German packaging machinery specialist Gerhard Schubert claims its new TLM-T800 system is the world’s first digital thermoforming, filling and sealing line to operate with a combination of two continuously running film webs, pick-and-place robots equipped for inserting products from bulk and ultrasound sealing and punching functions.
Key features include a central product infeed belt, enabling the two separate film webs to operate simultaneously, automatic thread-in of the upper and lower film, a thermoforming station with CNC-powered plug assist, and automatic filling using the company’s TLM F-44 robots. Schubert says the ultrasound sealing and punching system is unusual and particularly innovative in using a cold sealing tool which not only does not stick against foods being filled, but ensures very short sealing times of as little as 200 milliseconds. Sealing and cutting is undertaken in one-step.
The system will initially be strongly targeted at the food industry for applications such as cheese, meat and fish but Schubert says it is equally suitable for packing a wide range of other products.