Capable of speeds up to 100 a minute in reclosable, MAP mode, the new Scirocco-ZIP uses either zipper or mini-hook profile yet can be changed over to produce pillow packs at speeds up to 150 a minute in less than 20 minutes, according to the Italian kit manufacturer.
An inverted machine, it accepts product onto the film, which then carries it through a forming box set at 90 deg to normal, so that the longitudinal seal is made at the side, where the zipper tape is also introduced and sealed in place.
To maintain speed, the zipper profile is punched to remove most of the polymer where it intersects with the cross-seal, reducing overall film thickness at this point for the single D-cam sealing mechanism to produce a reliable hermetic seal with minimum dwell.
PFM said that when conventional pillow packs are required, the film forming stations are exchanged for a traditional forming box and fin seals are made from above by an additional longitudinal sealing mechanism, which lowers automatically into place via a motor drive.
Built to food industry hygiene standards, the Scirocco-ZIP is also equipped with a multi-belt feeder to phase product accurately into the infeed, the firm said. The feeder is cantilevered, so that belts, support plates and drive roller sleeves can be quickly removed for cleaning.
"The Scirocco-ZIP will allow food manufacturers and particularly contract packers to take advantage of growing interest in reclosable packaging for sliced cheese and meat, but maintain complete production flexibility," said PFM sales and operations director Chris Bolton.
