to clean,” says Kelly Meer, product manager at Bosch Packaging Technology in New Richmond, WI.
Optimized for deep cleaning
Today, food manufacturers often produce different products on the same machine. “Keeping the products free from unwanted substances such as traces of peanuts or wheat can be a challenge in terms of cleaning. The Pack 403HE provides improved features to facilitate particularly intensive cleaning,” Meer explains. It differs from the standard version in terms of product design and material. Customers can apply aggressive cleaning agents including alcohols or acids, and easily wipe them off with water after they have taken effect. Water and cleaning agents will simply run down the drain.
“We call this the foam-and-rinse concept. In contrast to high-pressure cleaning with air or water, customers avoid the risk of spraying substances or germs. The foam-and-rinse method guarantees an easy and reliable washdown. The concept will soon also apply to the Paloma pick-and-place robot,” Meer says.
Improved washdown features
The Pack 403HE also features washdown motors and gearboxes meeting the BISSC standard, sanitary feet, and a continuously-welded stainless steel main frame plate. Stainless steel guarding, robust plastics, removable parts, sloped surfaces, and easy-to-clean gaps between machine components further simplify the cleaning process. The machine’s cable connection to its electrical cabinet has been sealed to prevent the penetration of moisture or unwanted substances.
Clear tubes help to detect any contamination. The wrapper is also equipped with a wash-down infeed and stainless steel etched and stand-off labels to also support convenient cleaning.
Fast and easy handling
The Pack 403HE produces up to 400 packages per minute, reaching a maximum film speed of 76 meters and includes all of the same features offered in the Pack 403. The automatic film splicer allows for fast film changes without interrupting production. The machine is equipped with servo-driven power feed rollers to optimize film tension and tracking. It also has cantilevered and removable discharge belts that reject faulty packages with compressed air.
Global customer services network
Bosch provides access to a comprehensive global network of customer services. At Pack Expo, customers can learn about Bosch’s asset life continuation solutions. For example, the company offers upgrades for obsolete control systems and refurbishments of older machines. Two machines will be on display for visitors to experience the solutions firsthand – a refurbished JSL hand sealing machine and a Stratus wrapper with a new control platform as well as a stand-alone OEE dashboard.
Bosch will present the new Pack403HE at the Las Vegas Pack Expo, Central Hall, Stand C-2800, and simulate the packing of ice-cream bars.