Matrix Packaging Machinery, powered by ProMach, now offers an option for ultrasonic top seal welding for its Mercury HS vertical form fill seal packaging machine, which offers speeds of up to 140 bags per minute. Since ultrasonic welding uses low, localized heat, this method is ideal for frozen foods, produce, candy, dairy products such as cheeses, and other heat sensitive items.
Ultrasonic welding applies precise ultra-high-speed vibrations along a seam. Friction on the internal layers of a bag generates heat, which melts and bonds the innermost layers. Ultrasonic welding is quick and precise, forming a high quality seal with superior mechanical strength. Less energy is consumed with ultrasonic than conventional sealing for lower operating costs. If the machine stops with the jaws on a bag, there is no risk of overheating.
In many applications throughput will be higher than ordinarily achieved, not only because the process is faster, but also because there is practically no dwell time required to cool the seam. High speed vibrations clear away or make irrelevant small particles of product adhering to the inside of the bag near the seam. Ultrasonic welding seals most, if not all, multi-layer constructions, as well as polyethylene film used for frozen food bags.
The first bags through are sealed properly at start up, unlike heated clamping jaws, which may take a few cycles to achieve optimum temperature. Precision sealing also means less overall film consumption. Sealing jaws remain cool with less debris adhering to the surface of the jaws for more hygienic conditions. Operators can access the jaws quickly and not wait for cool down should maintenance become necessary.
The Mercury HS forms, fills, and seals bags with widths ranging from 1.75 to 11 inches (44 to 280 mm) and lengths from 2.5 to 15 inches (60 to 390 mm). Standard features include stainless steel construction, color touch screen operator panel, English/Spanish operator interface, and an Allen-Bradley MicroLogix PLC control system. Compared to other high speed machines, the Mercury has a small footprint, which helps to conserve valuable floor space.
Each Mercury HS offers a self-centering film drive down system, automatic edge guide film tracking, and short travel, angled incline film upwind, all of which contribute to precise film movement and trouble free operation. Tool-free quick-change core chucks help to ensure fast changeover between jobs.
Additional product details about the Mercury HS are available online as are the full range of Matrix vertical and rotary bagging machines and pouch and stickpack solutions at www.MatrixPM.com.
About ProMach
ProMach is a family of best-in-class packaging and processing solution brands serving manufacturers of all sizes and geographies in the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, personal care, and household and industrial goods industries. ProMach brands operate across the entire production line: processing, filling, bottling and capping, decorative labeling, flexibles and trays, pharma, handling and sterilizing, labeling and coding, and robotics and end of line. ProMach also provides systems and integration including turnkey solutions, design/build, engineering services, and productivity software to optimize production line design and deliver maximum uptime.
ProMach designs, manufactures, integrates, and supports the most sophisticated and advanced packaging and processing solutions in the global marketplace. Its diverse customer base, from Fortune 500 companies to smaller, privately-held businesses worldwide, depends on reliable, flexible, technologically advanced equipment and integrated solutions. ProMach is headquartered near Cincinnati, Ohio, with manufacturing facilities and offices throughout North America, Europe, South America, and Asia. For more information about ProMach, visit www.ProMachBuilt.com and for more information on ProMach Careers, visit www.ProMachCareers.com.