Ulma debuts new packaging machine for cheese portions
The new ARTIC SS C flow wrapper design, based on the ARTIC side seal machine, ensures airtight packaging and a more visually pleasing end result, without any seals on the cutting side, which the company said makes it easier to open and with more space for labeling.
The machine is designed to package portions of cheese in MAP, eliminating the usual lengthwise and crosswise seals of flow pack machines, replacing them with seals in the same place as the cheese rind. Ulma said this gives the end product a more appealing appearance and ensures greater safety because, as the product no longer has any lengthwise and crosswise seals, the risk of any leaks in that area is avoided.
In addition to an improved appearance, Ulma said there are also environmental benefits, as the entire packaging process is designed to optimize the packaging's wrapping material, using a lightweight plastic material, a shrink wrap film that is 21 microns thick.
Eliminating lengthwise and crosswise seals also provides benefits for labels, as the two upper and lower sides of the product have no seals, freeing up space for as many labels as necessary.
Ulma's new wrapping machines collect the portions of cheese from the cutting line in a way that is fully automatic and then transfer them to inside the film's tube. To ensure the packaging looks as good as possible, the machines come with a forming mold, which adapts to the size of each portion. It also has a side seal system to remove any excess film, creating a thin seal.
Thanks to the cross-sealing system with a long dwell sealing head, the machine achieves airtight packaging. When the portions are wrapped in film and the packaging has been sealed, they are passed through a hot air shrink tunnel.
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