Sealing Options

Atmosphere - packs are sealed atmospherically and have no gas inserted during the sealing process.

This format is used to achieve a hermetic seal and a secure pack for the product to be stored and transported. It can also provide improved on the shelf presentation with the film lid providing a means to convey product information.

MAP-F gas flushing is the process where the normal atmosphere is replaced with a mix of gases in the sealed pack.

The process uses a gas mix under pressure to force out the air in the tray prior to sealing. The gas mix can be altered to suit the product and the required performance characteristics of the pack for example extended shelf life or to enhance the taste or colour of the product. Residual gas levels of 1% can be achieved using the PA MAP-F gas flush technique on most products. Gas trials can be undertaken in our trials kitchen to determine the appropriate gas flushing technique for your requirements.

Vacuum or partial vacuum sealing uses a vacuum pump to remove the air in the tray prior to sealing.

Vacuum sealing is typically required when there is a post seal process such as retort for extending shelf life. 

MAP-V vacuum gas flushing is a process where the normal atmosphere is replaced with a mix of gases in the sealed pack.

The process uses a vacuum pump to remove the air in the tray prior to gas being injected into a controlled chamber before sealing. The gas mix can be altered to suit the specific product type and the required performance characteristics, for example extended shelf life or to enhance the taste or colour of the product.

This gas flush technique is used for some products where very low residual levels (less than1%) are required. Gas trials can be undertaken in our trials kitchen to determine the appropriate gas flushing technique for your requirements. High oxygen controls and capabilities can also provided for this type of process.

The SkinPAC system of sealing uses a highly transparent barrier film that wraps tightly around the product.

The film is like a second skin over the product and forms a seal with the bottom of the tray. This pack format offers high visibility vacuum packs without the need to add gas to the pack. SkinPAC can be used to achieve extended shelf life or to enhance the taste or colour of the product. It can also result in packaging reduction with the use of a shallower tray than would otherwise be possible or a flat board.

The SkinPAC Deep system of sealing uses a highly transparent barrier film that wraps tightly around the product like a second skin and forms a seal with the bottom of the tray. 

This pack format offers high visibility vacuum packs without the need to add gas to the pack. SkinPAC can be used to achieve extended shelf life or to enhance the taste or colour of the product. It can also result in packaging reduction with the use of a shallower tray than would otherwise be possible or a flat board.

Our machines have been designed to an ISO Class 7 cleanroom standard.  Where necessary exhaust pneumatic air can be removed directly out of the cleanroom.  With POWERDRIVE technology zero air is required to operate which benefits the overall operation. 

Tyvek or foil lidding can be supplied on a reel instead of pre-cut.  The Feed system automatically feeds the lidding material to the correct distance and cuts to the required specification.  This removes the need to hand place lids onto blisters.

Tooling can be designed to locate the specified pre-cut lid to the precise position ensuring the lid is accurately sealed to the blister. 

Barcode traceability system can track and trace products as they are sealed on the machine.  The black and white barcode images contain information about a product and can be linked to the seal operation taking into account seal force, temperature and time.  Information can be downloaded to a PC or USB stick.

Pressure transducers can be fitted to the machine to monitor the accuracy of the seal force at the point of sealing.  Any change in force which if above or below threshold can stop the machine.  Every seal cycle can be captured for traceability and downloaded to a PC or USB stick.

Depending on the size of the heater platen hot or cold spots can occur.  To control this extra thermocouples and heaters can be zoned across the heater platen for more accurate temperature control.  Temperatures on every cycle can be captured for traceability and downloaded to a PC or USB stick.