The X-line, a new generation of thermoforming packaging machines, has been given the Gold International FoodTec Award 2018. The thermoforming packaging machine sets a new benchmark in the market thanks to its range of innovative technology. As a result of its seamless digitalisation, comprehensive sensor system and networking with the MULTIVAC Cloud, the X-line creates a new dimension, when it comes to packaging reliability, quality and performance.
The DLG (German Agricultural Association), together with its trade fair partners, gives the International FoodTec Award to groundbreaking developments in innovation, sustainability and efficiency in the sector of food technology. A jury, which is made up of international experts from the world of science and research as well as from representatives of industry, is responsible for selecting the most progressive concepts. The renowned Technology Award is given on a three-year cycle in the form of gold and silver medals by the DLG in cooperation with its industry and media partners at Anuga FoodTec in Cologne.
The X-line, which has been awarded the gold medal, has a level of sensor control never achieved before, whereby the Multi Sensor Control captures all the relevant parts of the process. Using closed control circuits, the sensor system constantly captures a wide range of process values, such as for example for forming, evacuation and sealing. Even the forming and sealing dies are integrated into the sensor control via electronic sensor modules. All the process stages are coordinated to the optimum level, while product- and system-related discrepancies are automatically compensated as much as possible, and even faulty settings by operators are independently detected and displayed. Thanks to this, the X-line works constantly at the optimum operating point.
MULTIVAC Pack Pilot enables the machine to be set up to the optimum level using machine control support. When new recipes are created, the machine parameterises itself to the optimum operating point, using the die set data and the features for pack, product and packaging material that have been selected. This means that the machine can be used even without special operator knowledge. Pack Pilot has access to comprehensive expert knowledge, which benefits from process data from over 1000 new packaging solutions per year. The X-line produces packs with maximum packaging reliability, consistent quality and very high output without production loss during machine start-up.
A new die generation called X-tools guarantees the lowest operating costs in the market. The X-tools have an extensive range of innovations in their design, sensor system and actuating features. They enable shorter evacuation times to be achieved and therefore contribute to higher cycle outputs. As an option, the X-tools can be designed with a narrower edge trim width. This means that the film trim can be reduced by up to 30 per cent. All the die elements are coded and can be identified by the thermoforming packaging machine. When a die is correctly installed, the machine parameterises itself automatically, which ensures that there is optimum process control. This means that operating reliability is increased, particularly for machines with frequent format changes.
And last but not least, the X-line has been equipped with an innovative operating concept. The intuitive HMI 3 Multi-Touch user interface is high-resolution and is equivalent to the operating logic of today's mobile devices. It enables the operating processes to be controlled even more easily and reliably, and it can be individually set to the particular operator. This includes different access rights and operating languages. User login is contactless by means of RFID chip cards. All the relevant machine parameters are displayed on one screen page.
