Packaging Technologies & Inspection (PTI)

Article 07-01-10

Waldner

1,000 Pouches Per Minute -
The longest DOSOMAT in the world

One of the largest European producers of pet food presented a special challenge to the DOSOMAT product division: how to fill premium pet food (chunks in gravy) into 100 ml stand-up pouches at a rate of 1,000 pouches per minute. We were happy to meet this challenge and developed a machine that could handle this astonishing figure. But first we had to undertake a number of technical feasibility studies.

DOSOMAT: 14-lane gravy filler

First and foremost we were able to persuade our customer with the facts and figures of the feasibility study. This tricky task involved the construction of prototypes to demonstrate this unique capacity to fill 1,000 pouches, not just on paper but also in tests in practice. The laboratory sized prototypes convinced the customer to place the order. Other key criteria were the fillers' excellent reliability, minimum maintenance requirements, "hygienic" design and quick and easy cleaning.


NOISELESS ULTRASONIC SEALING
The pet food packaging consists of pre-made pouches with a filling volume of approx. 100ml that are closed after filling by an ultrasonic sealing process, designed to operate at 35 kHz. This lies within a range inaudible to the human ear and therefore none of the usual noise protection measures were necessary. Parameters can also be set individually for all 28 lanes.

Over the last few years, there has been a clear trend toward larger yet still extremely flexible machines and, particularly in these times of economic crisis, our customers want to launch innovative products into the market, at the same time wishing to minimize risks by utilizing the basic capacity of the new machinery with proven products. The Waldner team recognized this process at an early stage and is pleased to be able to support this trend successfully.


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