Mapping speed and efficiency ratios

Eddie explains that ULMA achieves these production rates with a single 300m3/hour vacuum pump, allowing customers to optimise energy consumption and lower their investment costs.

The OEM also strives to cater to every requirement with its TSA tray sealer range that consists of machines designed for every level of production required, with single- or double-sealing moulds. 

High-performance models, such as the TSA 1200 XL, use a sealing area of 500 x 1 200mm.

Eddie believes that the TSA tray sealers for MAP applications provide numerous feature benefits that help make customers leaders in the fresh food packaging market. In the first instance, he notes, the machines are built with reliability and robustness in mind to guarantee sustainable operation over their lifespan and provide customers with the best cost-efficiency ratio.

Secondly, OEE values – which are synchronised with the machine’s operation, change and adjustment times – are optimised through continuous product  feed and process information obtained in real-time to facilitate analysis and improvement. 

Furthermore, the commercial components used are sourced from well-recognised brands that are available locally via the service network or directly from the manufacturer – guaranteeing their availability and reducing maintenance costs.

Product developers have ensured a high sealing force – some models reach up to 10 tons – guaranteeing hermetic and safe packages. They’ve also taken every aspect that affects customer productivity into account, and focused on facilitating tray format changes, which are easy and safe for operators to perform. 

Additionally, the designs prevent the accumulation of dirt, with angled surfaces and areas accessible for cleaning and washing.

Future-proofing has also been incorporated into the design by equipping each TSA tray sealer with a UPC 4.0 control system for extensive smart factory capabilities. Eddie cites these as remote access and remote service management for management check-in as well as technical support such as fault finding, installing updates when required and optimising equipment availability. There is also a maintenance module that offers onscreen help, and integrated maintenance scheduler software for part recommendations. 

Furthermore, videos, operating instructions and manuals that offer step-by-step guidance of the most common operations can be installed alongside customisable touchscreens that enable operators to rearrange the display with their favourite and most frequent shortcuts. Devices such as printers and gas analysers can also be seamlessly integrated into the operator panel.

The UPC control system also enables interconnected manufacturing via access and exchange of information with ERP and/or MES management systems. Additionally, efficiency online and offline analytics with OEE monitoring through user-friendly reports allow manufacturers to analyse key productivity indicators in detail against current and historical data measurements. 

Lastly, Eddie points out that TSA tray sealers are easy to integrate into complete packaging lines. ULMA’s team of automation and integration experts can offer turnkey solutions for entire packing plant projects, from the management and distribution of boxes and trays to palletising.