With a combined production output up to 500 bags per minute and a new re-enforced modular design, the GEA SmartPacker TwinTube high-speed packing system brings big productivity benefits, more flexibility and operational efficiency.
SmartPacker TwinTube vertical packaging machine by GEA, one of the largest suppliers of packaging and processing solutions for food. The entire machine has been redesigned as a future-proof modular system with increased functional efficiency promoting higher operational uptime and ease of use.
Maximum performance in confectionery packaging
The updated version reduces operational costs and energy use thanks to sealing technology advances.
Plastic as well as functional paper can be used for bag production.
The TwinTube is a continuous motion vertical machine, suitable for packaging small-sized, food products such as candy, nuts & dried fruits and other on-the-go products in pillow bags of different sizes.
The SmartPacker TwinTube part of complete packaging process achiving speeds of up to 500 bags per minute
The machine is part of a complete packaging process with upstream and downstream equipment operating in a dry manufacturing facility.
It operates with two parallel forming tubes, achieving combined speeds of up to 500 bags per minute (weighing 10 to 18 g each).
It is also possible to run a different film reel for each tube, meaning calorie packs of different widths or designs can be simultaneously filled.
A new feature to the machine is the Jumbo Roll, which allows film reels of up to 100 kg to be used for long production runs, which boosts operational efficiency.
“The new TwinTube has a modular construction which allows customers to easily add new options and upgrade their machine, thus prolonging the life span of the system. In addition, we’ve increased operator friendliness by introducing toolless adjustment features which helps achieve shorter change-over times and proven/error free setup of the machine – this includes printers, labelers and the vertical sealing unit,” explains Martijn van de Mortel, Product Manager Vertical Packaging at GEA. “With these new updates, we’re able to meet our customers’ demands in terms of automated process control, less operator dependence, more uptime and operational efficiency,” he adds.
Automatic web tracking to correct the direction of the film
The new SmartPacker TwinTube is also equipped with automated web tracking. This means that if the film deviates from its path, due to – for example – variances in the film roll, the feature will correct the direction of the film automatically, without the need of manual adjustment. Ultimately this safeguards the quality of the resulting bags, while saving on downtime.
Reinforced sealing force for more flexibility
The new SmartPacker features a new jaw closing mechanism, optimized heating unit and a vertical rotational seal unit, promoting robust packing performance and excellent tightness of the pack seals.
The jaw closing mechanism offers more than triple sealing force as the previous one and can apply 6000N.
This gives the opportunity to use thicker films or films with more diverse characteristics in terms of sealing requirements.
Due to the more stable suspension of the longitudinal seam unit and the reproducible and precise positioning by spindle and ruler, shorter changeover times are possible when switching formats or foils. “With this development producers will be able to work with more challenging films thus able to give retailers and consumers what they are looking for in terms of bag quality with even wider range of film materials.” states van de Mortel.
Easy labeling, operation and maintenance
The new GEA TwinTube is optionally equipped with a new, fully integrated GEA TiroLabel unit, which makes the machine even more compact on the factory floor.
The dedicated labeling unit delivers a speed of up to 180 labels per minute at a width of 150 mm and achieves millimeter precision during labeling.
The label roll has a quick-release operation, which means it can be changed in seconds with minimal downtime.
Comfortable to operate and maintain
The machine features an innovative open design with double-hinged doors for easy access and see-through panels providing maximum visibility of the sealing area.
Full access and easy maintenance are made possible via the machine’s hinged front-plate – to which the sealing arms and vertical seal are attached – and which can be fully opened.
This ensures all items requiring maintenance can be easily reached.
GEA SmartPacker TwinTube, high-speed productivity
With a combined production output up to 500 bags per minute and a new re-enforced modular design, the GEA SmartPacker TwinTube high-speed packing system brings big productivity benefits, more flexibility and operational efficiency.
Higher output at lower cost per bag
GEA SmartPacker TwinTube gives you high speed and high output levels with top packaging quality.
Its ingenious design operates two parallel forming tubes from a single drive, and runs up to four times the speed of conventional baggers.
Ideal for confectionery applications, it achieves combined speeds of up to 500 bags per minute (weighing 10 to 18 g each). It is also possible to run a film reel for each drive, meaning packs of different widths and/or designs can be simultaneously filled.
Main applications: pillow bag ideal for; hard candy, soft candy, savory snacks, nuts & small cookies, dried fruit. Reliability you can count on:
- Over 98% uptime, proven in installations around the world;
- Backed by GEA’s 60 years’ experience in vertical packaging;
- Consistent and accurate bag length thanks to monitored film transport and jaw movement.
Dedicated design for high-speed packing
- Low drop between weigher and jaw head allows high speed and compact portion packing;
- Reinforced sealing technology allows more flexibility in terms of film types and specifications;
- Fully integrated GEA TiroLabel unit for precise labeling;
- Patent pending innovative, open machine design allows easy access, visibility and efficient maintenance;
- Automatic web tracking eliminates film deviations during production, without the need of manual adjustment.
High efficiency with a small footprint
- Future-proof modular design allows easy installation of options or upgrades;
- Space and cost savings through efficient use of factory space;
- Flexibility thanks to the option to run different single reels per tube simultaneously;
- Optional Jumbo Roll for film reels of up to 100 kg allows long production runs for high efficiency.
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