Packaging Automation (PA) explained that the ice cream nozzle of its Fastfill line was redesigned to allow it accept a constantly fed product.
The line includes the Fastfill40, which the company claims is suited to small volume ice cream producers, as well as the Fastfill 60 and Fastfill 100 for medium to high output levels.
“The FF40 is limited to 80mm diameter pots, while the FF60 can take1kg pots in round form and the FF100 can be adapted to accommodate laser packaging formats,” said a spokesperson for Packaging Automation.
“Production speed is dictated by freezer output litreage and packaging closure type,” she added.
She said that the machines are also able to handle confectionery, nuts and cereals by use of an additional filler to add the particulates, and standard or spooned lids for individual serving tubs can also be produced using the line.
PA said that the Fastfill range is also suitable for filling soups, sauces, desserts and dips.
The spokesperson told FoodProductionDaily.com that the new filling nozzles can be retrofitted to existing Fastfill machinery but the newly designed equipment is also available on a hire or lease basis to producers throughout Europe.
“The hire or lease option appeals to varying size processors: small businesses who want to keep control of costs, or those who want a machine to deal with seasonal increases in demand or to help launch a new product and ensure it is successful before committing to outright purchase.
“Hire rates include all replacement parts and service is covered 24 hours a day seven days a week,” she added.
According to the company, this volumetric range of machines can now be used for modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), following trials with the equipment on extending the shelf life of a new drink product.
“We have developed a gas flush mechanism for both pre-cut and reel fed systems; the gas is injected at the point of lid closure.
“PA was able to consistently achieve residual oxygen levels below one per cent,” claims the spokesperson.