Tags: PA Eclipse

Packaging Automation (PA) has revealed the next evolution of its Eclipse range of high speed tray heat sealing machines as the first in the UK to operate entirely without using any compressed air, providing food manufacturers with the environmental benefits they are clamouring for without raising costs or compromising reliability.

Incorporating PA’s E-Seal  technology, the new Eclipse SL4 is a unique, fully electrical machine that, unlike the pneumatic/electric hybrids already on the market, requires zero air for full operation while still achieving the same high standards of rugged reliability, versatility and performance the Eclipse range is renowned for.

With all operations driven directly by small servomechanisms, running costs can be as low as eight percent of an equivalent pneumatic system, resulting in significant annual savings and a sizeable reduction in carbon footprint. The SL4 is the first of the Eclipse range to benefit from this breakthrough in tray sealing technology but, with the entire range now being upgraded to this standard, food manufacturers can at last break free of their reliance on expensive, inefficient and wasteful pneumatic systems.

Food factories run various operations on a ring main of compressed air but these can be up to sixty percent inefficient resulting in huge amounts of waste. Additionally, as a company grows it requires bigger compressors or spare compressors with the associated increase in capital costs, running costs and environmental impact.

The Eclipse machines are designed using the same technology that has already been utilised and proven reliable in other PA equipment. Using the instant response and accuracy of a servo in the film feed system means that it is fully synchronised leading to fewer film breakages caused by pressure variations and consequent roll tension variances.
Sealing up to five packs at once, the SL4 and, the smaller, SL3 are the latest additions to the Eclipse range, joining the successful SL6 single lane and TL6 twin lane which achieves impressive seal speeds of up to 200 per minute. The Eclipse range includes an inbuilt tool loading system which, when combined with the lightest tools in the market, allows for two minute manual changeovers without the need for a mobile loading jig.

All machines in the range use the latest technology to help food and drink manufacturers become more cost effective and more environmentally friendly. By incorporating the Eco-CutTM option and the capability to run sealing film as thin as 17 micron, film usage is reduced by an impressive 20 percent when compared to existing tray sealers. In addition the machine cuts energy costs by switching automatically to stand-by when not in use.

The design also achieves further efficiency savings as a result of other key tooling features including redesigned heater mats with an integrated thermocouple. Manufactured from a new waterproof material, these mats heat up to 30 percent faster and have a significantly longer life than materials previously used.

PA’s sales manager Neil Ashton said: “Food manufacturers are desperate to reduce carbon footprints and their reliance on compressed air systems is a big stumbling block. Their facilities use compressed air for a variety of applications and it can account for more than 10 percent of a site’s electricity consumption. The Eclipse range was designed from scratch to give rugged, reliable and flexible machines that offer greater speed, flexibility and cost savings. Adding the significant environmental benefit of a zero air operation finally addresses the challenges faced by many food manufacturers.”

He added: “Some areas of the industry, such as soft fruit producers, do not have the year round demand for a compressed air infrastructure so a tray heat sealer that you can just plug and play when seasonally needed is an enormous advantage. We are acutely aware of the need for versatility in all sectors of the food industry and have worked closely with our customers to identify current operating and production priorities and build in future-proof flexibility to our machines.”

A further new development for the Eclipse range is an internet based remote access feature that allows the company’s support engineers to access the machine’s HMI screen and PLC software from their desks at PA’s site in Knutsford. This can be used to quickly diagnose and fix software issues or to improve functionality, at a customer’s request, without the engineer needing to travel to site – which has its own environmental benefit in reducing air miles and CO2 emissions.

Background

Packaging Automation Ltd was established in 1963 and is the UK’s leading manufacturer of tray sealing machinery.

Operating from ‘state of the art’ premises located in Knutsford, the business employs 90 people and produces a wide range of equipment from simple manual units and semi-automatics through to in-line fully automated systems. The company also manufactures volumetric, filling and sealing machines, conveyors and other ancillary equipment.

Its facilities, products and high level of professionalism has made Packaging Automation one of the market leaders in the supply of tray sealing solutions for a wide range of markets including food, medical, personal-care and DIY.

For further information please contact:

Samantha Ashton, Commercial Manager, Packaging Automation Ltd, Parkgate Industrial Park, Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 8XW. Telephone 01565 755000  – Fax 01565 751015; Email: info@pal.co.uk  – Website: www.pal.co.uk.