Miller Magazine Issue 110 / February 2019

74 TECHNOLOGY PLATFORM MILLER / FEBRUARY 2019 This means Schubert is in compliance with the stringent hygienic requirements for sensitive applications such as in the pharmaceutical or food processing industry. The machine also features easy-to-clean conveyor belts. …and in terms of the sealing technology? Regarding the sealing options, we now offer an even more extensive selection of possible technologies. This enables customers to choose the most suitable processes for their products. Our latest development is an unpre- cedented sealing method that allows the application of hot-seal film even for sensitive products. Why did Schubert develop this new sealing met- hod? Nowadays, sensitive products, such as chocolate bars, are wrapped in cold-seal film to avoid melting of the chocolate. Cold-seal film, however, in addition to its hi- gher cost, has the disadvantage that it cannot be stored for an extended period of time. The adhesive strip loses its strength over the storage period. Moreover, when the package is opened, the adhesive could contamina- te the product, which of course is a significant consu- mer-related risk. We are anticipating great success with the new sealing technology and are confident that we will be starting series production in autumn 2018. How does Schubert’s sealing technology differ from existing ones? The Flowmodul can be equipped with four different sealing methods – thermal and ultrasonic sealing, or a combination of both are possible. Our new technology is a quickly-adjusted heat-sealing technology developed specifically for highly sensitive pro- ducts. In the case of hot-seal films, the Flowmodul adapts seamlessly to the variable speeds of the upstream F4 ro- bots, without having an effect on the seal quality or the tightness of the flowpacks. The key lies in constant sealing times at variable chain speeds. Here, we set new dimensi- ons in the control range of the heat-sealing film. The paten- ted flying cross sealing unit used here is highly flexible and ensures that the sealing times remain constant. If hermeti- cally sealed packages are required, the sealing time can be set accordingly. Besides, the flow-wrapping machine can be provided with a non-rotating ultrasonic longitudinal sealing unit, which is especially suitable for films with high barrier effect. Both systems are characterised by low heat develop- ment, which makes them ideally suited for heat-sensitive products such as chocolate. What are the current plans for the further develop- ment of the Flowmodul? We have great plans for our customers in the health- care and pharma sector – with a focus on meeting the industry’s stringent requirements and specific standards. A TLM packaging machine with one or more integra- ted Flowmoduls can already be used to package medical or pharmaceutical products into flowpacks using a film with high barrier properties. This protects pharmaceu- tical products from environmental factors. Future solu- tions for the pharmaceutical industry will also include the option of gas injection (modified atmosphere) of the individual flowpacks. I see great opportunities for our Flowmodul in this area. The Flowmodul: flow-wrap bagging is more efficient and flexible than ever.