Static Pinning Now Used as Alternative to Hot Sealing in Horizontal Flow Wrapping Applications

27.11.08

Horizontal Flow Wrapping is a popular technique for over-wrapping a wide variety of products including cartons, food products and pharmaceuticals. Often referred to as shrink-wrapping or overwrapping, the technique uses polyethylene and other shrink films to provide skin tight packaging.

The film is fed around a forming box creating a tube, products feed into this tube in a continuous process. In order to seal the film, an overlap of between 25-35mm of film is required. The overlap is then sealed together either by heat sealing or during the heat shrink process. However, due to tension on the film, the overlap is prone to come apart, the seal does not form correctly and ‘pops open’. This results in a high rejection rate with products requiring re-wrapping. To overcome this problem, wider films are used that produce a larger overlap, but this proves to be an expensive option.
 
Now, thanks to static control specialists Meech International, packaging companies can not only ensure that the over-wrapping technique produces perfect seals but can save money by reducing the overlap to only 3-4mm.

While many companies spend their time trying to eliminate static from their processes, it’s actually the generation of static that provides the money-saving solution to this problem.

The newly-launched Meech Model 992v3 30kV Static Generator generates a controlled level of static charge operating in constant current mode. This static charge will create a temporary bond between the materials. When installed on a horizontal flow wrapping line, a static charge is generated and directed onto the film with a strategically placed Meech pinning head. This charge holds the film in place as it moves into the shrink tunnel.

The Meech system is so precise and the seal so strong that the overlap can be reduced to only 3-4mm. This avoids the need for expensive wider film and results in lower running costs.

This system is already in use on hundreds of Omori horizontal flow wrapping machines in food companies across China and is proving very popular and profitable.

The Model 992v2 is packed full of features and benefits. There is the facility to switch the unit on and off remotely; this is particularly useful in a factory environment and means the unit can be controlled in association with machine operation. For additional safety, an auto trip function has been built into the unit. On detection of ‘flashover’, the unit will stop working, so reducing the risk of damage to either the equipment or materials being processed.

The new 992v3 30kV Static Generator has been designed to provide the user with both flexibility and versatility. The selectable output voltage or current is shown clearly on a digital display, so making it easy to set up. Also, its unique display panel and compact size allows either horizontal or vertical mounting in areas where space may be limited.

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