M-Flex: semi-automatic traysealer

FAQ over M-serie traysealers

• Can the traysealer consistently achieve the required shelf life and seal integrity?

  Owing to their consistent sealing process, regardless whether using modified atmosphere packaging or vacuum skin packaging, SEALPAC traysealers always guarantee maximum shelf life. Naturally, this also depends on the packaging materials used and the production environment (e.g. hygiene and temperature). We can achieve low residual oxygen levels in case of sensitive products, hermetically sealed trays in case of bone-in, marinated, or oily products, and provide for consumer-friendly opening of the trays. Furthermore, SEALPAC traysealers have been designed to run at stable, high outputs. They are capable of running any kind of tray material, from stainless steel to mono-plastics, from ovenable or microwavable to suitable for air frying, and turn these into packs with maximum appeal on the retail shelves. For handling different types of trays, we offer different types of in-feed systems. From ultra-light trays to sustainable, extremely flat cardboard carriers: no matter which packaging solution you require, we always provide the right conveyor system.

• What packaging formats and technologies can the machine support?

  Since the foundation of our company, SEALPAC traysealers have been designed to run all of today’s and tomorrow’s packaging concepts on the same base machine. This includes classic modified atmosphere packaging and vacuum skin packaging, but also more complicated packaging concepts such as portion packaging using separate InsideCut or Gamba Packaging for large shrimp with a high risk of leakers. As packaging experts, we would gladly sit down with you to design the optimal pack for your product. All of SEALPAC’s machines are equipped with innovative quick tooling exchange systems that make switching between different applications easy and avoid unnecessary machine downtime. On our traysealers, we offer the possibility for a tooling exchange from both sides of the machine using a unique SEALPAC trolley with integrated power connections. As such, a format change can take place within minutes.

• What throughput can realistically be achieved in production?

  The output always depends on a number of factors, such as product, format, packaging concept, and production environment. A packaging line can only go as fast as its slowest component, but this will not be the SEALPAC traysealer. As an example, our A10max traysealer in double-lane execution could package 200 trays per minute under MAP (based on a 190 x 144 mm tray). However, line efficiency is also important. Every unplanned interruption, inefficient movement, or disruption in the process directly impacts production costs. Against this backdrop, our packaging machines are consistently designed for stable, reproducible processes.
  
  We rely on robust construction, intelligent monitoring systems, and automated assistance functions that ensure flawless operation again and again. As such, our traysealers achieve the highest OEE in the market, sometimes up to 99.5%. In addition, SEALPAC traysealers are designed to run all current and future packaging concepts on the same base machine. For this, they are equipped with innovative quick tooling exchange systems that make switching between different applications easy and avoid unnecessary machine downtime.

• How flexible and fast are format and tooling changes?

  All SEALPAC machines are equipped with innovative quick tooling exchange systems that make switching between different applications easy and avoid unnecessary machine downtime. On our traysealers, we offer the possibility for a tooling exchange from both sides of the machine using a unique SEALPAC trolley with integrated power connections. As such, a format change can take place within minutes, and without requiring hand tools. Any operator can do it.

• Can the machine reliably run sustainable packaging materials?

  Each traysealer supports a wide range of packaging solutions, from classic MAP applications to today’s sustainable concepts. Innovative packaging features can also be integrated, such as the unique EasyPeelPoint system, which enables particularly user-friendly opening of the tray by the consumer. The combination of high precision and intelligent control ensures that the traysealer reliably handles even the most demanding geometries or mono-films, without any headaches.
  
  For each product, we support our customers by reducing the thickness of plastic used in their current packaging, as well as by introducing hybrid solutions, where most of the plastic is replaced by cardboard. In case of hybrid solutions, we enable the consumer to separate the individual materials after use. By throwing these materials away in the appropriate waste bins, recycling is made easy. In case of 100% plastic packaging, we have optimized our traysealers to handle so-called ultra-light trays. Since 2014 already, we offer our EasyLid® system for reclosable packaging, due to which the common snap-on lid can be eliminated. This leads to weight reductions of up to 40%.

• How attractive and consistent is the final pack presentation?

  With a perfect recognition of market-defining trends, SEALPAC quickly converts these into innovative products, systems, solutions, and services. We work closely together with leading manufacturers of packaging materials to develop consumer-driven solutions, which will improve your production’s efficiency and profitability. This includes paper-based systems, such as eTray® or FlatSkin®, but also ovenable or microwavable concepts. We work jointly with you towards the optimal solution for your individual application, so that every single one of your products will impress your customers, and that your long-term success at retail is secured.

• How hygienic and easy to clean is the machine?

  Due to their sophisticated, hygienic design with optimal accessibility, SEALPAC traysealers stand for enhanced protection of both product and personnel. Whether it concerns the stainless-steel body that can be hosed down, the integrated slopes that optimize water drainage, or the avoidance of interfering contours: our machines allow for fast, simple and reliable cleaning.

• What are the total operating costs?

  When evaluating a packaging line, simply looking at the investment costs is no longer sufficient. What matters is how efficient the line is in daily operation and what the actual cost per package is. Energy consumption, material usage, changeover times, uptime, and process stability, even when using more challenging mono-materials, are directly interconnected. The total cost of ownership can only be determined by knowing your exact production details. In general, we know that the investment costs of a SEALPAC machine are less than 3% of the total line costs, that we have 90% less air consumption by using servo technology, that we can place 33% more trays in a tool by running Long Side Leading, and that we have up to 30% less film consumption with InsideCut whilst achieving an excellent product appearance. Furthermore, our machines are built to last: over 95% of every traysealer ever built is still in operation!

• What level of technical service and support is available?

  At SEALPAC, we think global but act local, as we believe our customers are served best by an expert that knows their market. Therefore, we work with a network of carefully selected distributors. Supported by SEALPAC’s export office located in The Netherlands, and by the engineers in our German factory, these distributors provide project advice, installation, training, maintenance, spare parts and after-sales service with regard to the SEALPAC equipment at their local customers. Even if something unavoidable occurs, their service technicians will solve it in the shortest possible time, so that you can fulfil your production schedule and delivery requirements.

• Can you demonstrate proven success with similar food applications?

  We supply our traysealers to renowned retailers, food manufacturers, and medical companies around the world. Seeing is believing, so we invite you to visit our high-end factory in Oldenburg, Germany, to experience the SEALPAC traysealers in action and see how they are built. You can bring your product to see how this is packaged under real-life conditions in our SEALPAC Experience Center. Or we can take you to one of our reference customers.