The pandemic has left its mark on our lives and radically changed a number of habits in consumer behavior. As a natural consequence of the new situation, people began to be more careful about the products they buy and to expect them to protect them from the risk of possible infection. The increase in demand for sliced and packaged bread can also be seen along this line. In addition to the fact that proper packaging can ensure product freshness for longer, it also acts as an antimicrobial barrier, protecting the consumer. This new customer expectation has put bakery manufacturers in a bind, forcing them to quickly find solutions to slice and package a large portion of their production. As in times of pandemic investments are made with caution, we investigated the market of manufacturers of slicing - packaging groups trying to present a reasonable solution from the point of view of cost but which does not compromise performance and reliability.
Slicing-packing line that stands out for its reliability, flexibility and reasonable price
We focused on the Polish manufacturer MECH MASZ Szczecinski. With over 30 years of experience in the field of food equipment and a production facility of over 6000 m2, MECH MASZ produces a diverse range of high quality equipment.
Regarding slicing / packing, the Polish manufacturer offers a fully automatic and a semi-automatic version. Both solutions include a slicing machine with continuous blades – REX – whose hourly productivity can reach 2000 loaves. The standard thickness of the bread slice is made according to the customer's wish. The machine is equipped with circular slicing blades made of a special material, which can be easily replaced. They are lubricated using a nozzle system, controlled directly from the LCD control panel. The slicer is built to work both in an automated line with the SPA-3000 Clipping/Packaging Station and independently.
Feeding is done with the help of motorized product guide belts located at the bottom and top, as well as on the side. Their position is adjustable depending on the size of the product to be sliced. The working speed of these strips is controlled directly from the LCD control panel with the help of an inverter.
The slicer is equipped with a synchronization system that facilitates its interconnection with the packaging station with clip device, model SPA-3000. This station has a productivity of up to 45 packages per minute, depending on the type of product, and is designed for sealing bread in plastic or paper packages. It can be equipped with one or two blowers that open the bags in which the packaging will be done. The sliced bread, previously placed in a preformed package, is placed on the clip band. In the first stage, the air inside the package is removed, after which the clipping takes place. Optionally, a printing system can be added on the clip, where production/expiry date and batch number can be marked. Packaged products can be picked up by the operator or collected on a rotating table.
Selection of the working mode, automatic or manual, is possible through the LCD control panel.
The clipping/wrapping station is equipped with a sensor to recognize the presence of the product and which automatically stops operation in the event of its absence. It also has a counter and can be programmed to alert the operator after packing a predetermined number of products. The slicing/wrapping group has all the components that come into contact with the product made of appropriate materials and benefit from safety elements in accordance with the norms of the European Union.
In conclusion, the version of the slicing-clipping-packing group of the Polish manufacturer MMS, represents a solution that can solve the problem of packaged bread, standing out for its reliability, flexibility and reasonable price.
Marius Costea, Nova Pan Sales Director – Equipment and Industrial Lines Division
