IXIA LAUNCHES INNOVATIVE CRIMPING SYSTEM FOR ALUMINIUM FOIL TRAYS
New in line machine offers massive cost savings by removing one of the most labour intensive and poorly executed tasks on the production line
Demonstrating its significant technical and design expertise, IXIA UK Limited (tel: 01825 766800) has unveiled an innovative Aluminium Foil Tray Crimping system. Available as a stand alone unit or part of a complete turnkey Picking, Lidding & Crimping solution, this exciting new machine is specially designed to save food manufacturers and processors over £100,000 per annum by fully automating one of the most labour intensive and poorly executed activities on the production line.
Further underlining its position as one of the UK’s leading independent designers and manufacturers of single and multi lane pick and place denesting systems, IXIA developed the new pneumatically driven Aluminium Foil Tray Crimping machine to automate what has traditionally been a manual task, helping to reduce labour costs and increase production efficiencies. It also improves overall pack quality and integrity.
Capable of handling up to 35 trays per minute, a single lane IXIA Crimping system replaces the three or four people it normally takes to manually crimp aluminium packs at the same speeds. Where faster outputs are demanded, two or more units can run in parallel. Offering significant space-saving benefits, the machine features a compact design with a footprint of 1,200mm x 675mm.
As a stand alone system, it is simple to install and set up and can be easily transferred to other lines or moved for cleaning. Fully IP65 compliant, it is suitable for high performance wash down environments.
In addition, the IXIA Crimping machine frees up vital production space normally accommodated by operatives and prevents the bottle neck that typically occurs in the manually operated crimping area. It reduces the risk of human error by ensuring lids are completely closed for maximum pack integrity throughout the distribution chain. Plus automating the process removes the potential for repetitive strain injury claims or damage to operators’ fingers when manually press closing the lids.
For added flexibility, the Crimping system incorporates IXIA’s unique ‘Snapdragon®’ quick change tooling, which allows the operator to change tray types and sizes in two minutes, with no fuss and completely tool free. Resulting in decreased downtime and improved line efficiency.
IXIA also offers the unit as part of a complete turnkey Picking, Lidding & Crimping operation. This solution comprises three distinct machines starting with a high performance IXIA denester designed to pick and place foil trays onto the production line for filling. Once filled, the IXIA lidding and gating system automatically controls the packs on the in-feed section of the lidding machine where it places each tray in position under the lidder. When given a ‘go’ signal, it precisely places the lids into the packs.
The lidded foil trays are then passed into the Crimping unit’s gating system which has been developed by IXIA to ensure complete control of each pack as it travels through the machine. One tray at a time is released and passed into the crimping section where
an additional vertical control holds it firmly in position. Four pneumatic crimping arms turn over the edge of the container facilitating complete closure of the lid. The pack is then released and carefully transferred below special rollers to ensure that sealing is complete and the pack is fully secure.
IXIA CELEBRATES 20 PER CENT SALES GROWTH
Rising global demand for range of robust denesting equipment due to exceptional quality, reliability and fast tool-free changeover
Demonstrating rising global demand for its extensive range of robust denesting equipment, IXIA UK Limited (01825 766800) is reporting significant year on year growth. Despite the challenging economic conditions, the company is continuing this trend with a 20 per cent increase in sales recorded to date this year compared to 2008.
As one of the UK’s leading designers and manufacturers of pneumatically controlled pick and place denesting systems, IXIA has a loyal and growing international blue chip customer base within the food industry. The business attributes much of its on-going success to the low cost of ownership, superior reliability, versatility and usability offered by its machines.
IXIA denesters incorporate the unique Snapdragon® tooling system, which allows the operator to change tray types and sizes in only two minutes completely tool free. Resulting in decreased downtime and improved line efficiency.
Richard van den Berg, Managing Director of IXIA, enthuses: “We are seeing a high volume of repeat orders from our existing customer base as well as new business, both in the UK and overseas. The food industry is a major growth area for us and one we aim to further expand. In fact, we are looking to increase our turnover by 50 per cent in 2010.
“We are proud of the superior engineering of our denesters and patented Snapdragon® quick change system. We continually strive to achieve the highest possible standards and these latest sales figures are testament to our achievements.”
With an unrivalled reputation for quality and reliability, IXIA denesters are capable of handling closely stacked plastics, aluminium foil and cardboard trays,
cartons, pizza bases, pots and containers in a variety of shapes at high speeds as part of an automated food process and packaging line. At each stage of production, the machines undergo extensive and rigorous testing checks to ensure technical excellence.
Available for high performance wash down environments, the compact air driven ‘plug and go’ denesters can be supplied as stand alone units, or be fully integrated into many different types of filling, tray sealing and flow-wrapping machines. In addition, maintenance is greatly reduced to less moving parts.
