IXIA Unveils Aluminium Foil Tray Crimping System

New machine automates one of the labour intensive, poorly executed activities on production line. IXIA UK has unveiled an Aluminium Foil Tray Crimping system. Available as a stand alone unit or part of a turnkey picking, lidding and crimping solution, this new machine is designed to save food manufacturers and processors over ?100,000 per annum by fully automating one of the most labour intensive activities on the production line, the company opined. Capable of handling up to 35 trays per minute, a single lane IXIA Crimping system replaces three or four people it normally takes to manually crimp aluminium packs at the same speeds. Where faster outputs are demanded, two or more units can run in parallel. Offering significant space-saving benefits, the machine features a compact design with a footprint of 1,200mm x 675mm, the company stated. In addition, the IXIA Crimping machine frees up vital production space normally accommodated by operatives and prevents the bottle neck that typically occurs in the manually operated crimping area. It reduces the risk of human error by ensuring lids are completely closed for maximum pack integrity throughout the distribution chain. Also automating the process removes the potential for repetitive strain injury claims or damage to operators’ fingers while manually closing the lids. The Crimping system incorporates IXIA’s ‘Snapdragon’ quick change tooling, which allows the operator to change tray types and sizes in short time. The lidded foil trays are then passed into the Crimping unit’s gating system which has been developed by IXIA to ensure complete control of each pack as it travels through the machine. One tray at a time is released and passed into the crimping section where an additional vertical control holds it firmly in position. Four pneumatic crimping arms turn over the edge of the container facilitating complete closure of the lid. The pack is then released and carefully transferred below special rollers to ensure that sealing is complete and the pack is secure. IXIA offers a range of lidding, closing and gating systems for a variety of food sectors including bakery, ready meals, dairy, meat, fresh and chilled produce, confectionery and pizza and pasta. Apart from supplying a series of standard machines, the company can custom-build machines to suit individual customer requirements.