More formats, more flexibility

The flow-wrapping machine with quick format changes

Format change in flow-wrapping machine

Format changeover with a flow-wrapping machine from Schubert

The Flowpacker: Formats and flexibility for the future

If you can act and react flexibly with your flow-wrapping machine, you are ideally positioned for the future of the packaging industry. This is especially true for the fast format changeover between different packaging variants and for the use of new, sustainable materials. Schubert’s Flowpacker makes format changes easier than ever for manufacturers. It embodies the Schubert philosophy of plug & play in every respect: Simple handling without in-depth knowledge of the machine, no need to adjust format parts, semi-automated processes, reliable changeover thanks to the unique coding of each format part using an RFID chip, and finally, immediate start of the flow-wrapping machine after format changeover resulting in optimum packaging quality.

Plug & Play is a key component for more flexibility, but the Flowpacker offers yet another: Its unique sealing systems and forming shoulders are perfectly suited to process both conventional composite films and sustainable flowpack films such as mono or paper-based films. The changeover from plastic trays to cardboard trays, or the packaging of naked products into flowpacks is also easily possible. This exceptionally high level of flexibility in terms of formats and format changes makes Schubert’s flow-wrapping machine an investment in your own future security.

Format changes with the Flowpacker – simple, fast and safe

Format change

The Schubert philosophy: Plug & Play

  • Format parts are designed so that only a few changes are necessary
  • All format changes are basically plug & play and can be carried out with a few simple steps
  • The chain flight changeover can be automated on request
  • The flow-wrapping machine only begins operation with correctly changed parts
  • After a changeover, the flow-wrapping machine immediately delivers the highest packaging quality
Format change

This is how fast a format change with the Flowpacker works

  • Example: Format change to another flowpack film and a different packaging height
  • One: Changing the film roll with automatic alignment of the film edge
  • Two: Changing the two-part forming shoulder by loosening star grips, without subsequent adjustment
  • Three: If necessary, changing the cross-sealing unit by locking the horizontal sealing jaws in zero position and placing the new unit on top, also in zero position
  • Four: If necessary, changing the chain flights, either manually or automatically from a cassette
  • Total duration: about 15 minutes without changing the driver
Change robot tool

Changing Pick & Place tools

Another product – another robot tool

The tools used by Schubert’s pick & place robots are as varied as the products that are packed in the flow-wrapping machines. They are customised for each customer and each product. When changing over to a different product format, the robot tools can be changed with a single movement, as they are equipped with a bayonet lock.

Tray in form fill and seal machine

Changing trays and switching to naked products

With or without a tray – both are possible with the Flowpacker

Schubert’s flow-wrapping machines process both plastic trays and trays made of more sustainable materials such as cardboard. For a format change, the magazine plates and the robot tools are changed in the tray destacking unit. If the products are to be packed naked into flowpacks, the tray destacker is simply removed from the packaging process without any modifications.

Form shoulder in flow-wrapping machine

Replacing the forming shoulders

Specially developed forming shoulders for even more flexibility

The forming shoulders in Schubert's flow-wrapping machine are optimised for their specific area of application. To make format changeover simple and safe, they consist of only two parts that don’t need to be adjusted. They can be removed and replaced in a very short time. Schubert also offers special forming shoulders for sustainable materials.

Flow-wrapping machine

Changing the cross-sealing unit and the sealing technology

Heat-sealing, cold-sealing and ultrasonic sealing

If a flowpack with a gusset or other height dimensions is used, the cross-sealing unit in the Flowpacker may have to be replaced. The change is carried out with the sealing jaws standing horizontally and locked. The machine is then in zero position and the other cross-sealing unit can be installed immediately. When changing the format from heat-sealing or ultrasonic sealing to cold- sealing, the flying cross-sealing unit is converted to a rigid unit by the machine program. If necessary, the sealing elements can remain slightly heated to support the sealing process of the cold-sealing film.

To the flow pack sealing systems

Automated changeover in the Flowpacker flow-wrapping machine

Automatic chain flight changeover

Cassettes are used to change the chain flights in the chain, in which the individual flights are sorted. In the automatic changeover process, all chain flights are first sorted into the cassette by the machine, the filled cassette is then changed manually and the new chain flights are then automatically inserted at the correct position in the chain. Depending on the number of chain flights, such a changeover can take between five and 20 minutes.

Automatic film roll change

With an automated change of the film roll, the packaging process can continue even when the old film roll has been completely processed. While the current film roll is producing, the next roll can already be pushed onto the second mandrel and prepared for automatic changeover (splice). When the roll is locked, it is simultaneously centred. As soon as the roll on the first mandrel is empty, the splice to the next roll takes place without the machine stopping.

Contact

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Stefan Horvath

Stefan Horvath

Telefon: +49 7951 400-661