Live at PackExpo
Machine combines pouch making and filling processes
filling in one unit.
KHS, which unveiled the machine this week at PackExpo, is targeting its new Innopouch K at companies moving toward fin-seal and stand-up pouches for food and beverage products.
The use of pouches are part of the increasing trend toward flexible packaging and away from cans, bottles or cartons.
At a press conference Sunday, company executives said KHS is responding to an increasing use of such pouches in all markets.
"There are many reasons in favour of this, above all the high level of acceptance of fin-seal pouches and stand-up pouches by the consumer," said company marketing manager Samantha Bishop.
The machine can process pouches from roll stock or by using pre-made pouches. It process both types of pouches in size ranges from 50mm by 50mm to 350mm long by 380mm wide.
The maximum machine output is up to 110 pouches per minute in single mode and up to 220 pouches per minute in duplex production, the company claimed.
As it works horizontally, the fin sealing mode can handle very sensitive products, including pharmaceuticals.
"In addition, the extreme leak-proof qualities of the fin seals enable the pouches to be filled with liquid," the company claimed.
The machine's modular design also allows manufacturers to configure it to match the products to be processed. Manufacturers can also change or up-grade it for future processing and packaging requirements.
It can be used to produce fin-seal pouches and stand-up pouches from all common heat-sealable film materials.
Another design advantage is the machine's gripper system. After the pouch forming process, the gripper holds each pouch throughout the filling and sealing.
This provides an extra degree of safety and efficiency, the company claimed.
The machine can be configured to include several filling stations, including those arranged in a series.
The design includes no flat surfaces underneath the pouches and features no corners or recesses where product can collect.
